MAI Sushi Tapas for easy night out in Coral Gables
With Miami Spice in full swing during August and September, it’s easy to get swept up in the three-course dinner circuit. But sometimes, you just want something lighter, more casual, or a little out of the ordinary. That’s where MAI Sushi Tapas & Bar on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables comes in offering a creative menu of Japanese and Vietnamese tapas that’s perfect for sharing, sipping, and savoring at your own pace. NOTE: MAI also offers a Miami Spice dinner menu for $55.
Co-founded by Khoa Duong and Chef Alfred Toita, MAI is all about blending tradition with innovation. Chef Alfred infuses classic Japanese flavors with global influences from his culinary travels, while Khoa, a Vietnamese-born hospitality veteran, brings warmth, expertise, and a passion for service. Together, they’ve created a dining experience that’s refined yet approachable, in a cozy space with both indoor and outdoor seating. Even the name Mai, meaning “dance” in Japanese, reflects the harmony and rhythm between the two culinary cultures.
We were warmly greeted by Annie, whose friendly and knowledgeable service set the tone for the evening. She walked us through MAI’s signature cocktail list—just $10 during happy hour and their extensive sake menu, with glasses starting at only $5 during happy hour. We settled in with a refreshing lychee martini and a chilled sake before diving into the menu. To start, we ordered an appetizer and a hot tasting:
Tori Karaage – Golden, perfectly crisp Japanese fried chicken served with bright, citrusy yuzu mayo. Juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside. An elevated comfort food.
Grilled Iberico Pork Cheek – Tender char siu-style pork cheek glazed with red bean curd, balanced by tangy pickled papaya. The flavors were rich and melt-in-your-mouth good.
Next came the showstopper: the MAI Premium Box: Ocean Delight. This stunning presentation featured nine dishes including pristine sashimi and nigiri. Each bite was thoughtfully composed, and Annie even guided us on the perfect order to enjoy them so the flavors built beautifully from one to the next.
We came in hungry and wanted to try a lot of different items on their menu so we continued with two more dishes.
The Pintxos Combo – A playful take on sushi tapas, served atop crispy fried bread and topped with combinations like salmon, hamachi, uni, snow crab, and more. Each bite was a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Short Ribs Udon – Slow-cooked five-spice short ribs served over silky udon noodles with carrot purée, savory beef au jus, and creamy mentaiko sauce. The meat was incredibly tender and the broth rich without being heavy.
And for dessert, we ended on a high note with a whimsical twist on crème brûlée served with uni ice cream. Sweet, savory, and unlike anything we’ve had before. It was the perfect finale to an exceptional meal.
If you’re looking to shake up your Miami Spice routine, MAI Sushi Tapas & Bar is the place to do it. Whether for a laid-back happy hour, a tapas-style dinner, or an evening of culinary discovery
98 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Sunday- Thursday 5:30 - 10
Friday 5:30 - 11
Saturday 5:30- 11