the chef and his great staff make you feel great from the moment you step in the restaurant. We had a place at the bar, which gave us direct sight to the kitchen.
Outstanding bento box, but for us the highlight was the sushi prepared by the chef . We also enjoyed sardines from Japan, lobster and baby octopus, all absolutely exquisite and tasteful.
We have been at some of the best restaurants in the world, and this is one that will be in our top 5!! Thank you!

Personalized food and service with real Japanese dishes

We were celebrating my husband's birthday and, luckily, we had the restaurant to ourselves. We had the best service and enjoyed the experience very much.

Naoe is the ultimate authentic Japanese culinary experience, in a very intimate setting, where the master chef Kevin Cory, hostess Wendy and two waitresses serve prix fixe meal to lucky eight patrons.
What you WON'T find here are the familiar quasi-Japanese fares like California rolls, Teriyaki, shrimp tempuras and fake wasabi.
Instead, you will be treated with smorgasbord of delectable treats, some delightfully foreign (and some challenging), like sea bass porridge, sea urchin eggs, and soy sauce sorbet.
Monsieur Kory is our equivalent of Japan's octogenarian sushi master Jiro Ono, whose exploits have been famously documented in the documentary, "Jiro Dreams of Sushi". For the true Sushi connoisseurs, it will definitely prove worth your while to find this little, concealed spot in Brickell Key.

Everything about this "experience" was great. There is an air of secrecy from start to finish, which makes it that much more special. Upon arrival to a completely unassuming storefront, we were greeted by name, which immediately set the tone for the night. We were seated in the best seat in the house, right in front of Kevin Cory's work station...so we got to see everything up close and personal. The menus were personalized to us. The staff could not have been nicer if they tried. Then, there's the food. Nothing short of adventurous, fresh and delightful....across the board. I'm a realist, so, there were a couple of items that were outside of my taste palette, but, I'm still glad I tried them. Regardless; you learn more about the food, where it comes from and the cultures of origination than you could possibly dream of. The attention to detail was second to none I've ever experienced. We finished the evening with more secrecy, the final dessert. I won't spoil that surprise. What I will say is that Kevin and his Team were some of the nicest people I've ever met and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone. If you have the money and you are willing to try new things, this is your place.

The Omakase exceeds expectations! If one wishes to experience the delicacies of Japan, look no further. An exquisite dining experience. Far above and beyond the ordinary. For discerning palates. Superior to many of the Japanese restaurants in Manhattan, including Morimoto. ALL food is FRESH and outstanding. Well worth the cost.

We went to this restaurant expecting a 10-12 course Japanese AND sushi experience. This restaurant is located in a strip mall, horrible ambiance and smelled like fish. We were served 10-12 extremely small bite size ( one small slice of grapefruit was a dessert course) horribly tasting odd food items. Some of the courses we could not even stomach the food. We are well traveled people and love a great food Expereince. This was definitely not that. The minimum of $200/person and disclaimer was ok with us. We left there spending $615/couple, we were hungry and very disappointed. Do not waste your time or money.

Chef Kevin is nothing short of AMAZING! Spectacular experience from the moment you enter the space and meet the kind hostess to the special presentations to the unique flavors and textures in every morsel you encounter.

You know the restaurant is like no other when you are part of only eight fellow diners. If you are seated at the sushi bar, you can watch Executive Chef Kevin Cory doing what he does best – creating bite-size morsels of the most extraordinary sushi ever assembled. Dinner is “omakase” (chef’s choice), one amazing course after another composed of the freshest ingredients from all over the world, best accompanied by superb sake from Chef Cory’s family brewery in Western Japan. $$$.

Very good food and excellent service. The only drawback was a very loud group the night we were there.

There are no words to describe how outstanding this Naoe is. It is 12/10. The service is incredible. Amazing kind staff--especially Wendy!!!. They are very knowledgable of the menu and sourcing of all the foods on the menu.

They only have 8 seats which makes for a very personal experience.

The food--is incredible. We have eaten in many 1-2 Michelin Star Restaurants and Naoe is definitely in the same league. Dish after dish were so flavorful and like nothing we have ever tried before. Chef Cory is in a league of his own.

The only problem I can think of with Naoe--is that you will never be able to eat sushi anywhere else again.

Cannot wait to go back.

If you love sushi this is a dinner worth having. Every bite is special. Expensive, but bring your own wine and it's a memorable meal.

What a meal! My wife and I went for our 20th anniversary, It was spectacular! Chef Cory and staff treated us like royalty. Each course was an unbelievable experience.

Truly a memorable evening!

thanks Chef!

Everything you've likely heard about Naoe is true. Great culinary experience, especially for intimate special occasion. Sit at the counter if you can.

Had a wonderful culinary experience having a specially prepared meal by a Chef Cory right in front of us. The staff was amazing and super engaged explaining everything that we were about to eat in detail of what it was and where it came from. Very special for the main "Foodie" in my life. He was sooo happy and surprised to be treated with such an amazing dining experience!

For a truly authentic Japanese experience, NAOE is the place to go. You will be delighted to enjoy authentic Japanese delicacies flown in directly from the islands of Japan. Chef Kevin prepares them perfectly. Hostess Wendy and the rest of the staff treats you like family. Wendy keeps a record of the menu and drinks we've had on past visits, which makes it easy to recall what sake we've had in the past. Meticulous attention s given to every detail. We have enjoyed watching this establishment grow from it's beginnings in Sunny Isles to it's current location on Brickell Key. We look forward to many more special dining experiences with Kevin, Wendy and the entire staff of NAOE.

Dinner at Naoe is a truly transcendent experience. Every bite was prepared with meticulous attention to detail which is rarely seen today. I have enjoyed sushi from some of the best sushi restaurants in Japan, Hawaii, DC, and NYC, but have never had many of the unique creations I tasted at Naoe. The offerings ranged from classics to rare delicacies to totally avant garde unique creations, but all celebrated Japanese culture and techniques. Even classic fare was transformed by virtue of unique preparation or sourcing. The uni, for example, was from Japan, totally different from the usual uni obtained in other US restaurants, and had a stronger ocean flavor. There were many delicacies that are just not available in any sushi restaurant in the US, and I'm fairly certain anywhere else in the world. The service was impeccable, even the serving vessels were exquisite museum quality Japanese ceramics and complemented the meal. All that being said, having seen a few negative reviews, I would add that this experience is not for everyone. It is not for the gastronomically faint of heart or closed of mind. I freely admit that I would not pay millions of dollars for certain masterpieces of art, but I do not criticize those artists or their patrons. In the same way, not everyone may appreciate the culinary genius at Naoe, but for those who do, they will have the pleasure of experiencing one of the finest examples of Japanese cuisine in the world. Finally, if that isn't enough, Naoe was visited last month by Ferran Adria and Jose Andres. Jose Andres tweeted "[Naoe] is beyond good". If recommendations from the Michelangelo and Davinci of haute cuisine aren't good enough for you, I don't know what is. No lover of Japanese cuisine should miss this precious gem.

Authentic and wonderful. Servers had an encyclopedic knowledge of every item. There were only eight seats in the restaurant. So very intimate. Food was super fresh and beautifully presented.

Naoe is fantastic. The service is impeccable and the food unique and delicious. You have to be willing to try new delicacies and spend some money, but the experience is worth it.

WOW ! Is an understatement ! Thanks Chef Kevin and ur amazing staff making my daddy/daughter date memorable ! Can't wait to go back ! Thanks again

best traditional japanese outside of Japan!!!! A must go!!!!

Like no other place in Miami. Excellent experience. Everything was superb-the food, service, ambiance. Excellent all around.

i rarely bother to write reviews on open table but Naoe warrants it. Naoe is consistently the best japanese sushi dinner ive experienced in the US. chef kevin cory genuinely cares about the dishes he prepares and it shows. he puts tremendous effort & thought into every bite & he's not afraid to open your palate to new things. daring but traditional, every dish is superb. the atmosphere is james perse-ish. very intimate setting-no more than 8 folks in the room & Naoe likes it that way. wendy & her team are super attentive, kind, & engaging. such a pleasant experience all around. thank you for sharing your special gift with us.

Chef Kevin Cory transported us to world of incredible flavors by way of an intetsting take on traditional Japanese dishes and mind blowing sushi. Chef Kevin and his staff work as a team and don't miss a beat. The orchestration is masterful. Wendy heads the front of house with an infectious smile and a giggle that got us everytime.
The limited sake and beer selection pair perfectly with the food. The food oh the food. This place is not for the faint of heart. Infact it's a nirvana for the downright adventurous. Miami is lucky to have a place like this. Chef Kevin sources his fish directly from Japan. The freshness and subtlety of the preparations are spot on. There was a true taste of Umami in each bite.
Bravo Chef and great job NAOE.

I have now eaten here twice and I can honestly say this place is amazing!!!! The chef is super nice. The staff is lovely. A+++++++

The phrase: "a different level" could be made for this Real Traditional method Japaneese cuisine.
Chef Kevin and his team makes NAOE a very special and well worth dining experience for those
who can really appreciate it.
Great place !

Was fantastic!!! Personal and especial the chef give us 100% of attencion and the dinner is a experience! I would like to thank all of serviced me and my wife last nigth! We will never forget this nigth!

Loved this place. An amazing surprise for Miami!!!!

great ambience and everybody very knowledgeable and welcoming, we were a group of 3 and have the best experience ever!!

One of the best dining experiences you will have anywhere. Feeling of a private dinner party with world class service and food. A must go

This place is incredible. The food, service and atmosphere are all seriously top notch. A most go if you're a foodie in Miami.

we loved this place. chef Kevin told a delicious story with each course he served. everything was delicious and so well prepared. the staff and service was fantastic. I would definitely go back! If you love Japanese food and are up for a gastronomic adventure then this is the place for you. deserves a michellin rating for sure!

This is by far and away the most unique restaurant experience in Miami. Tasting menu only, and uniquely authentic Japanese food. Come with no preconceptions, and you will have one of the best (ethnic) restaurant experiences ever.

Everything screens traditional in Naoe, service, ambiance and of course the food. It's a must for every Japanese food fan who visit Miami.

For everyone who enjoys fine dining, this restaurant needs to be on you bucket list. The creativity of the chef is bar none. Service is excellent. Restaurant should be Michelin rated.

Kevin and his crew provided for an absolutely excellent evening.
I absolutely was taken back with just how enjoyable the whole evening was.
I believe he only sits 8 people for dinner and extra special attention is given to you. The ladies are amazing and very attentive. Kevin is a Master.
The food was absolutely fantastic.
Be prepared to spend between $300 to $400 per person if you drink. Just for food and tips it's over $200, but it will be the best 200 you'll ever spend.
They have 2 seatings. 6 and 9.30. The meal takes at least 2 hours, if not longer. So get there on time.
I could go on and on, but will end here by saying that you must go to Naoe. l just wish we were allowed

Chet Cory is an expert in preparation and presentation. His
Knife skills amazing and his mild mannered sincerity informative.
With 1 attentive and inobtrusive server per couple, the pampered feeling surrounds each lucky diner.

Naoe delivers exceptional food and service. This is truly fine dining.

They've made some changes in the tasting menu , more dishes and more expensive. In my opinion the amount of food was perfect before , now it's nearly imposible to finish it all. Also 3 deserts too much! , . They also have new staff that it's trying to emulate the courtesy and attention the owner was giving before , but it's not the same at all, they don't explain the dishes as she did, she had an understanding of the product and the dish , they don't and you can tell.
I"m sorry to say all this, but the feeling we got was that although we enjoyed the food very much , the experience costed us as much as what we paid in a 3 michelin star restaurant in Europe with all the bells and whistles. I think it was perfect how it was before.

I'm a foodie, frequenting many great and unique restaurants over the years in Chicago, New York, California, and a few in Europe. NAOE is one of my favorites, and my favorite in Miami. You will experience foods and flavors you have never had before, and a few familiar ones but at a quality unsurpassed (salmon belly, unagi for example). The seafood is fresh, the ambiance is warm and intimate, the staff friendly. I love putting my trust in the hands of Chef Kevin Cory. The only menu is for beverages. Even the teas are amazing. Sit at a table for an intimate, romantic dinner, or sit at the wood bar and enjoy watching Chef Cory work his skills. Not for the unadventurous, but for foodies it comes highly recommended.