Hiden

I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy a few exceptional fine dining experiences around the world and develop a palate capable of discerning the qualities of excellent food and the artful craft of its preparation. As of last night, there’s a new member to my Elite-Five dining experiences and for once it’s in Miami. “Hiden (HI-DEN) is inspired by the legends and tales of small secret omakase restaurants in Japan.” As their website accurately describes it’s an authentic Japanese fine dining chef’s choice experience with a speakeasy flare. Since opening that secrete door in March 2018 it’s been hard to get a reservation under 4 weeks out because there are none available. Hiden’s Chef Tadashi Shiraishi has not only mastered his craft but one can see he’s not satisfied with that as he aspires to improve his skills to reach the next level with each piece he artfully prepares and serves you. You can immediately notice the quality of ingredients as Chef Tadashi presents them to you and each of your fellow dinners. If you observe him, starting with the preparation of the first course, you’ll notice he applies his technique to each piece making that course delectably compliment the next incredible bite, and each new bite presented only more savory than the last because of its balance in flavors. Just when you foolishly think “it can’t get any better” the next course is served and to your palate’s surprise it’s more mouthwatering than the last. Chef Tadashi seems passionately serious about his masterful work, from continuously checking the temperatures of the room and prep surfaces, to that of the rice and other ingredients, tools or supplies during preparation. He carefully creates a harmonious union between rice and fish during the progression of serving each dish in his omakase tasting course. To try and describe this sushi tasting course is a terrible disservice because it is impossible to describe its excellence. One can only grasp the notion of its grandeur by experiencing it firsthand, but be fearlessly daring and leave all preconceived notions you have of sushi at that secret door you first entered. Allow Chef Tadashi to take you on his well planned gastronomic journey and demonstrate that you actually do enjoy (insert disliked sushi here). The issue had nothing to do with your taste buds and everything to do with the fact you had never experienced the dish properly served. Lastly, don’t be intimidated if you are a novice to this level of sushi dining because Chef Tadashi and manager Caroline will help to guide you through the whole experience. An elevated experience you will carry with you for hours later and recall the next morning when you wake with a smile on your face wondering to yourself... “how soon can I get myself back in to Hiden.”

Food was incredible but it’s the whole experience that makes it so deserving of 5 stars. Chef was personable and fantastic. Service impeccable. We felt very special and taken care of. So much attention to detail. Expensive, but did not disappoint. Everyone at our seating was very happy.

This is an amazing experience ready to be enjoyed. The whole experience will be memorable, from the moment you make the reservation, finding the restaurant inside a dirty taco place. The contrast of the small Japanese restaurant with a perfect service, Minimalist decoration and legendary food. This is a once in a lifetime experience, that is expensive but something that I would recommend every sushi/Japanese lover to do at least once. 10/10

This is a phenomenal authentic omakase experience in a relaxed yet intimate setting. We had 19 beautifully prepared courses by master sushi chef Honda, sous chef James, and staff. The menu featured several Japanese imports including Hokkaido Uni, Miyazaki A5 Wagyu ribeye, Hotate, Nodoguro, and O-toro among several others. The omakase was traditional as it began with lighter offerings that progressed in intensity culminating with the wagyu with truffle salt. There were a few hot dishes spaced between the cold ones. Each dish was elegant and a gastronomic affair on their own. The tempo was just right and not rushed like some omakase I have experienced. Quality, presentation, and service were impeccable. Although an incredibly luxurious omakase, the atmosphere was not pretentious and Chef Honda was friendly and interactive with the diners. The dining room was aesthetically sophisticated yet simple, serving as the ideal setting for an exceptional omakase. Overall, Hiden's omakase was absolute culinary perfection and one can easily argue that this is the best Japanese restaurant in South Florida.

Amazing dining experience. My wife took me for my birthday as a surprise. I knew when we walked into a taco shop that she didn’t drive me to Wynwood for that. We went to the back and entered a code on a keypad, the wall slid open and Hiden was found.

The perfect place to feel transported to Japan, for a "Jiro" experience and it delivers. The freshest fish and urchin is literally flown in overnight and two master chefs prepare everything in front of you and a maximum of 8 total guests for a 2 hour multi-course experience. Your date is guaranteed to be impressed unless they're not a seafood or sushi fan, obviously. Pro tips and heads up: • Cant get a Rez? Their Instagram will notify you if cancellations open spots up. • Be on time. They email a 4 digit door code within 24 hours that will only work to get in the secret door (in back of the taco shop) for 30 minutes. Traffic is only getting worse in Miami. We had to nix Uber and ride my E bike matrix style to get there in the nick of time. • Gratuity auto added at end. Yes you prepaid $300 a person, maybe it was a gift from mom, but be prepared to be slapped with an extra 20% in classic Miami fashion at the end with your own card, and any extra booze you ordered.