Makoto’s newest Japanese restaurant is located in the prestigious Bal Harbour Shops neighborhood. Contemporary Japanese cuisine including a sushi bar , contemporary Japanese dishes . Opened this restaurant chef Makoto Okuwa, more than twenty years of experience , innovative talent . At the age of 15, Makoto began his apprenticeship with Sushi Master Makoto Kumezeki; his studies continued under the tutelage of legendary Sushi Master chef Shinichi Tekegasa. After ten years in Japan, Makoto moved to Washington DC where he began working closely with Iron Chef Morimoto and was soon asked to accept the Chef de Cuisine role at Morimoto New York and Morimoto Sushi Head.
In 2007, Makoto accepted the New York Chef Rising Star Award from StarChef.com. Following those honors, he also made several appearances on the original Iron Chef America In 2007, Makoto realized a lifelong dream by opening his own restaurant, Sashi Sushi + Hall of Fame in Manhattan Beach, California, where he remains a partner. Sashi quickly received major praise from Los Angeles Magazine and the L.A. Times. In 2009 Makoto was asked to appear on Iron Chef America as a competitor, allowing him to showcase his extraordinary culinary expertise.
At his new restaurant in Bal Harbour, Makoto continues to develop his style of handling playful, gracefully presented dishes that pay homage to the Japanese tradition. “I have a real respect for keeping with the Japanese tradition, but I also feel it’s important to add my own variation to appeal to a huge number of nonbes,” Makoto says. He continues to draw inspiration from his peers, mentors and Bal Harbour’s well-traveled, sophisticated clientele in his menu creations, in addition to the restaurant’s beautiful surroundings.
A hand-crafted beverage program focused on sake. With a comfortable terrace overlooking the fashionable parking lot . You can often see some of the stars here.