Kuro Japanese Restaurant Delivers with a Bang!

There are many perks of living in Miami; superb Latin influence, hip night life, breath-taking beaches, memorable art deco, and inexhaustible dining options –if you’re able to find it. Although that’s a phenomenon on its own, am going to pin-point one of the best Japanese fine-dining experiences in Miami . Let’s talk sushi. Perhaps Kuro will transform every bad sushi experience you’ve had, and evolve your taste buds, promoting you to the elite category; something you’ll be honored to experience. They are the epitome of flawless execution— experts in the game, initiating food-gasms without apology.

Kuro at Hollywood’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the resort’s most recent addition, a 240-seat Japanese restaurant determined to be differentiated through utter luxury. Overlooking the resort’s pool, the interior boasts an open kitchen and chef’s table, sushi bar, lounge, and outdoor patio. If you’re looking for a break from the slot machines or an escape from the bustling casino atmosphere, this is surely a serene dining experience in grand style.

First of all, this isn’t a place to stuff-your-face. Rather, Kuro transmits a more refined dining experience. To help enjoy this new dinning style, I was beckoned by a relaxed atmosphere, accurately portioned dishes, and most importantly; my ability to savor food without anxiety. If you’re a pizza fanatic, obviously this is not for you. Kuro has the ability to take your palate into a gastronomic frenzy with grace and finesse. Some of the splendor feels timeless: low hanging lights and the starched linens; sea-shells both dangling and adorned on walls, soothing music in the background and an apparent view of disciplined chefs in a kitchen. It also features an open floor plan just beyond the casino walls with the entrance located in the hotel lobby and two private dining rooms. It also overlooks the pool if sited on the patio, surrounded by lush and vibrant landscaping.

Excellent service is even mediocre, when trying to assess what is truly displayed. Every server displayed professionalism, and extensive menu knowledge with heart-warming smiles. There was a profound joy for taking clientele into a culinary abandonment. They are the Rolex to your time-piece and place all other restaurant dining-experiences I’ve sat through to shame.

Kuro’s Dinning Menu

The masterminds driving this innovative food scenery is creative Culinary Director and Executive Chef Alex Q. Becker and Executive Sushi Chef Shuji Hiyakawa. Their offerings are very diverse, and the menu is wide-spread in a sense that customers will be able to experience something different upon returning.

The menu features ingredients sourced both locally and imported directly from Japan. Therefore, an important aspect in delivering the five flavor profiles sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. Select from a la carte dishes or sail through a course tasting option with a personal culinary guide (server).

The ingredients boast such life, that they radiate freshness on the plate. The most memorable dishes are the tuna crispy rice with Osetra caviar and maitake, mushroom tempura salad with yuzu dressing ($12), and Chilean miso sea bass with pickled lotus root and shiro miso ($27) besides sushi. Priced at only $16, this crispy rice is the ultimate appetizer listed under the “Chilled” menu category. To some it may be just rice, but to me, it was a condensed pillow of rice, crisped to perfection on both sides, adorned with silky tuna. Graced atop the tuna are black pearls of Osetra caviar and sliced scallions, a beautiful contrast in texture and color.

If you’re opting to sit with multiple people, I will encourage getting an extra platter because you will regret it. This is definitely worth fighting over.

The spotlight was also captured by Kuro’s Chilean sea bass, presented on a toasted houba leaf. Pickled lotus root married very well the delicate lump of fish, providing both a crisp texture and refreshing hint of acidity. If there’s any dish you must try, it would be the Chilean sea bass- it can be found listed under “Sea” on the menu.

The Maitake Mushroom Tempura Salad followed; a simple bowl of gratification. If you love mushrooms this is the dish for you. The tempura batter on the exterior of the mushrooms was light and crisp, creating explainable symphonies within my mouth. It was neither unpleasant or overly greasy; just a simple dish handled by masters of the craft.

Another main attraction was the Waygu Tacos ($13); an upscale beef taco with mounds of waygu beef marinated in an aji amarillo aioli paired with fresh crunchy match-stick-like soy shallots with bright green spicy cilantro sauce oozing down the middle. The robata charcoal grill is used to orchestrate this dish, burning at 1,200 degrees.

The sushi is an absolute must; beautiful slices of salmon, maki, or nigiri piled strategically atop of vinegar-seasoned rice.

To accompany your meal Kuro’ offers multiple beverage options. You may choose from handcrafted cocktails made from fresh ingredients or 30 sake brands, 110 wine labels, Japanese imported and local craft beers, Japanese whiskeys, and shōchū, a Japanese liquor distilled from various ingredients.

Japanese doughnuts are the best way to end your meal.  Pastry Chef Ross Evans is responsible for creating the sweet transition; complimented by assorted dipping sauces of green tea, chocolate and vanilla; a must-have dessert option.

Kuro is located on 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood Florida. Opening hours are Sunday – Thursday 5:30pm – 10:30pm and Friday and Saturday 5:30pm – 11:30pm for dinner. The bar and lounge open daily from 5:00pm until close, not forgetting lunch, which is also available from Saturday 12:00pm – 3:00pm. Reservations can be made on Open Table or by telephone (954) 327-7625.