Israel "Izzy" Valdes opened his namesake restaurant to help groups of diners avoid the age-old frustrations of settling for just one type of cuisine. By offering two popular fares in one location, Izzy's acts like a giant dove puffing on a peace pipe, healing the food-fueled rifts between bickering families and nagging couples. The ever-evolving menu is clearly demarcated according to cuisine, and two different chefs man the kitchen to ensure each half of the menu is expertly executed. The menu's Cuban region includes such delicacies as grilled chicken breast draped in equally grilled onions ($8.95) and the cubano sandwich, made with ham, roasted pork, swiss cheese, and pickles, all nestled on a Cuban-style roll ($7.95). The Thai portion features well-spiced staples such as pad thai, myriad vegetarian options, and curries of every color ($4–$13). Most of Izzy's sensational dinner entrees and specials fall within the $10–$20 range.
From the moment you walk in, it's clear that Moonchine Asian Bistro is up to far more than pan-Asian eats. High-backed banquettes, jet-black walls, and soft red lighting all give rise to a clubby vibe; after 9 p.m., Moonchine turns into a full-on lounge with the help of dance DJs, bottle service, and even the occasional poetry performance or high-stakes geography bee. Miami New Times hailed Moonchine as "the gem of the Mimo District," advising guests to "arrive around 6 p.m., have a few rolls, and then head to the music lounge to warm up the dancing shoes."
Indoors and in the huge garden area, bartenders keep spirits high by mixing specialty cocktails and recommending bottles of sake from an extensive list. Which isn't to say that food's an afterthought—indeed, chefs have a lot on their plates, so to speak, juggling Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, and Korean culinary traditions. House-made kimchi mingles with creative sushi rolls, classic Thai and Indochinese dishes anchor one large corner of the menu, and there's even an almost-traditional bistro section: mussels, duck, and a "thai burger," each given light Asian accents of their own.
At 2B Asian Bistro, it's actually possible to begin your dinner with a bag of gold. That's because the Bag of Gold appetizer uncannily resembles its namesake—its tiny fried pouches contain shrimp, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. The appetizer paves the way for the menu's larger dishes, which present diners with a choice: Japanese or Thai? The former category covers teriyaki entrees as well as sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls. Specialty rolls include the Golden Dragon—spicy tuna and mango topped with plantain slices—and the Pink Snow Roll, smoked salmon and avocado wrapped in soy paper. As for the Thai plates, they range from curry to Bangkok duck paired with cinnamon-plum sauce. You can even order your pad thai accompanied by an entire lobster, rather than just its tail and signature top hat.
Mr. Yum stands out in Little Havana, and not just because it's surrounded by Latin restaurants. The chefs at Mr. Yum embellish each plate with elegant drizzles of sauce and sprigs of herbs placed just so, elevating each meal to high art. Paper-thin salmon and beef tataki prime appetites for tempura-battered seafood and Thai dishes such as panang and massaman curries. In addition to slicing fresh sashimi, sushi chefs coil specialty rolls such as the sun-dried tomato roll and the alfalfa roll, whose tuna and salmon are topped with one stray sprout cowlick. Chandeliers cast a soft glow across the dining room, where an abstract red-heart motif decorates walls and upholstery, creating the vibe of a "mod NYC sushi parlor," according to Thrillist.
Siam River Thai & Sushi’s masterful chefs animate years of experience when whipping together authentic Thai eats cataloged on the extensive menu. Blending Chinese and Indian delicacies, a lunch platter of meat and broccoli pad ke mow ($7.95) invites teeth to a flavor fete, and a dinner sampling of the Pirate Boat—brimming with a mixed seafood blend and old-fashioned Thai herbs ($16.95)—tempts even the most placid palates to bellow vociferous encomiums. Sautéed duck with wild basil backstrokes in a pool of chili and hot-pepper waves ($18.95), and colorful Japanese sushi creations, such as the Miami Hurricane roll with crab meat, cooked shrimp, and cream cheese ($7.50), high-five lonely tonsils. Siam River also weighs down plates with curry, noodles, misplaced dumbbells, and rice dishes.
Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge’s interior is as striking and colorful as the symbolic fish it takes its name from. Walking inside, you'll find a high-hanging chandelier illuminating Japanese paintings and ornamental bamboo suspended against a backdrop of tomato-red walls. The Japanese minimalism that defines the first-floor dining area also features upstairs in a slick, straight-lined lounge, where a full bar stands ready to complement a candlelit meal or add spice to weekly jazz, karaoke, and DJ events.
This dramatic presentation extends to the Coral Gables restaurant's cuisine: diners may find their rolls arranged to resemble petals on a flower or stacked into a tower shaped like tragedy. That’s thanks to Bangkok native and resident chef Tasha Tang, who also incorporates creative, globally inspired ingredients such as guava paste and sweet plantains. In addition to artfully wrapped sushi, diners can also sample traditional Thai dishes, including five types of curry and pad thai.