A couple of weeks ago my husband and I decided that we needed to have some couple-time. It was a convenient surprise to get an invite to experience Tanuki’s Asian-fusion cuisine since it doubled up as a review for a local restaurant and for a brunch date!
Named after a Japanese raccoon dog (the restaurant’s mascot, not related to the North American raccoon), Tanuki started off in Russia, and in 2015 made its debut in the US, on South Beach’s bustling Alton Road at the corner of 11th Street (1080 Alton Road) - the first of several planned Miami restaurants.
The location is airy, eclectic and modern, with high ceilings, plenty of space as well as plenty of small and large tables. The decor is aesthetically pleasing - upscale yet comfortable, lively and colorful with a giant Tanuki (a highly sociable, mischievous and harmless canid) as focal point, guarding over diners. With a big tummy, a straw hat and a bewildered facial expression, the over-sized Tanuki ceramic statue beckons guests to enter and spend generously - a role similar to Maneki Neko, the Japanese lucky cat with its paw raised. [Family movie night idea - Tanuki are the subject of a popular animated children's film “Pom Poko” - a tale of the clash between modern civilization and the natural world.] Aside from the Tanuki statue, the most elaborate features of the room are the wood-top bar facing into the open kitchen concept, a decorative LED panel wraps around the length of the bar and the samurai swords that decorate the barn-wood walls.
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An Asian fusion restaurant (‘…serving dishes and drinks inspired by the Japanese, Chinese, and cuisines from all over the Asia..” is how the website describes it), Tanuki offers a combination of cultural and culinary influences, high quality ingredients and soul-soothing dishes which makes the cooking feel like something you’d encounter down one of the more stylish culinary backstreets of Tokyo right here in our area.
The extensive menu features more than 80 items during lunch and dinner, including classics - Sushi, Sashimi, Specialty Rolls, Dim Sum, etc. - and Signature Dishes - i.e. Tanuki’s Burger, Chair Sir Pork Ribs and Bluefin Toro Tartar. Tanuki’s large and diverse menu has something to please every palette, and is available from 12pm until late, seven days a week.
Complete with a welcome cocktail and bottomless mimosas and wine, Tanuki’s incredible Sunday Brunch Feast ($58 per person, available every Sunday 11am-3pm) offers:
- A buffet-style selection of Pan-Asian dishes
- A choice of main course
- Chef’s dessert for the table
Both the manager and our server were helpful with recommendations, for food and drinks, and we decided that the best way to go was to share so we could try even more! Every dish - from the menu and from the buffet - was bursting with flavor.
 | We called for a Lychee Martini (New Amsterdam Vodka, Sake, Lychee Juice, Lemon Juice) and a Tori (Nikkey Coffey Gin, Fresh Lime Juice, St. Germain, Cucumber, Simple Syrup, Egg White) served in a cure bird-shaped glass (maybe to express freedom in creating new recipes?) topped with a flower garnish. |
Let me say that I am not a big fan of buffet at full service restaurants. However, I found Tanuki’s to be clean, well maintained and with a great variety to include pork belly fufu bun, oysters, maki, nigiri, sashimi, short ribs egg rolls, and more. Another thing I liked is that I could see the kitchen and how most of the food was prepared. Everything tasted very fresh and was quite delicious. Definitely a good way to kick off our meal!
Then we ordered the Tanuki Skirt Stake, a “simple” and perfectly cooked korean style marinated skirt steak, and the sharable Dim Sum. Literally “touch of the heart”, the “Chinese brunch” Chef’s selection includes Peking duck, crab meat and mushroom dumplings and inventive dishes like the Pumpkin and Duck Puff and Black Cod Rolls - a fun way to try a variety of delicious foods.
Luckily I saved room for dessert, which is up to the chef. It was my first time to try Mochi Ice Cream, the ice cream that doesn’t service in cone or cup but inside a mochi, the sticky, chewy, gluten-free rice dough. My verdict? My gosh were they so good! My favorite flavor? Green Tea. Yumm!
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Pictured above: A selection from the buffet | Pictured above: Tanuki Skirt Stake |
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Pictured above: Dim Sum | Pictured above: Dessert |
Is Tanuki “one of the best modern Asian restaurants in Miami”? I don’t know, but for sure it is one of the best Asian food meals I had in a long time and I think it’s a good place for a date or a nice meal with family & friends. Plus, it comes without a painful price tag. In fact, I think prices here are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food and the service offered. I’m confident return visits are in my future. See you there.
Address: 1080 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305.615.1055
Disclaimer: As indicated above, I was invited in to try out the restaurant and this meal was complimentary. I was not further compensated for this post and all opinions expressed are my own.
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