Miami’s culinary landscape is abuzz with the highly anticipated opening of Yamashiro Miami, a legendary Los Angeles institution, at the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences. This significant debut, marking the first expansion for Yamashiro in over a century, promises to blend its rich Hollywood history with the vibrant energy of South Florida. The restaurant officially opened its doors on Tuesday, October 29, 2025, offering a unique Japanese fusion Miami experience, architectural artistry, and a cinematic legacy, all set against the backdrop of a breathtaking Miami skyline.
A Century-Old Hollywood Restaurant Legacy Finds a New Home
Founded in 1914, Yamashiro Hollywood is more than just a restaurant; it’s a recognized cultural landmark in Los Angeles, celebrated for its stunning Japanese architecture, serene gardens, and panoramic city views. Originally built as a private estate by the Bernheimer brothers, who were avid collectors of Asian antiques, the “mountain palace” (Yamashiro translates to mountain palace in Japanese) has a storied past. It has been a gathering place for Hollywood’s elite, once serving as the exclusive “400 Club” for film industry moguls and shakers. Over the decades, it has endured and adapted, evolving into a culinary destination that embodies Japanese artistry, fine dining, and Hollywood glamour. Its expansion to Miami signifies a pivotal moment, bringing this historic spirit to a new coast and redefining luxury dining through heritage and innovation at Yamashiro Miami.
Architectural Grandeur Meets Miami Flair at Yamashiro Miami
Perched atop the 9th floor of the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences, Yamashiro Miami offers an immersive 9,000-square-foot experience that balances tradition with modernity. The design thoughtfully echoes the original Los Angeles property, incorporating elements such as bonsai gardens, koi ponds, reclaimed wood, and hand-carved doors. A central bar is designed to evoke the ambiance of a Japanese temple, while a floor-to-ceiling mural adds a dramatic visual element. The space flows from a lounge-style entrance into a main dining room adorned with curated lighting, lush greenery, and intimate garden pathways, creating a sophisticated and tranquil sanctuary above the bustling city. This architectural fusion aims to capture the bold, tropical energy of South Florida, blending Japanese aesthetics with Miami’s vibrant contemporary scene, embodying the spirit of the Yamashiro restaurant Miami.
An Elevated Culinary Journey at Yamashiro Miami
Executive Chef Gustavo Montes, alongside Partner and Chef Charbel Hayek, leads the culinary vision at Yamashiro Miami. The menu is a bold reinterpretation of Japanese dining, described as refined, theatrical, and globally inspired. It honors the legacy of the original Yamashiro while introducing an innovative coastal perspective that celebrates South Florida’s diverse ingredients and cultural influences. Signature dishes include Japanese Fried Chicken (JFC) tossed in a spicy gochujang buffalo sauce, a Katsu Sando served on Japanese milk bread, and a selection of premium dishes like Ibérico pork marinated in black garlic mojo, Alaskan king crab, and Chilean sea bass. The culinary team emphasizes a balance of depth, artistry, and global technique, infused with a distinct Miami flair. The cocktail program also plays a significant role, featuring Japanese-inspired concoctions infused with local tropical flavors, such as the “Beso Robado” and “Fortune Teller,” alongside a notable martini cart offering tableside service at Yamashiro Miami.
A Prime Miami Location and Future Ventures
The choice of Miami for Yamashiro’s first expansion in over a century was deliberate. Freddy Braidi, CEO of Boulevard Hospitality Group, stated that Miami was a “natural choice” because both cities celebrate culture, creativity, and bold flavor. He further noted that Miami, much like Hollywood, is a place where design, energy, and global influences converge, reflecting Yamashiro’s enduring spirit. The Gale Miami Hotel & Residences, itself a luxurious boutique property located in the heart of Downtown Miami near Miami Worldcenter, provides an ideal setting for this iconic restaurant, enhancing Gale Hotel dining. This makes Yamashiro Miami a must-visit.
Beyond the restaurant, Boulevard Hospitality Group has further plans to enhance the Gale Hotel & Residences’ nightlife offerings. In December 2025, two additional venues are slated to open: a members-only speakeasy focusing on experimental mixology, and “The 400 Club,” a 6,000-square-foot ultra-lounge designed to blend the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age with Tokyo’s nocturnal allure. This name pays homage to the original exclusive “400 Club” that once resided at the Hollywood Yamashiro, bringing a piece of the Hollywood restaurant legacy to Miami.
A New Headline in Miami’s Dining Scene
The arrival of Yamashiro Miami marks a significant moment for the city’s dynamic and trending culinary scene. It brings a piece of Hollywood history and a taste of refined Japanese fusion Miami to downtown Miami, promising an elevated dining experience with spectacular Miami skyline views. This opening solidifies Miami’s reputation as a global destination for luxury dining Miami and innovative gastronomy, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the most talked-about new Miami restaurants of the year. As Yamashiro Miami settles into its new home, it not only offers a culinary journey but also a chance to experience a century of legacy reimagined for a new generation in the heart of South Florida.
