There’s something special about exploring Miami’s culinary scene with your best friend, especially when it’s during Miami Spice season.
My bestie Sharma and I recently set out to enjoy the city’s dining deals, and one that we were invited to try for this story was Kaori. Tucked in a trendy Brickell neighborhood, this restaurant isn’t just another fun spot, but it’s a layered experience where food, music, and atmosphere come together seamlessly.
The Miami Spice menu gave us a delicious introduction to Kaori’s creativity, but as we lingered over the menu and sampled it, it became clear that this is a place you’d want to revisit no matter the season. From the way each dish is plated with intention to the warm, inviting energy in the room, Kaori feels like a hidden gem worth savoring year-round.
To learn more about what makes Kaori special, I sat down with Diego and Chef Seth to talk about their approach to flavor, hospitality, and the magic that happens when the two blend perfectly, alongside a passion for great food and curated cocktails.
Your Miami Spice menu showcases a mix of bold global flavors and locally sourced ingredients. How did you approach balancing creativity with approachability for this year’s offerings?
We wanted this year’s Miami Spice menu to be a true reflection of Kaori, innovative yet inviting. Each dish is rooted in seasonality, but we made sure every plate feels approachable to someone discovering us for the first time. For example, the Shiro Ponzu Crudo brings together the familiar freshness of local fish with unexpected elements like a makrut-raspberry gel, while our Takikomi Gohan offers a comforting hot stone pot experience with layers of flavor and texture. It’s about creating intrigue without intimidation.
Many of your dishes, like the Shiro Ponzu Crudo and Takikomi Gohan, reflect precise technique and thoughtful plating. Can you walk us through the creative process behind one of these dishes?
The Takikomi Gohan is a great example. We start with the concept of Japanese-style seasoned rice, then elevate it with edamame, tamari, nori, scallions, and our house-made mayu oil. The final flourish is an egg yolk confit in Zero Acre oil, mixed tableside to add richness. The hot stone pot keeps the rice sizzling, developing a crispy layer at the bottom, something we love for both texture and nostalgia. Every component is intentional, from the aroma when the lid is lifted to the balance of umami, freshness, and heat.
Diego, with your extensive background in hospitality and restaurant development, and Seth, with your culinary expertise, what’s the secret to your synergy in creating both an elevated dining experience and a welcoming atmosphere?
Diego: For me, it’s about understanding the guest’s journey from the moment they walk in. Every touchpoint is important, from the music, the lighting and the greeting at the door, and that comes from my years in hospitality.
Seth: From my perspective, it’s about making sure the menu matches that same level of care. We’re constantly in dialogue, sharing ideas and challenging each other to push a concept further. Diego’s vision for the guest experience inspires the way I plate a dish, and my approach to flavor often informs how he sets the scene. It’s a back-and-forth that keeps the restaurant evolving.
The Kaori dining experience blends sophisticated flavors with an intimate, music-forward ambiance. How does your Miami Spice menu tie into the overall vibe and storytelling of the restaurant?
Kaori is about layers, layers of sound, design, and taste. The Miami Spice menu mirrors that philosophy. Each dish has multiple dimensions: a base flavor that’s comforting and familiar, then accents and textures that surprise you. Just as our music curation builds energy throughout the night, the menu builds a progression of flavors, whether you’re starting with something bright and citrusy or ending with a dessert that lingers on the palate.
Miami Spice is an opportunity for many first-time guests to discover Kaori. What do you hope their takeaway is after trying this menu, beyond just the food?
We want guests to leave feeling like they’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem, an experience that’s personal, memorable, and worth revisiting. The food is a huge part of that, but so is the atmosphere: the intimacy of the space, the way the lighting shifts, the playlist in the background. Ideally, they leave thinking, I can’t wait to come back, and next time I’m bringing friends.
Looking ahead, how do you see Kaori evolving in terms of menu development, events, and its place in Miami’s competitive dining scene?
We see Kaori continuing to grow as a place where culinary creativity meets cultural experience. On the menu side, we’ll keep experimenting with seasonal ingredients and global techniques while deepening our relationships with local purveyors. Event-wise, we’ll expand our Listening Bar programming and chef collaborations, making Kaori a destination not just for dinner, but for discovery. In Miami’s dining scene, our goal is to remain authentic to who we are, offering something intimate, detail-driven, and timeless in a city that’s always chasing the next big thing.
Kaori is located at 871 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL. For more information, to make a reservation and to check out the menus, visit kaorimiami.com or call (305) 434-4668.
