Kojin

This is a destination for diners with a highly developed palate and an appreciation for nuanced, thoughtfully layered flavors.

Wednesday night with a reservation and it took the hostess which also was the waitress a good 10 mins to sit us down. Also mind that the restaurant was quite empty.

We decided to do their Tasting Menu with Wine Pairing.

• Hassan perfect little bites full of flavors. Great start to our meal. Had to call out our server that Sparkling goes in a flute glass as she was about to serve in a red wine glass.
• Warm Bites which was a grilled snapper glazed in an eel sauce was light but very consistent.
• Raw kampachi paired perfectly with their Pet Nat Sparkling wine but by itself it’s a terrible wine (salty finish was definitely not for me)
• Squash was confit with their homemade “Kojin mole”. If it’s any indication of the traditional Mexican mole; you need to work it on harder. Not impressed.
• Black Cod was a hit for both my friend and I. The Albariño wine was just perfect.
• Chawanmushi something different but good combination between the Caramelized onion and the fontina foam. Sweet and salty if you’re into it. My favorite from their tasting menu; I could’ve gone for a second one.
• The Whole Duck was definitely our least favorite. Duck was raw so that definitely threw me off right away. My friend’s was chewy. So I just ignored it and set it aside. Their Foie Ganache was perfect though. We did enjoyed their Sardinian Italian White wine.
• Agnolotto was nothing out of this world. But it was an okay dish.
• Intermezzo which was their seasonal (honeydew) refreshing.
• Monaka & Fallen Leaves desserts not impressed. Nothing special. A lot of the ingredients mentioned in each dessert; flavor wise was missing plenty.

We waited another 10 minutes for them to take our order. Mind there were only 3 other tables. I think we were the only table who ordered the tasting menu. Service is extremely slow. For arrival time to ending; it took at least 3 hours. Between dishes it was so slow. Loved the entire explanation but they need more staff. If you have time to sip on wine; you gotta have time to make everything a little faster.

As a Michelin star I was expecting a little more; service and food wise. Something I did love was their decor. Interior decorator; amazing job!

The wagyu sando was honestly the most disappointing part. The meat was semi-raw and paired with an extremely soft bread, which made it surprisingly difficult to actually bite through. Instead of enjoying all the flavors together, you end up struggling just to take a proper bite, and that takes away from the entire experience.

The chicharrones were extremely spicy, and both the kampachi and the tartare were just average—nothing special or memorable. And while our server was kind, she never seemed to notice how unsatisfied we actually were throughout the meal.

For the price, about $175 for only three dishes, two beers, and one glass of wine, it simply didn’t feel worth it. I left feeling like it was a loss of time, money, and appetite, which is disappointing because I genuinely wanted the experience to be great.

I can’t recommend anything based on my visit, but I hope this feedback is received with the respect and honesty with which it’s intended.

Pedro has created an culinary experience that rivals the top places in Miami. He has hand picked his staff and designed his menu so that one feels transported with every bite. His tasting menu is perfection! Warning ⚠️ you will leave FULL!

Also, if you are in the mood for a unique brunch with amazing pairings of craft coffee ☕️ and matcha's look out for his next colab with Lucky Coffee. This weekend's offering had some amazing flavors including a Yuzu Matcha that was like "Summer in a Cup".

The chef’s attention to detail is exceptional. Every dish is handcrafted only after you order, ensuring the highest level of freshness and quality. We tried the Fat Bastard Oysters, and they were absolutely amazing—fresh, briny, and beautifully presented.

If you’re looking for an elevated sushi experience in a beautifully designed, intimate space, this spot is not to be missed. It’s small, but full of soul, flavor, and artistry.

We tried the Detour menu but there’s more to delight those taste buds. I did not have the wine tasting with the meal as I have limited my alcohol intake this year for a higher calling

Detour Tasting Menu

At $95, the Detour tasting menu is an ambitious and highly curated culinary voyage colorful in its design, elevated in execution, and full of delightful surprises. With each dish presented with a story by the waitress, the flavors spring buds of delight.

1.
Hassun: Foie Crustade, Oyster, Ocean Tart

The meal opens with a refined trio that sets the tone. The oysters (as seen in the second photo) are impeccably fresh, bathed in vibrant green oil and bright citrus notes. The Ocean Tart, which resembles a delicate rose (third photo), is almost too pretty to eat, with a graceful, briny sweetness. A perfect harmony of sea and umami.

2.
Raw: Venison Carpaccio, Katsuomirin, Egg Yolk Jam

This course (seen with the botanical plating in the fourth photo) surprises with its garden-like presentation. The venison is tender, almost creamy, and the egg yolk jam adds a velvety decadence, balanced by the earthy depth of the katsuomirin.

3.
Vegetables: Shallot Nut Eggplant, Maitake, Mushroom Tea

Served in a broth that sings of forests after the rain (fifth photo), this umami-rich composition is a standout. The maitake mushrooms and broth transport you to the heart of autumn—soulful, woodsy, and deeply satisfying.

4.
Triple Tail: Ramp Beurre Blanc, Golden Beet, Squash

Visually minimalist (sixth photo) but packed with flavor. The fish is perfectly seared with crispy skin, and the beurre blanc is luxuriously smooth with a tangy twist from ramp. Golden beet puree adds sweetness without overpowering.

5.
Grains: Pressed Lamb Neck, Lamb Jus, Scallion Pea Koshihikari

This is comfort food elevated to fine art (seventh photo). The lamb neck melts in your mouth, and the rice is tender yet holds structure, dressed in a pea-green sauce that brings freshness to this hearty dish.

6.
Key Lime Pie: Graham Cracker, Lime Meringue, Honey

Dessert is a playful and nostalgic finish (eighth photo). Tart lime, airy meringue, and buttery graham crust strike a balance between childlike joy and refined technique. The white chocolate lime medallion is a charming final flourish.

The Detour menu is an imaginative, technically flawless journey. Each course is composed with reverence for ingredients and an eye for beauty. With a generous six-course lineup and an optional wine pairing that deepens the experience, it’s a wonderful detour from the everyday—a true celebration of culinary craft.

The restaurant is super cozy with a very clean aesthetic. Most of us went with the "Detour" tasting menu. Part of the experience is that you don't know what the dishes are until they are placed in front of you. The attention to detail was phenomenal. Every dish's presentation was superb and was its own stand alone event. There were six dishes in total on the "detour" and all were fun or innovative and very different from each other. We enjoyed all of them, not one complaint among the 10 people present. The waitstaff, owner, and sous chef all were so attentive it really did make for a superb dining experience.

The portions were very generous, and by the time we finished the 6 courses, we were completely satisfied. At $85 per person, the fixed menu was an incredible value, especially considering that in Miami, a single dish at other places can easily cost $50-$60. The staff was friendly, and it was a nice touch when the owner personally came to our table to check on us.

It’s clear that the team at Kojin is striving for excellence, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they earn a Michelin star in the near future. The only downside was the cold temperature inside the restaurant—so I’d recommend bringing a jacket to stay comfortable.

Overall, we’ll definitely be returning soon!