After a successful residency stint inside the Stirrup House in Coconut Grove, Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Miami recently opened an official presence at 3540 Main Highway in Coconut Grove. California-based Scratch Restaurants Group announced the permanent location owned by chef/restaurateurs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee.
Sushi By Scratch Restaurants have earned Michelin stars in Montecito and Encino, California, both of which received their first star in 2021.
The new space has transitioned into a 10-seat counter-only omakase den manned by three chefs and one bartender. While the new location is larger than the residency site, the experience remains intimate with close interaction with the chefs. The concept features three nightly seatings (5 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.) served over 17 courses, which lasts about two hours with each handmade bite placed by the chefs, who engage directly with guests.
Every diner’s journey begins 20 minutes before the scheduled seating time with a complimentary welcome cocktail specially crafted. The tasting experience begins with everything made from scratch, including soy sauce.
“Although the flavor profiles of our nigiri may not sound traditional, our approach to nigiri is,” Kallas-Lee says. “Our niche has always been our flavor profiles. Someone might be surprised when a perfect slice of Hamachi is painted with a sweet corn pudding and topped with a fine sprinkle of bread crumbs. But that one bite delivers a flavor you won’t forget and is also a call back to Phillip’s childhood and is designed to trigger our guests’ most beloved food memories as well.”
A seat at Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Miami is $165 per person plus tax and service. Non-alcoholic beverages are included with beer, wine, sake and Japanese whiskeys available a la carte. There are also two beverage pairing options: $85 (featuring three different sakes, two cocktails and one beer) and $110 (featuring six different pours of sake). Reservations are required and can be made in advance here.
