Good food, amazing prices, me and a friend just stuffed ourselves with amazing sushi and a few beers for $50 combined. So much win!!!! So here's the breakdown, this is probably the only affordable, fresh, and authentic sushi in all of Miami. This is the real deal. Now the problem is the place is a tiny hole in the wall, you have to move out of your seat to let other people sit. The lack of space also makes having to wait for a table a regular thing. And since there usually isnt a host taking names it can become a clusterfuck. Ive seen people fight about who got there first and who got the next table. Still this place rocks. Great sushi, great prices. Also, if you've ever been to Toyko, this place will take you back. Very much like a lot of the sushi restaurants I went to in Tokyo.
(5)
Ana Carolina L.
Bad bad bad bad! I don't know about the food because I left. Left because people there are extremely rude. I was there for 15 minutes and nobody even notice. I went to say "excuse me, how long is the wait?" And the guy step my foot and never came back to talk to me. More people gave up! Too bad!
(1)
Ashley C.
Amazingly great food, loved it atmosphere, casual chic get there early or make a reservation this place is a hot spot and always busy
(5)
Roger Y.
A very small restaurant that is somewhat disorganized in everything except for the food which is very good. Be prepared to wait for a table or a seat and also for your bill - but the food comes fairly quickly once you get started. Some items are ordered but the sushi comes on small boats that circle the table - you just take what you want. Good luck if your not sushi knowledgeable because there is no description or label on most of the plates. Best to sit next to someone who looks like they know their sushi - after about 5 "what's that" they may get annoyed but so be it. I am of the generation that avoids raw fish so I only order what I could recognize as cooked - it was all very good, Udon soup was standard and good, shrimp tempura, vegetable tempura all ok. The shrimp teriyaki was served with the thick teriyaki sauce that taste like its from a bottle - I would guess that anything named teriyaki is similar so I would skip on that. All in all a good spot, little funky, I suggested to the waiter that he invest in a pad and pencil and write down the arrivals in order so they can be seated properly - he actually took about 90 seconds to explain to me why that was not a good idea - I didn't get his logic but I defer to his experience. Prices are very reasonable. Overall, I like this place and you may too - if your tolerant of the disorganization.
(4)
Lopez A.
They have recently revamped their menu with new additions. They still have the prior dishes and with the new ones is just even better. Dessert has room for improvements, but I still visit at least once a week.
(5)
Frank B.
As a sushi lover and Chef and creator of the ShuShi Brand, I occasionally enjoy going out to enjoy sushi prepared by others....since I had never been to this place before and I have heard, I figured I'd endured the 45 minute wait even though I was starving...after everyone being seated in orderly fashion, the lack of smart server common sense attitude of someone who would clearly be dismissed by the owner if he or she would find out. Nevertheless, he proceeded to seat a party of three instead of a party of two so he can make that one extra cover....the lack of smarts caused two people to walk out and now a bad unnecessary review. People, greed is a killer....notice those that spread the wealth are the happiest....first and last time....
(1)
Kathia L.
Food was ok. Place was disgusting looking! Parking very difficult . Worst costumer service I've seen in a long time . Save your time and your money
(1)
Samuel D.
I'm not crazy about how cramped you have to be and it often takes long to be seated but the sushi is SO damn good. By far better than ANY sushi restaurant including RA. Prices are no secret as the different plates denote the prices. Definitely the BEST sushi place in South Florida! Doesn't get a 5 cause it takes for ever to be seated, but trust me it's worth the wait!
(4)
Izabella Z.
I'm new to Miami and this place blew me away! Best sushi I've ever had! Walking in, you notice its quaint but busy as a beehive. They have a conveyor belt with sushi boats that contain a variety of colorful plates of different dishes. People are waiting in line to just sit down! The host memorizes the order in which everyone comes in and does an amazing job at accomodating larger groups. You get what you paid for tho. Plates vary from $1.50 - $3.50. I try to come in at least once a week. Love coming here!
(5)
Jessica C.
My boyfriend and I were in Miami for 2 nights, and Katana came highly recommended from many locals. We arrived by taxi around 7pm on a Thursday night, and we realized the restaurant was pretty small and there were 4 parties ahead of us. We almost decided to go elsewhere when the waiter greeted us warmly and offered us a beer while we waited. This was great because we stood outside and drank our beer and waited only 15 minutes to be seated. The restaurant is pretty dark and only seats 30 people max, but the little floating boats were great and really added a fun vibe to our meal. The sushi was very reasonably priced (3 rolls per plate were anywhere from $1.50 to $3.50). Make sure you get here earlier than 8pm though, because we noticed a long line after we finished eating.
(4)
Natalie L.
First time I ever tried sushi was at Katana and I'm so glad that I did. The sushi is amazing. Can't beat their prices ($2-$5/plates). And I love the concept with the little boats. Small place and it can get full pretty quick. I suggest getting there at 6, when they open. Otherwise, be prepared to wait a bit.
(5)
Ali G.
I was so excited to go to this place and have never been so let down. First off, the service is HORRIBLE. Not like a little bad...but like the staff deliberately ignores you and you will just be standing around for 10-15 minutes before you have to awkwardly ask someone what you should do. After you may get a table, have patience. That's all you need at this place. A ton of patience to get anything. Food is mediocre and overpriced. I should have bought sushi from whole foods instead. Oh, and it's a dump. So there's that.
(1)
Luigi C.
So... "Mobile Sushi" WTF is that? Well it's the kind of Sushi that comes to you... Katana brings you that... The Food: Normally Budget and Sushi is a bad combination but in this case Katana makes it happen... Their stuff is fresh. The variety and quality is enhanced by the skill of the sushi chef making the rolls.. JapanRasta is my fave, he's fast and good. The Tuna is awesome.. Spicy Tuna Roll, Spicy Crunchy Tuna Salad (Ground Spicy Tuna with Tempura batter crumbs) Their tempura is really good too.. Eel rolls, Ikura, Hamachi, octopus, the works.. if it's not on the boats ask for it and they'll bring it to you... they also have Udon and a bunch of other stuff... good food. Banana Tempura to top it off, very nice. Sake selection is 'OK'. The Scene: Katana is tacky and ugly but it's 'cute' ugly, Kinda like your grandparents garage or storage room... it's cramped you'd swear it was dirty but its not. The "river" is made of white bathroom tile and caulk and looks like a weekend DIY 8th grader project.. but it works! So you pick your sushi eat and then they count the plates when its time to check out, don't even think about hiding the plates, they have a sushi ninja watching and the next thing you know you'll hear "HADOUKEN!!" and you'll be engulfed in blue-flames "YOU LOSE!" It does get packed, waiters might get a bit in the weeds but they're nice and friendly. I really like this place. and I've been going there for like 13 years! arigato gozaimasu Katana!
(4)
Kwan W.
First time here; was seated within 15 mins and was the fourth group in line. They had the boats stocked which was good. The seafood is fresh. The service is OK but they were busy. Would definitely come again with more friends. Must get the unagi here, it is so good.
(4)
Apple S.
Best sushi place in Miami! Love the concept, their sushi is delish. I like taking plates, but order my tempura. The cheesecake dessert is great but enough to share! Prices are great. Only minor: so many people love it and with their tiny space, you always have to wait in line.
(5)
Sharon W.
We ordered take away from here. The ordering process over the phone was painless and the food was ready when we arrived ~25 minutes later. Staff was friendly! The food was great! The fish was fresh and there were many unusual offerings on the menu. We ordered a mix of standbys, like spicy tuna, as well as more unique offerings, like the squash roll. The prices are great - the sushi rolls mostly contain 4 pieces, which is preferable to me as you can order a bigger variety. I would definitely do take away from here again; however, I would think twice about eating in as the interior is abysmal.
(4)
Matias L.
Why 4 stars ? Well basically because I only give 5 stars to a places I am willingly happy to say will be my last meal on this planet. Katana oh katana how much I love hate you. By now after looking at all the reviews yes I'll say it again for you it's a river with floating boats that carry plates of sushi along the way with each plate being colored to match a price. Expensive ? No, yet definitely awesome. I must warn you this isn't for everyone. Authentic Japanese sushi but at a price and I'm not talking about money. Simply put its a whole in the wall joint that you must be willing to wait in a line for because seating is minimal. Yes the food is delicious and fresh. To me it's a locals place and I like it that way. For those who write bad reviews it's simply because you are looking for fancy, flashy with great service. We all want fancy sometimes yes but this isn't the place to come looking for it. Big groups can come but I highly don't recommend it. I like coming here with my gf to sit at the bar with a beer and munch on some amazing fresh sushi. The best part is the plates are small portions so if you're like me that eats anything and everything, you can try every piece that comes your way.
(4)
Rachel K.
The excellent sushi doesn't make up for the attitude of the owner. I am a regular customer, and I love the sushi here. I came in at 9pm and there was a line of people waiting. The owner offered everyone around me drinks, but not my girlfriend or me. After waiting 45 minutes for a spot I saw two seats had been open for a while to get the owners attention to ask if we could sit there. He said no, that someone else had been there before us, when I told him I had actually been there longer (and the person the owner said had been there longer than me agreed) he told me to "get the fuck out" and that he "didn't need my business." I was shocked. I refuse to be treated this way and will not return, good sushi doesn't outweigh horrible treatment. I'm not sure if this man hates repeat customers, but the message was loud and clear and I won't be back.
(1)
Joseph C.
sushilicius! Floating Wooden boats on a conveyor belt sailing around filled with delicious sushi as the chef prepares it right in front of your eyes. Each plate had a different price and as you stack them, that is your bill. By all means this is not a fine dining experience, definitely a local spot, always a wait since is very good. Perfect for a casual night with friends and good food.
(4)
Jacquelyn B.
The sushi wasn't amazing but it was good. It gets pretty crowded so the wait time was long. It was very fun to sit and watch the sushi rolls on the small boats. The concept is great. Enjoyed my time there.
(3)
Emily P.
The best sushi you will find!! If you like California Rolls, go home. (You don't belong) Wanna impress your chick with fancy service, better luck next time. Are impatient and want prompt seating, not the place for you. This place has authentic, fresh, awesome sushi. No fancy bs, no weird secret sauce used to mask previously frozen stuff. The chef will throw away old boats if they don't get eaten fast enough, and any menu item isn't better than what's being shipped around ;) Don't bother coming here if you want high class, or a booth, or noodles. This place is known for being an in-and-out spot, not for kids- don't be cheap just cause you feeding five. Come here on a casual date night, or with a friend, or hey, even by yourself is awesome. Tip the server who is running around like a mad man decently, don't be an asshole, and guess what! You have a new dream hole-in-the-wall for sushi. Thank yourself for not being pretentious enough like the rest of Miami to miss something fabulous.
(5)
Lovey J.
Great sushi at a great price! There's always a wait and it's not a place to take children. Service is okay, but the sushi makes up for it! Dimly lit hole in the wall original sushi joint they I absolutely love!
(4)
Kostia B.
My girlfriend and I love sushi and this place beats all! We go at least once every two weeks. It's a hole in the wall but lately it's gotten a lot of recognition. It opens after 6pm and you can expect to wait for at least 10-20 minutes at any time. Katana doesn't have that many chairs and only three tables. But the food is worth the wait and it's cheap compared to others around the beach. The staff is also very friendly but make sure they see you come in and for you to know who's in front of you and who comes after.
(5)
Kai S.
In South Florida, where East Asians are the minority among all minorities, and people order sushi at Thai restaurants, it is practically impossible to find an authentic Japanese restaurant, let alone an authentic sushi bar owned by Japanese who serve value fares on a conveyor belt, known in Japanese as kaiten-zushi. Thankfully, I find Katana, located in Normandy Isle, a neighborhood in Miami Beach, to be a place as such, and it has been my go-to place for checking the "palate compatibility" between myself and my dates. (They don't have to be knowledgeable about sushi or even enjoy raw fish, but they should be adventurous enough to try something new once.) Instead of the more common sushi train, at Katana, each color-coded dish is presented on a small boat floating through a narrow canal. Diners sitting at the bar grab whatever dishes they desire from the boats, although they can also order appetizers, udon noodles, donburi (rice bowls) off the menu. In terms of the food quality, it is decent. Its sashimi is definitely fresh, which is more than what you can ask for for the low prices you pay. The rolls range from average to great, and the clear winner is the spicy tuna gunkanmaki (warship rolls), with a unique flavor that's truly one of the best I have ever had. The desserts, such as ice cream tempura and banana tempura, are served in large portions. Avoid gyoza (Japanese potstickers), chicken teriyaki, and oyakodon (chicken and egg over rice). I hate to say it but they were awful when I ordered them.
(3)
Lorin G.
I have nothing bad to say about this place, ever! The fish is always fresh, service is as to be expected in a place like this. Could be better, could be worse. Try and get there a little before they open at 630 because you will wait in line for a seat. Place seats about 20-25 people so it's always a tight fit. But it's so worth it. Such a great experience with the sushi boats, but if you want to go to hang out, go somewhere else. This place is a get in and get out type of joint.
(5)
Nelson A.
If your looking for fancy or great pampering skip this place. If your looking for real authentic Sushi at a great price make this one of your stops when your in North Beach. The place serves up great Sushi nough said.
(5)
Petunia L.
You know this is the place to go when you want sushi in Miami. Affordable, but good. Also there's always a wait time so come prepared the place is small and stuffy.
(4)
Stephanie C.
The sushi was pretty fresh and yummy! The place itself is tiny so you'll be waiting for a while. If it's packed then be ready to be waiting outside in a line. The best part of this experience is being able to grab the plate of food right from the little boat on a moat. All in all, this 'hole in the wall' is a great restaurant! They also have a sister restaurant by the name of Shima. Both great places!
(4)
Yannelis G.
Okay so this is what you call a hole in the wall sushi joint. As soon as you walk in you'll see a river of boats filled with different items off the menu, the wait can be anywhere to 15-45 min I've waited an hour before.. It's first come first serve not many places to sit because it's only around the mini river thing. That says how much I love it. I come here very often the staff is friendly! It's been around for years! The fried shrimp dumplings are my favorite :)
(5)
Natasha P.
Super cute spot. The sushi and food is really good and fresh. You can order from a menu or pick what you like from a little plate floating by on a little boat right by your table :) The only thing is that it is a small place. So if it happens to be one of those days where it's really crowded, you have to stand in a line and wait if there are no seats. And when the people are standing there kinda looking at you and your food, you feel a little rushed. Overall, very yummy food, good service, a different kind of restaurant, fun, very cute little boats with food :) A must to experience
(4)
Carla B.
I'm not angry or anything. But I just feel it's irresponsible of me to give it 5 stars anymore. Even 4 would be misleading. It's decent. I still love the fact that you get to savor different kinds of sushi, but for YEARS they've had that awful a/c unit that leaks on top of the door, and they haven't fixed it. Ladies, watch out for your hair when you walk in! It's such a basic thing, really. The place is very small, which makes me feel like I don't know if I prefer to stand for a long time to get a seat, or to sit it out, because then you're at butt level with the people standing, lol! However, that wouldn't be terrible if everything else was great. But I had to tell both servers tonight that I wanted my check, because the first one forgot and kept on cleaning table after table. That aside, tonight the crab meat roll with eel on top was KILLER. Very fresh! Their dumplings were also amazing.
(3)
Jordy S.
One of my favorites sushi places in Miami when im on holiday. I see many complains about the owner, but believe me the owner is a very nice man and he always recognize me when im back. This place has pretty good sushi, always fresh delicious and a lots of variety! The only thing that they have to do is just update the interior of the restaurant because its looks very old and dirty, please do something on it . Katana wont disappoint
(4)
Hin C.
Super Rude owner, Toshi! Party of 3 walked in and the owner told us 40minutes. I replied, ok, for 3 please, we'll be back. 30 minutes we noticed that the party of 4 that came after us had sat down. We went in and told Toshi, "excuse me, those 4 came after us." Then suddenly Toshi RAISED his voice at us, that we just went outside... That was not called for, he raised his voice in front of every customer inside the restaurant. Working in the hospitality industry myself, that is below low.... That's not the way to speak to your customers like that even if your busy, irritated, frustated, or because we look like we walked out of a ComicCon. Don't want time serve us??? Especially if you're the owner or Manager. Service is terrible and I'm HIGHLY disappointed because this place was high recommended to me by a friend. A simple "Oh I'm so sorry, ill get you the next table" would be nice, but instead, he sat a couple in front of our faces. NEVER ever going back. Do you think I would stand outside the restaurant for 30 minutes for nothing?? And I've already paid for my parking too... Working in the hospitality industry myself, that is below low.... That's not the way you should speak to your "guest", even IF you're busy, irritated, frustrated, or because we look like we walked out of a ComicCon (We did). ESPECIALLY, if you're the owner or manager, you're held to a higher standard. Don't want time serve us because we're probably broke Otakus that wont tip???? We're the best tippers because we know what it's like to delivery customer service even when guest is unhappy and yelling in your face .
(1)
Fernanda F.
This little hole in the wall has great and very affordable sushi. It gets super packed, especially given that it's an itty bitty teeny tiny spot, so try to go before 8pm. I'm giving it 4 stars because the sushi is ok and the service is nice. But don't go if you're craving a gourmet meal, you'll be disappointed. It's definitely just a different, and very old, place to satisfy a random sushi craving.
(4)
Henry M.
Are you starving for sushi? Then come here and eat. They charge you by the plate but I promise you won't break the bank if you stuff yourself. It's a tiny little place that has seating around a conveyor on which the sushi is served. With that said, know when to come here. If you come here during prime time, you're going to have to wait. But if you come during some off time or, god forbid super early, you won't have to wait long if at all. The food is delicious. It might get repetitive so just ask the waiter for something different or for something you loved and haven't seen come by again. You can even get sake or beer! Like I said, you won't break the bank if you eat here. It's reasonably priced.
(4)
Naty S.
After hearing about this "Boat Sushi" place... We finally made it to Katana... Here you have to trust all the reviews and amazing recommendations. Based on appearances one may not go in, but trust your instincts... We made it to Katana around 10:30PM on. Friday night and there was a waiting line of 45 minutes. Well the wait was well worth it! The boats come by fast, carrying precious cargo... Tuna with Spicy Mayo, Salmon Sushi, all kinds of Sushi rolls, Gyoza, Uni rolls, seafood salad, you name it. They also have an additional menu with Noodles, teriyaki delicacies and sweet treats... The place is so full that it guarantees that the food is always fresh and just made. At times all the boats are sailing empty... Just to see new exciting shipments coming your way. Each boat carries a new surprise to be discovered. It is very Japanese, the servers are running non stop trying to accommodate all the guests waiting at the door. Come with time, come hungry, come with an open mind and just sail away... Katana wont disappoint!!!
(5)
Ana S.
This review is NOT for the food NOT for the service they deserve 4 stars. This are for the owners, come on! Yesterday a piece of the front wall fell on the top of a customers head waiting then on another customers foot. The place needs to be updated, that air vent with aluminum foil really?! The place is falling apart-spend money in a better a number machine so you don't have to get all flustered if you get it wrong. Please update Katana!!!!!!
(2)
Joseph G.
Thoroughly enjoyable sushi experience. Katana has a full menu and can also be enjoyed by way of small wooden boats carrying plates of sushi along a lazy river around the chefs. When enjoying sushi from the boats they charge by the plate. The color of the plate determines the price of the item on it. The plates range from $1.50 - $3.75 and they add up all the plates at the end of your meal for your bill. Katana is relatively small and if you are not part of the first seatings at 6pm you will be waiting for around one hour. I strictly ate off the boats which had a nice variety of sushi, sashimi, hand rolls, and salads. Great spot for a date.
(4)
Matteo B.
Some of the negative reviews are a bit bizarre. If you want a nice atmosphere, you're missing the point. There are plenty of sushi places in Miami Beach with 'atmosphere', but good luck stuffing your face for around $20. Yes, it's musty. Yes, it's dark. But that's part of the vibe. No, the manager ISN'T rude unless you're rude to him. Then again, we're in Miami, where manners go out the window. This isn't a place I go to for sashimi, or cute little rolls with drops of sauce scattered on the plate. Just get ready to go on a rice-overload with various crab rolls, california rolls, shrimp tempura rolls, that just roll on by on a little river as you sit down. It's not fancy sushi. It's not particularly great tasting. But it gets the job done when you just want something simple that will fill you up.
(5)
Ariel M.
This is a hole in the wall place ... But let's just say it is soooooooo worth coming here! I've lived in my neighborhood for over 13 years and for the first 8 ... I never ventured out. I truly regret not doing so because knowing that such a great sushi place existed around my block and I missed out all those years just kills me every time! Me and my boyfriend love coming here at least 1-2 times a month. Unfortunately because of the long lines, yes, you will always have a line here - we sometimes don't come out as often as we would like. This place is a small place and so you will be cramped inside while you wait. You'll notice as you first come in that there is no hostess but you will find one man running around - Toshi. He's the guy who somehow knows when you came in and will ensure you are seated based on who was first inside. I warn you now - DONT EXPECT GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. Also, avoid truly approaching him, he means well - simply has a funny way of showing it. Once seated, get ready to enjoy some amazing sushi at such great prices. You can wait for your sushi to arrive from the river boats and/or you can also order from their menu. They have some beer options and coke products. Their udon noodle soup with egg is amazing. Overall this is one of the BEST sushi places in Miami hands down. The lines will always be there to get in and sit - it shows how good it is and people will wait 35-45 minutes just to sit down and enjoy the food! Check it out... We do all the time and love it! We come so often that Toshi knows us now and says hello ...
(5)
Dennis M.
Great little hole in the wall. Conveyor belts with boats of sushi was definitely a unique experience. Place is very affordable and food was great. Get there early though, we had to wait quite a while. If you don't see a roll of choice from the menu on any boat, feel free to order with waiter and they will have it made for you.
(4)
Alex B.
This place is so cute! My friend goes here like 3 times a week because she loves it so much, and she's friends with the chef and waitresses. The boats coming down the water are really cute and you have the urge to snatch a plate before someone else does. All the sushi was delicious and I was full really quickly. I think the prices are fair because the fish is high quality, but it's a low-mid priced meal for me, and probably low or average for a Miami native. Come here!
(4)
Roberto F.
I've been coming to this place for years and I think the best approach to this review is simply stating the pros and cons, so here goes. PROS: Great quality sushi. Always fresh, delicious, and lots of variety Simple pricing. Plates are color-coordinated based on price so you know prices right away. And the prices are not bad at all. Plus, you can order whatever sushi you want if it's not floating on the little boats on the conveyor style moat. I suggest to try the banana tempura because it's just reeeally good lol CONS: Manager is RUDE. I've never had an issue with him, which is why I keep going back after 6 years, but I've seen him several times being very rude to other people. This place is not your typical restaurant and the manager will remind you of that if you confront him about the long wait or him seating others before you after you've been waiting. He's just rude if you bother him. Otherwise, he's fine. Place needs a renovation. Plain and simple.
(4)
Anna L.
This place has pretty good sushi, at very good prices. Its not fancy sushi, not creative over the top rolls... but if you're craving sushi this is it. BE PREPARED TO WAIT! ITS a tiny place, and it gets packed really quickly. You can only make reservations for the next day, if I'm not mistaken. Also the seating isn't very comfy. But all of those things don't matter as much... the sushi is good, and along with the prices, its worth the wait.
(4)
Ashley C.
In total, I've visited this restaurant 3 times over the span of 6 months years ago, and after my last visit I have never been back. On a search for the famous sushi boat restaurants Japan is known for, and once I stumbled upon this restaurant online and decided to make a long trip from my home in the Redlands to Miami Beach and give this place a try. Honestly, on my first visit I must have been so fascinated by the whole idea that I over looked all the important details. On my second visit I asked if there was a waiting list and he said no you'll be seated when there is an opening. Whatever, fair enough I guess. I waited in line for quite a while, and he seated a couple who had arrived after me. When I said something to him he started raising his voice at me and told me no they were here first. Bullsh*t, I saw saw them park on the curb and come in after me. I was clearly annoyed and considered leaving right then, but then a party left and mine got seated. I tried to get over it, but I was annoyed the rest of my visit. This time around, I noticed the sushi chef didn't have his hair covered or held back completely; he was wiping his face and nose with his bare hands and still preparing food!! The fish wasn't kept on ice, but just in plastic containers on the counter. The waitress that took our drink and other food orders leaned in over the passing sushi to speak to us. Come on really? I'm not a germophobe, but god damn don't put your face and hot breathe all over the passing food! Who came up with this setup? The sushi is not covered by anything so flies that get in when countless people are coming in to wait can easily get on the food. I saw the same exact dish of sashimi (raw fish) go around for about 30 minutes and instead of taking it out and replacing it, they just left it there. I feel bad for whoever ended up eating that one. The sushi was decent, but not memorable or impressive at all. The sashimi wasn't that fresh, and the side dishes and soups weren't memorable either. I've been to many, many Japanese restaurants and I've definitely had better that was around the same price range. I asked for hot green tea and saw the girl pour it from a large canister, and pop it in the microwave. Really? The tiles around the water where the boats pass through looked discolored and moldy, the lights has dust on them (seriously WTF, do these people even clean after hours??). The air-conditioning unit looked nasty and black with mold buildup and it was leaking. The seating area was cramped and uncomfortable, it didn't give customers enough personal space, and the seats themselves need to be replaced. I didn't even use the restroom because I was afraid of how nasty it would be. It took forever for us to pay and leave because the waitress never came back after dropping off the food. Now, for the last and final visit; the one that convinced me to never go back ever!! I decided to take my siblings here for the experience, but honestly I should have learned from my previous visit. My party consisted of 5; my boyfriend and I and my three siblings. Again!! We had to deal with the nasty douche manager and the careless seating/waiting setup. Come on! I know you guys are cheap as hell but can't you just buy a damn notebook and have people write their names and wait to be called!?! We were skipped again by people who arrived much later. I didn't bother saying anything because I didn't want to smell the managers nasty breathe as he bitches and treats you like crap. Finally, we were seated about 40 minutes after arriving. From there our overall dinner experience was fine. UNTIL... it was time to pay. My brother decided to treat us and pay for the whole bill which was just pushing $100. The waitress, who was only seen twice during the whole visit, came to collect the payment for our check. My brother paid cash and we waited for her to return with the change so that we could then all pitch in for a more than fair tip and leave. That didn't happen because all of a sudden the rude manager came and yelled at us in front of everyone in the whole restaurant saying "oh she lives off of tips and you have to give her more money than that." I was in so much shock I didn't even know what to say!!! First of all, tips are based on service, and her service was shit to be frank. Yet, even though her service was barely there, we always tip very well, and we had full intention of doing so before he came and embarrassed us in front of everyone there!! My brother still tipped her after that too!! Honestly, if she had even made an effort to come back to us she would have seen that we were leaving her a tip. Honestly, I would have just told him and her to go F**k themselves and left if I could get over my shock and speak. I was so furious and really wanted to bitch him out! HOW IS THIS PLACE STILL GETTING BUISNESS!!! It's gross, has rude workers, and I can't believe they pass health inspections!!! Never coming to this place ever again!!
(1)
Sack S.
Visiting from Toronto and my son's 11th birthday and he wanted sushi served on a conveyor belt style. We used Yelp and this one came up. We read all the negative reviews but went anyways since there seems to be little options in the area. The Restaurant is a little hard to find since the restaurant offers no name on the walls or doors. We used the street address and visual clues that it was Japanese restaurant. Restaurant opened at 6PM and we arrived a 5:45pm with line up already. We entered promptly at 6PM and was seated immediately - it is an extremely small restaurant. The food was good and the kids loved it - the reason why it is so popular is because it was so cheap. We ate 20 plates with noodles and appetizers and the bill $65 unheard of. In Toronto or New York the bill would have been doubled. There was only 2 servers and 2 sushi chefs. Probably 1 more person in the back. You can see how the employees can be tense and somewhat crusty since the restaurant is so small and people are waiting in line from when they open to when they close. These people are going all out - running a marathon for 5 straight hours. So when a customer with higher expectations being overly demanding comes in, you can empathize with the workers for being somewhat rude unintentionally. For the record we encountered decent service. But we sat next to the cash register and the phone was ringing non stop for take out orders, the manager finally gave up and stop answering the phone to focus on the customers in the restaurant. So when you go to this restaurant expect it to be like the "Soup Nazi" in Seinfeld, if you can not handle it, don't go, I warn you. If you can, then you can expect a good meal at very great price. Remember to eat and leave - this is not the place to go for romantic dinner since you have 30 people standing over you waiting to take your spot. Man I wish I had a business like it.
(4)
David R.
This is not your typical place and you will be reminded of that. Where do I begin?... are you ready to wait anywhere between 10-30 minutes to be seated?... and are you ready to be talked to in a quick and serious manner before being seated?... and are you ready to eat one of the BEST sushi experiences you will have in Miami???!!! if so, THIS IS THE PLACE! I have been going to Katana for years and what I love about it is the consistent service and quality of food. Not ONE time, have I gone to eat here and been disappointed. The manager, according to many reviews is an ass... not true. He works hard, moves things around and finds you a seat as people that are already seated move... he is a great person, as long as you dont bother him wondering why you have to wait to be seated...There is a reason why people are willing to wait so much for it, its simply a great experience. Every time I eat here, it reminds me of the documentary where the best sushi in the world is made by this guy who everyone scared off lol. I simply love it and highly recommend it. The prices are per plate and its such a hidden gem. I recommend the tuna with the sauce, the eel and the spicy tuna... soooo yummy!!!! Now once you are seated, you will have the smiliest most kind woman, asian too, giving you all you want and deserve! A must must must try place in Miami.
(5)
Diana N.
This place is amazing-cozy hole in the wall that makes you feel like you're in New York City. Food is stellar and the atmosphere is fun.
(5)
Carolina C.
The service and the food is amazing. I think that the restaurant could be bigger and serve more varieties.
(4)
Christine T.
My favorite sushi restaurant in South Florida! Have been coming for the past 5 years and have never left unsatisfied. With that being said, this place is definitely a dive, and why I have to deduct a star. It can definitely use a renovation and thorough cleaning. But the food is delicious and inexpensive. My husband and I can eat here feeling stuffed, and order a bottle of nigori sake, for 50$. Excellent date night, and expect to wait for a seat because it's always packed. Favorite menu item: spicy tuna and tuna with Cajun sauce Tip: don't come with more than 4 people, it is a small restaurant and it's hard to accommodate a party of more than that.
(4)
R M.
The quality of the sushi is better than I expected form this place, which has no name outside and looks dingy. The space inside can use some updating and cleaning. The conspt is fun, though not new by any means as this idea was sexy in the 90's. This looks like a leftover place from back then. Would have liked to see more variety of sushi, and it was not dirt cheap either. We paid for 2 people $60 without tip.
(3)
William K.
Amazing sushi for the price!!!! A hole in the wall place but it is definitely worth the wait!!
(5)
Liliana R.
Great sushi and a good variety of japanese food, although they seriously have to work on the space and physical aspect of the place, it looks dirty and sometimes smells.
(3)
Rachel S.
I had been coming to this place for almost 5 years. Never again. For years I have brushed off the smell of mold, the horribly disorganized system for seating guests (or lack of system thereof) and the terrible attitude of the manager/head waiter because they make a decent California roll and their prices are good. Never again. My husband and I entered the establish to wait in the clusterf*%$k of a line to be seated and after a few minutes some seats opened up. The manager guy seats people who got there after we arrived, and when we told him so said "too bad." Seriously? Never again.
(1)
Rick L.
Horrible customer service! The server actually said, "I'm not an asshole but if you don't like it there's the door." incredible. This is what happens when you forget things are done differently here in the good old USA! Never again.
(1)
Jessica A.
Blink and you'll miss it! This little hole in the wall actually gets pretty darn busy! Expect a wait of thirty minutes or so... Trust me, it's worth the experience! Bring a date or friend, it's a cool tiny place. Fun concept for those looking to try different types of sushi, though, you won't find all those ~famous~ rolls here. The sushi floats around on a belt, and the closer you are to the chef, the better chance you have of picking up what you want. Simple sushi, but good and fresh! The price of your sushi varies on the type of plate you pick up.
(4)
Selma F.
Eat sushis differently! Be prepared to stand in line at 5:45pm if you are going on a weekend. The food was good and really fresh and fairly inexpensive. However you will tend to over-eat before of the boats and small plates. The conveyor belt makes the sushis experience different however you might feel a little rushed. Customer service was very good.
(4)
Natalya A.
I'm surprised this place had 3 1/2 stars .... Anyways I've been coming here for about 4 years now and I LOVE it! Originally when I came in high school it was only place to get affordable fresh sushi! Yes, the wait to sit down takes forever and can be a pain but it's always worth the wait. They are efficient and work with what they have. I'll always be loyal to them. You get your money's worth. I love the fact you can see them making the sushi in front of you. I do wish they would expand.
(5)
Milay s.
Wow! I LOVED this place!!!! Fun atmosphere, cool rotating sushi river and really inexpensive. Worth the 45 min wait on a Sat. night. I wish this restaurant were in LA where I live!!!!
(5)
Wendy G.
We live near to Katana and love it for an easy dinner on a weekday. There's usually a wait for a spot at the sushi bar and there's only three or so tables, so be prepared to wait. But once you get a coveted seat then the sushi comes around on water river in small boats. Sushi is simple, tuna, salmon, crab, octopus, spicy tuna. There are rolls and hot entrees that you can order off a menu. Fish is generally very fresh. The restaurant could definitely use a remodel.
(4)
Rachel S.
I've been wanting to try Katana for quite some time now. I finally found my way here at just the right day and time. It was a Tuesday evening around 6:30pm. Why so early, you ask? Because I took Joseluis's advice. I knew I had to be here early to find a seat. As advised the place was already full and I managed to snag the last open seat near the end of the bar. It was full of locals. The service was good. My water glass was kept filled, and they kept checking to see if I needed anything. The dishes I tried included seaweed salad, rainbow roll, California roll, and salmon sashimi. All were fresh and tasty. I really like the little water boat system. After all this tasting my plates stacked up. The price on my check was very reasonable. I wish there would be more restaurants like Katana around our magic city.
(4)
Caro G.
Amazing place, but this time my experience was not good. Service is a big ingredient of the experience, and the manager was extremely rude. I won't get into details, but man, u need to keep it together, not all Argentinians are bad, and we do un speak english. Thanks.
(1)
Sarah S.
I grew up in Miami Beach and have been to this place countless times. It is hands-down my favorite sushi place on the beach. But for those of you looking for a quick overview, here are the pros and cons: PROS: -Fantastic, fresh sushi, rolls, dumplings, etc. -Very cheap, especially for such high quality (HUGE meal under $30) -Decent parking in the area, free after 6-7PM and there is a lot right behind the restaurant as well -Very cute, unique set-up, great for a date or casual night out with friends/family CONS- -Very long wait and does not take reservations -Although customer service is quick and efficient, not overly friendly -Not kid friendly due to previous cons Now for the detailed description-- I grew up in Miami Beach and have been coming here for years. It's a simple hole in the wall place, but appearances can be deceiving-- it is hands-down my favorite sushi place on the beach. The sushi is extremely fresh and very reasonably priced. You pay by the plate, and they have a display on the wall of the restaurant displaying what plate designs equal what price (light blue plate is $1-something, gold is $4, etc.). You can eat a HUGE meal of fresh, high-quality sushi, dumplings, rolls, and more for 20-30 dollars. It is fairly small, and the plates of food circulate on boats around a little "river" set-up in front of the bar seating. If you do not see what you want on the boats, you can always call over a waiter and individually order it. They also have hot dishes like noodles, teriyaki, and even fried ice cream. Perfect for a casual date, night out with family, etc.-- not kid-friendly, however. They are extremely busy, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, and do not take reservations (clearly they don't have to). I've waited 45 minutes for a party of 2 to be seated, but it is well worth the wait. If you do not want to wait very long, I would recommend showing right as they open (especially on weekends). Although the service is very quick, efficient, and polite/respectful to customers, do not expect overly friendly service. Overall, this place is fantastic, and I would highly recommend it to anyone craving great sushi/Japanese food.
(5)
Laura P.
I've been coming to Katana for a few years now (6 years) and I just came back to it after a year and I see that nothing has changed. Same rude greeting guy. Very small place, and not so appealing to the eyes. Very, very very disorganized . I do have to admit that the food is still very tasty but the experience can leave a bad taste in your mouth!
(3)
Romuald L.
They have not cleaned or painted for 15 yrs. It smells like gas and the service is gotten worse lately. Spoiled and lazy waiters will deny service after 9.40pm sometimes...
(1)
Parry S.
I use to love the place... But it really needs a makeover! It's dirty, smelly and staff working there for too long are ruining the experience... Super rude, exhausted, or just over it manager needs a new job !!! Never going back :((
(1)
Terra S.
Just so so. The service isn't ANYTHING to rave or bash! It's super tiny and can get really congested w/ people waiting behind and around you. The concept is cool with the floating boats but I had to order my specific rolls because I didn't see any of the rolls I wanted floating by after the first ten minutes of sitting down. My BFF Laura P recommend we eat at this place but acknowledged that her previous experiences were always lackluster. Would I come back on my own maybe not. Although the prices can't be beat I'd rather spend $3 or so more dollars per roll for a better overall experience! But that's just me.
(3)
Paul K.
Forget the food. It was average at best. But the "yelp sensored people" running this place are rude and inconsiderate. Only come here if you want to be abused. I can't believe I wasted my time coming to this dump. Furthermore when YOU act like jerks towards your customers don't go crying to yelp when you receive a bad review. Perhaps spending more time appreciating that you even have customers would be a wise choice. The place is dirty cramped & mediocre at best. Everyone is so impressed because the food floats around on little boats. Seriously?
(1)
Bri B.
My initial reaction was, eww I will not eat here. Then I did, and this place is such a great little hole in the wall restaurant (literally). I wish they would spend a little money on fixing the place, but as long as the food is fresh and delicious, I will keep coming back!
(4)
Ronny C.
Ok Sushi The wait was long and the last batch of items were ok - I like the cozy place food was good however the place needs some work- We had the soft shell appetizer and it was tasty. We ate several boats and we enjoyed the sashimi and some of the rolls. Wine selection was limited but good. We have dual residence- and we are buying a home in the area- for now we are finding interesting places in the hood. We will give it another try to get 5 stars.
(4)
Alex K.
I'm back with an update about the Katana Restaurant! This time with much funnier and worse rating! As usual I came here expecting some kind of change in... EVERYTHING! The wait was so long and this time with no chairs to sit while waiting. The people who were eating were selfish pigs, taking thier sweet time sucking the wasabi and edamame. Ok on to the next sentence... The sushi was good but not alot of my faves were there. I really don't like how they show off thier air conditioning by not building a roof or whatever. Not my type of place. Don't really recommend a place with possible diseases and douches. That's all for now...
(1)
M R.
1. Why is this place TWO DOLLAR signs yelp? I'd argue for 1. 2. We (boyfriend and I) lived in the neighborhood for a year. We tried to limit ourselves to eating here once a week. 3. I tried to make sexy eye contact with the chef with dreads every time. No luck. My boyfriend is such a cockblock. Haha 4. Cheap plates encourage you to try new things :) 5. The male server didn't have a wait list. He just memorized everyone. So impressive!
(5)
felicia b.
What a special, sexy little place. A delicious seaweed salad, kissed with sesame oil....Delightful little boats carrying bites of sushi heaven as cargo....Strong wasabi and perfectly pickled ginger to your heart's content...Love!
(4)
Anny V.
i love this place! the food is amazing! great price for sushi! the service is also great!
(5)
Sofia A.
Japanese workers are awesome the owner espically that guy was awesome to me.... great prices and the boats was amazing found it really AWESOME TOO... sushi was great loved the restaurant I wish could be bigger always busy!!!
(5)
Gabrielle W.
SUSHI BOATS!... steer clear of the splash zone... jk lollll YES, I am a super fan of Katana and as a former resident of Normandy Isle this was my go-to sushi spot. They have a dreaded-out-sushi-maker-chef-dude and a conveyor belt with sushi boats with delectable sushi on colorful plates... sounds a lil like heaven, right? Ok, so why would heaven receive only 4 stars, you ask? Well, the wait is always long if you arrive after 6(which is when it opens) and the order in which you are called to be seated is not very concise. Basically, it involves the owner(a little asian dude that never smiles) barking at people on where to sit once a seat around the sushi boats becomes available. lol Buttttt, some sake always cures the stress from the wait, the sushi is super fresh, the udon soup is *GAH* amazingggg, and did i mention the SUSHI BOATS?? oh, and the prices are great. :)
(4)
Rich S.
Visit #2 Tonight was disappointing. We came at opening and as soon as we sat down we were swatting FLIES away from the fish on the boat while sitting at the bar. And more disturbing was the LAYER of DUST on the rope that is directly above the boats of fish that goes around the river. We didn't notice this until the end of our meal and quickly asked for the check and left with a pit in our stomach. Attached find the pictures of the dust / dirt right on top of fish. A gust of wind and it's on the dish. I'm upset because we frequented this restaurant and now we are never going back.
(1)
Katana W.
Now I'm not being bias because Katana is my name, but this is an amazing spot! I came it by myself as I usually do when I try a new place, and I have no complaints at all. I will be back again!
(5)
Octavia Y.
I ALLLLLLWAYYYYSSSSSS WANNA bring my out of town friends here. There will always be a wait but it's well worth it! I can't and won't say much more because everyone has said it all. Don't worry about the dude who does seating, if you've ever worked in hospitality you understand, if you haven't, welp--- you don't. It's a small place and I feel like he does a good job. It's also better for you to come with one or two other people, this is NOT a place for large groups, at all, lol. Go! And ENJOY !
(5)
Elizabeth R.
I've been holding on to my review of Katana for the past few years. Why? Well, it's been a love/hate relationship. My first visit to Katana was back in 2003-2004 when I first moved to Miami. At the time, I was just starting out in the Magic City and money was tight, so Katana was the perfect, divey, affordable sushi option. I've been here countless times - for birthdays, dinner/movie nights or just because I'm lazy and I don't want to cook. Most of the time, the sushi is decent, but don't expect Nobu or Makoto quality here. Little plastic boats go round and round delivering sushi to patrons on colorful plates. Each plate has a price tag ranging from $1.50 up to $3.50 and contains items like squid salad, seaweed salad, steamed dumplings, sashimi and rolls. After all these years, Katana is still good and I visit them often. The servers are fantastic - fast on their feet, somehow effortlessly weaving between clientele in the small space without knocking anyone over. But, if you can get passed the sushi chef who doesn't wear gloves, the untidy bathroom, the microwaves out in clear view that nuke sake and the dust bunnies around the lighting over the floating sushi, you'll be just fine. Katana always has a line out of their door so they must be doing something right!
(3)
Dang N.
Wow, just like everyone else who's given this place a 1 star, I discovered the manager is a complete ass. He treated my friends and I like total garbage and was a complete dick. And the waitress behind the bar didn't help any bit either. The experience was so bad I don't even want to get into what happened at the restaurant but nonetheless we left quick and didn't say much. Shocking, especially considering he's Japanese? Wow, complete failure as a Japanese man. People like that back in the day would have been commanded to commit seppuku.
(1)
Karmanzita D.
Completely Filth!!!! Once a Lil Paradise Hole in the Wall is now a Complete DUMP! hadn't been there in a while. Fly's were flying inside the closed case were the Octopus and Eel seafood where Eeeeeaaawwww!!!! The place is very Dusty and the chairs ripped.(see other customers comments and pics on the same subject) One who Needs Permanent Vacation is The Manager. He is Very EDGY, TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL and COMPLETLY Out Of Line with Customers. You can see it in the poor faces of the two staff members that work there--(How Intimidated they are by him) The AWESOME Chef just stays Out of It!!...Or He'll throw him the NINJA Knife...LOL He needs to be put in the Right Place. You would think you were at the "SOUP NAZI" line in Seinfeld .. .that part We found it HILARIOUS!! Bathrooms also Dirty and run down. HOW DID IT GET THIS BAD!!??? How has this place passed the Health Departments inspections is something to be questioned.??? Anyone who is Handicapped on wheelchair should AVOID going to this Place...it's Not HANDICAP FRIENDLY Whatsoever. One thing did not change was the Food- It seems Fresh and tastes Deliah(since clientele is constantly moving for the 4-5 hrs that stays open. But!!! Old Customers or New Customers Don't matter. Management Could give a Crap who You Are....and this Ol' time manager Proves it Many Times Over and Over. I wonder if he's related to the Owner that allows this type of Behavior and Embarrassment to his Customers. that's the Only reason I can think of for him still Working There. THUMBS! DOWN!!!!!! Over And Over. Will Never Recommend This Place Again!!! ...What a Total Let Down :O( SAD!! SAD!! SAD!!!
(1)
Karhlah E.
Great place, prepare for a wait though. Since its rather small, i encourage less people.
(5)
Marjorie S.
Was brought to this place by a friend & was not disappointed. It's a hole in the wall and not a large variety of sushi but what they do have is pretty good. The wait can be a while but it's well worth it. Will definitely be returning in the future.
(4)
Meryl L.
Let's put it this way... You get what you pay for. The most expensive plate is $3.50 and as cheap as $1.50. They serve an assortment, sushi, hand rolls, seaweed salads, sashimi etc. Very basis, nothing fancy. The place itself is very tiny, be prepared to wait. The tables turn quick but there isn't much seating to being with. Also a little on the hot side. In my option on air conditioning or a comfortable temp is needed here in Miami. Although the concept makes for a fun dinner the quality itself is sub par. I'll consider myself a little bit of a sushi snob but i figured a place that makes the sushi right infront of you, places it directly on a plate onto a little boat that floats around the bar could be different and fun. What more can I say, no impressed. The ahi tuna was chewy, the kani salad was way to salty. There is also part of me that can't help but wonder how long some of that sushi has been circling on the river... Don't see myself coming back, not anytime soon. Disappointing.
(2)
Darth C.
This quaint izakaya features a sort of conveyor belt distribution system, wherein different styles of sushi are concocted, served on plates of varying colours*, and subsequently placed on one of several miniature boats that are continuously encircling the bar in pursuit of a patron worthy of its contents. Anyway... While the sushi isn't among the greatest I've ever had, it's undeniably great, and consistently so. On a Saturday night, you may wait 20-25 minutes to be seated, but it's certainly worth the wait. The waitstaff is usually all-Japanese and does their best to provide an experience comparable to that of a TÅkyÅ izakaya. *Once you've had your fill, beckon to a member of the staff, East Asian style (i.e., with your palm facing downward), and ask for the check. They'll sort your empty plates by colour, and charge you based on the predetermined value assigned to each.
(5)
Michael S.
Great fresh sushi and decent service. Hard to find a good sushi hole in the wall like this one.
(3)
Jessica A.
This is by far my favorite sushi restaurant. The plates are decently priced and the sushi is fresh and delicious. The only negative is how packed this restaurant gets on the weekends and weeknights. When I first found this place, it was empty. There was maybe 4 other people in the restaurant. Over a span of 6 months the place was almost always crowded. Good for business but annoying for customers. I just hate how some people get rude with the manager. He does the best he can with trying to remember who arrived first. Also it should be obvious that a couple of 2 is going to be seated before a party of 4. If you are rude to him he will tell you to leave. That can be entertaining to watch while waiting for a table. Overall the best time to go would be Monday - Wednesday after 9pm. The value for the food you receive is perfect.
(5)
Miguel Y.
Best mobile sushi around. You can actually call it a sushi dive in. been coming here for over 12 years and never disappointed The staff is always excellent. The staff might get nasty yes, but if you bitch about the wait and you see every one waiting patiently don't expect royal treatment. Don't complain about the wait on here if it was your first time, If you notice the regulars wait and don't complain. Best if you get there between 6-7p or after 10p or else expect to wait at Least 1 hour. Hint: You can ask for a drink while you wait to get started. Try the Tempura Cheesecake it's the bomb 1 is enough to share for two !
(5)
Michelle Z.
Hands down my favorite Sushi spot in Miami. Literally a hole in the wall! If your patience wears thin easily, don't bother checking this place out. Waiting for the next table on a busy night can range up to an hour. Hopefully one day they will finally expand the restaurant in size to accommodate the demand for the best sushi in town. Till then, I'll keep coming back !
(5)
Danielle H.
First things first, this place can be hard to find. I drove by it twice & didn't notice. There are no signs or lights nothing indicating it is Katana except for a few Japanese symbols by the entrance that you can barley see. If it wasn't for my phones navigation insisting I was there I would have never found it. But I did & it was a good thing we arrived at 5:50pm because there was a line forming. I had no idea it gets so packed! 30 minutes in to opening the waiting line was out the door! So come early or except to wait. The place is very small. I believe there were three small tables & the rest is seating around the revolving sushi bar or heaven as I saw it. It definitely could use a make over but hey, as long as the sushi's fresh I'm in & boy was it fresh! So I'm allergic to shellfish & I must be cautious while eating sushi so I kind of freaked when I saw the sushi floating by was not labeled. I had no idea what any thing was besides what I can tell by eye but that still scares me. So that's mostly why I deducted a star. My gf explained to our server my situation & he grabbed me a menu. He explained I can order off it & some things will be floating by so the menu will help me identify what I can have. I was immediately relieved & was able to enjoy the delicious food passing me by. Sea weed salad, edamame, spicy tuna roll, salmon sashimi, Cajun salmon, & cucumber rolls are just some of the things we had. At $1.50-$3.75 a plate you won't dent your pocket much. We stuffed our faces plus drinks & spent about $50. We spend more at any of our other sushi spots. I highly recommend trying Katana you will not be disappointed! I'm eagerly awaiting my next visit!
(4)
Christine M.
Katana is not your normal place in Miami. Its a whole in the wall and really small but they deliver as far as food goes. Sushi is unexpensive and fresh. The wait to be sitted can be long but its worth it.
(4)
Fabiola T.
Even though food is good like any other good sushi restaurant the place is very disorganized and very run down, not clean and the guy that runs the place, his name is Toshi is very rude, he tries to remember the order in which clients come into the place but always misses out and gets mad if someone calls it to his attention, not worth it! Go somewhere else for sushi!!
(1)
Michael N.
we live around the corner when in mb and katana is a must visit. don't feel at home here unless i've had their octopus salad, smoked eel and spicy tuna. they even make vegetarian sushi for my seafood allergic wife. don't understand the complaints about the owner/manager. never had a cross word with anyone from the staff. probably be there tonight if my relatives arrive in time for the opening
(5)
Jeff G.
I've been here a few times in the past ever since I moved somewhat nearby a few years ago. Every time I've come it's been busy. It's the only affordable sushi place around, especially compared to the empty boat place down the road I recently visited! My last trip here I came by myself, which seems to be the trick to getting seated relatively quickly. I noticed the price spread on the plates have changed, but only slightly. Some plates that used to be 3.25 are now 3.50 but that's about it. What I like about this self serve style is that you can pace yourself. Pick out what you like then wait for the next dish that appeals to you, which may take some time, allowing you to digest the previous dish. I'm usually pretty content by the fifth dish or so. This visit they had hot items float by, like a whole bunch of Gyoza. I jumped on it immediately! The $3.50 plate was full of them, I was happy, they were quite good. I walked out full, my total with tax and tip was $21, not too bad for good quality Sushi!
(4)
Arturo B.
Katana is good, but not spectacular. Small and cozy venue where sushi/rolls are constantly being made. Plates are placed on a 'boat', which travel through a lazy river and people pick as they please. You pay by the color of the plate. These get stacked and counted at time of settling your bill. My only issue with this concept is that if you are waiting for an item, someone ahead of you may get it. Patience is key here. One concern I have is that we are unsure about the 'freshness' of the fish as we got some 'frozen' fish... Hope it was a one-time incident and not routine business. By the way, get there early or late. It gets packed during weekends and the wait may be long before you sit down...
(3)
Naty K.
Blink, and you might miss this place. Why? Because for some odd (and stupid) reason, Katana does not have a sign at all. It is wedged between some establishments. But hey, considering the crowds who come, maybe it is best they don't have a sign and it is somewhat of a secret. I dread to see what would happen if this place were more widely-publicized. Love the concept of floating boats full of sushi plates. Beware, this place is quite small and can get crowded...if you don't come at the right time, you may find yourself waiting a while for a table. Yes, it is quite popular. The way Katana works is a fairly simple concept: you sit down around a bar and watch little boats float by in the water thanks to a conveyor belt, and when you see something that catches your eye, you pick up the plate and eat it. On the wall, you will see the color-coded plates and a price for each, so say you pick a blue dish and on the wall the blue dish is $1.75, then that is what you will pay for what you just ate, and so on and so forth. Each plate has its own price. Selections vary from dumplings, to seaweed salad, tuna tataki, crab salad, to other items. Everything is fresh, I have been here several times and never suffered gastrointestinal upset. The best part? You have fun while eating, because it's amusing to watch the boats pass by and see how quickly the chef can refill them and which selections get picked the most. I am sure that there are other similar concept restaurants in South Florida but I have yet to hear about them. The best part about this place is that you get fresh, decent quality sushi at a very affordable price, and at the same time, you have fun while eating. Beware though - once you leave, your clothes will have a heavy smell of food. Perhaps it's from the Gyoza and other fried items?
(4)
Jake J.
I moved to Miami in 2008 and was introduced to Katana by friends soon after we arrived. The place is small, no frills, and run by the same dedicated (and small - 4 people?) staff every time I've been. Yes, there are no English signs out front - but why would they need to put one up when the line is out the door? The sushi is great, the prices are amazing, and the owner is friendly. He does a great job keeping a ton of information in his head, and unlike some of the other reviewers have commented, he is always gracious and extremely apologetic when he accidentally tries to seat someone out of order. I'm guessing some people here are mad a local place (that's been named one of the best in Miami many times since it opened in the 90's) won't bend over backward for them. If you like good sushi and are a decent person who can wait your turn and appreciate the hard work it takes to run a successful restaurant in Miami... You'll like Katana.
(5)
Sandy S.
Been going here once a week and their customer service is awesome! They really know how to take care of you whether you're a party of 2 or 4 (not recommended for more if you want to sit together) and I've sat in different areas of the resto. You will not be ignored as busy as it is so don't wander off to the back waiting for someone to leave a table. Just wait in line and they'll call you out or you'll lose your spot. Place is small so don't bring strollers, carriers and even little kids there unless they can sit still. It's more of an eat and run kind of place. The food is fresh and if it's not on the boat you can simply request for the sushi for less waiting time. If you do bring kids please refrain them from touching the boats especially when they hesitate to grab a dish from them! It's nice to have the kids experience this style of eating and watching these boats go around and around but I have 2 little ones too and they just watch. Once the dish is touched it's yours! Please be mindful!
(5)
Nicole L.
Great spot for quick fresh sushi. There's usually a line of people waiting to sit, it's a tiny place but definitely worth it.
(4)
Johana M.
I love this place. Here's how it goes plain and simple....if the dude with the dreads is slicing the tuna stay. The tuna is delicious!!! The waiter is hands down an a-hole even if you're a regular and you catch him on a bad day he'll be mean. The lady waitresses are nice yay! The wait is a mission if you get there between 7:30 and 9:00 so try to get there when they open or later. As far as the sushi goes - lets just say it's the ONLY reason I go here. It's not pretty and the head staff guy is an a$$. This is one of those places you just have to try and decide if it's for you.
(5)
ilke b.
I been there many times,i want tell first good part fresh food,good price after 6 pm free parking,Bad part staff they have to try better face like :) they could be need new decorete old and dirty !!! if you check the ceiling full of dust !!looks horrible.anyway thank you for all
(4)
Benjamin B.
This is one if those hidden gems that one might expect to find in Chinatown in NYC or San Fran but not in Miami Beach. I went here with a good friend, and all We wanted to do was talk and drink. The place is small, but the noise is manageable and people have decorum. We sat, talked, and ate for hours without a bother. The plates are numerous, and we tried almost everything that came around. Everything that we are was good, and the beers/wines we had to accompany our meal were good and reasonably priced. I would love to come here in a date to see how a potential partner handles the situation. The venue provides many opportunities to see how someone will act with regard to choice and option.
(4)
Jacqueline E.
This place was amazing. My boyfriend and I were visiting Miami by way of Houston and after seeing all these great reviews(and loving the restaurants concept) decided to give it a shot. This will be a staple in any of our future Miami visits!
(5)
Tania Elizabeth O.
The sushi is very simple, you won't find many different rolls but you will find the most common ones. The one thing I love is that the sushi tasted so fresh it was very good sushi. The location is very small and I can't imagine being there when it's jammed packed. I had the miso soup it was also very good. The hubby and I over indulged and only spent $30. Definitely will be back!
(4)
Tina C.
This little hole-in-the-wall has some Authentic Japanese food. My family and I went in here, already queued up on a wait list. I could see why! The conveyor belt was driven by flowing water and floating boats which was quite a visual delight. I've never eaten at conveyor style sushi joints before (and I've been to Japan) so picking up the dishes as quickly as I could was like a fun little game! The prices were quite reasonable and the seafood was fresh! My younger brother who is allergic to seafood ordered pork tonkatsu. He said it was the best tonkatsu he ever had-crispy skin, moist and tender meat over a heaping of soft rice and candied ginger. I recommend this dish to any meat-lovers out there! I enjoyed the seared tuna immensely and the beefy udon noodles that I ordered off the menu. Anyways, the variety that they have here is limited but delicious! Quick service and real Japanese accommodation. I felt like I was back in Japan. :)
(4)
Yamile F.
Contacted severe food poisoning from here. Truly the worst week of my life.
(1)
Fernanda T.
always fresh fish! This place does not offer all the rolls you would find at any other sushi place, but who needs those when you have delicious Negi Hama!
(5)
Dylan E.
This is in my Top 3 restaurants, but if you ask my sister...she would eat there 2x a day and everyday. This is a great and happening place. The food portions, prices, and options make it great for sharing or trying out new stuff. The Kobe Rice Cakes are AWESOME! Good Teamwork to make your overall experience amazing. I am planning on going back next week.
(5)
Lorenzo D.
I come to Katana 2/3 times a week. It's the best Japanese restaurant in the beach, hands down. Food is AMAZING. The price is even better. I gave one star only because i want to capture your attention to the d*** manager (guy) that works there. Every other person in the staff is super nice and gently (as real japanese ppl who they are). Him instead it's a real piece of s***. he enjoys provocating customer with his rude answers, never smile always give bad answer. every single person we talked to abt Katana says how nice the plave would be without him. The restaurant says they close at 11pm but of course every time me and my gf walk in at 10.35 he tells us on purpose they are close.
(1)
Alex H.
Row, row, row your [sushi], Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream. A friend made the recommendation. I would never have found this place if it wasn't for Google Maps. (Tip: Parking in the back!) When you walk in, you find a large bar with a steam of water and food on boats circling about it. You sit along the "shoreline" picking your food as it floats by. This is Dim Sum on water. Each "dish" has a value associated with it from $1.25 (red plates) to $3.50 (black or gold plates). I didn't order any appetizers, which would have been rather silly since you have an infinite supply of food parading in front of you. In the event you want something specific that hasn't passed by, just ask the waitress! Bottom Line: Must try! Fastest way to get sushi service I've ever seen!
(5)
Kristina K.
Dear Katana, I love you but I am slowing down visiting you. It has been over five years since I fell in love with you, but I really don't think you have been cleaned since then. That AC has been leaking forever, and the dust everywhere, and the scotch tape, I don't even want to think of the little animals visiting your kitchen. And the lines of people because you don't take reservations the same day....
(3)
Nickolas D.
Amazingly rude manager, definitely worst experience in management I have ever experienced.
(1)
Kathia D.
There are so many reviews on this place already. Yes, the interior decor is old and it's quite dark in there. It is very small. Your best bet is to get there about 10 minutes before opening so you don't have to wait too long. Yes, there are boats that float by with sushi on them. The sushi is made right in front of you by a very serious, very skilled sushi artist (there is a tip jar, be nice). I have always found the sushi to be fresh and delicious. There are plates at all different prices. At the end of your dining experience, the value of the plates (which are priced by the pattern/color) is added up. I enjoy this place.
(4)
Felix J.
The place STINKS, is DIRTY and the manager is a JERK! DIRTY is NOT an opinion, it's a fact. Check out their health department inspection violations: felixj.me/katana I agree with Dang N.'s review below. Manager is a complete jerk! My family of 4 walked in and there were only 4 other people dining at the time. I went specifically because our daughters love the whole boat thing. As we walked over to sit along the boats, the manager said, "No! You sit here!" He pointed to a table that would put two of us away from the boats and would need to reach over. We explained why we were there, the girls, etc. He wouldn't listen. He said, "No. Sit there. We need those for other people!" As I wrote, the place was empty. We didn't want the girls to be upset so they sat down at the table while I went to use the restroom. While in the DISGUSTING bathroom, I asked myself, "why would I choose to eat at this dirty, smelly place, where we were just treated so poorly?" When I left the nasty bathroom, I told my family, "let's go. We'll go to another place like this." As I walked out, I told the manager, "because of your unfriendliness, you just lost business!" All he said was, "Ok, bye!" That pissed me off further so I proceeded to say, out loud so the other customers could overhear, "I should have listened to the multiple YELP reviews that warned about you and the poor service at this place. Trust me, I will be adding to the list!" Again, "Ok, bye!" was his arrogant response. The place STINKS, is DIRTY and the manager is a JERK! felixj.me/katana
(1)
Chill C.
I read a couple of reviews and was scared of the staff. But what a nice surprise: they were totally normal. at first very professional and quiet. Typical Japanese. The girl behind the counter was extremely attentive. she took care of my green tea refill before I even raised my eyes to her. She gave me lemons for the delicious spicy octopus salad without being ask. so 5 Stars for the service! The food was outstanding and in a good price - quality relation. I will go back. That's for sure!
(4)
Carlos E.
I like this place because is close to my home and is cheap for the quality and quantity of the food. My daughter loves it, she can eat 7 or 8 plates of sushi easily when we get there. If you are looking for specialty rolls you need to order from the menu rather than wait for the boats to come around. The variety of the boats is not the greatest but once again you can request what you want and they will make it for you. if you stick to hot or cold tea your bill is less than 20 bucks (for a normal person not for a 250 lb starving gorilla). The problem is the capacity, not many, it gets crowded quickly after they open at 6pm, normally there is people waiting at the door when they open, I know, I am one of them. if you get there later than lets say 7, you may have to wait a while.
(4)
Joseph P.
This place is just one of the most consistently good sushi joints around town. Every time I go, its as good and sometimes better than the last time. Interestingly though, its the simplicity of this place that I think makes it so successful. The place is a hole in the wall sushi joint that can barely sit more than 30 people at a time. Its highlight is the sushi chef enclosed by a river moat flowing with traveling sushi boats; delivering tasty sushi, sashimi and rolls. The seating in this place is often challenging because there are only 3 tables seating "parties" of 4. The rest of the seating runs along the river moat. The seating kind of works on a honor system of first come, first serve. Being that we are in MIami, you know that there is always a good chance that some punk (regardless of age or gender) may try to sneak their way past. Make sure you find out who is in front of you when you arrive. I recommend going when it opens at 6pm, but expect a line outside the door to get in. So maybe get there by 5:45 or so. I would suggest always going there expecting a wait of about 15 - 30 minutes just to keep yourself mentally less anxious. On the positive side, waiting means that the sushi is constantly moving, which is why this place's sushi always seems to taste really fresh. Even melting in your mouth at times. The pricing on the sushi goes by color of the plate. It ranges from $1.50 - $3.75 per plate. There is a board (legend) hung on the wall to help decipher prices, but honestly, just go with what looks good. It will be worth it. I promise. I highly recommend a few things here: Miso soup (always good), Salad (love the dressing), Vegetable Tempura (perfectly fried) and my personal favorite, Dragon Roll. It is absolutely scrumptious as the avocado melts with the crispy shrimp and a tinge of spicy-ness in your mouth. I usually get two. (One thing to note is that some rolls are made to order like the Dragon Roll, so if you are looking for something specific, just order from the servers). Speaking of servers, the staff is abnormally nice and considerate. Abnormally because we all know thats a rarity in our beloved town. As a public service announcement I just want to add one more thing: Don't go here if you are in a hurry, rude, inconsiderate, anti-social or just a jerk. The patrons and staff tend to be social, kind and overall just happy to enjoy some really good sushi. Cheers!
(4)
Alfredo M.
Sushi was OK nothing exceptional. Service was appalling. Imagine the worst experience you have ever had at a restaurant and then multiply it by twelve; that's Katana for ya! Glad I tried it once won't be back again.
(2)
Rebecca C.
Row, row, row your boat... gently down the stream. Merrily merrily merrily life is but a dream! Yay - what gets better and funner than sushi on boats going around in a river to your hearts content?? This was the perfect graduation meal. But I have to vent and complain first - this was the most awfullest, terriblest wait I have ever ever had at any restaurant ever. It was over an hour and there were more people waiting than eating. There was no system whatsoever and they didn't even take names, it's all based on honor code and the one waiter who works his butt off is supposed to remember the order people came in, unless you get in his face. Anyways - phew - the food & sushi. So fun. Wasn't that why we went anyways? Just beware of the wait & crowd & hassle even on weeknights! But oh so worth it. I love me some sushi on boats. It's just so much better that way.
(4)
Alexandra P.
Katana is truly a local, hole-in-the-wall gem. The space itself is admittedly cramped (and most definitely a fire hazard, not to mention NOT physicalhandicap-friendly). There's a little walled-up structure with a "river" of wooden boats each with different sushi/sashimi/salads floating around. You're seated wherever your party fits, facing the bar and are given a menu of appetizers and other food not floating past. I'm vegan so at first I was a little irked because nothing floating by was without seafood. BUT I advised one of the servers I only wanted veggie rolls and they had regular veg rolls as well as BOMB ASS tempura ones. Not to mention there is no small plate that goes over about $5. We paid almost $30 even for two people, including beer. And we were stuffed. Overall service was fantastic and quick, food was fresh and made to order. Can't wait to go again!
(4)
Diana G.
I love this place! Sure the wait is a little long and the place is tiny but the sushi is delicious and the ambience is really cool! Definitely a place for a date or Alone!l the prices are great too! It's worth the wait!
(5)
George M.
Was taken here and immediately was infatuated Little boats floating around and around... how eff'n cool is that I'm not huge into sushi but it might be the dawn of a new era for me If you know me, you know this is my kind of place Can't wait to go back
(5)
victoria s.
Someone fire that rude manager! Place is disorganized, dirty and hot. Stay away.
(1)
Ayla S.
Katana is my favorite little hole in the wall. If you want to lay low and get out of the house for a bite to eat, then this is a great little hide out place. The sushi is good and the prices are affordable. The restaurant is really dark inside and small, so you usually always will have a wait. The floating boats with different sushi selections to choose from was a great idea. Best to go at 6pm when they open. Enjoy.
(4)
Stephi B.
I LOVE this place! Its a small hidden gem. The sushi is great, the atmosphere and the staff is also very pleasant. I will HIGHLY recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Lori W.
One of my FAVORITE hole-in-the wall spots! I'd never been to conveyor belt (boats floating on a river) sushi restaurant before so I was pretty excited when myself and a few friends decided to stop by. It's a pretty small place and there was a wait to be seated but in my opinion I think it was well worth it. The staff was great and the food was FRESH! That's usually my biggest issue with sushi restaurants they either have nice decor and staff and lousy food r vice versa but this place had it all! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone whose never been to this type of restaurant! :)
(5)
Manuela F.
I had a very nice experience . I really recommend this place to all the people that don't care about the place but enjoy the good food. The idea to have boat floating is amazing!!!
(5)
Joseluis A.
katana is great but you must arrive before 6:30 if you want to find a spot without waiting. this is a tiny restaurant with a loyal clientele that keeps on coming back for more. the little boats float away in eternal loop bringing the goods from the kitchen. here you will find the classic sushi rolls, nigiri and other good stuff like seaweed salad and edamame. if you wish to order from the menu, you could do that too. i tried the udon noodle soup and that was such a great deal for only $4.75. big bowl of dashi stock with generous amounts of udon noodles and thinly sliced green onions. the sashimi they offer is good too, especially the salmon. i could eat this stuff for days!
(4)
Christine P.
Wow! Love the concept. Little sushi boats come around on a "river" and you take what you want and they keep a tab. Place is really small but the sushi is fantastic. Service was great. The best part however was when it came time to pay the tab! The prices were amazing! They sure aren't regular Miami prices! Most of the little plates of sushi from the river were under $5. They also have a menu where you can order dishes and appetizers but it is way more fun to take plates off the river!
(5)
Laura M.
Worth the wait (40mins). I loved their concept of the little boats with the sushi and the different prices. We were lucky to be seated by the chef, got to see him cook and easy access to the fresh dishes. I would love to go back on a less crowded day. They should look into creating a better system for seating guests since they space is so limited.
(3)
Nevik E.
Note: On Yelp I review exclusively sushi bars. Pure food quality it probably gets 2 stars. However, this is the funnest hole in the wall sushi in S. Fl. One of the few conveyor style (in this case floating boats) joints in S. Fl. Great for a quick cheap bite if you're out doing other things. Fish is average, choices are standard. Makes my top ten list based on price and fun.
(4)
Jonathan F.
I am hesitant to write a review because it hidden gem is the best japanese restaurant in Miami. I'd rather not have more people find it because he gets crowded already. You come in and the host remembers you and you have to wait your turn. Be prepared to wait if there is a crowd and it is almost always crowded. The food comes around on boats and you just take what you want and they count the plates at the end. Everything is exceptionally fresh. There are also are a number of hot items you can order on the menu.
(5)
Jonah K.
Busy place, good quality sushi with good sized cuts. The prices are very low for the quality. I will be back for sure. The whole boat thing is pretty fun as well, similar to the trains you see more often but even more amusing. Sake prices are also very low for good cold sake.
(4)
Ricky O.
Sushi on boats! Always packed! its all about turning seats there... good food, affordable, and cool concept! CASA BAHIA LOVES SUSHI BOAT!
(4)
Jeannie C.
My husband and I call this our favorite sushi place - hands down! We go at least twice a month, if not more often - always on a Friday after work to unwind. Get there before 6 or you'll wait - even though it's worth the wait. Nothing fancy about this place, that's for sure. But if you want great sushi and a fantastic staff who really care about your visit - GO HERE!! Recommendations: Uni (sea urchin) Mango Snapper Roll (special order) Salad (dressing is killer) Spicy Tuna Spicy Octopus Cold sake Oh, heck - have it all! It's that good!! I agree with Joseph P and would like to quote the last part of his review: "As a public service announcement I just want to add one more thing: Don't go here if you are in a hurry, rude, inconsiderate, anti-social or just a jerk. The patrons and staff tend to be social, kind and overall just happy to enjoy some really good sushi. Cheers!" Thanks, Joseph - well said! I HIGHLY recommend this place!
(5)
Asami S.
My favorite item here is the tuna tataki with spicy mayo. They have a few decent rolls here but everything else is either hit or miss. Sometimes the rolls are fresh and tightly rolled and the sashimi is "butter-like". Other days that is not so true. I find the spicy tuna and the various seafood "salads" they have to be overly salted and pungent. The seasoning is overly concentrated, as if from a seasoning cube (think bouillon cube). Their tempura desserts are tasty, but aren't most things fried? I personally have not had any problems with service. My main problems besides the inconsistency in food quality is crowding and that the place looks DIRTY. It could use a good cleaning, especially since raw fish is being served here.
(3)
Li F.
******The Owner is Japanese, and one of the most RACIST I've ever come across. Avoid this fascist joint.****** Besides some sushi plate floating on a water propelled belt, I don't really know what else is special for this place. The sushi/sashimis are bland, some are not even fresh and a bit saggy and even fishy to smell. Space is freaking cramped, too. I don't know why people want to come over here to eat and hang out. Be prepared to wait a horrendous amount of time in front of the door for a seat. The staffs are also extremely rude, forcing you to leave as soon as you don't order any more items, or move you to a crappy place when there are more people coming wanting your spot... Best way to ruin your romantic date. I don't think I'll come second time. Any other Japanese Sushi/Sashimi Buffet is 100% better than this shitty joint.
I LOVE KANTANA!! A locals spot in Normandy Isle on North Bay Village, don't let it's hole in the wall exterior fool you, and you can easily miss this place if you aren't paying attention (look for the red and black asian style lights in window!) Parking is easy- right in front on the street or the public parking areas on the side streets. There isn't any outdoor seating, there isn't a bright pretty sign guiding you in or a host desk with a skinny dumb model ignoring you for ten minutes then telling you to go to the bar to wait until you are called (bc there is no bar).. this is a no frills, we don't need to impress anyone our food will do that for us type of place. It gets packed, so come early. When you get there, you may be confused about how they are keeping track of you when you came in without writing your name down or giving you a buzzer or even talking to you, but just trust them. You don't need to say a word. They know what they are doing. It's a small space where you basically sit bar style around a mechanism that has boats with sushi going passed you in a moat sushi river thing. The sushi is on different color plates (which if you look at the wall coincide with 3 different prices, from 1.50-$3.50, AKA SUPER CHEAP.) JUST RELAX! Don't get all nervous and start asking all sorts of questions you can easily figure out on your own by looking around you and taking it all in. You aren't going to have a peppy server explaining to you "the concept" or telling you how many plates they recommend you each have. If you need to be babied through your dining experience, this place isn't for you. If you judge a sushi place on how good their lychee martinis are, this place isn't for you, and they don't have those. You can be crazy and pick whatever looks good as its floating by or you can match what you are looking at to a picture on a menu which will tell you. On the menu they have other hot items you can order.. I usually get edamame, seaweed salad, white rice, miso soup, pork shumai, chicken terriyaki or the chicken udon noodles.. you know, basic delicious stuff. No fried rice here though. The noodles are in a sweet Japanese broth that I didn't like at first but now I love, and the thick noodles are great. We also usually get tons of hot saki and sapporo for some quiet saki bombing (I guess those college days of being the loudest saki bombers in a sushi place are over) and I leave stuffed, drunk, happy and with left overs for less than $50 for 2 people. We also usually get the fried ice cream which is HUGE, has like 3 scoops of ice cream and delicious as well. This place is perfect if you are looking for good cheap eats whether it be to impress someone with your knowledge of a local hip fun spot or to just go for the 100th time because you want something you know is consistent, fresh and not too bad on your wallet. There are only a few tables with 4-6 seats so it's better to go with a smaller crowd or on a date. Kantana, don't ever change! (or for that matter, increase your prices either!)
(5)
Paige S.
Katana's is a great restaurant to grab a bite to eat, or sit down to dinner with some friends. The staff is extremely sweet, and very conscious of seating customers in the order they arrived. The spicy tuna got me hooked, and their banana tempura is what gets me going back! The only thing I would like to change is for there to be more of a variety. After eating a few plates, it seems like the same items continue to come out. Other than that, the food is great quality and has delicious flavor.
(4)
Leah S.
This little place did not disappoint. Thanks to Yelp we found this little tiny spot w/ great sushi. Very fresh. Rolls come around in small tapas style format . The plates are $1.50-3.50 and on the sushi river which is constantly getting fresh sushi placed on the plates by the fastest sushi chef I've ever seen. New York Style. Overall a great experience. We went on a Saturday at about 9:30 and there was about a 30 minute wait. You can pass the time by sipping on premium Sapporo beers, they will serve you while you wait, though you may have to ask, don't wait for them to ask you. Also they don't write down your names so better be somewhat aware or they can forget its your turn. They really need a better seating system. It almost happened to us Some time passed w/ the empty chair and he realized it was us who was next and finally let us sit. There is no sign for Katana. Look for the Japanese lanterns in the window. The place is just past the Peruvian restaurant and before Bay Drive. The great news is they accept reservations! Reservations get seated first.
(4)
Arly M.
What took me so long? I literally lived a block from this place for some years and even while knowing of its popularity, never tried it. Until now. I loved this place. I went on two separate nights this past week. The service was great considering how busy they were both nights. The sushi tasted fresh as it should. The boat concept is fun. Yes it is a hole in the wall but the best kind. I love wasabi and their wasabi actually had kick. I thing I have found my new go to Sushi spot.
(5)
Josue M.
My best friend suggested a few years back she had found the coolest sushi place on the beach and to my surprise she really did. So last week I took my boyfriend their to surprise him with our trip to New York and of course, sushi! We had a blast and the service was superb. Totally going back.
(5)
Dan G.
My favorite sushi place in Miami. It is an unpretentious little sushi bar that you grab colored plates off the boats that whiz by in a moat around the cooks. The color of the plate determines the price and they add them all up at the end. Great tasting creations and a nice selection of both wine and tea. I would say that you need to get there a little early as they tend to have a wait!
(4)
Julia K.
This is truly a love hate review. So let's start with the good... The food is always freshly made by the chef standing right at the counter. Everything is consistently good. The fish is thinly sliced and melts in your mouth. There are small plates of unique creations, and it can be a bit adventurous to try new things. I have been going to Katana for 15 years and I am pretty sure they have Never raised the prices. You can't have sushi of this quality at this price anywhere on Miami Beach. That being said, I don't think they have updated or cleaned this place in 15 years either. This restaurant is so dark, I am almost afraid of how dirty it really is. I guess the seedy, hole-in-the-wall decor is part of the North Beach allure. And I will keep coming back because the food is great, but I pray for a scrub down.
(3)
Eilene B.
My good friend and i are from california (los angeles and san diego, respectively.) and we yelped sushi in miami beach and this place came up. the place is funky cool, all dark with the sushi bar/river in the middle. its nice. its a bit cramped but nothing i couldn't deal with. the sushi? pretty good. have i had better? yes. but it was tasty and it was a good price. my only issue food-wise i suppose was that they didn't give you any description of the sushi nor a menu. you just kinda went by eye. now why do i have a 2 out of 5? the service. rude is an understatement. The 2 people who were there were very very rude. heres what happened: One gentleman had an ID from another country. The man clearly was over 21 but i understand laws are strict etc... anyways, the man gave him the ID he looked at it for about a second then threw it back to the costumer and said "i don't speak spanish so i don't understand this ID I am not going to jail!" and walked away. The man was clearly taken aback and so was i. very rude and disrespectful. the man looked upset the whole time he was there. (and by the way, you can read a damn year, the numbers are not any different in south america. jerk...) now on to our "waitress". The cherry on top. This woman filled out water cups ONCE. and didn't talk to us the ENTIRE time we were there (which was about an hour and a half) which i guess is okay since its sort of your own self service. so it didn't bother me much. BUT, when we went to pay, i left her a small tip, just because i always tip. i told my friend not to worry about the tip (she paid card) that i had cash. we started to get our things together and then the woman came up and RUDELY threw the receipt tray in front of my friend and told her "tip isn't included in the price!". i couldn't believe she has the NERVE to do that. My friend was shocked, and got nervous to say anything back. so i gave her more of my money for the tip. and we left quickly. now, I've been a waitress since i was 16 years old. my parents are in the food industry. i get it. tips are essential. BUT i feel that rule only applies if you actually were waiting on us. she didn't refill anything, she didn't bring us any food or cocktails, so naturally i left her a smaller tip. i felt she was EXTREMELY rude to my friend and very pushy. she didn't even deserve a damn tip but i left her one to be nice. her being rude ruined my entire experience there. i will NOT be going back to this place if i ever visit miami beach again. its been almost a week and I'm still upset about it. save your money, go somewhere where they actually care about the costumer, not the money. (the man with the ID spent the whole time yelling at the woman waitress about money in another language across all the costumers, also rude i feel) long but i felt i needed to say something. horrible service ruins the restaurant.
(2)
Jahzel M.
This place is amazing!!!! It's miami's little gem! It's the closest experience I have had to sushi restaurants in Japan. The quality, the variation, the service, everything is worth the visit.
(5)
Andrew S.
Back to 4... TRICK. Sit at the table right next to where the sushi chef puts out the dishes. It completely changes the dynamic. The sushi freshness was better. I would say it has something to do with the time of day we went... around 6:30pm on a Monday. Dinner was just starting and food fresh and good. Manager was in a jovial mood too. Cool guy, who is going scuba diving in my home state soon. I think his enthusiasm for Spam Musubi (the 'hot dog' or 'hamburger' to islanders) earned an extra star :-)
(4)
Aslamon R.
Best Sushi in Miami without a doubt. That being said, the place is not the cleanest and the attention is very rude. I go there for the sushi, so I dont care about the long lines, or the attitude of the manager (who I think is the owner too). Im a regular customer, and I saw it all: - Manager telling people they cant serve them, because theres a long line and they want to close (10 pm on a friday) - Manager asking people to go home because he needs the seats (literally) while people are still eating - Enforcing chek on customers while they are still eating - Employees yelling at customers for not tiping more than 10% and demanding (yes! demanding! more tip) But, theres a reason why this place is always packed, from 5 to 10: its the best damn sushi in miami. So, go there for the food, not the experience.
(4)
Michelle Z.
( to the tune of Copa Cabana) Her name was Michelle, she sure loves sushi, be it salmon,yellowtail, cut up in rolls or even squares she went to eat one, night at Katana, little boats floated on right by, little dishes caught her eye. filled up with rolls and more, each plate cost less than four, With every boat that passed by, she was a sushi whore At Katana! Yummy Katana! the boats float by and you just grab 'em At Katana! Yummy Kataaaaaaaana! sushi, capsizing, boats, so much to handle at Kataaaaaaaaana, it's sooo much fuuuuun.
(4)
Suzy V.
Been to katana twice and the sushi here is great. The premise of the restaraunt is basically sit around a small bar as little boats with plates of sushi float by. You can pick these up a la carte of order off the menu. Good prices good sushi.
(4)
Rosemary S.
If you are lucky enough you may find a parking spot available right outside. You've might've just won the lotto if you walk in and find 2 chairs next to each other available. I've been here several times and won the lotto only once, all the other times I've had to wait. The sushi is great for the price and area. The food floating on boats is awesome! I just wish this place was bigger.
(4)
Gabi B.
This place has great sushi but employs nasty people. The manager here is a complete ass. I'm the kind of person that it takes a lot to get me mad and after our experience last night I will never go back and will be reporting this company and him to the BBB for discrimination. If you're looking for great sushi and don't mind being treated like shit , then by all means this is the place for you.
(1)
Ruth H.
Neat times 10! This place has sushi boats floating on a river of water... its like a theme park ride, only tastier. Oh, to be the captain of that ship!, in search of the $1.50 plates, which I never saw. Katana, we shall set sail again.
(4)
Michelle B.
Fresh, delicious, sushi brought to you by boats on conveyor belts..or moat, whatever. So charming, I usually go into a daydream that entails me magically becoming miniscule and riding on one of those little boats, but then someone ends up confusing me for sashimi and Katana is forced to close down since cannibalism is frowned upon in this society. Fortunately, I come back from my daydream and choose more plates that range from $1.50 to 3.75 depending on the color of the plate. Yummy and affordable indeed.
(4)
Art B.
Pretty good food but extraordinarily rude staff and management. Would have eaten more if I wasn't so insulted. Inexcusable. There is no way a place that treats their customers like the way they treated me and my friends should be allowed to stay open.
(1)
Leslie B.
My kids think this place is fun because it has the boats that float around and you choose what you want. However, it seems dirty to me. I dislike going there. Sushi places need to be pristinely clean in my opinion. There are so many better sushi places in Miami so keep looking.
(1)
Stephanie L.
The whole idea of conveyor "river" sushi is brilliant! It turns an ordinary meal into a fun eating experience, where you can let your eyes decide what your stomach wants. The only question becomes...does it taste as good as it looks? At Katana you can watch different options come floating down a little river in mini wooden boats. The plate pattern designates the cost, and for a very reasonable price you can get several plates of different dishes. While the experience is fantastic, the quality itself is only mediocre. The fish sometimes tastes a little dry, and the other dishes are often so-so. I've had better quality and more creative sushi, but I've definitely had worse sushi experiences too. If you don't see what you'd like on the water, you can also order from a traditional menu. The restaurant's layout makes it a little tricky to come with a large group (and often ensures a wait), but in Miami the concept is something unique worth trying if you're looking for something new to try with friends or a date.
(3)
Lauren B.
This is a quaint little place in North Bay Village. The sushi and sashimi literally melts in your mouth. It's REALLY that good. I promise. The little boats that go by are so fun! Although it can be a challenge to grab what you want before someone else does. The prices, I mean you CANNOT beat it. Each plate on the boats \\range between $1.50-$3.75... what a steal! The only complaints are the wait. They open at 6, get there then. Or around 10 PM. Also the smell is a bit off because the restaurant is old and it shows. Needs an update for sure!! HIGHLY recommend!!!
(4)
Priscilla R.
This is our weekly hang out! We literaly walk down the street every Thursday to eat here. We give it 3 stars for the price & convenience! Service is just ok though, but I gave it 3 stars because the price and location is so good, it makes up for the ok service.
(3)
David S.
The pathetic Sushi NAZI manager is there EVERYDAY now-- ruder and more obnoxious than ever. Must have gone off his meds. Even the employees can't stand him. !!! :-(
(1)
Eduardo O.
Meh! I guess people love to grab their sushi from a floating plate passing by. But there are surely fresher and better sushi places around. not counting the limited sitting, and lack of service.
(2)
John L.
Definitely a hole in the wall sushi joint. Get there before 7pm or you will be waiting in line watching everyone else eat! A party of anything more than four will be kind of a pain to get sitting all together.
(4)
Margaret T.
This place, by far, is the BEST SUSHI I've had since being in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale area. The owner takes pride in the food and spirits he serves. Most people complain about the wait and how they seat people by memory. Yes they are old school and you must be diligent where your place in line is, but there is a reason why people are waiting in line (even waiting an hour before the restaurant opens). This restaurant cares about their product which is rare nowadays. Yes they could expand into the unit next door but they choose now to because again, they are about their food and serving the best quality without compromising to make more money. If you can respect that, you will be happy when you sit down, have their quick and great service with excellent food quality. I will be driving that hour and some odd minutes because its worth it. I'm a impatient person but I also know good things come to those to wait. This is definitely one of those moments. Period.
(5)
Wendy H.
It is my favorite sushi place...i am sure that a sushi snob would completely disagree with me but I love it! I think it is fresh and yummy...the service is great...and the prices are incredible. If you look on the wall you'll see the different plates with the prices and you pick up your choice of sushi from the katana boats floating by on the little river...sooo cute and sooo entertaining. I love going to Katana...sometimes there can be a wait so be patient and they open at 6pm.
(5)
Jezza L.
Cool little sushi spot where boats float around with sushi plates priced differently. Feels like your in a backstreet in Japan. The only negative is the wait for seats. It's worth the wait though.
(4)
Penny B.
It's a small hole in the wall sushi place located in the heart of North Bay Village, FL. It's quite dark in here, so I can't see how clean the place is, but what do you expect...it's a hole-in-the-wall! (I've never used the restrooms in this place either). Katana has good, cheap sushi on plates floating on boats around the restaurant. You pay based on the color of the plates, there are usually about 4 sushi pieces on each plate; each plate ranges from $1.50-$3.50, and you can choose some other appetizers/dishes that they prepare in the kitchen. There is a stream of water that circulates in a loop around the restaurant through the kitchen and back. The chefs make the sushi in the center and place it on the plates for customers to select as the sushi plate boats float by. They only open from 6pm-10pm and don't take reservations.
(4)
May R.
Katana's place might be a little scruffy, but this place made me love Japanese foods even more! I just can't help but to tell everyone to try Katana. Even tough Katana is a very noisy place, i'm enjoying every minute here. Because once you eat any specialties, you will forget everything and will not hear anything. I swear, that's what i felt. I think everything on their menu are awesome. I was like, "OMG. Gotta tell my friends to try this! This will make them love me! Hahaha! " Everyone must give their tongue the opportunity to taste the best sushi and rolls ever! They deserve to be given 5 stars!
(5)
Kaylin O.
To be honest with you, I wasn't absolutely thrilled about this place the first time I came here with my bf. He raved about how he and his friends love this place. I have to say great price for sushi. The place is always packed. This place is only open in the evenings. There are only 3 tables plus the seats around the revolving sushi conveyor. Depend on which day you go, it can be great or ok. It depends on which chef you have. My bf and I think one chef is better than the other. The fish are not always super fresh. It's always busy so it's better to go early. If you don't want to wait, you can order to go. To me it's more like a 3.5 but I gave it a 4.
(4)
J C.
Doors open at 6pm and you might as well get here earlier since you can't make reservations! It is a first come first serve basis. The first thing that will catch your eye is the sushi conveyer style bar. While the sushi is moving around the bar by the sushi boats you must catch it while you can. The prices are extremely reasonable from the sushi to everything on the menu. The sushi is priced by the color of the plate. The decor would be considered "Hole in the wall" but I recommend this place for a quick & reasonable bite!
(4)
Lolo l.
OMG! What a great place! We had to wait like 15 min but it's ok, because that was a good sign. The service was great and the food exquisite! Fresh fish, good gyoza, japanese beer and people who actually speak Japanese (and English of course~!) Loved the theme with the little river and the sushi upon the boats, super genius and funny idea~! The place itself is not fancy, just like a regular restaurant from the outside, but the real magic happens inside. You feel like you have visit Tokyo while you are there because it's very similar to the restaurants in Japan....If you've even gone to Japan...then you would know what I mean. So,go and have fun and itadakimasu~~!!
(5)
Kelly O.
Oh conveyer belt sushi how I have missed you. It has been almost a year since my visit to Japan and since then I have been dreaming of the salmon nigri with thinly sliced onion and Japanese mayo. There it was and it took all I had not to yell hello lover when I finally and blisfully ate that nigri. It is probably one of my favorite foods to eat. And I proved it by having a few platefuls. All the rolls were good. The eel and spicy tuna were favorites. Even the chicken katsu ginger dish was a nice surprise. Nice flavors and crispy deliciousness with a side of that wonderful mayo. Whenever I miss Japan I'll know where to come.
(4)
Ozzy R.
I think i sunk your Sushi Boat!!! Seriously i think i may have caused some water way congestion last night picking sushi from these cool little boats with sushi on them. This is a lil place that has a sushi bar and some tables as well. It is very cool and quaint and c i cannot belive i hadn't been there before even though i grew up on miami beach. I had dinner here last night and i must say that i really enjoyed the food. You get to pick from a variety of plates floating by you as well as some dishes and appetizers. I reccomend the shrimp skewers as a starte. The service was great and the food was great as well. Looking forward to my next visit. This place is fairly priced and they charge you per lil plate that u select from the river which range from $3 to 8$ and then they have appetizers from $5.50 to $9.50. I guess if your not careful you could rack up a huge tab..lol
(5)
Alex C.
This has quickly become one of my favorite top 5 restaurants. Katana never disappoints. Yes, it's a hole in the wall and yes the wait is long. but it is worth it. My favorite is the spicy tuna roll. the only downside is that it's not open for lunch weekdays or weekends.
(5)
Apreski C.
Gross, dirty, and terrible service. I was hesitant to eat there when I saw what it looked like and ended up getting very sick afterward. I checked their health code record and they have several critical violations. Hippo Bites just opened down the street, they're clean, have boats, great food, and super friendly service. Save yourself a hospital bill.
(1)
Jessica W.
So I came here with one of my friends who lives nearby and I don't understand what all the hype is about. We arrived as soon as they opened, so it was nice that we didn't have to wait for a place to sit. I think it's really clever how they serve the food on boats floating on a little moat, but besides that I don't think it's that special. The place looked dirty, which is concerning considering I am consuming raw fish. The sushi was ok, nothing great. Luckily, we didn't have any problems with the service, unlike other reviewers. It was cool to check out, but I don't plan on returning.
(2)
Yoshi Y.
I love this place. It's rare to find japanese run/owned sushi restaurants in South Florida. You can tell when a place is run by thai/chinese etc and they're trying to replicate japanese cuisine, usually without good results. Fortunately, this place is not like that. You can tell a huge difference in sushi quality from a non japanese to japanese sushi chef. I've always loved conveyor belt sushi both in Japan and the many places you find it on the west coast. Here they use boats, which is a cute system and has grown more popular. Sometimes the wait can be a little bit, but it's because it's such a local spot and it's so small. It's been around forever. The sushi(nigiri specifically) portions are very large and VERY reasonably priced. i love going here because i can load up on quality sushi without burying my wallet. I no longer live in the beach so i cant make it out here as often. I wish there was a place of this caliber downtown or in brickell so i could go there a few times a week.
(5)
Maria K.
I've been going to this place for 20 years and unfortunately I am no longer a fan. The sushi has been great but the place is disgusting. Looks like they haven't cleaned the place in all the years I've been going. It's a shame because I loved the place but the dirtiness is now unbearable. The last straw for me was the floating baby roach in my water, their nasty bathroom, the 2 inch dust on the AC ducts on the ceiling, and the slamming door with the broken hinge. Actually the whole place needs a deep cleaning. I wonder how it looks when the lights are turned on. I didn't make a stink about the roach but I promised myself that I will not be eating here anymore.
(1)
Keshia R.
I love this place! All other sushi I've had does not compare to what they are making at Katana. Only thing is the long wait because the place is small, but to me it is well worth the wait.
(5)
Alissa W.
This place is adorable they have little boats going by on a river stream with different plates of sushi. The quality was great everything was very very fresh. I didn't order anything off the menu just stuck to the sushi boats. Everything we got was great especially the spicy octopus salad. It is a cute concept and none of the plates are large usually half portions which I love because you can try everything. The spicy tuna, and the scallop rolls were great.
(4)
Hannah S.
Boats & sushi - two of my greatest loves, and little Katana brings them together in the sweetest way. I mean, who can possibly resist food floating by on little boats? Who would want to? We arrived and had to wait awhile - at least 25, 30 minutes - the place is teeny tiny, and busy. But worth the wait. We got a seat at the bar, which meant front row food access. Sweet. The little river went around and around, with all kinds of tasty treats floating by - I'm with George M., I was immediately infatuated. This certainly isn't an experimental or exotic sushi joint - most of the options are pretty basic. California rolls, spicy tuna, salmon sashimi, shrimp rolls, etc. But everything was good quality, tasty - and CHEAP. So cheap. Service was nice, but at this place, atmosphere is really where it's at. Can't wait to go back ... I miss that little river already.
(4)
Remy L.
This place has some of the most delicious sushis I've tasted in Miami. The sushis come on boats. Just the fact that being able to see what you're going to eat makes all the difference to me. The service is not always perfect and I've had some less than average experiences a few times but sushis are so good that we keep going back.
(4)
Cranky C.
I think 2.5 is better but they don't haves... And a 3 is too much. Bizarre little joint where you grab sushi off little boats that drift by in the center of the place. A for originality and D for execution. The boats go by in a dimly lit little homemade river. Sitting next to it, you see all the cheap electrical wiring. Cheap home depot lights with warnings on them. Bad lighting makes it difficult to see what exact kind of sushi it is. Maybe little signs on the boats or the non sushi experts? The service was midgrade. You'd think it'd be super great since there's no service other than bringing another drink, which they have to carefully pass thru the boat area. Kinda wild. As you finish, your dishes go on a platform above the river... Where, btw, they sit the entire time. The sushi was pretty good. I've had better and I've had worse. We avoided the ones that went round and round for 20 minutes but if you just got there you may have picked some not so fresh ones. I ordered the udon noodle soup as well. Some udon noodles in broth. No veggies. Clean it up. Redo some interiors. Figure out the food thing so it seems fresher. And get some motivated non shy servers. Boom.
(2)
Jessica F.
Great sushi! They have a restaurant design similar to that of Japanese sushi conveyor belts, except the conveyor belt is a mini river which has the sushi sitting in a little boat. Each plate is color-coded to designate the price, which makes it difficult to keep track of when you're grabbing everything that looks good! They make the sushi right in front of you. Also, this place is super small. They have limited seating around the little river and maybe 3 or 4 small tables next to it. Be there early to get seats!
(4)
Teresa S.
Got to check this spot out last night. If you're looking for good sushi, definitely check this place out. It's not 'the best' sushi, but it is most certainly not sub par by any means. the food is fresh, and very tasty. service was great, and the staff was quite hospitable during my time there. It's pretty much one of those hole-in-the wall spots you're likely to return to often. I can see how waiting after certain hours of the evening can be a bit of a pain. Seems like a lot of people like to come around, and the restaurant itself is not incredibly spacious for the amount of frequent patrons that are constantly coming in. They have a very small menu which consists of the usual udon, teriyaki, and spicy dishes, but I can't imagine how much of anyone's attention would remain focused on that when there's food literally floating by right in front of you. there's a sushi boat 'river' with boats each carrying a different assortment of sushi, sashimi, salads all in smaller and reasonable portions. Pricing for this is handled differently. Each plate with a specific color/design details the price of what you'll pay for it. Prices range as low as $1.50 up to $3.50 a plate. When you ask for the check the waitress/waiter will charge you accordingly to the amount of plates you've pulled off the boats. definitely worth returning to.
(4)
Hiram R.
Awesome place for sushi. Been around for ever yet never gets old. Love the boats carrying around the sushi. Great way to taste different things without paying too much.
(5)
Myner G.
Katana I love this place. It's pretty much a small sushi bar with a circle bar in the center of the restaurant where boats come around loaded with sushi rolls and other great things. The prices are all based on the color of the plate you grab ( $1.50, $2.00, $2.50, $3.00 and $4.00). This place is very cheap for sushi and it's extremely fresh quality, I have never been let down here. The only set back is you should not go in a group bigger than 4 because the seating can get tricky and take a while. If you're a tourist and you're on the beach reading this do yourself a favor and hit this place up and avoid paying $18 for a roll on South Beach which will more than likely suck. Oh this place also has really cheap beer and $5 tall Sakes. Every time I go, I end up stacking anywhere from 8-12 plates and only manage to spend $50. Recommendations: Have one of each plate and stuff your face! It's all good!
(4)
Elizabeth S.
Try finding cheaper sushi of this quality anywhere else... I dare you! This little "whole in the wall" is Miamians' little secret. I'm even hesitant to write this review because, as it is, I already have to get there 10 minutes before opening to guarantee a seat. People will easily wait an hour standing for a chance to sit at the bar where boats piled with color-coordinated plates float by. The sushi is FRESH, CHEAP, and creative. The atmosphere is wonderful; I hope they never expand because I think it would kill it's charm. Definitely try the spicy crunchy! It's a mountainous mixture of raw tuna with spicy mayo and crunchy (tempura flakes). All in all, it's in my top two for sushi places of all time because the quality exceeds the price; often not the case with sushi restaurants.
(4)
Serena S.
Finally, a restaurant that doesn't serve Thai food, sushi, and fried rice all in one spot! A Japanese restaurant with a Japanese sushi chef! Crazy!!! My friend told me about this place and it's places like this that make me love NoBe. This place is sooo adorable and I love the boats that float by with plates of sushi. However, if this place didn't have that, it would just be like any other mediocre sushi place, which is sad! It has so much potential, but relies on the novelty of floating boats to reel people in. The sushi is good, but not great. There are more "california roll" type sushi rolls than legit ones. It's also not the freshest sushi I've had either :( However, this place is super affordable and I think it's one of those "you get what you pay for" type places, so I can't complain. Service is great, but expect a wait. It's not a very big restaurant, so it can get crowded. You pay by plate, and different plates cost different amounts. You can even stand at the far end of the sushi boat path and grab plates, dump the sushi into a to-go box and take it home! Awesome. If they had fresher fish and better rolls, this place would skyrocket. But for now, 3-stars it is...
(3)
Elizabeth P.
Love this place. Love the fact that some is preparing sushi I front of me. Wish the place was bigger. Sometimes there is a wait.
(5)
Diana D.
I love coming to this place for the sole reason of "the sushi river". In Miami, where sushi joints are a dime a dozen there HAS to be a reason why 15 minutes after they open all their tables are full and there's already a line forming. Yes its dim, small, and that river can give off a funky smell, but the sushi here has always been great. In fact, I enjoy it more when it is packed because the dude rolling up the sushi is pounding them out left and right, Ive been when its not so packed and sometimes the dishes can be repetitive and boring. I live down south so I wish this place wasn't so far for me. I can't ever say that I've had bad service here, I get their philosophy, they trying to make and people who are "table campers" impede that.
(4)
Zhiqi Z.
Yeah, the owner is a rude Asian dude who thinks his sushi is the best in town (but apparently his food is just overpriced bland pieces). The owner resides in his overly cramped space thinking he can just shoot you dead providing you with exceptionally bad service and attitude that will sure to make you feel very very special. Oh, remember don't come here if your skin or hair color is not "white enough" to his taste. He will sure to make you pay for the consequence, and at the very end of special treatment, rushing to the door and tell you that "oh, your tips are not appropriate for my house, for what I've treated you a moment ago. Make sure u no come again." You betcha I won't come again.
(1)
Rhiannon R.
Great food at a great price. This is such an amazing hole-in-the-wall find!
(5)
Eloisa S.
This place is filthy! They need to be visited by the Health Department. We went there last night for the last time. We were waiting for a seat and saw buckets on a corner with a lot of dirty dishes sitting there for anyone to see it, and the wall around it had old pieces of food stuck to it. Disgusting! Think, you are in a place were you are about to eat raw fish! Scary! I wonder how dirty is the kitchen. The waiter is always rude and obnoxious. No wonder, that poor dude doesn't have a life, he is always there and he is not even the manager. The place is ran by itself, nobody knows who is the owner. Stay away! I will...
(1)
Damian N.
Great sushi at great price. Small place, usually pretty crowded, but it deserve the waiting. Super fresh. Don't recommend to go in groups bigger than four.
(5)
Kay K.
Totally for locals! Like a "hole in a wall", but love the food + service! It's my little window into Japanese culture. Very respectful! The sushi "master" stays very focus while preparing dishing...he's not their to get your #. Staff is great! They always remember my favorite dish, side sauces and drink. It's a bit tight...but that makes great conversation opportunities for you and your neighbors. It's only loud when tourist invade and when disrespectful people forget to put their phones away.
(5)
Natalia G.
Favorites included: mixed tempura plate, salmon sashimi with shredded onion, and tuna tataki (comes with a dash of japanese mayo). Simple dishes, good prices, fun concept. I was thankful to have not waited for a seat, although it suddenly got packed after we sat down. The sushi won't blow your socks off, but it was fresh and the sushi chef cutting fish in front of me was japanese and knew what he was doing. I only wish they had a little more variety... the same things came around the conveyor every time - the most unique fish I had was a mackerel nigiri. Nonetheless, I will be back here when the sushi craving hits.
(4)
Fabian A.
Place is way better than I thought. Sushi is great and affordable.
(4)
Leby G.
seafood is always fresh and maintained at good temperature, nothing yuckier than my white tuna sashimi at room temp. Cool ambiance. I like the chefs are actually asian and like that they take requests. Also liked that we were approached and informed about last call and were given an opportunity to order something at that time. Could look a little cleaner would be my only suggestion.
(4)
J. P.
Love sushi of this place, try to avoid weekends as it gets busy. Their gyoza is great, and the spicy calamari salad, one of the best I ever had! Will definitely come back and recommend, but try not to go more than 5 in the same group as there is not available seating!
(4)
Paul H.
I went around 7pm and did not have to wait. I called in around 6:15pm to ask if I could make a reservation but the lady said "we do not take reservations". The odd thing was when I arrived, there was a table with a "reserved" sign so go figure. Beware, all the delicious sushi is on the gold/black dishes ($3.50). I ended up with 7 of those $3.50 dishes and a few of the cheaper dishes totaling $36 with the cheesecake tempura. I was very content afterwards but not full. I did feel the food coma coming on a few minutes later so I was glad I didn't stuff my face. Some tips: have a phone with data open up katana's online menu so you can gauge the price of the dishes if you are on a budget. Definitely try the cheesecake tempura, it was amazing!!
(4)
Teresa K.
This place is great for a fun intimate sushi experience. The place is incredibly small though so please don't take a group of 5 or more there because it would practically fill the place. Especially since there are ALWAYS people waiting in line because they serve excellent sushi for wonderfully low prices. You can order specific pieces of sushi if you want, but part of the fun for me is watching what floats by and grabbing anything that looks tasty. They also have good sake at reasonable prices. Definitely check it out.
(4)
Cheryl A.
This amazing hole in the wall Japanese restaurant is just awesome. The sushi are amazing. I always start with a miso soup and the ice cream tempura for dessert. Very delicious! The prices are very affordable. (no reservations do be ready to wait)
(4)
charles h.
I've been going to Katana since it opened and I love it. There is always a wait to be seated and business is good. That being said its time for Katana to renovate the place. The interior reminds me of a garage or a roadhouse strip joint. Cheap decorations, extension chords hanging from the ceiling, ripped upholstery on the seats, dirty dusty ceiling, and a substandard A/C are some of the obvious areas that need improvement. Offering the waiting customers something to drink would be nice. The sushi boats service, the good sushi, and the price keep me going back.
(4)
Vivian L.
Love this hole-in-the-wall place. I came on a friday night after work since they close at 1 am. The staff is nice and quick to take drink orders, appetizers, etc. For sushi you can pick from various plates from the boats floating by. I love this concept because you know what you're getting is fresh, especially when the people next to you grad everything before you do. But its ok, I'm patient for the good stuff. Forgive me for not knowing the names of the rolls but I like this one tempura roll with spicy mayo. Another one had crab on it..I know it's pretty vague but trust me..everything i had off the boats was good. Except for the caviar..I don't do caviar. To finish we had tempura banana dessert. It was so delicious. The ice cream that came along with it melted when you paired it w.ith bites of warm banana. Good place for quick sushi & prices are fair, too. Those little floating sushi plates range from 2.50 to about 4.75.
(4)
Mike W.
Katana is one of our perennial favorites. As others have said the decor is a bit past its prime, but the food is wonderful. Come early or wait in line. You can order items from the kitchen as well, but our fave is the nigiri because the fish is fresh and the nigiri is well made. And your wallet won't be sore at the end of your feast! Highly recommended!
(5)
Jackie G.
After driving by it twice, I finally noticed that it was the red lantern lit restaurant under a sign with the letters RK and a basketball in a net next to it. K for Katana? Why the basketball? I don't get it. I'm assuming that's an old sign, but then there's the same sign on top of a gelato restaurant across the street. Anyways, I'm going off on a tangent about nothingness- back to Katana. We finally arrived at Katana at 11-ish (it closes at 1) and had to wait a bit for 2 seats. Considering the size of the restaurant (25 people max?) the wait wasn't too long. As we sat waiting we were fixated on the little sushi boats floating around and my inner child wished so badly that I had a Barbie with me so that I could send her riding through the tunnel of sushi love and wave to her as she rode back in joy! Once we were seated we couldn't wait to grab each sushi roll that passed us by. At first we were like "stay away from the black and gold plates" since plates are priced by color and style and those are the most expensive at a whopping $3.50 each. Thankfully we did the math and realized that it was actually an amazing deal! Once that happened our fat kids were unleashed. The rolls passed by fast and it was very exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. We grabbed roll after roll and even after we had a heap of sushi around us our eyes could not stop looking at the delicious looking sushi zipping by; if you have even a tinge of A.D.D. this might not be a good place for you. The rolls we had were very fresh and delicious and when we wanted a roll that was not floating around they were happy to make it for us. In the end we finished our meal with their banana tempura (not on the boat). It was presented beautifully in a banana peel surrounded in ice cream. We wanted one ball of chocolate and the other of vanilla, but the waitress said that it would be impossible to do that. Weird. The dessert was also pretty bland so we had to ask for chocolate syrup to jazz it up. The dessert wasn't their shining moment but maybe it was the fact that it was around closing time or that the waitress didn't make it right. Who knows, what I do know is that Katana is definitely an experience that one should have. It's different, fun, and entertaining. The sushi is fresh and tasty and although they might not have the most exciting rolls they're still good and for the price they're great! The restaurant is clean, the decor is interesting with it's paper mache rock mountain and katanas over the kitchen entrance, and the ambiance is intimate and cozy just scoot close to your bud or make friends with the person next to you since you might be elbow to elbow with them. I noticed they had tables for four but that's about it, I don't recommend going with any more people. However you go, just go and you'll have a great time! I can't wait to go back, and the next time that I do I will be taking my Barbie doll with me.
(4)
Vilmar G.
Great food. Traditional and not mixed with other asian cuisines. Restaurant is very small and, despite the good food, it come make good use of some cleaning. Particularly ceiling and fixtures.
(4)
Rudy M.
Awesome, I come here at least once a week. Don't expect a 5 start place, but the sushi if good and cheap
(4)
Dannie M.
always love this place! Be ready for a 5-20 minute wait, there are only like 25 total seats and you end up waiting a lot. But its always worth it. Great time and good sushi!!!!!!!!
(4)
Tina K.
First, the chef and the people who work there are actually Japanese so that's a plus. I used to go to a lot of these conveyor belt sushi places just cuz it's instant gratification - You see, you like, you take. And it's also pretty cheap so that's not bad either. The sushi was OK, they had the common stuff like salmon, tuna, shrimp, hamachi... once in a while uni and some less common sushi but the selection was not bad. You just can't expect high quality sushi for that price so I think that it's not bad for the value. I would go back, it's fun for a quick sushi fix. This place is always packed though so go earlier to avoid the lines.
(3)
Max X.
first thing THEY DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS second thing THEY DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS third thing LEAVE YOUR KID AT HOME (there are many regular patrons who have placed open bounties on kids who touch the plate's and not take them...and i am one of them) good got that our of the way..if you are a Miami native then this might be a problem and if so this place does not need your business (they will do just fine by my business and others who live around here). if you are a normal person who is not completely out of touch with reality than no problem, the wait of 20-45min should be easy, have a chat, look around, or do anything else, than be annoying i.e. play on your phone and not pay attention to your surroundings and block server traffic...you would be alarmed how much this happens. If your group is 3 or less than you are going to be seated quick, and relatively fast; if you got more than that seriously go somewhere else, the tables (of which there are only 3) seat a maximum of 5 and people tend to think that this is a lounge about type of place, when the reality is: get in, eat, have a couple of beers, and get out and do whatever you need to do. they have two sushi chefs who make stuff, and some chefs in the back that make warm stuff. Of the two guys out front there is the guy with dreads, and the smaller guy; the smaller guy throws in WAYYY more variety (but both are still great). But whoever is working that night the staff is nice, friendly, and super accommodating, after this walk on over to Norm's and play some pool and grab a couple of pitchers of beer.
(4)
Maggie L.
I am pretty picky when it comes to food and especially asian food. I found this place simply great for its price. Very fresh sushi and sashimi, lot more authentic than most Japanese restaurants in US, cozy and interesting ambience, fast and efficient service. Highly recommend for a casual lunch or dinner for a small group or even for a quick bite by yourself. The presentation of sushi boat is cute and tempting. The menu outside sushi is limited, some dons and udons, tried both and they are just okay. Last but not least, the check surprised us by how reasonable it is! Overall great experience.
(5)
Heather J.
Wonderful! Great "casual" vibe - lots of fun to sit at the sushi bar watching the various dishes float by. The sushi was "OK", not the best I've ever had, but it's a great neighborhood dining spot.
(3)
Elham A.
I have been to this place three times but never again...! The sushi is not very good, the rolls don't stand out at all. The menu food is okey, I did like the shrimp tempura. What really bothered me was the fact that this place is not clean! I really expect a restaurant to make sure the floors are clean and perhaps dust the lighting once in a while?! Is that too much to ask for? However, this does not change the flavor of the food...! Finding a bug, a cockroach crawling on the glass, right above the sushi boats really does make a difference. I was so disgusted I decided to never come back again to this place...! The staff was very nonchalant about the whole deal and did not make any efforts to pretend this never happens. The sushi is not good and it is not fresh at all!!! Please don't waste your time with this place!
(2)
Ron B.
Kaitenzushi is fun! The food was good and service good. I wish they had a bigger selection on the boats going around. The prices were cheap and so the building but character factor wins out. Go there and have some fun!
(3)
Nicholas P.
The sushi place I love to hate. I hate the wait, oh I hate the wait and the wondering if someone that came after me is being seated before me. The people watching I like. The concept I really like, the sushi I really like if not love and the price I absolutely love, by all means don't change that and you will always have me. All in all I am giving this restaurant 5 stars because there are very few restaurants that have consistently taken me through such an emotional roller coatser with feelings of hatred, betrayal, testing of patience yet always delivered a happy ending. I will see you tomorrow night for yet another ride.
(5)
Kolja P.
A small, laid-back neighborhood place to grab some sushi and sashimi off little boats as they swim by. They should freshen up the interior sometime and do something about the truly awful restroom!
(3)
Thierry W.
Fun place, no need for a menu, sushis are displayed in floating boats in front of you. Only big issue, waiting time is terrible, you cant just decide to pop in there and reservations are impossible. The cool part are the menu items, they have some extras you can order.
(3)
Elyse W.
This is place is kind of a gem and, sure, there's definitely a gimmicky/quirky/novelty feel to the whole set up, but I've always had really rad experiences here. Basically, it's like a Japanese sushi-go-round except you have a large, circular bar where everyone sits and instead of a conveyor belt carrying a bunch of a la carte items, you have a little, blue, chlorine river with floating boats holding individualized plates for customers to grab. Each colored plate has a different color and/or pattern which represents a different price. All plates are between $1.50-$3.50. As you eat, stack up all your plates, and at the end, a waiter comes over, tallies up your total and that's that. And although it's super cheap, the quality of sushi is pretty high and the more popular items are almost always fresh because people snatch them up as soon as they're made. My favorites are the salmon sashimi on top on rice with a side of thin onions (and it's on one of the cheapest plates, a red one, so I stuff my face with these) and the ahi tuna with this "Cajun" sauce that I love so much, I always ask for a side of it whenever I come in (the one waiter dude who practically lives there always gives me a look like "bitch, that's just mayo with cajun seasoning" but I don't care, nothing here is quite right without it). Their crunchy tuna, tempura rolls, and most eel rolls re pretty tasty too. Avoid the squid salad and the white fish. Their egg dishes have always creeped me out a bit, but I've had friends who get mad when they haven't seen any egg dishes in a while. And if you've seen the same roll pass you by more than three times, don't eat that either. Things can get a little fishy tasting here sometimes. Sake is pretty cheap as well. A large cost less than 6 bucks, I think. Just a few tips: * Y-100 is ALWAYS playing, just put up with it, it kind of enhances the experience for some weird reason. * Try to come during the week, weekends get kind of crazy and you'll definitely be waiting for a seat for a while. There's no reservations, the place is way too small. And I've seen fights pop up here in the name of a seat. * Don't EVER take a plate and then decide that you don't want it and put it back on a boat. I don't know what's under sushi-making-man's Rasta hat (most likely, just dreds) but I like to think there's snakes under there because if you pull that kind of shit this dude will shank-eye you SO hard, you'll feel like you turned to stone. * There's free parking in the back.
(5)
Daniel C.
Amazing Amazing, Never had anything else like it. Have Leo make the Spicy cruchy Tuna salad or a Dragon Tempura roll. Cheap and delicious. You'll see the main guy Toshi running around, one of the nicest guys ever. Their Queue system need to be worked on but I have never been skipped. I actually don't want anymore people going there because then it will get too crowded. Oh well.
(5)
Danny N.
Small but great
(5)
cherry h.
We found this place by mistake and it was the great mistake ever! I love the environment and the customer service. It's a very small place but it's worth the wait to be seated. There are different type of dishes to pick from and the highest dish is only $3.50. The tempura ice cream was delicious! We all were satisfy and the total was for the 6 people was only $150!! Who can beat that!!
(5)
Diego D.
i had never been to this place so maybe tonight wasn't the best night. The sushi wasn't bad, and the service was pretty good, but the variety was not what I expected. They have a clever system of keeping track what the customers consume, There are different type of dishes to pick from and the highest dish is only $3.50, then they go down to 2.50, 2.25, 1.75 and 1.50, well the majority of the plates that would come around were the ones for 3.50, so i kinda feel you were force to eat the higher priced shushi plates. It would take a quite a while to see a $1.50 plate come by. Then the same sushi plates would circle over and over and over, you had to wait quite a while to see a new variety come by. But, having said all that, the prices were not bad, the sushi was pretty fresh, the service was good, I would visit it again.
(2)
John B.
The sushi on a conveyor joint. Decor is below par and seating is limited. Lift your sushi selections off the floating plates traveling around the water belt. Dishes are priced according to the plate color or plate design and posted on the wall. You may also order from the menu, but selecting from the conveyor is the one to go if your hungrey and want immediate satisfaction. Conveyor selection is a bit limited, would have liked to see more variety. Bathrooms could be nice and the place could seem cleaner too.
(3)
Linette P.
Update, last night I took myself out on a drunk date. And ate up a storm. It is still very good. FYI: Bad idea to order desert when drunk dating yourself. It was huge, and then I just felt sad. I was an emotional rollercoaster but the good news is I met these wonderful people that did not mind eating off a strangers plate (me) that made me not so sad.... Yay!
(3)
Brian K.
Very good sushi for the price! I go at least once a week.
(4)
Krysttian D.
Boats and Hoes, my favorite mixture, but Boats and Sushi are a welcomed substitute. It works on a plate system, with prices ranging from 1.25 per plate to 3.75 per plate. The prices are extraordinary cheap, and i've never gotten so full of sushi. The friends ordered the fried chicken, but if you go to a sushi joint, that's what you should order. The sake choices were pretty limited and expensive. Overall a great first date spot.
(4)
Ronnie F.
If you're looking for A+ sushi in Miami, this is NOT it. But if you're looking for a fun experience with pretty good sushi, Katana might be your best bet. Katana is a sushi restaurant located on Normandy Road, near Las Vacas Gordas and in the middle of a strip mall. The staff of 4-5 does a great job of seeing to your needs, though the service often feels rushed as there are several people waiting for you to leave the bar so they themselves can be seated. As I said above, Katana is not known as the BEST sushi restaurant. The atmosphere is great though; guests are allowed to sit around a river that runs at chest length, atop which rest different rolls and entrees. The sushi chef is located in the middle of this river, and he/she will happily make you custom rolls if you ask. This place is a good first-date place if you're with someone down-to-earth.
(4)
Siuwai M.
I love the experience even though it makes you eat faster but so much fun.
(4)
Brian T.
I went to this place last week and I have to say I was presently surprised. The place is definitely not bad as some people have made it out to be. It was quaint and the atmosphere was nice. The lady who served us was very friendly and willing to accommodate our requests. The sushi was fresh and they have variety there. Would definitely go back again.
(4)
Jason O.
3.5-4 stars Conveyor belt sushi is the sort of paradoxical concept that defines Japan so well. While at odds with the slow attention to detail explicit in a superiorly crafted meal, the conveyor belts also show the island's rapid progress into modernity. Ditto for fresh fish on the cheap, and the obscene tower of plates westerners love to photograph themselves with. In Miami, this idea of further dumbing down sushi for mass production should send shivers down your spine. However, much like the conveyor belt joints I tried in Kyoto, this place exceeds in quality most of our other offerings. Dining here feels like walking into a teleporter. The light wood, the display of color-coded plates and their accompanying prices, and the rowboats with sushi offerings on an ever-flowing stream makes Katana a place of which to be proud. If you don't see something you would like, they are happy to make it for you. If you want some noodles or katsu or other hot dishes (all good), there is a small menu from which you can order as well. On the sushi side, they have one of the best non-Naoe nigiri I've had in Miami, a very nice version of spicy tuna, good nigiri in general, and that salmon with onions and mayo you're craving right now if you've hit these joints in Japan. Go grab a boat
(4)
Ana M.
I cant believe I'm writing this being how Ive eaten here alot. I just am always disappointed yet I keep going back. The place is filthy dirty and its just grungy in there. I keep going back because its cheap and quick. Sad really. I need to stop. So- I'm writing this review because someone has to. The bathrooms are really bad- dirty. They keep the dirty dishes on the floor and the gentleman that runs the joint, well... He is very efficient. He gets people in and out, but he really is the sushi Nazi. He is the boss man and he will kick you out of this place if you misbehave. He kicked my roommate out once. Not pretty. He's good at his job, but not the nicest. Its a shame really that this place is so dirty. They should just close down for a month- remodel and open so that its not so funky in there. Ayyyyee Katana- please.. clean up your act. I like it there, but I'm not going back until its cleaned up.
(1)
Michael C.
First discovered this place because of some reviews on yelp and this place is amazing. I've now been there twice and it's some of the best sushi I've ever had. Will be there again and again for sure.
(5)
Maria L.
I've been coming here for 7-8 years, through ups and downs, but they never dissappoint me(well, unless I get their way past 6 pm when they ran out of seats- hate waiting). I love staring at those boats gliding by carrying "my" sushi hoping that the guy next to won't pick it up. Lol. You can eat a variety of rolls and sushi- in any order you want. There are lots of parking in the front, side and back! And if that's not enough, their banana tempura portion is pretty huge. Or have a scoop of green tea ice cream, it cleans your palate... Hmmm. Oh, and I called today, they don't take any reservations...
(5)
Matt W.
Great place, a bit tiny but I love the lanterns, great choice and friendly staff. Prices are good too, ranging from 1 to 6,90 dollars ;)
(4)
Lorna B.
I have been dying to go to this restaurant next to my house & finally I had the chance to go the other night. It's small but quaint. We got there right as it opened and there were other people in line besides us waiting to go in. A wait before it opens? You know the food must be yummy! I love the boats idea & you can either sit at the bar/river area or 2 little tables to the side. I had my son with me so we opted for the table. Our waitress was nice, didn't speak too good of English but that doesn't bother me, I can always point to things and ask questions later! My boyfriend had to ask her what to do since it was his first time in a sushi restaurant like that. She said you can just take what you like and you pay by the plate type. The place filled up fast and the sushi started floating down the little river right away. The quality of the fish was very nice and fresh. I grabbed up a sushi roll covered in crab right away. So yummy! Next was some red tuna & then a crab salad. I couldn't eat fast enough! I made sure to pace myself though. We also ordered a chicken teriyaki, edamame & a steak teriyaki. My boyfriend ended up returning the steak teriyaki. He said it was way too overcooked. We tried a few more items that floated on by and it is imperative that you try the seared tuna with spicy sauce! DELISH :) I loved it. We finished off the meal with the cheesecake tempura. OMG so yummy! Vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce & cheesecake tempura?! My son was in heaven as were we! As we were finishing up I understood what other people have said about how it feels like you need to rush through your meal since others are standing and waiting just behind you. Its a litle uncomfortable but I was not about to rush through a delicious meal such as this. I also noticed that a different variety of sushi was starting to come out as the time progressed. I think next time I would've waited a little bit longer to go in just to be able to try the variety that comes out after they've been open a little longer, It's worth the wait, trust me. The service was mediocre but the food was delicious and I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Liz T.
very decent sushi place. a friend moved into the area and has been going like 2 or 3 times a week. so i finally went last week and it was pretty good. def not the best sushi in miami. however, it's decently priced and a hell of an experience. there's no sign. seriously. just find it by the address. once we found it we had a bit of a wait, which i assumed was normal. however, a guy came in after us started bitching about how long it was taking and he's been coming for years and never had to wait... blah blah blah. well, i found out after, katana just got voted best sushi for 2008 by miami new times. so i'm sure it's popularity is going to rise a bit. plates go floating in front of your face. just sit and start grabbing. things were very reasonably priced and prices correspond with the plate color. also, if you're gonna get something cooked, make sure you order it right away, cause it takes a while. i ordered the salmon terriyaki and it was pretty good. surprisingly large portion for the $6 or whatever it was. my dining companions all seemed to love it a lot more than i did. but i don't think i'm in love with katana, nor do i think they deserve best sushi by new times. that all being said, it was a great time and i'm sure to go back.
(4)
Vanessa V.
great value for awesome sushi and sashimi! They got me with the boats floating on a lazy river haha ;) This place is packed! My husband and I were able to stack 11 plates of sushi and my friends 8 :D We had a blast, we will definitely come back...they do need to give this place a scrub!
(4)
Enrique F.
I recently had dinner at Katana with my girlfriend and I don't remember the last time I was this impressed by a restaurant. The food itself was slightly above average sushi ( not the best I have ever had ) but the real treat was the layout. I absolutely loved the sushi boats floating by us. It really made the night that much more romantic and cozy. I think I could just hang out there forever. In addition to just picking up plates from the boats we special ordered a dragon roll and it was excellent. They also had the large 16 oz. Kirin which is a plus in my book. I skipped out on dessert which based on the previous reviews seems like a mistake. Highly recommended.
(3)
Hungry Rat S.
Don't get too excited. The price here is probably the most redeeming quality you'll find here today. Even then, I've had revolving/sushi boat places that warrant a solid 4 star for its consistency, efficiency, and cleanliness. But not here. I admit I really only ended up here out of desperation for finding a place where I could grub down on some basic sushi whilest out of town, without wanting to deal with pretentious overpriced fusionish places. Well, sometimes you get what you pay for. And while this place certainly isn't pretentious, it may leave you with a bit of heartburn. And thats coming from someone who has eaten extensively in the back alleys of many foreign countries, much of which I would've preferred over this place.
(2)
cristina o.
when we were in japan i became obsessed with this nigiri of salmon that came with thinly sliced white onions and yummy japanese mayo. i ate it whenever i found it as much as i could stuff in my face. last night we brought some friends here and they had the salmon nigiri i thought i would never find here!!! the quality of the fish was very good, and while the selection isn't that varied everything we tried was delicious. the eel here was probably the best i have ever had, if there would have been more coming on those little boats I assure you our bill would have been super high....
(4)
Agnes Y.
love the restaurant! good atmosphere, and fresh rice, fresh fishes, love the fresh crispy seaweed! love the young sushi chef too~~
(5)
richard k.
great food , but busy place , be ready to wait , service is rushed but only because of the long line of people waiting,
(4)
Noel D.
i was very sad when the rest of the world found out about katana!!! this has been my weekly sushi spot for years, the food has never lost quality its always been amazing, minus the lack of space this is the best dive sushi spot in miami beach
(5)
frequent d.
the sushi itself was not horrible , but the space is a disaster,if they could at least follow basic health rules! the smell of mold and the good size holes in the trim made me wonder when the health dept comes out. . about the boats... it is good they go fast , other wise a bug could hitch a ride.
(2)
Ivan I.
Hi. I was there with my wife at oct. 11th 2011. The ambience is cheap, looks like a snack bar with a very small amount of seats and that stream that everybody was talking about was very dirty. Servers act like they're not there at all. They just smile when they greet u and they forget about u at all. You can notice how they speak to a customer and then turn around and make the face like they just talked with a s..t. I was asking about everything 2-3 times for 1 thing. Sushi are OK, well worth the price. But the most important thing that they charged me more then it was on the bill. The bill was 50.96 with tax and I wasn't going to leave tip for that horrible service. But when I checked my balance activity it was 58.60!!!! It's not a big deal but the fact that they did it pissed me off. They've just stolen my money. And I'm sure that's not the first time they've done it. I expected much more due to those good reviews. Very BAD!!!!!
(1)
Ozkr G.
I loved this place!!! Amazing Sushi (Best I've ever had for sure), Amazing concept, and really tranquil environment. I had stayed at a nearby hotel for the weekend, and my girlfriend wanted to eat Japanese, I yelped up Japanese, and this restaurant came up so I decided to check it out. It was great! They have boats with sushi plates on them in a constant current going around a huge U-shaped bar where they are constantly re-filled once taken, with a bunch of different types of sushi, and fresh sashimi. The prices are really fair for everything on their menu, and the sushi is priced varied on the color of the plate you get. The 3 different prices are $1.50, $2.50 and $3.50. We had 2 appetizers a beer and a bunch of sushi and wasted around 50 bucks, so pretty average. Also, I cannot forget to mention the tempura cheesecake, not the best I've ever had but hey, if you've never tried it, this is a great place to start.
(4)
J. P.
Love sushi of this place, try to avoid weekends as it gets busy. Their gyoza is great, and the spicy calamari salad, one of the best I ever had! Will definitely come back and recommend, but try not to go more than 5 in the same group as there is not available seating!
(4)
Paul H.
I went around 7pm and did not have to wait. I called in around 6:15pm to ask if I could make a reservation but the lady said "we do not take reservations". The odd thing was when I arrived, there was a table with a "reserved" sign so go figure. Beware, all the delicious sushi is on the gold/black dishes ($3.50). I ended up with 7 of those $3.50 dishes and a few of the cheaper dishes totaling $36 with the cheesecake tempura. I was very content afterwards but not full. I did feel the food coma coming on a few minutes later so I was glad I didn't stuff my face. Some tips: have a phone with data open up katana's online menu so you can gauge the price of the dishes if you are on a budget. Definitely try the cheesecake tempura, it was amazing!!
(4)
Teresa K.
This place is great for a fun intimate sushi experience. The place is incredibly small though so please don't take a group of 5 or more there because it would practically fill the place. Especially since there are ALWAYS people waiting in line because they serve excellent sushi for wonderfully low prices. You can order specific pieces of sushi if you want, but part of the fun for me is watching what floats by and grabbing anything that looks tasty. They also have good sake at reasonable prices. Definitely check it out.
(4)
Cheryl A.
This amazing hole in the wall Japanese restaurant is just awesome. The sushi are amazing. I always start with a miso soup and the ice cream tempura for dessert. Very delicious! The prices are very affordable. (no reservations do be ready to wait)
(4)
charles h.
I've been going to Katana since it opened and I love it. There is always a wait to be seated and business is good. That being said its time for Katana to renovate the place. The interior reminds me of a garage or a roadhouse strip joint. Cheap decorations, extension chords hanging from the ceiling, ripped upholstery on the seats, dirty dusty ceiling, and a substandard A/C are some of the obvious areas that need improvement. Offering the waiting customers something to drink would be nice. The sushi boats service, the good sushi, and the price keep me going back.
(4)
Vivian L.
Love this hole-in-the-wall place. I came on a friday night after work since they close at 1 am. The staff is nice and quick to take drink orders, appetizers, etc. For sushi you can pick from various plates from the boats floating by. I love this concept because you know what you're getting is fresh, especially when the people next to you grad everything before you do. But its ok, I'm patient for the good stuff. Forgive me for not knowing the names of the rolls but I like this one tempura roll with spicy mayo. Another one had crab on it..I know it's pretty vague but trust me..everything i had off the boats was good. Except for the caviar..I don't do caviar. To finish we had tempura banana dessert. It was so delicious. The ice cream that came along with it melted when you paired it w.ith bites of warm banana. Good place for quick sushi & prices are fair, too. Those little floating sushi plates range from 2.50 to about 4.75.
(4)
Mike W.
Katana is one of our perennial favorites. As others have said the decor is a bit past its prime, but the food is wonderful. Come early or wait in line. You can order items from the kitchen as well, but our fave is the nigiri because the fish is fresh and the nigiri is well made. And your wallet won't be sore at the end of your feast! Highly recommended!
(5)
Tina K.
First, the chef and the people who work there are actually Japanese so that's a plus. I used to go to a lot of these conveyor belt sushi places just cuz it's instant gratification - You see, you like, you take. And it's also pretty cheap so that's not bad either. The sushi was OK, they had the common stuff like salmon, tuna, shrimp, hamachi... once in a while uni and some less common sushi but the selection was not bad. You just can't expect high quality sushi for that price so I think that it's not bad for the value. I would go back, it's fun for a quick sushi fix. This place is always packed though so go earlier to avoid the lines.
(3)
Ron B.
Kaitenzushi is fun! The food was good and service good. I wish they had a bigger selection on the boats going around. The prices were cheap and so the building but character factor wins out. Go there and have some fun!
(3)
Danny N.
Small but great
(5)
Jackie G.
After driving by it twice, I finally noticed that it was the red lantern lit restaurant under a sign with the letters RK and a basketball in a net next to it. K for Katana? Why the basketball? I don't get it. I'm assuming that's an old sign, but then there's the same sign on top of a gelato restaurant across the street. Anyways, I'm going off on a tangent about nothingness- back to Katana. We finally arrived at Katana at 11-ish (it closes at 1) and had to wait a bit for 2 seats. Considering the size of the restaurant (25 people max?) the wait wasn't too long. As we sat waiting we were fixated on the little sushi boats floating around and my inner child wished so badly that I had a Barbie with me so that I could send her riding through the tunnel of sushi love and wave to her as she rode back in joy! Once we were seated we couldn't wait to grab each sushi roll that passed us by. At first we were like "stay away from the black and gold plates" since plates are priced by color and style and those are the most expensive at a whopping $3.50 each. Thankfully we did the math and realized that it was actually an amazing deal! Once that happened our fat kids were unleashed. The rolls passed by fast and it was very exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. We grabbed roll after roll and even after we had a heap of sushi around us our eyes could not stop looking at the delicious looking sushi zipping by; if you have even a tinge of A.D.D. this might not be a good place for you. The rolls we had were very fresh and delicious and when we wanted a roll that was not floating around they were happy to make it for us. In the end we finished our meal with their banana tempura (not on the boat). It was presented beautifully in a banana peel surrounded in ice cream. We wanted one ball of chocolate and the other of vanilla, but the waitress said that it would be impossible to do that. Weird. The dessert was also pretty bland so we had to ask for chocolate syrup to jazz it up. The dessert wasn't their shining moment but maybe it was the fact that it was around closing time or that the waitress didn't make it right. Who knows, what I do know is that Katana is definitely an experience that one should have. It's different, fun, and entertaining. The sushi is fresh and tasty and although they might not have the most exciting rolls they're still good and for the price they're great! The restaurant is clean, the decor is interesting with it's paper mache rock mountain and katanas over the kitchen entrance, and the ambiance is intimate and cozy just scoot close to your bud or make friends with the person next to you since you might be elbow to elbow with them. I noticed they had tables for four but that's about it, I don't recommend going with any more people. However you go, just go and you'll have a great time! I can't wait to go back, and the next time that I do I will be taking my Barbie doll with me.
(4)
Vilmar G.
Great food. Traditional and not mixed with other asian cuisines. Restaurant is very small and, despite the good food, it come make good use of some cleaning. Particularly ceiling and fixtures.
(4)
Rudy M.
Awesome, I come here at least once a week. Don't expect a 5 start place, but the sushi if good and cheap
(4)
Dannie M.
always love this place! Be ready for a 5-20 minute wait, there are only like 25 total seats and you end up waiting a lot. But its always worth it. Great time and good sushi!!!!!!!!
(4)
Max X.
first thing THEY DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS second thing THEY DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS third thing LEAVE YOUR KID AT HOME (there are many regular patrons who have placed open bounties on kids who touch the plate's and not take them...and i am one of them) good got that our of the way..if you are a Miami native then this might be a problem and if so this place does not need your business (they will do just fine by my business and others who live around here). if you are a normal person who is not completely out of touch with reality than no problem, the wait of 20-45min should be easy, have a chat, look around, or do anything else, than be annoying i.e. play on your phone and not pay attention to your surroundings and block server traffic...you would be alarmed how much this happens. If your group is 3 or less than you are going to be seated quick, and relatively fast; if you got more than that seriously go somewhere else, the tables (of which there are only 3) seat a maximum of 5 and people tend to think that this is a lounge about type of place, when the reality is: get in, eat, have a couple of beers, and get out and do whatever you need to do. they have two sushi chefs who make stuff, and some chefs in the back that make warm stuff. Of the two guys out front there is the guy with dreads, and the smaller guy; the smaller guy throws in WAYYY more variety (but both are still great). But whoever is working that night the staff is nice, friendly, and super accommodating, after this walk on over to Norm's and play some pool and grab a couple of pitchers of beer.
(4)
Maggie L.
I am pretty picky when it comes to food and especially asian food. I found this place simply great for its price. Very fresh sushi and sashimi, lot more authentic than most Japanese restaurants in US, cozy and interesting ambience, fast and efficient service. Highly recommend for a casual lunch or dinner for a small group or even for a quick bite by yourself. The presentation of sushi boat is cute and tempting. The menu outside sushi is limited, some dons and udons, tried both and they are just okay. Last but not least, the check surprised us by how reasonable it is! Overall great experience.
(5)
Heather J.
Wonderful! Great "casual" vibe - lots of fun to sit at the sushi bar watching the various dishes float by. The sushi was "OK", not the best I've ever had, but it's a great neighborhood dining spot.
(3)
Elham A.
I have been to this place three times but never again...! The sushi is not very good, the rolls don't stand out at all. The menu food is okey, I did like the shrimp tempura. What really bothered me was the fact that this place is not clean! I really expect a restaurant to make sure the floors are clean and perhaps dust the lighting once in a while?! Is that too much to ask for? However, this does not change the flavor of the food...! Finding a bug, a cockroach crawling on the glass, right above the sushi boats really does make a difference. I was so disgusted I decided to never come back again to this place...! The staff was very nonchalant about the whole deal and did not make any efforts to pretend this never happens. The sushi is not good and it is not fresh at all!!! Please don't waste your time with this place!
(2)
Nicholas P.
The sushi place I love to hate. I hate the wait, oh I hate the wait and the wondering if someone that came after me is being seated before me. The people watching I like. The concept I really like, the sushi I really like if not love and the price I absolutely love, by all means don't change that and you will always have me. All in all I am giving this restaurant 5 stars because there are very few restaurants that have consistently taken me through such an emotional roller coatser with feelings of hatred, betrayal, testing of patience yet always delivered a happy ending. I will see you tomorrow night for yet another ride.
(5)
Elyse W.
This is place is kind of a gem and, sure, there's definitely a gimmicky/quirky/novelty feel to the whole set up, but I've always had really rad experiences here. Basically, it's like a Japanese sushi-go-round except you have a large, circular bar where everyone sits and instead of a conveyor belt carrying a bunch of a la carte items, you have a little, blue, chlorine river with floating boats holding individualized plates for customers to grab. Each colored plate has a different color and/or pattern which represents a different price. All plates are between $1.50-$3.50. As you eat, stack up all your plates, and at the end, a waiter comes over, tallies up your total and that's that. And although it's super cheap, the quality of sushi is pretty high and the more popular items are almost always fresh because people snatch them up as soon as they're made. My favorites are the salmon sashimi on top on rice with a side of thin onions (and it's on one of the cheapest plates, a red one, so I stuff my face with these) and the ahi tuna with this "Cajun" sauce that I love so much, I always ask for a side of it whenever I come in (the one waiter dude who practically lives there always gives me a look like "bitch, that's just mayo with cajun seasoning" but I don't care, nothing here is quite right without it). Their crunchy tuna, tempura rolls, and most eel rolls re pretty tasty too. Avoid the squid salad and the white fish. Their egg dishes have always creeped me out a bit, but I've had friends who get mad when they haven't seen any egg dishes in a while. And if you've seen the same roll pass you by more than three times, don't eat that either. Things can get a little fishy tasting here sometimes. Sake is pretty cheap as well. A large cost less than 6 bucks, I think. Just a few tips: * Y-100 is ALWAYS playing, just put up with it, it kind of enhances the experience for some weird reason. * Try to come during the week, weekends get kind of crazy and you'll definitely be waiting for a seat for a while. There's no reservations, the place is way too small. And I've seen fights pop up here in the name of a seat. * Don't EVER take a plate and then decide that you don't want it and put it back on a boat. I don't know what's under sushi-making-man's Rasta hat (most likely, just dreds) but I like to think there's snakes under there because if you pull that kind of shit this dude will shank-eye you SO hard, you'll feel like you turned to stone. * There's free parking in the back.
(5)
Daniel C.
Amazing Amazing, Never had anything else like it. Have Leo make the Spicy cruchy Tuna salad or a Dragon Tempura roll. Cheap and delicious. You'll see the main guy Toshi running around, one of the nicest guys ever. Their Queue system need to be worked on but I have never been skipped. I actually don't want anymore people going there because then it will get too crowded. Oh well.
(5)
cherry h.
We found this place by mistake and it was the great mistake ever! I love the environment and the customer service. It's a very small place but it's worth the wait to be seated. There are different type of dishes to pick from and the highest dish is only $3.50. The tempura ice cream was delicious! We all were satisfy and the total was for the 6 people was only $150!! Who can beat that!!
(5)
Kolja P.
A small, laid-back neighborhood place to grab some sushi and sashimi off little boats as they swim by. They should freshen up the interior sometime and do something about the truly awful restroom!
(3)
Thierry W.
Fun place, no need for a menu, sushis are displayed in floating boats in front of you. Only big issue, waiting time is terrible, you cant just decide to pop in there and reservations are impossible. The cool part are the menu items, they have some extras you can order.
(3)
Diego D.
i had never been to this place so maybe tonight wasn't the best night. The sushi wasn't bad, and the service was pretty good, but the variety was not what I expected. They have a clever system of keeping track what the customers consume, There are different type of dishes to pick from and the highest dish is only $3.50, then they go down to 2.50, 2.25, 1.75 and 1.50, well the majority of the plates that would come around were the ones for 3.50, so i kinda feel you were force to eat the higher priced shushi plates. It would take a quite a while to see a $1.50 plate come by. Then the same sushi plates would circle over and over and over, you had to wait quite a while to see a new variety come by. But, having said all that, the prices were not bad, the sushi was pretty fresh, the service was good, I would visit it again.
(2)
John B.
The sushi on a conveyor joint. Decor is below par and seating is limited. Lift your sushi selections off the floating plates traveling around the water belt. Dishes are priced according to the plate color or plate design and posted on the wall. You may also order from the menu, but selecting from the conveyor is the one to go if your hungrey and want immediate satisfaction. Conveyor selection is a bit limited, would have liked to see more variety. Bathrooms could be nice and the place could seem cleaner too.
(3)
Linette P.
Update, last night I took myself out on a drunk date. And ate up a storm. It is still very good. FYI: Bad idea to order desert when drunk dating yourself. It was huge, and then I just felt sad. I was an emotional rollercoaster but the good news is I met these wonderful people that did not mind eating off a strangers plate (me) that made me not so sad.... Yay!
(3)
Brian K.
Very good sushi for the price! I go at least once a week.
(4)
Krysttian D.
Boats and Hoes, my favorite mixture, but Boats and Sushi are a welcomed substitute. It works on a plate system, with prices ranging from 1.25 per plate to 3.75 per plate. The prices are extraordinary cheap, and i've never gotten so full of sushi. The friends ordered the fried chicken, but if you go to a sushi joint, that's what you should order. The sake choices were pretty limited and expensive. Overall a great first date spot.
(4)
Ronnie F.
If you're looking for A+ sushi in Miami, this is NOT it. But if you're looking for a fun experience with pretty good sushi, Katana might be your best bet. Katana is a sushi restaurant located on Normandy Road, near Las Vacas Gordas and in the middle of a strip mall. The staff of 4-5 does a great job of seeing to your needs, though the service often feels rushed as there are several people waiting for you to leave the bar so they themselves can be seated. As I said above, Katana is not known as the BEST sushi restaurant. The atmosphere is great though; guests are allowed to sit around a river that runs at chest length, atop which rest different rolls and entrees. The sushi chef is located in the middle of this river, and he/she will happily make you custom rolls if you ask. This place is a good first-date place if you're with someone down-to-earth.
(4)
Siuwai M.
I love the experience even though it makes you eat faster but so much fun.
(4)
Brian T.
I went to this place last week and I have to say I was presently surprised. The place is definitely not bad as some people have made it out to be. It was quaint and the atmosphere was nice. The lady who served us was very friendly and willing to accommodate our requests. The sushi was fresh and they have variety there. Would definitely go back again.
(4)
Jason O.
3.5-4 stars Conveyor belt sushi is the sort of paradoxical concept that defines Japan so well. While at odds with the slow attention to detail explicit in a superiorly crafted meal, the conveyor belts also show the island's rapid progress into modernity. Ditto for fresh fish on the cheap, and the obscene tower of plates westerners love to photograph themselves with. In Miami, this idea of further dumbing down sushi for mass production should send shivers down your spine. However, much like the conveyor belt joints I tried in Kyoto, this place exceeds in quality most of our other offerings. Dining here feels like walking into a teleporter. The light wood, the display of color-coded plates and their accompanying prices, and the rowboats with sushi offerings on an ever-flowing stream makes Katana a place of which to be proud. If you don't see something you would like, they are happy to make it for you. If you want some noodles or katsu or other hot dishes (all good), there is a small menu from which you can order as well. On the sushi side, they have one of the best non-Naoe nigiri I've had in Miami, a very nice version of spicy tuna, good nigiri in general, and that salmon with onions and mayo you're craving right now if you've hit these joints in Japan. Go grab a boat
(4)
Ana M.
I cant believe I'm writing this being how Ive eaten here alot. I just am always disappointed yet I keep going back. The place is filthy dirty and its just grungy in there. I keep going back because its cheap and quick. Sad really. I need to stop. So- I'm writing this review because someone has to. The bathrooms are really bad- dirty. They keep the dirty dishes on the floor and the gentleman that runs the joint, well... He is very efficient. He gets people in and out, but he really is the sushi Nazi. He is the boss man and he will kick you out of this place if you misbehave. He kicked my roommate out once. Not pretty. He's good at his job, but not the nicest. Its a shame really that this place is so dirty. They should just close down for a month- remodel and open so that its not so funky in there. Ayyyyee Katana- please.. clean up your act. I like it there, but I'm not going back until its cleaned up.
(1)
Michael C.
First discovered this place because of some reviews on yelp and this place is amazing. I've now been there twice and it's some of the best sushi I've ever had. Will be there again and again for sure.
(5)
Maria L.
I've been coming here for 7-8 years, through ups and downs, but they never dissappoint me(well, unless I get their way past 6 pm when they ran out of seats- hate waiting). I love staring at those boats gliding by carrying "my" sushi hoping that the guy next to won't pick it up. Lol. You can eat a variety of rolls and sushi- in any order you want. There are lots of parking in the front, side and back! And if that's not enough, their banana tempura portion is pretty huge. Or have a scoop of green tea ice cream, it cleans your palate... Hmmm. Oh, and I called today, they don't take any reservations...
(5)
Matt W.
Great place, a bit tiny but I love the lanterns, great choice and friendly staff. Prices are good too, ranging from 1 to 6,90 dollars ;)
(4)
Vanessa V.
great value for awesome sushi and sashimi! They got me with the boats floating on a lazy river haha ;) This place is packed! My husband and I were able to stack 11 plates of sushi and my friends 8 :D We had a blast, we will definitely come back...they do need to give this place a scrub!
(4)
Lorna B.
I have been dying to go to this restaurant next to my house & finally I had the chance to go the other night. It's small but quaint. We got there right as it opened and there were other people in line besides us waiting to go in. A wait before it opens? You know the food must be yummy! I love the boats idea & you can either sit at the bar/river area or 2 little tables to the side. I had my son with me so we opted for the table. Our waitress was nice, didn't speak too good of English but that doesn't bother me, I can always point to things and ask questions later! My boyfriend had to ask her what to do since it was his first time in a sushi restaurant like that. She said you can just take what you like and you pay by the plate type. The place filled up fast and the sushi started floating down the little river right away. The quality of the fish was very nice and fresh. I grabbed up a sushi roll covered in crab right away. So yummy! Next was some red tuna & then a crab salad. I couldn't eat fast enough! I made sure to pace myself though. We also ordered a chicken teriyaki, edamame & a steak teriyaki. My boyfriend ended up returning the steak teriyaki. He said it was way too overcooked. We tried a few more items that floated on by and it is imperative that you try the seared tuna with spicy sauce! DELISH :) I loved it. We finished off the meal with the cheesecake tempura. OMG so yummy! Vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce & cheesecake tempura?! My son was in heaven as were we! As we were finishing up I understood what other people have said about how it feels like you need to rush through your meal since others are standing and waiting just behind you. Its a litle uncomfortable but I was not about to rush through a delicious meal such as this. I also noticed that a different variety of sushi was starting to come out as the time progressed. I think next time I would've waited a little bit longer to go in just to be able to try the variety that comes out after they've been open a little longer, It's worth the wait, trust me. The service was mediocre but the food was delicious and I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Liz T.
very decent sushi place. a friend moved into the area and has been going like 2 or 3 times a week. so i finally went last week and it was pretty good. def not the best sushi in miami. however, it's decently priced and a hell of an experience. there's no sign. seriously. just find it by the address. once we found it we had a bit of a wait, which i assumed was normal. however, a guy came in after us started bitching about how long it was taking and he's been coming for years and never had to wait... blah blah blah. well, i found out after, katana just got voted best sushi for 2008 by miami new times. so i'm sure it's popularity is going to rise a bit. plates go floating in front of your face. just sit and start grabbing. things were very reasonably priced and prices correspond with the plate color. also, if you're gonna get something cooked, make sure you order it right away, cause it takes a while. i ordered the salmon terriyaki and it was pretty good. surprisingly large portion for the $6 or whatever it was. my dining companions all seemed to love it a lot more than i did. but i don't think i'm in love with katana, nor do i think they deserve best sushi by new times. that all being said, it was a great time and i'm sure to go back.
(4)
Dylan E.
This is in my Top 3 restaurants, but if you ask my sister...she would eat there 2x a day and everyday. This is a great and happening place. The food portions, prices, and options make it great for sharing or trying out new stuff. The Kobe Rice Cakes are AWESOME! Good Teamwork to make your overall experience amazing. I am planning on going back next week.
(5)
Albert M.
Good food, amazing prices, me and a friend just stuffed ourselves with amazing sushi and a few beers for $50 combined. So much win!!!! So here's the breakdown, this is probably the only affordable, fresh, and authentic sushi in all of Miami. This is the real deal. Now the problem is the place is a tiny hole in the wall, you have to move out of your seat to let other people sit. The lack of space also makes having to wait for a table a regular thing. And since there usually isnt a host taking names it can become a clusterfuck. Ive seen people fight about who got there first and who got the next table. Still this place rocks. Great sushi, great prices. Also, if you've ever been to Toyko, this place will take you back. Very much like a lot of the sushi restaurants I went to in Tokyo.
(5)
Ana Carolina L.
Bad bad bad bad! I don't know about the food because I left. Left because people there are extremely rude. I was there for 15 minutes and nobody even notice. I went to say "excuse me, how long is the wait?" And the guy step my foot and never came back to talk to me. More people gave up! Too bad!
(1)
Ashley C.
Amazingly great food, loved it atmosphere, casual chic get there early or make a reservation this place is a hot spot and always busy
(5)
Roger Y.
A very small restaurant that is somewhat disorganized in everything except for the food which is very good. Be prepared to wait for a table or a seat and also for your bill - but the food comes fairly quickly once you get started. Some items are ordered but the sushi comes on small boats that circle the table - you just take what you want. Good luck if your not sushi knowledgeable because there is no description or label on most of the plates. Best to sit next to someone who looks like they know their sushi - after about 5 "what's that" they may get annoyed but so be it. I am of the generation that avoids raw fish so I only order what I could recognize as cooked - it was all very good, Udon soup was standard and good, shrimp tempura, vegetable tempura all ok. The shrimp teriyaki was served with the thick teriyaki sauce that taste like its from a bottle - I would guess that anything named teriyaki is similar so I would skip on that. All in all a good spot, little funky, I suggested to the waiter that he invest in a pad and pencil and write down the arrivals in order so they can be seated properly - he actually took about 90 seconds to explain to me why that was not a good idea - I didn't get his logic but I defer to his experience. Prices are very reasonable. Overall, I like this place and you may too - if your tolerant of the disorganization.
(4)
Frank B.
As a sushi lover and Chef and creator of the ShuShi Brand, I occasionally enjoy going out to enjoy sushi prepared by others....since I had never been to this place before and I have heard, I figured I'd endured the 45 minute wait even though I was starving...after everyone being seated in orderly fashion, the lack of smart server common sense attitude of someone who would clearly be dismissed by the owner if he or she would find out. Nevertheless, he proceeded to seat a party of three instead of a party of two so he can make that one extra cover....the lack of smarts caused two people to walk out and now a bad unnecessary review. People, greed is a killer....notice those that spread the wealth are the happiest....first and last time....
(1)
Kathia L.
Food was ok. Place was disgusting looking! Parking very difficult . Worst costumer service I've seen in a long time . Save your time and your money
(1)
Samuel D.
I'm not crazy about how cramped you have to be and it often takes long to be seated but the sushi is SO damn good. By far better than ANY sushi restaurant including RA. Prices are no secret as the different plates denote the prices. Definitely the BEST sushi place in South Florida! Doesn't get a 5 cause it takes for ever to be seated, but trust me it's worth the wait!
(4)
Izabella Z.
I'm new to Miami and this place blew me away! Best sushi I've ever had! Walking in, you notice its quaint but busy as a beehive. They have a conveyor belt with sushi boats that contain a variety of colorful plates of different dishes. People are waiting in line to just sit down! The host memorizes the order in which everyone comes in and does an amazing job at accomodating larger groups. You get what you paid for tho. Plates vary from $1.50 - $3.50. I try to come in at least once a week. Love coming here!
(5)
Jessica C.
My boyfriend and I were in Miami for 2 nights, and Katana came highly recommended from many locals. We arrived by taxi around 7pm on a Thursday night, and we realized the restaurant was pretty small and there were 4 parties ahead of us. We almost decided to go elsewhere when the waiter greeted us warmly and offered us a beer while we waited. This was great because we stood outside and drank our beer and waited only 15 minutes to be seated. The restaurant is pretty dark and only seats 30 people max, but the little floating boats were great and really added a fun vibe to our meal. The sushi was very reasonably priced (3 rolls per plate were anywhere from $1.50 to $3.50). Make sure you get here earlier than 8pm though, because we noticed a long line after we finished eating.
(4)
Natalie L.
First time I ever tried sushi was at Katana and I'm so glad that I did. The sushi is amazing. Can't beat their prices ($2-$5/plates). And I love the concept with the little boats. Small place and it can get full pretty quick. I suggest getting there at 6, when they open. Otherwise, be prepared to wait a bit.
(5)
Lopez A.
They have recently revamped their menu with new additions. They still have the prior dishes and with the new ones is just even better. Dessert has room for improvements, but I still visit at least once a week.
(5)
Dang N.
Wow, just like everyone else who's given this place a 1 star, I discovered the manager is a complete ass. He treated my friends and I like total garbage and was a complete dick. And the waitress behind the bar didn't help any bit either. The experience was so bad I don't even want to get into what happened at the restaurant but nonetheless we left quick and didn't say much. Shocking, especially considering he's Japanese? Wow, complete failure as a Japanese man. People like that back in the day would have been commanded to commit seppuku.
(1)
Ali G.
I was so excited to go to this place and have never been so let down. First off, the service is HORRIBLE. Not like a little bad...but like the staff deliberately ignores you and you will just be standing around for 10-15 minutes before you have to awkwardly ask someone what you should do. After you may get a table, have patience. That's all you need at this place. A ton of patience to get anything. Food is mediocre and overpriced. I should have bought sushi from whole foods instead. Oh, and it's a dump. So there's that.
(1)
Luigi C.
So... "Mobile Sushi" WTF is that? Well it's the kind of Sushi that comes to you... Katana brings you that... The Food: Normally Budget and Sushi is a bad combination but in this case Katana makes it happen... Their stuff is fresh. The variety and quality is enhanced by the skill of the sushi chef making the rolls.. JapanRasta is my fave, he's fast and good. The Tuna is awesome.. Spicy Tuna Roll, Spicy Crunchy Tuna Salad (Ground Spicy Tuna with Tempura batter crumbs) Their tempura is really good too.. Eel rolls, Ikura, Hamachi, octopus, the works.. if it's not on the boats ask for it and they'll bring it to you... they also have Udon and a bunch of other stuff... good food. Banana Tempura to top it off, very nice. Sake selection is 'OK'. The Scene: Katana is tacky and ugly but it's 'cute' ugly, Kinda like your grandparents garage or storage room... it's cramped you'd swear it was dirty but its not. The "river" is made of white bathroom tile and caulk and looks like a weekend DIY 8th grader project.. but it works! So you pick your sushi eat and then they count the plates when its time to check out, don't even think about hiding the plates, they have a sushi ninja watching and the next thing you know you'll hear "HADOUKEN!!" and you'll be engulfed in blue-flames "YOU LOSE!" It does get packed, waiters might get a bit in the weeds but they're nice and friendly. I really like this place. and I've been going there for like 13 years! arigato gozaimasu Katana!
(4)
Kwan W.
First time here; was seated within 15 mins and was the fourth group in line. They had the boats stocked which was good. The seafood is fresh. The service is OK but they were busy. Would definitely come again with more friends. Must get the unagi here, it is so good.
(4)
Stephanie L.
The whole idea of conveyor "river" sushi is brilliant! It turns an ordinary meal into a fun eating experience, where you can let your eyes decide what your stomach wants. The only question becomes...does it taste as good as it looks? At Katana you can watch different options come floating down a little river in mini wooden boats. The plate pattern designates the cost, and for a very reasonable price you can get several plates of different dishes. While the experience is fantastic, the quality itself is only mediocre. The fish sometimes tastes a little dry, and the other dishes are often so-so. I've had better quality and more creative sushi, but I've definitely had worse sushi experiences too. If you don't see what you'd like on the water, you can also order from a traditional menu. The restaurant's layout makes it a little tricky to come with a large group (and often ensures a wait), but in Miami the concept is something unique worth trying if you're looking for something new to try with friends or a date.
(3)
Lauren B.
This is a quaint little place in North Bay Village. The sushi and sashimi literally melts in your mouth. It's REALLY that good. I promise. The little boats that go by are so fun! Although it can be a challenge to grab what you want before someone else does. The prices, I mean you CANNOT beat it. Each plate on the boats \\range between $1.50-$3.75... what a steal! The only complaints are the wait. They open at 6, get there then. Or around 10 PM. Also the smell is a bit off because the restaurant is old and it shows. Needs an update for sure!! HIGHLY recommend!!!
(4)
Priscilla R.
This is our weekly hang out! We literaly walk down the street every Thursday to eat here. We give it 3 stars for the price & convenience! Service is just ok though, but I gave it 3 stars because the price and location is so good, it makes up for the ok service.
(3)
David S.
The pathetic Sushi NAZI manager is there EVERYDAY now-- ruder and more obnoxious than ever. Must have gone off his meds. Even the employees can't stand him. !!! :-(
(1)
Eduardo O.
Meh! I guess people love to grab their sushi from a floating plate passing by. But there are surely fresher and better sushi places around. not counting the limited sitting, and lack of service.
(2)
John L.
Definitely a hole in the wall sushi joint. Get there before 7pm or you will be waiting in line watching everyone else eat! A party of anything more than four will be kind of a pain to get sitting all together.
(4)
Margaret T.
This place, by far, is the BEST SUSHI I've had since being in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale area. The owner takes pride in the food and spirits he serves. Most people complain about the wait and how they seat people by memory. Yes they are old school and you must be diligent where your place in line is, but there is a reason why people are waiting in line (even waiting an hour before the restaurant opens). This restaurant cares about their product which is rare nowadays. Yes they could expand into the unit next door but they choose now to because again, they are about their food and serving the best quality without compromising to make more money. If you can respect that, you will be happy when you sit down, have their quick and great service with excellent food quality. I will be driving that hour and some odd minutes because its worth it. I'm a impatient person but I also know good things come to those to wait. This is definitely one of those moments. Period.
(5)
Wendy H.
It is my favorite sushi place...i am sure that a sushi snob would completely disagree with me but I love it! I think it is fresh and yummy...the service is great...and the prices are incredible. If you look on the wall you'll see the different plates with the prices and you pick up your choice of sushi from the katana boats floating by on the little river...sooo cute and sooo entertaining. I love going to Katana...sometimes there can be a wait so be patient and they open at 6pm.
(5)
Jezza L.
Cool little sushi spot where boats float around with sushi plates priced differently. Feels like your in a backstreet in Japan. The only negative is the wait for seats. It's worth the wait though.
(4)
Penny B.
It's a small hole in the wall sushi place located in the heart of North Bay Village, FL. It's quite dark in here, so I can't see how clean the place is, but what do you expect...it's a hole-in-the-wall! (I've never used the restrooms in this place either). Katana has good, cheap sushi on plates floating on boats around the restaurant. You pay based on the color of the plates, there are usually about 4 sushi pieces on each plate; each plate ranges from $1.50-$3.50, and you can choose some other appetizers/dishes that they prepare in the kitchen. There is a stream of water that circulates in a loop around the restaurant through the kitchen and back. The chefs make the sushi in the center and place it on the plates for customers to select as the sushi plate boats float by. They only open from 6pm-10pm and don't take reservations.
(4)
May R.
Katana's place might be a little scruffy, but this place made me love Japanese foods even more! I just can't help but to tell everyone to try Katana. Even tough Katana is a very noisy place, i'm enjoying every minute here. Because once you eat any specialties, you will forget everything and will not hear anything. I swear, that's what i felt. I think everything on their menu are awesome. I was like, "OMG. Gotta tell my friends to try this! This will make them love me! Hahaha! " Everyone must give their tongue the opportunity to taste the best sushi and rolls ever! They deserve to be given 5 stars!
(5)
Kaylin O.
To be honest with you, I wasn't absolutely thrilled about this place the first time I came here with my bf. He raved about how he and his friends love this place. I have to say great price for sushi. The place is always packed. This place is only open in the evenings. There are only 3 tables plus the seats around the revolving sushi conveyor. Depend on which day you go, it can be great or ok. It depends on which chef you have. My bf and I think one chef is better than the other. The fish are not always super fresh. It's always busy so it's better to go early. If you don't want to wait, you can order to go. To me it's more like a 3.5 but I gave it a 4.
(4)
J C.
Doors open at 6pm and you might as well get here earlier since you can't make reservations! It is a first come first serve basis. The first thing that will catch your eye is the sushi conveyer style bar. While the sushi is moving around the bar by the sushi boats you must catch it while you can. The prices are extremely reasonable from the sushi to everything on the menu. The sushi is priced by the color of the plate. The decor would be considered "Hole in the wall" but I recommend this place for a quick & reasonable bite!
(4)
Lolo l.
OMG! What a great place! We had to wait like 15 min but it's ok, because that was a good sign. The service was great and the food exquisite! Fresh fish, good gyoza, japanese beer and people who actually speak Japanese (and English of course~!) Loved the theme with the little river and the sushi upon the boats, super genius and funny idea~! The place itself is not fancy, just like a regular restaurant from the outside, but the real magic happens inside. You feel like you have visit Tokyo while you are there because it's very similar to the restaurants in Japan....If you've even gone to Japan...then you would know what I mean. So,go and have fun and itadakimasu~~!!
(5)
Kelly O.
Oh conveyer belt sushi how I have missed you. It has been almost a year since my visit to Japan and since then I have been dreaming of the salmon nigri with thinly sliced onion and Japanese mayo. There it was and it took all I had not to yell hello lover when I finally and blisfully ate that nigri. It is probably one of my favorite foods to eat. And I proved it by having a few platefuls. All the rolls were good. The eel and spicy tuna were favorites. Even the chicken katsu ginger dish was a nice surprise. Nice flavors and crispy deliciousness with a side of that wonderful mayo. Whenever I miss Japan I'll know where to come.
(4)
Jessica F.
Great sushi! They have a restaurant design similar to that of Japanese sushi conveyor belts, except the conveyor belt is a mini river which has the sushi sitting in a little boat. Each plate is color-coded to designate the price, which makes it difficult to keep track of when you're grabbing everything that looks good! They make the sushi right in front of you. Also, this place is super small. They have limited seating around the little river and maybe 3 or 4 small tables next to it. Be there early to get seats!
(4)
Ozzy R.
I think i sunk your Sushi Boat!!! Seriously i think i may have caused some water way congestion last night picking sushi from these cool little boats with sushi on them. This is a lil place that has a sushi bar and some tables as well. It is very cool and quaint and c i cannot belive i hadn't been there before even though i grew up on miami beach. I had dinner here last night and i must say that i really enjoyed the food. You get to pick from a variety of plates floating by you as well as some dishes and appetizers. I reccomend the shrimp skewers as a starte. The service was great and the food was great as well. Looking forward to my next visit. This place is fairly priced and they charge you per lil plate that u select from the river which range from $3 to 8$ and then they have appetizers from $5.50 to $9.50. I guess if your not careful you could rack up a huge tab..lol
(5)
Alex C.
This has quickly become one of my favorite top 5 restaurants. Katana never disappoints. Yes, it's a hole in the wall and yes the wait is long. but it is worth it. My favorite is the spicy tuna roll. the only downside is that it's not open for lunch weekdays or weekends.
(5)
Apreski C.
Gross, dirty, and terrible service. I was hesitant to eat there when I saw what it looked like and ended up getting very sick afterward. I checked their health code record and they have several critical violations. Hippo Bites just opened down the street, they're clean, have boats, great food, and super friendly service. Save yourself a hospital bill.
(1)
Jessica W.
So I came here with one of my friends who lives nearby and I don't understand what all the hype is about. We arrived as soon as they opened, so it was nice that we didn't have to wait for a place to sit. I think it's really clever how they serve the food on boats floating on a little moat, but besides that I don't think it's that special. The place looked dirty, which is concerning considering I am consuming raw fish. The sushi was ok, nothing great. Luckily, we didn't have any problems with the service, unlike other reviewers. It was cool to check out, but I don't plan on returning.
(2)
Yoshi Y.
I love this place. It's rare to find japanese run/owned sushi restaurants in South Florida. You can tell when a place is run by thai/chinese etc and they're trying to replicate japanese cuisine, usually without good results. Fortunately, this place is not like that. You can tell a huge difference in sushi quality from a non japanese to japanese sushi chef. I've always loved conveyor belt sushi both in Japan and the many places you find it on the west coast. Here they use boats, which is a cute system and has grown more popular. Sometimes the wait can be a little bit, but it's because it's such a local spot and it's so small. It's been around forever. The sushi(nigiri specifically) portions are very large and VERY reasonably priced. i love going here because i can load up on quality sushi without burying my wallet. I no longer live in the beach so i cant make it out here as often. I wish there was a place of this caliber downtown or in brickell so i could go there a few times a week.
(5)
Maria K.
I've been going to this place for 20 years and unfortunately I am no longer a fan. The sushi has been great but the place is disgusting. Looks like they haven't cleaned the place in all the years I've been going. It's a shame because I loved the place but the dirtiness is now unbearable. The last straw for me was the floating baby roach in my water, their nasty bathroom, the 2 inch dust on the AC ducts on the ceiling, and the slamming door with the broken hinge. Actually the whole place needs a deep cleaning. I wonder how it looks when the lights are turned on. I didn't make a stink about the roach but I promised myself that I will not be eating here anymore.
(1)
Keshia R.
I love this place! All other sushi I've had does not compare to what they are making at Katana. Only thing is the long wait because the place is small, but to me it is well worth the wait.
(5)
Hannah S.
Boats & sushi - two of my greatest loves, and little Katana brings them together in the sweetest way. I mean, who can possibly resist food floating by on little boats? Who would want to? We arrived and had to wait awhile - at least 25, 30 minutes - the place is teeny tiny, and busy. But worth the wait. We got a seat at the bar, which meant front row food access. Sweet. The little river went around and around, with all kinds of tasty treats floating by - I'm with George M., I was immediately infatuated. This certainly isn't an experimental or exotic sushi joint - most of the options are pretty basic. California rolls, spicy tuna, salmon sashimi, shrimp rolls, etc. But everything was good quality, tasty - and CHEAP. So cheap. Service was nice, but at this place, atmosphere is really where it's at. Can't wait to go back ... I miss that little river already.
(4)
Remy L.
This place has some of the most delicious sushis I've tasted in Miami. The sushis come on boats. Just the fact that being able to see what you're going to eat makes all the difference to me. The service is not always perfect and I've had some less than average experiences a few times but sushis are so good that we keep going back.
(4)
Cranky C.
I think 2.5 is better but they don't haves... And a 3 is too much. Bizarre little joint where you grab sushi off little boats that drift by in the center of the place. A for originality and D for execution. The boats go by in a dimly lit little homemade river. Sitting next to it, you see all the cheap electrical wiring. Cheap home depot lights with warnings on them. Bad lighting makes it difficult to see what exact kind of sushi it is. Maybe little signs on the boats or the non sushi experts? The service was midgrade. You'd think it'd be super great since there's no service other than bringing another drink, which they have to carefully pass thru the boat area. Kinda wild. As you finish, your dishes go on a platform above the river... Where, btw, they sit the entire time. The sushi was pretty good. I've had better and I've had worse. We avoided the ones that went round and round for 20 minutes but if you just got there you may have picked some not so fresh ones. I ordered the udon noodle soup as well. Some udon noodles in broth. No veggies. Clean it up. Redo some interiors. Figure out the food thing so it seems fresher. And get some motivated non shy servers. Boom.
(2)
Teresa S.
Got to check this spot out last night. If you're looking for good sushi, definitely check this place out. It's not 'the best' sushi, but it is most certainly not sub par by any means. the food is fresh, and very tasty. service was great, and the staff was quite hospitable during my time there. It's pretty much one of those hole-in-the wall spots you're likely to return to often. I can see how waiting after certain hours of the evening can be a bit of a pain. Seems like a lot of people like to come around, and the restaurant itself is not incredibly spacious for the amount of frequent patrons that are constantly coming in. They have a very small menu which consists of the usual udon, teriyaki, and spicy dishes, but I can't imagine how much of anyone's attention would remain focused on that when there's food literally floating by right in front of you. there's a sushi boat 'river' with boats each carrying a different assortment of sushi, sashimi, salads all in smaller and reasonable portions. Pricing for this is handled differently. Each plate with a specific color/design details the price of what you'll pay for it. Prices range as low as $1.50 up to $3.50 a plate. When you ask for the check the waitress/waiter will charge you accordingly to the amount of plates you've pulled off the boats. definitely worth returning to.
(4)
Hiram R.
Awesome place for sushi. Been around for ever yet never gets old. Love the boats carrying around the sushi. Great way to taste different things without paying too much.
(5)
Myner G.
Katana I love this place. It's pretty much a small sushi bar with a circle bar in the center of the restaurant where boats come around loaded with sushi rolls and other great things. The prices are all based on the color of the plate you grab ( $1.50, $2.00, $2.50, $3.00 and $4.00). This place is very cheap for sushi and it's extremely fresh quality, I have never been let down here. The only set back is you should not go in a group bigger than 4 because the seating can get tricky and take a while. If you're a tourist and you're on the beach reading this do yourself a favor and hit this place up and avoid paying $18 for a roll on South Beach which will more than likely suck. Oh this place also has really cheap beer and $5 tall Sakes. Every time I go, I end up stacking anywhere from 8-12 plates and only manage to spend $50. Recommendations: Have one of each plate and stuff your face! It's all good!
(4)
Elizabeth S.
Try finding cheaper sushi of this quality anywhere else... I dare you! This little "whole in the wall" is Miamians' little secret. I'm even hesitant to write this review because, as it is, I already have to get there 10 minutes before opening to guarantee a seat. People will easily wait an hour standing for a chance to sit at the bar where boats piled with color-coordinated plates float by. The sushi is FRESH, CHEAP, and creative. The atmosphere is wonderful; I hope they never expand because I think it would kill it's charm. Definitely try the spicy crunchy! It's a mountainous mixture of raw tuna with spicy mayo and crunchy (tempura flakes). All in all, it's in my top two for sushi places of all time because the quality exceeds the price; often not the case with sushi restaurants.
(4)
Alissa W.
This place is adorable they have little boats going by on a river stream with different plates of sushi. The quality was great everything was very very fresh. I didn't order anything off the menu just stuck to the sushi boats. Everything we got was great especially the spicy octopus salad. It is a cute concept and none of the plates are large usually half portions which I love because you can try everything. The spicy tuna, and the scallop rolls were great.
(4)
Serena S.
Finally, a restaurant that doesn't serve Thai food, sushi, and fried rice all in one spot! A Japanese restaurant with a Japanese sushi chef! Crazy!!! My friend told me about this place and it's places like this that make me love NoBe. This place is sooo adorable and I love the boats that float by with plates of sushi. However, if this place didn't have that, it would just be like any other mediocre sushi place, which is sad! It has so much potential, but relies on the novelty of floating boats to reel people in. The sushi is good, but not great. There are more "california roll" type sushi rolls than legit ones. It's also not the freshest sushi I've had either :( However, this place is super affordable and I think it's one of those "you get what you pay for" type places, so I can't complain. Service is great, but expect a wait. It's not a very big restaurant, so it can get crowded. You pay by plate, and different plates cost different amounts. You can even stand at the far end of the sushi boat path and grab plates, dump the sushi into a to-go box and take it home! Awesome. If they had fresher fish and better rolls, this place would skyrocket. But for now, 3-stars it is...
(3)
Elizabeth P.
Love this place. Love the fact that some is preparing sushi I front of me. Wish the place was bigger. Sometimes there is a wait.
(5)
Diana D.
I love coming to this place for the sole reason of "the sushi river". In Miami, where sushi joints are a dime a dozen there HAS to be a reason why 15 minutes after they open all their tables are full and there's already a line forming. Yes its dim, small, and that river can give off a funky smell, but the sushi here has always been great. In fact, I enjoy it more when it is packed because the dude rolling up the sushi is pounding them out left and right, Ive been when its not so packed and sometimes the dishes can be repetitive and boring. I live down south so I wish this place wasn't so far for me. I can't ever say that I've had bad service here, I get their philosophy, they trying to make and people who are "table campers" impede that.
(4)
Zhiqi Z.
Yeah, the owner is a rude Asian dude who thinks his sushi is the best in town (but apparently his food is just overpriced bland pieces). The owner resides in his overly cramped space thinking he can just shoot you dead providing you with exceptionally bad service and attitude that will sure to make you feel very very special. Oh, remember don't come here if your skin or hair color is not "white enough" to his taste. He will sure to make you pay for the consequence, and at the very end of special treatment, rushing to the door and tell you that "oh, your tips are not appropriate for my house, for what I've treated you a moment ago. Make sure u no come again." You betcha I won't come again.
(1)
Rhiannon R.
Great food at a great price. This is such an amazing hole-in-the-wall find!
(5)
Eloisa S.
This place is filthy! They need to be visited by the Health Department. We went there last night for the last time. We were waiting for a seat and saw buckets on a corner with a lot of dirty dishes sitting there for anyone to see it, and the wall around it had old pieces of food stuck to it. Disgusting! Think, you are in a place were you are about to eat raw fish! Scary! I wonder how dirty is the kitchen. The waiter is always rude and obnoxious. No wonder, that poor dude doesn't have a life, he is always there and he is not even the manager. The place is ran by itself, nobody knows who is the owner. Stay away! I will...
(1)
Damian N.
Great sushi at great price. Small place, usually pretty crowded, but it deserve the waiting. Super fresh. Don't recommend to go in groups bigger than four.
(5)
Kay K.
Totally for locals! Like a "hole in a wall", but love the food + service! It's my little window into Japanese culture. Very respectful! The sushi "master" stays very focus while preparing dishing...he's not their to get your #. Staff is great! They always remember my favorite dish, side sauces and drink. It's a bit tight...but that makes great conversation opportunities for you and your neighbors. It's only loud when tourist invade and when disrespectful people forget to put their phones away.
(5)
Natalia G.
Favorites included: mixed tempura plate, salmon sashimi with shredded onion, and tuna tataki (comes with a dash of japanese mayo). Simple dishes, good prices, fun concept. I was thankful to have not waited for a seat, although it suddenly got packed after we sat down. The sushi won't blow your socks off, but it was fresh and the sushi chef cutting fish in front of me was japanese and knew what he was doing. I only wish they had a little more variety... the same things came around the conveyor every time - the most unique fish I had was a mackerel nigiri. Nonetheless, I will be back here when the sushi craving hits.
(4)
Fabian A.
Place is way better than I thought. Sushi is great and affordable.
(4)
Leby G.
seafood is always fresh and maintained at good temperature, nothing yuckier than my white tuna sashimi at room temp. Cool ambiance. I like the chefs are actually asian and like that they take requests. Also liked that we were approached and informed about last call and were given an opportunity to order something at that time. Could look a little cleaner would be my only suggestion.
(4)
Enrique F.
I recently had dinner at Katana with my girlfriend and I don't remember the last time I was this impressed by a restaurant. The food itself was slightly above average sushi ( not the best I have ever had ) but the real treat was the layout. I absolutely loved the sushi boats floating by us. It really made the night that much more romantic and cozy. I think I could just hang out there forever. In addition to just picking up plates from the boats we special ordered a dragon roll and it was excellent. They also had the large 16 oz. Kirin which is a plus in my book. I skipped out on dessert which based on the previous reviews seems like a mistake. Highly recommended.
(3)
Hungry Rat S.
Don't get too excited. The price here is probably the most redeeming quality you'll find here today. Even then, I've had revolving/sushi boat places that warrant a solid 4 star for its consistency, efficiency, and cleanliness. But not here. I admit I really only ended up here out of desperation for finding a place where I could grub down on some basic sushi whilest out of town, without wanting to deal with pretentious overpriced fusionish places. Well, sometimes you get what you pay for. And while this place certainly isn't pretentious, it may leave you with a bit of heartburn. And thats coming from someone who has eaten extensively in the back alleys of many foreign countries, much of which I would've preferred over this place.
(2)
cristina o.
when we were in japan i became obsessed with this nigiri of salmon that came with thinly sliced white onions and yummy japanese mayo. i ate it whenever i found it as much as i could stuff in my face. last night we brought some friends here and they had the salmon nigiri i thought i would never find here!!! the quality of the fish was very good, and while the selection isn't that varied everything we tried was delicious. the eel here was probably the best i have ever had, if there would have been more coming on those little boats I assure you our bill would have been super high....
(4)
Agnes Y.
love the restaurant! good atmosphere, and fresh rice, fresh fishes, love the fresh crispy seaweed! love the young sushi chef too~~
(5)
richard k.
great food , but busy place , be ready to wait , service is rushed but only because of the long line of people waiting,
(4)
Noel D.
i was very sad when the rest of the world found out about katana!!! this has been my weekly sushi spot for years, the food has never lost quality its always been amazing, minus the lack of space this is the best dive sushi spot in miami beach
(5)
frequent d.
the sushi itself was not horrible , but the space is a disaster,if they could at least follow basic health rules! the smell of mold and the good size holes in the trim made me wonder when the health dept comes out. . about the boats... it is good they go fast , other wise a bug could hitch a ride.
(2)
Ivan I.
Hi. I was there with my wife at oct. 11th 2011. The ambience is cheap, looks like a snack bar with a very small amount of seats and that stream that everybody was talking about was very dirty. Servers act like they're not there at all. They just smile when they greet u and they forget about u at all. You can notice how they speak to a customer and then turn around and make the face like they just talked with a s..t. I was asking about everything 2-3 times for 1 thing. Sushi are OK, well worth the price. But the most important thing that they charged me more then it was on the bill. The bill was 50.96 with tax and I wasn't going to leave tip for that horrible service. But when I checked my balance activity it was 58.60!!!! It's not a big deal but the fact that they did it pissed me off. They've just stolen my money. And I'm sure that's not the first time they've done it. I expected much more due to those good reviews. Very BAD!!!!!
(1)
Ozkr G.
I loved this place!!! Amazing Sushi (Best I've ever had for sure), Amazing concept, and really tranquil environment. I had stayed at a nearby hotel for the weekend, and my girlfriend wanted to eat Japanese, I yelped up Japanese, and this restaurant came up so I decided to check it out. It was great! They have boats with sushi plates on them in a constant current going around a huge U-shaped bar where they are constantly re-filled once taken, with a bunch of different types of sushi, and fresh sashimi. The prices are really fair for everything on their menu, and the sushi is priced varied on the color of the plate you get. The 3 different prices are $1.50, $2.50 and $3.50. We had 2 appetizers a beer and a bunch of sushi and wasted around 50 bucks, so pretty average. Also, I cannot forget to mention the tempura cheesecake, not the best I've ever had but hey, if you've never tried it, this is a great place to start.
(4)
Natasha P.
Super cute spot. The sushi and food is really good and fresh. You can order from a menu or pick what you like from a little plate floating by on a little boat right by your table :) The only thing is that it is a small place. So if it happens to be one of those days where it's really crowded, you have to stand in a line and wait if there are no seats. And when the people are standing there kinda looking at you and your food, you feel a little rushed. Overall, very yummy food, good service, a different kind of restaurant, fun, very cute little boats with food :) A must to experience
(4)
Carla B.
I'm not angry or anything. But I just feel it's irresponsible of me to give it 5 stars anymore. Even 4 would be misleading. It's decent. I still love the fact that you get to savor different kinds of sushi, but for YEARS they've had that awful a/c unit that leaks on top of the door, and they haven't fixed it. Ladies, watch out for your hair when you walk in! It's such a basic thing, really. The place is very small, which makes me feel like I don't know if I prefer to stand for a long time to get a seat, or to sit it out, because then you're at butt level with the people standing, lol! However, that wouldn't be terrible if everything else was great. But I had to tell both servers tonight that I wanted my check, because the first one forgot and kept on cleaning table after table. That aside, tonight the crab meat roll with eel on top was KILLER. Very fresh! Their dumplings were also amazing.
(3)
Jordy S.
One of my favorites sushi places in Miami when im on holiday. I see many complains about the owner, but believe me the owner is a very nice man and he always recognize me when im back. This place has pretty good sushi, always fresh delicious and a lots of variety! The only thing that they have to do is just update the interior of the restaurant because its looks very old and dirty, please do something on it . Katana wont disappoint
(4)
Hin C.
Super Rude owner, Toshi! Party of 3 walked in and the owner told us 40minutes. I replied, ok, for 3 please, we'll be back. 30 minutes we noticed that the party of 4 that came after us had sat down. We went in and told Toshi, "excuse me, those 4 came after us." Then suddenly Toshi RAISED his voice at us, that we just went outside... That was not called for, he raised his voice in front of every customer inside the restaurant. Working in the hospitality industry myself, that is below low.... That's not the way to speak to your customers like that even if your busy, irritated, frustated, or because we look like we walked out of a ComicCon. Don't want time serve us??? Especially if you're the owner or Manager. Service is terrible and I'm HIGHLY disappointed because this place was high recommended to me by a friend. A simple "Oh I'm so sorry, ill get you the next table" would be nice, but instead, he sat a couple in front of our faces. NEVER ever going back. Do you think I would stand outside the restaurant for 30 minutes for nothing?? And I've already paid for my parking too... Working in the hospitality industry myself, that is below low.... That's not the way you should speak to your "guest", even IF you're busy, irritated, frustrated, or because we look like we walked out of a ComicCon (We did). ESPECIALLY, if you're the owner or manager, you're held to a higher standard. Don't want time serve us because we're probably broke Otakus that wont tip???? We're the best tippers because we know what it's like to delivery customer service even when guest is unhappy and yelling in your face .
(1)
Fernanda F.
This little hole in the wall has great and very affordable sushi. It gets super packed, especially given that it's an itty bitty teeny tiny spot, so try to go before 8pm. I'm giving it 4 stars because the sushi is ok and the service is nice. But don't go if you're craving a gourmet meal, you'll be disappointed. It's definitely just a different, and very old, place to satisfy a random sushi craving.
(4)
Lorin G.
I have nothing bad to say about this place, ever! The fish is always fresh, service is as to be expected in a place like this. Could be better, could be worse. Try and get there a little before they open at 630 because you will wait in line for a seat. Place seats about 20-25 people so it's always a tight fit. But it's so worth it. Such a great experience with the sushi boats, but if you want to go to hang out, go somewhere else. This place is a get in and get out type of joint.
(5)
Nelson A.
If your looking for fancy or great pampering skip this place. If your looking for real authentic Sushi at a great price make this one of your stops when your in North Beach. The place serves up great Sushi nough said.
(5)
Henry M.
Are you starving for sushi? Then come here and eat. They charge you by the plate but I promise you won't break the bank if you stuff yourself. It's a tiny little place that has seating around a conveyor on which the sushi is served. With that said, know when to come here. If you come here during prime time, you're going to have to wait. But if you come during some off time or, god forbid super early, you won't have to wait long if at all. The food is delicious. It might get repetitive so just ask the waiter for something different or for something you loved and haven't seen come by again. You can even get sake or beer! Like I said, you won't break the bank if you eat here. It's reasonably priced.
(4)
Naty S.
After hearing about this "Boat Sushi" place... We finally made it to Katana... Here you have to trust all the reviews and amazing recommendations. Based on appearances one may not go in, but trust your instincts... We made it to Katana around 10:30PM on. Friday night and there was a waiting line of 45 minutes. Well the wait was well worth it! The boats come by fast, carrying precious cargo... Tuna with Spicy Mayo, Salmon Sushi, all kinds of Sushi rolls, Gyoza, Uni rolls, seafood salad, you name it. They also have an additional menu with Noodles, teriyaki delicacies and sweet treats... The place is so full that it guarantees that the food is always fresh and just made. At times all the boats are sailing empty... Just to see new exciting shipments coming your way. Each boat carries a new surprise to be discovered. It is very Japanese, the servers are running non stop trying to accommodate all the guests waiting at the door. Come with time, come hungry, come with an open mind and just sail away... Katana wont disappoint!!!
(5)
Ana S.
This review is NOT for the food NOT for the service they deserve 4 stars. This are for the owners, come on! Yesterday a piece of the front wall fell on the top of a customers head waiting then on another customers foot. The place needs to be updated, that air vent with aluminum foil really?! The place is falling apart-spend money in a better a number machine so you don't have to get all flustered if you get it wrong. Please update Katana!!!!!!
(2)
Joseph G.
Thoroughly enjoyable sushi experience. Katana has a full menu and can also be enjoyed by way of small wooden boats carrying plates of sushi along a lazy river around the chefs. When enjoying sushi from the boats they charge by the plate. The color of the plate determines the price of the item on it. The plates range from $1.50 - $3.75 and they add up all the plates at the end of your meal for your bill. Katana is relatively small and if you are not part of the first seatings at 6pm you will be waiting for around one hour. I strictly ate off the boats which had a nice variety of sushi, sashimi, hand rolls, and salads. Great spot for a date.
(4)
Matteo B.
Some of the negative reviews are a bit bizarre. If you want a nice atmosphere, you're missing the point. There are plenty of sushi places in Miami Beach with 'atmosphere', but good luck stuffing your face for around $20. Yes, it's musty. Yes, it's dark. But that's part of the vibe. No, the manager ISN'T rude unless you're rude to him. Then again, we're in Miami, where manners go out the window. This isn't a place I go to for sashimi, or cute little rolls with drops of sauce scattered on the plate. Just get ready to go on a rice-overload with various crab rolls, california rolls, shrimp tempura rolls, that just roll on by on a little river as you sit down. It's not fancy sushi. It's not particularly great tasting. But it gets the job done when you just want something simple that will fill you up.
(5)
Ariel M.
This is a hole in the wall place ... But let's just say it is soooooooo worth coming here! I've lived in my neighborhood for over 13 years and for the first 8 ... I never ventured out. I truly regret not doing so because knowing that such a great sushi place existed around my block and I missed out all those years just kills me every time! Me and my boyfriend love coming here at least 1-2 times a month. Unfortunately because of the long lines, yes, you will always have a line here - we sometimes don't come out as often as we would like. This place is a small place and so you will be cramped inside while you wait. You'll notice as you first come in that there is no hostess but you will find one man running around - Toshi. He's the guy who somehow knows when you came in and will ensure you are seated based on who was first inside. I warn you now - DONT EXPECT GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. Also, avoid truly approaching him, he means well - simply has a funny way of showing it. Once seated, get ready to enjoy some amazing sushi at such great prices. You can wait for your sushi to arrive from the river boats and/or you can also order from their menu. They have some beer options and coke products. Their udon noodle soup with egg is amazing. Overall this is one of the BEST sushi places in Miami hands down. The lines will always be there to get in and sit - it shows how good it is and people will wait 35-45 minutes just to sit down and enjoy the food! Check it out... We do all the time and love it! We come so often that Toshi knows us now and says hello ...
(5)
Dennis M.
Great little hole in the wall. Conveyor belts with boats of sushi was definitely a unique experience. Place is very affordable and food was great. Get there early though, we had to wait quite a while. If you don't see a roll of choice from the menu on any boat, feel free to order with waiter and they will have it made for you.
(4)
Alex B.
This place is so cute! My friend goes here like 3 times a week because she loves it so much, and she's friends with the chef and waitresses. The boats coming down the water are really cute and you have the urge to snatch a plate before someone else does. All the sushi was delicious and I was full really quickly. I think the prices are fair because the fish is high quality, but it's a low-mid priced meal for me, and probably low or average for a Miami native. Come here!
(4)
Petunia L.
You know this is the place to go when you want sushi in Miami. Affordable, but good. Also there's always a wait time so come prepared the place is small and stuffy.
(4)
Stephanie C.
The sushi was pretty fresh and yummy! The place itself is tiny so you'll be waiting for a while. If it's packed then be ready to be waiting outside in a line. The best part of this experience is being able to grab the plate of food right from the little boat on a moat. All in all, this 'hole in the wall' is a great restaurant! They also have a sister restaurant by the name of Shima. Both great places!
(4)
Roberto F.
I've been coming to this place for years and I think the best approach to this review is simply stating the pros and cons, so here goes. PROS: Great quality sushi. Always fresh, delicious, and lots of variety Simple pricing. Plates are color-coordinated based on price so you know prices right away. And the prices are not bad at all. Plus, you can order whatever sushi you want if it's not floating on the little boats on the conveyor style moat. I suggest to try the banana tempura because it's just reeeally good lol CONS: Manager is RUDE. I've never had an issue with him, which is why I keep going back after 6 years, but I've seen him several times being very rude to other people. This place is not your typical restaurant and the manager will remind you of that if you confront him about the long wait or him seating others before you after you've been waiting. He's just rude if you bother him. Otherwise, he's fine. Place needs a renovation. Plain and simple.
(4)
Anna L.
This place has pretty good sushi, at very good prices. Its not fancy sushi, not creative over the top rolls... but if you're craving sushi this is it. BE PREPARED TO WAIT! ITS a tiny place, and it gets packed really quickly. You can only make reservations for the next day, if I'm not mistaken. Also the seating isn't very comfy. But all of those things don't matter as much... the sushi is good, and along with the prices, its worth the wait.
(4)
Ashley C.
In total, I've visited this restaurant 3 times over the span of 6 months years ago, and after my last visit I have never been back. On a search for the famous sushi boat restaurants Japan is known for, and once I stumbled upon this restaurant online and decided to make a long trip from my home in the Redlands to Miami Beach and give this place a try. Honestly, on my first visit I must have been so fascinated by the whole idea that I over looked all the important details. On my second visit I asked if there was a waiting list and he said no you'll be seated when there is an opening. Whatever, fair enough I guess. I waited in line for quite a while, and he seated a couple who had arrived after me. When I said something to him he started raising his voice at me and told me no they were here first. Bullsh*t, I saw saw them park on the curb and come in after me. I was clearly annoyed and considered leaving right then, but then a party left and mine got seated. I tried to get over it, but I was annoyed the rest of my visit. This time around, I noticed the sushi chef didn't have his hair covered or held back completely; he was wiping his face and nose with his bare hands and still preparing food!! The fish wasn't kept on ice, but just in plastic containers on the counter. The waitress that took our drink and other food orders leaned in over the passing sushi to speak to us. Come on really? I'm not a germophobe, but god damn don't put your face and hot breathe all over the passing food! Who came up with this setup? The sushi is not covered by anything so flies that get in when countless people are coming in to wait can easily get on the food. I saw the same exact dish of sashimi (raw fish) go around for about 30 minutes and instead of taking it out and replacing it, they just left it there. I feel bad for whoever ended up eating that one. The sushi was decent, but not memorable or impressive at all. The sashimi wasn't that fresh, and the side dishes and soups weren't memorable either. I've been to many, many Japanese restaurants and I've definitely had better that was around the same price range. I asked for hot green tea and saw the girl pour it from a large canister, and pop it in the microwave. Really? The tiles around the water where the boats pass through looked discolored and moldy, the lights has dust on them (seriously WTF, do these people even clean after hours??). The air-conditioning unit looked nasty and black with mold buildup and it was leaking. The seating area was cramped and uncomfortable, it didn't give customers enough personal space, and the seats themselves need to be replaced. I didn't even use the restroom because I was afraid of how nasty it would be. It took forever for us to pay and leave because the waitress never came back after dropping off the food. Now, for the last and final visit; the one that convinced me to never go back ever!! I decided to take my siblings here for the experience, but honestly I should have learned from my previous visit. My party consisted of 5; my boyfriend and I and my three siblings. Again!! We had to deal with the nasty douche manager and the careless seating/waiting setup. Come on! I know you guys are cheap as hell but can't you just buy a damn notebook and have people write their names and wait to be called!?! We were skipped again by people who arrived much later. I didn't bother saying anything because I didn't want to smell the managers nasty breathe as he bitches and treats you like crap. Finally, we were seated about 40 minutes after arriving. From there our overall dinner experience was fine. UNTIL... it was time to pay. My brother decided to treat us and pay for the whole bill which was just pushing $100. The waitress, who was only seen twice during the whole visit, came to collect the payment for our check. My brother paid cash and we waited for her to return with the change so that we could then all pitch in for a more than fair tip and leave. That didn't happen because all of a sudden the rude manager came and yelled at us in front of everyone in the whole restaurant saying "oh she lives off of tips and you have to give her more money than that." I was in so much shock I didn't even know what to say!!! First of all, tips are based on service, and her service was shit to be frank. Yet, even though her service was barely there, we always tip very well, and we had full intention of doing so before he came and embarrassed us in front of everyone there!! My brother still tipped her after that too!! Honestly, if she had even made an effort to come back to us she would have seen that we were leaving her a tip. Honestly, I would have just told him and her to go F**k themselves and left if I could get over my shock and speak. I was so furious and really wanted to bitch him out! HOW IS THIS PLACE STILL GETTING BUISNESS!!! It's gross, has rude workers, and I can't believe they pass health inspections!!! Never coming to this place ever again!!
(1)
Jessica A.
Blink and you'll miss it! This little hole in the wall actually gets pretty darn busy! Expect a wait of thirty minutes or so... Trust me, it's worth the experience! Bring a date or friend, it's a cool tiny place. Fun concept for those looking to try different types of sushi, though, you won't find all those ~famous~ rolls here. The sushi floats around on a belt, and the closer you are to the chef, the better chance you have of picking up what you want. Simple sushi, but good and fresh! The price of your sushi varies on the type of plate you pick up.
(4)
Selma F.
Eat sushis differently! Be prepared to stand in line at 5:45pm if you are going on a weekend. The food was good and really fresh and fairly inexpensive. However you will tend to over-eat before of the boats and small plates. The conveyor belt makes the sushis experience different however you might feel a little rushed. Customer service was very good.
(4)
Sack S.
Visiting from Toronto and my son's 11th birthday and he wanted sushi served on a conveyor belt style. We used Yelp and this one came up. We read all the negative reviews but went anyways since there seems to be little options in the area. The Restaurant is a little hard to find since the restaurant offers no name on the walls or doors. We used the street address and visual clues that it was Japanese restaurant. Restaurant opened at 6PM and we arrived a 5:45pm with line up already. We entered promptly at 6PM and was seated immediately - it is an extremely small restaurant. The food was good and the kids loved it - the reason why it is so popular is because it was so cheap. We ate 20 plates with noodles and appetizers and the bill $65 unheard of. In Toronto or New York the bill would have been doubled. There was only 2 servers and 2 sushi chefs. Probably 1 more person in the back. You can see how the employees can be tense and somewhat crusty since the restaurant is so small and people are waiting in line from when they open to when they close. These people are going all out - running a marathon for 5 straight hours. So when a customer with higher expectations being overly demanding comes in, you can empathize with the workers for being somewhat rude unintentionally. For the record we encountered decent service. But we sat next to the cash register and the phone was ringing non stop for take out orders, the manager finally gave up and stop answering the phone to focus on the customers in the restaurant. So when you go to this restaurant expect it to be like the "Soup Nazi" in Seinfeld, if you can not handle it, don't go, I warn you. If you can, then you can expect a good meal at very great price. Remember to eat and leave - this is not the place to go for romantic dinner since you have 30 people standing over you waiting to take your spot. Man I wish I had a business like it.
(4)
Yannelis G.
Okay so this is what you call a hole in the wall sushi joint. As soon as you walk in you'll see a river of boats filled with different items off the menu, the wait can be anywhere to 15-45 min I've waited an hour before.. It's first come first serve not many places to sit because it's only around the mini river thing. That says how much I love it. I come here very often the staff is friendly! It's been around for years! The fried shrimp dumplings are my favorite :)
(5)
Rachel S.
I had been coming to this place for almost 5 years. Never again. For years I have brushed off the smell of mold, the horribly disorganized system for seating guests (or lack of system thereof) and the terrible attitude of the manager/head waiter because they make a decent California roll and their prices are good. Never again. My husband and I entered the establish to wait in the clusterf*%$k of a line to be seated and after a few minutes some seats opened up. The manager guy seats people who got there after we arrived, and when we told him so said "too bad." Seriously? Never again.
(1)
Rick L.
Horrible customer service! The server actually said, "I'm not an asshole but if you don't like it there's the door." incredible. This is what happens when you forget things are done differently here in the good old USA! Never again.
(1)
David R.
This is not your typical place and you will be reminded of that. Where do I begin?... are you ready to wait anywhere between 10-30 minutes to be seated?... and are you ready to be talked to in a quick and serious manner before being seated?... and are you ready to eat one of the BEST sushi experiences you will have in Miami???!!! if so, THIS IS THE PLACE! I have been going to Katana for years and what I love about it is the consistent service and quality of food. Not ONE time, have I gone to eat here and been disappointed. The manager, according to many reviews is an ass... not true. He works hard, moves things around and finds you a seat as people that are already seated move... he is a great person, as long as you dont bother him wondering why you have to wait to be seated...There is a reason why people are willing to wait so much for it, its simply a great experience. Every time I eat here, it reminds me of the documentary where the best sushi in the world is made by this guy who everyone scared off lol. I simply love it and highly recommend it. The prices are per plate and its such a hidden gem. I recommend the tuna with the sauce, the eel and the spicy tuna... soooo yummy!!!! Now once you are seated, you will have the smiliest most kind woman, asian too, giving you all you want and deserve! A must must must try place in Miami.
(5)
Diana N.
This place is amazing-cozy hole in the wall that makes you feel like you're in New York City. Food is stellar and the atmosphere is fun.
(5)
Carolina C.
The service and the food is amazing. I think that the restaurant could be bigger and serve more varieties.
(4)
Christine T.
My favorite sushi restaurant in South Florida! Have been coming for the past 5 years and have never left unsatisfied. With that being said, this place is definitely a dive, and why I have to deduct a star. It can definitely use a renovation and thorough cleaning. But the food is delicious and inexpensive. My husband and I can eat here feeling stuffed, and order a bottle of nigori sake, for 50$. Excellent date night, and expect to wait for a seat because it's always packed. Favorite menu item: spicy tuna and tuna with Cajun sauce Tip: don't come with more than 4 people, it is a small restaurant and it's hard to accommodate a party of more than that.
(4)
R M.
The quality of the sushi is better than I expected form this place, which has no name outside and looks dingy. The space inside can use some updating and cleaning. The conspt is fun, though not new by any means as this idea was sexy in the 90's. This looks like a leftover place from back then. Would have liked to see more variety of sushi, and it was not dirt cheap either. We paid for 2 people $60 without tip.
(3)
William K.
Amazing sushi for the price!!!! A hole in the wall place but it is definitely worth the wait!!
(5)
Liliana R.
Great sushi and a good variety of japanese food, although they seriously have to work on the space and physical aspect of the place, it looks dirty and sometimes smells.
(3)
Natalya A.
I'm surprised this place had 3 1/2 stars .... Anyways I've been coming here for about 4 years now and I LOVE it! Originally when I came in high school it was only place to get affordable fresh sushi! Yes, the wait to sit down takes forever and can be a pain but it's always worth the wait. They are efficient and work with what they have. I'll always be loyal to them. You get your money's worth. I love the fact you can see them making the sushi in front of you. I do wish they would expand.
(5)
Milay s.
Wow! I LOVED this place!!!! Fun atmosphere, cool rotating sushi river and really inexpensive. Worth the 45 min wait on a Sat. night. I wish this restaurant were in LA where I live!!!!
(5)
Wendy G.
We live near to Katana and love it for an easy dinner on a weekday. There's usually a wait for a spot at the sushi bar and there's only three or so tables, so be prepared to wait. But once you get a coveted seat then the sushi comes around on water river in small boats. Sushi is simple, tuna, salmon, crab, octopus, spicy tuna. There are rolls and hot entrees that you can order off a menu. Fish is generally very fresh. The restaurant could definitely use a remodel.
(4)
Rachel S.
I've been wanting to try Katana for quite some time now. I finally found my way here at just the right day and time. It was a Tuesday evening around 6:30pm. Why so early, you ask? Because I took Joseluis's advice. I knew I had to be here early to find a seat. As advised the place was already full and I managed to snag the last open seat near the end of the bar. It was full of locals. The service was good. My water glass was kept filled, and they kept checking to see if I needed anything. The dishes I tried included seaweed salad, rainbow roll, California roll, and salmon sashimi. All were fresh and tasty. I really like the little water boat system. After all this tasting my plates stacked up. The price on my check was very reasonable. I wish there would be more restaurants like Katana around our magic city.
(4)
Caro G.
Amazing place, but this time my experience was not good. Service is a big ingredient of the experience, and the manager was extremely rude. I won't get into details, but man, u need to keep it together, not all Argentinians are bad, and we do un speak english. Thanks.
(1)
Terra S.
Just so so. The service isn't ANYTHING to rave or bash! It's super tiny and can get really congested w/ people waiting behind and around you. The concept is cool with the floating boats but I had to order my specific rolls because I didn't see any of the rolls I wanted floating by after the first ten minutes of sitting down. My BFF Laura P recommend we eat at this place but acknowledged that her previous experiences were always lackluster. Would I come back on my own maybe not. Although the prices can't be beat I'd rather spend $3 or so more dollars per roll for a better overall experience! But that's just me.
(3)
Sarah S.
I grew up in Miami Beach and have been to this place countless times. It is hands-down my favorite sushi place on the beach. But for those of you looking for a quick overview, here are the pros and cons: PROS: -Fantastic, fresh sushi, rolls, dumplings, etc. -Very cheap, especially for such high quality (HUGE meal under $30) -Decent parking in the area, free after 6-7PM and there is a lot right behind the restaurant as well -Very cute, unique set-up, great for a date or casual night out with friends/family CONS- -Very long wait and does not take reservations -Although customer service is quick and efficient, not overly friendly -Not kid friendly due to previous cons Now for the detailed description-- I grew up in Miami Beach and have been coming here for years. It's a simple hole in the wall place, but appearances can be deceiving-- it is hands-down my favorite sushi place on the beach. The sushi is extremely fresh and very reasonably priced. You pay by the plate, and they have a display on the wall of the restaurant displaying what plate designs equal what price (light blue plate is $1-something, gold is $4, etc.). You can eat a HUGE meal of fresh, high-quality sushi, dumplings, rolls, and more for 20-30 dollars. It is fairly small, and the plates of food circulate on boats around a little "river" set-up in front of the bar seating. If you do not see what you want on the boats, you can always call over a waiter and individually order it. They also have hot dishes like noodles, teriyaki, and even fried ice cream. Perfect for a casual date, night out with family, etc.-- not kid-friendly, however. They are extremely busy, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, and do not take reservations (clearly they don't have to). I've waited 45 minutes for a party of 2 to be seated, but it is well worth the wait. If you do not want to wait very long, I would recommend showing right as they open (especially on weekends). Although the service is very quick, efficient, and polite/respectful to customers, do not expect overly friendly service. Overall, this place is fantastic, and I would highly recommend it to anyone craving great sushi/Japanese food.
(5)
Laura P.
I've been coming to Katana for a few years now (6 years) and I just came back to it after a year and I see that nothing has changed. Same rude greeting guy. Very small place, and not so appealing to the eyes. Very, very very disorganized . I do have to admit that the food is still very tasty but the experience can leave a bad taste in your mouth!
(3)
Romuald L.
They have not cleaned or painted for 15 yrs. It smells like gas and the service is gotten worse lately. Spoiled and lazy waiters will deny service after 9.40pm sometimes...
(1)
Parry S.
I use to love the place... But it really needs a makeover! It's dirty, smelly and staff working there for too long are ruining the experience... Super rude, exhausted, or just over it manager needs a new job !!! Never going back :((
(1)
Paul K.
Forget the food. It was average at best. But the "yelp sensored people" running this place are rude and inconsiderate. Only come here if you want to be abused. I can't believe I wasted my time coming to this dump. Furthermore when YOU act like jerks towards your customers don't go crying to yelp when you receive a bad review. Perhaps spending more time appreciating that you even have customers would be a wise choice. The place is dirty cramped & mediocre at best. Everyone is so impressed because the food floats around on little boats. Seriously?
(1)
Bri B.
My initial reaction was, eww I will not eat here. Then I did, and this place is such a great little hole in the wall restaurant (literally). I wish they would spend a little money on fixing the place, but as long as the food is fresh and delicious, I will keep coming back!
(4)
Ronny C.
Ok Sushi The wait was long and the last batch of items were ok - I like the cozy place food was good however the place needs some work- We had the soft shell appetizer and it was tasty. We ate several boats and we enjoyed the sashimi and some of the rolls. Wine selection was limited but good. We have dual residence- and we are buying a home in the area- for now we are finding interesting places in the hood. We will give it another try to get 5 stars.
(4)
Alex K.
I'm back with an update about the Katana Restaurant! This time with much funnier and worse rating! As usual I came here expecting some kind of change in... EVERYTHING! The wait was so long and this time with no chairs to sit while waiting. The people who were eating were selfish pigs, taking thier sweet time sucking the wasabi and edamame. Ok on to the next sentence... The sushi was good but not alot of my faves were there. I really don't like how they show off thier air conditioning by not building a roof or whatever. Not my type of place. Don't really recommend a place with possible diseases and douches. That's all for now...
(1)
M R.
1. Why is this place TWO DOLLAR signs yelp? I'd argue for 1. 2. We (boyfriend and I) lived in the neighborhood for a year. We tried to limit ourselves to eating here once a week. 3. I tried to make sexy eye contact with the chef with dreads every time. No luck. My boyfriend is such a cockblock. Haha 4. Cheap plates encourage you to try new things :) 5. The male server didn't have a wait list. He just memorized everyone. So impressive!
(5)
felicia b.
What a special, sexy little place. A delicious seaweed salad, kissed with sesame oil....Delightful little boats carrying bites of sushi heaven as cargo....Strong wasabi and perfectly pickled ginger to your heart's content...Love!
(4)
Anny V.
i love this place! the food is amazing! great price for sushi! the service is also great!
(5)
Sofia A.
Japanese workers are awesome the owner espically that guy was awesome to me.... great prices and the boats was amazing found it really AWESOME TOO... sushi was great loved the restaurant I wish could be bigger always busy!!!
(5)
Gabrielle W.
SUSHI BOATS!... steer clear of the splash zone... jk lollll YES, I am a super fan of Katana and as a former resident of Normandy Isle this was my go-to sushi spot. They have a dreaded-out-sushi-maker-chef-dude and a conveyor belt with sushi boats with delectable sushi on colorful plates... sounds a lil like heaven, right? Ok, so why would heaven receive only 4 stars, you ask? Well, the wait is always long if you arrive after 6(which is when it opens) and the order in which you are called to be seated is not very concise. Basically, it involves the owner(a little asian dude that never smiles) barking at people on where to sit once a seat around the sushi boats becomes available. lol Buttttt, some sake always cures the stress from the wait, the sushi is super fresh, the udon soup is *GAH* amazingggg, and did i mention the SUSHI BOATS?? oh, and the prices are great. :)
(4)
Rich S.
Visit #2 Tonight was disappointing. We came at opening and as soon as we sat down we were swatting FLIES away from the fish on the boat while sitting at the bar. And more disturbing was the LAYER of DUST on the rope that is directly above the boats of fish that goes around the river. We didn't notice this until the end of our meal and quickly asked for the check and left with a pit in our stomach. Attached find the pictures of the dust / dirt right on top of fish. A gust of wind and it's on the dish. I'm upset because we frequented this restaurant and now we are never going back.
(1)
Katana W.
Now I'm not being bias because Katana is my name, but this is an amazing spot! I came it by myself as I usually do when I try a new place, and I have no complaints at all. I will be back again!
(5)
Octavia Y.
I ALLLLLLWAYYYYSSSSSS WANNA bring my out of town friends here. There will always be a wait but it's well worth it! I can't and won't say much more because everyone has said it all. Don't worry about the dude who does seating, if you've ever worked in hospitality you understand, if you haven't, welp--- you don't. It's a small place and I feel like he does a good job. It's also better for you to come with one or two other people, this is NOT a place for large groups, at all, lol. Go! And ENJOY !
(5)
Miguel Y.
Best mobile sushi around. You can actually call it a sushi dive in. been coming here for over 12 years and never disappointed The staff is always excellent. The staff might get nasty yes, but if you bitch about the wait and you see every one waiting patiently don't expect royal treatment. Don't complain about the wait on here if it was your first time, If you notice the regulars wait and don't complain. Best if you get there between 6-7p or after 10p or else expect to wait at Least 1 hour. Hint: You can ask for a drink while you wait to get started. Try the Tempura Cheesecake it's the bomb 1 is enough to share for two !
(5)
Elizabeth R.
I've been holding on to my review of Katana for the past few years. Why? Well, it's been a love/hate relationship. My first visit to Katana was back in 2003-2004 when I first moved to Miami. At the time, I was just starting out in the Magic City and money was tight, so Katana was the perfect, divey, affordable sushi option. I've been here countless times - for birthdays, dinner/movie nights or just because I'm lazy and I don't want to cook. Most of the time, the sushi is decent, but don't expect Nobu or Makoto quality here. Little plastic boats go round and round delivering sushi to patrons on colorful plates. Each plate has a price tag ranging from $1.50 up to $3.50 and contains items like squid salad, seaweed salad, steamed dumplings, sashimi and rolls. After all these years, Katana is still good and I visit them often. The servers are fantastic - fast on their feet, somehow effortlessly weaving between clientele in the small space without knocking anyone over. But, if you can get passed the sushi chef who doesn't wear gloves, the untidy bathroom, the microwaves out in clear view that nuke sake and the dust bunnies around the lighting over the floating sushi, you'll be just fine. Katana always has a line out of their door so they must be doing something right!
(3)
Karmanzita D.
Completely Filth!!!! Once a Lil Paradise Hole in the Wall is now a Complete DUMP! hadn't been there in a while. Fly's were flying inside the closed case were the Octopus and Eel seafood where Eeeeeaaawwww!!!! The place is very Dusty and the chairs ripped.(see other customers comments and pics on the same subject) One who Needs Permanent Vacation is The Manager. He is Very EDGY, TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL and COMPLETLY Out Of Line with Customers. You can see it in the poor faces of the two staff members that work there--(How Intimidated they are by him) The AWESOME Chef just stays Out of It!!...Or He'll throw him the NINJA Knife...LOL He needs to be put in the Right Place. You would think you were at the "SOUP NAZI" line in Seinfeld .. .that part We found it HILARIOUS!! Bathrooms also Dirty and run down. HOW DID IT GET THIS BAD!!??? How has this place passed the Health Departments inspections is something to be questioned.??? Anyone who is Handicapped on wheelchair should AVOID going to this Place...it's Not HANDICAP FRIENDLY Whatsoever. One thing did not change was the Food- It seems Fresh and tastes Deliah(since clientele is constantly moving for the 4-5 hrs that stays open. But!!! Old Customers or New Customers Don't matter. Management Could give a Crap who You Are....and this Ol' time manager Proves it Many Times Over and Over. I wonder if he's related to the Owner that allows this type of Behavior and Embarrassment to his Customers. that's the Only reason I can think of for him still Working There. THUMBS! DOWN!!!!!! Over And Over. Will Never Recommend This Place Again!!! ...What a Total Let Down :O( SAD!! SAD!! SAD!!!
(1)
Karhlah E.
Great place, prepare for a wait though. Since its rather small, i encourage less people.
(5)
Marjorie S.
Was brought to this place by a friend & was not disappointed. It's a hole in the wall and not a large variety of sushi but what they do have is pretty good. The wait can be a while but it's well worth it. Will definitely be returning in the future.
(4)
Meryl L.
Let's put it this way... You get what you pay for. The most expensive plate is $3.50 and as cheap as $1.50. They serve an assortment, sushi, hand rolls, seaweed salads, sashimi etc. Very basis, nothing fancy. The place itself is very tiny, be prepared to wait. The tables turn quick but there isn't much seating to being with. Also a little on the hot side. In my option on air conditioning or a comfortable temp is needed here in Miami. Although the concept makes for a fun dinner the quality itself is sub par. I'll consider myself a little bit of a sushi snob but i figured a place that makes the sushi right infront of you, places it directly on a plate onto a little boat that floats around the bar could be different and fun. What more can I say, no impressed. The ahi tuna was chewy, the kani salad was way to salty. There is also part of me that can't help but wonder how long some of that sushi has been circling on the river... Don't see myself coming back, not anytime soon. Disappointing.
(2)
Darth C.
This quaint izakaya features a sort of conveyor belt distribution system, wherein different styles of sushi are concocted, served on plates of varying colours*, and subsequently placed on one of several miniature boats that are continuously encircling the bar in pursuit of a patron worthy of its contents. Anyway... While the sushi isn't among the greatest I've ever had, it's undeniably great, and consistently so. On a Saturday night, you may wait 20-25 minutes to be seated, but it's certainly worth the wait. The waitstaff is usually all-Japanese and does their best to provide an experience comparable to that of a TÅkyÅ izakaya. *Once you've had your fill, beckon to a member of the staff, East Asian style (i.e., with your palm facing downward), and ask for the check. They'll sort your empty plates by colour, and charge you based on the predetermined value assigned to each.
(5)
Michael S.
Great fresh sushi and decent service. Hard to find a good sushi hole in the wall like this one.
(3)
Jessica A.
This is by far my favorite sushi restaurant. The plates are decently priced and the sushi is fresh and delicious. The only negative is how packed this restaurant gets on the weekends and weeknights. When I first found this place, it was empty. There was maybe 4 other people in the restaurant. Over a span of 6 months the place was almost always crowded. Good for business but annoying for customers. I just hate how some people get rude with the manager. He does the best he can with trying to remember who arrived first. Also it should be obvious that a couple of 2 is going to be seated before a party of 4. If you are rude to him he will tell you to leave. That can be entertaining to watch while waiting for a table. Overall the best time to go would be Monday - Wednesday after 9pm. The value for the food you receive is perfect.
(5)
Danielle H.
First things first, this place can be hard to find. I drove by it twice & didn't notice. There are no signs or lights nothing indicating it is Katana except for a few Japanese symbols by the entrance that you can barley see. If it wasn't for my phones navigation insisting I was there I would have never found it. But I did & it was a good thing we arrived at 5:50pm because there was a line forming. I had no idea it gets so packed! 30 minutes in to opening the waiting line was out the door! So come early or except to wait. The place is very small. I believe there were three small tables & the rest is seating around the revolving sushi bar or heaven as I saw it. It definitely could use a make over but hey, as long as the sushi's fresh I'm in & boy was it fresh! So I'm allergic to shellfish & I must be cautious while eating sushi so I kind of freaked when I saw the sushi floating by was not labeled. I had no idea what any thing was besides what I can tell by eye but that still scares me. So that's mostly why I deducted a star. My gf explained to our server my situation & he grabbed me a menu. He explained I can order off it & some things will be floating by so the menu will help me identify what I can have. I was immediately relieved & was able to enjoy the delicious food passing me by. Sea weed salad, edamame, spicy tuna roll, salmon sashimi, Cajun salmon, & cucumber rolls are just some of the things we had. At $1.50-$3.75 a plate you won't dent your pocket much. We stuffed our faces plus drinks & spent about $50. We spend more at any of our other sushi spots. I highly recommend trying Katana you will not be disappointed! I'm eagerly awaiting my next visit!
(4)
Christine M.
Katana is not your normal place in Miami. Its a whole in the wall and really small but they deliver as far as food goes. Sushi is unexpensive and fresh. The wait to be sitted can be long but its worth it.
(4)
Fabiola T.
Even though food is good like any other good sushi restaurant the place is very disorganized and very run down, not clean and the guy that runs the place, his name is Toshi is very rude, he tries to remember the order in which clients come into the place but always misses out and gets mad if someone calls it to his attention, not worth it! Go somewhere else for sushi!!
(1)
Michael N.
we live around the corner when in mb and katana is a must visit. don't feel at home here unless i've had their octopus salad, smoked eel and spicy tuna. they even make vegetarian sushi for my seafood allergic wife. don't understand the complaints about the owner/manager. never had a cross word with anyone from the staff. probably be there tonight if my relatives arrive in time for the opening
(5)
Jeff G.
I've been here a few times in the past ever since I moved somewhat nearby a few years ago. Every time I've come it's been busy. It's the only affordable sushi place around, especially compared to the empty boat place down the road I recently visited! My last trip here I came by myself, which seems to be the trick to getting seated relatively quickly. I noticed the price spread on the plates have changed, but only slightly. Some plates that used to be 3.25 are now 3.50 but that's about it. What I like about this self serve style is that you can pace yourself. Pick out what you like then wait for the next dish that appeals to you, which may take some time, allowing you to digest the previous dish. I'm usually pretty content by the fifth dish or so. This visit they had hot items float by, like a whole bunch of Gyoza. I jumped on it immediately! The $3.50 plate was full of them, I was happy, they were quite good. I walked out full, my total with tax and tip was $21, not too bad for good quality Sushi!
(4)
Arturo B.
Katana is good, but not spectacular. Small and cozy venue where sushi/rolls are constantly being made. Plates are placed on a 'boat', which travel through a lazy river and people pick as they please. You pay by the color of the plate. These get stacked and counted at time of settling your bill. My only issue with this concept is that if you are waiting for an item, someone ahead of you may get it. Patience is key here. One concern I have is that we are unsure about the 'freshness' of the fish as we got some 'frozen' fish... Hope it was a one-time incident and not routine business. By the way, get there early or late. It gets packed during weekends and the wait may be long before you sit down...
(3)
Naty K.
Blink, and you might miss this place. Why? Because for some odd (and stupid) reason, Katana does not have a sign at all. It is wedged between some establishments. But hey, considering the crowds who come, maybe it is best they don't have a sign and it is somewhat of a secret. I dread to see what would happen if this place were more widely-publicized. Love the concept of floating boats full of sushi plates. Beware, this place is quite small and can get crowded...if you don't come at the right time, you may find yourself waiting a while for a table. Yes, it is quite popular. The way Katana works is a fairly simple concept: you sit down around a bar and watch little boats float by in the water thanks to a conveyor belt, and when you see something that catches your eye, you pick up the plate and eat it. On the wall, you will see the color-coded plates and a price for each, so say you pick a blue dish and on the wall the blue dish is $1.75, then that is what you will pay for what you just ate, and so on and so forth. Each plate has its own price. Selections vary from dumplings, to seaweed salad, tuna tataki, crab salad, to other items. Everything is fresh, I have been here several times and never suffered gastrointestinal upset. The best part? You have fun while eating, because it's amusing to watch the boats pass by and see how quickly the chef can refill them and which selections get picked the most. I am sure that there are other similar concept restaurants in South Florida but I have yet to hear about them. The best part about this place is that you get fresh, decent quality sushi at a very affordable price, and at the same time, you have fun while eating. Beware though - once you leave, your clothes will have a heavy smell of food. Perhaps it's from the Gyoza and other fried items?
(4)
Jake J.
I moved to Miami in 2008 and was introduced to Katana by friends soon after we arrived. The place is small, no frills, and run by the same dedicated (and small - 4 people?) staff every time I've been. Yes, there are no English signs out front - but why would they need to put one up when the line is out the door? The sushi is great, the prices are amazing, and the owner is friendly. He does a great job keeping a ton of information in his head, and unlike some of the other reviewers have commented, he is always gracious and extremely apologetic when he accidentally tries to seat someone out of order. I'm guessing some people here are mad a local place (that's been named one of the best in Miami many times since it opened in the 90's) won't bend over backward for them. If you like good sushi and are a decent person who can wait your turn and appreciate the hard work it takes to run a successful restaurant in Miami... You'll like Katana.
(5)
Sandy S.
Been going here once a week and their customer service is awesome! They really know how to take care of you whether you're a party of 2 or 4 (not recommended for more if you want to sit together) and I've sat in different areas of the resto. You will not be ignored as busy as it is so don't wander off to the back waiting for someone to leave a table. Just wait in line and they'll call you out or you'll lose your spot. Place is small so don't bring strollers, carriers and even little kids there unless they can sit still. It's more of an eat and run kind of place. The food is fresh and if it's not on the boat you can simply request for the sushi for less waiting time. If you do bring kids please refrain them from touching the boats especially when they hesitate to grab a dish from them! It's nice to have the kids experience this style of eating and watching these boats go around and around but I have 2 little ones too and they just watch. Once the dish is touched it's yours! Please be mindful!
(5)
Nicole L.
Great spot for quick fresh sushi. There's usually a line of people waiting to sit, it's a tiny place but definitely worth it.
(4)
Johana M.
I love this place. Here's how it goes plain and simple....if the dude with the dreads is slicing the tuna stay. The tuna is delicious!!! The waiter is hands down an a-hole even if you're a regular and you catch him on a bad day he'll be mean. The lady waitresses are nice yay! The wait is a mission if you get there between 7:30 and 9:00 so try to get there when they open or later. As far as the sushi goes - lets just say it's the ONLY reason I go here. It's not pretty and the head staff guy is an a$$. This is one of those places you just have to try and decide if it's for you.
(5)
ilke b.
I been there many times,i want tell first good part fresh food,good price after 6 pm free parking,Bad part staff they have to try better face like :) they could be need new decorete old and dirty !!! if you check the ceiling full of dust !!looks horrible.anyway thank you for all
(4)
Michelle Z.
Hands down my favorite Sushi spot in Miami. Literally a hole in the wall! If your patience wears thin easily, don't bother checking this place out. Waiting for the next table on a busy night can range up to an hour. Hopefully one day they will finally expand the restaurant in size to accommodate the demand for the best sushi in town. Till then, I'll keep coming back !
(5)
Benjamin B.
This is one if those hidden gems that one might expect to find in Chinatown in NYC or San Fran but not in Miami Beach. I went here with a good friend, and all We wanted to do was talk and drink. The place is small, but the noise is manageable and people have decorum. We sat, talked, and ate for hours without a bother. The plates are numerous, and we tried almost everything that came around. Everything that we are was good, and the beers/wines we had to accompany our meal were good and reasonably priced. I would love to come here in a date to see how a potential partner handles the situation. The venue provides many opportunities to see how someone will act with regard to choice and option.
(4)
Jacqueline E.
This place was amazing. My boyfriend and I were visiting Miami by way of Houston and after seeing all these great reviews(and loving the restaurants concept) decided to give it a shot. This will be a staple in any of our future Miami visits!
(5)
Tania Elizabeth O.
The sushi is very simple, you won't find many different rolls but you will find the most common ones. The one thing I love is that the sushi tasted so fresh it was very good sushi. The location is very small and I can't imagine being there when it's jammed packed. I had the miso soup it was also very good. The hubby and I over indulged and only spent $30. Definitely will be back!
(4)
Tina C.
This little hole-in-the-wall has some Authentic Japanese food. My family and I went in here, already queued up on a wait list. I could see why! The conveyor belt was driven by flowing water and floating boats which was quite a visual delight. I've never eaten at conveyor style sushi joints before (and I've been to Japan) so picking up the dishes as quickly as I could was like a fun little game! The prices were quite reasonable and the seafood was fresh! My younger brother who is allergic to seafood ordered pork tonkatsu. He said it was the best tonkatsu he ever had-crispy skin, moist and tender meat over a heaping of soft rice and candied ginger. I recommend this dish to any meat-lovers out there! I enjoyed the seared tuna immensely and the beefy udon noodles that I ordered off the menu. Anyways, the variety that they have here is limited but delicious! Quick service and real Japanese accommodation. I felt like I was back in Japan. :)
(4)
Yamile F.
Contacted severe food poisoning from here. Truly the worst week of my life.
(1)
Fernanda T.
always fresh fish! This place does not offer all the rolls you would find at any other sushi place, but who needs those when you have delicious Negi Hama!
(5)
Apple S.
Best sushi place in Miami! Love the concept, their sushi is delish. I like taking plates, but order my tempura. The cheesecake dessert is great but enough to share! Prices are great. Only minor: so many people love it and with their tiny space, you always have to wait in line.
(5)
Sharon W.
We ordered take away from here. The ordering process over the phone was painless and the food was ready when we arrived ~25 minutes later. Staff was friendly! The food was great! The fish was fresh and there were many unusual offerings on the menu. We ordered a mix of standbys, like spicy tuna, as well as more unique offerings, like the squash roll. The prices are great - the sushi rolls mostly contain 4 pieces, which is preferable to me as you can order a bigger variety. I would definitely do take away from here again; however, I would think twice about eating in as the interior is abysmal.
(4)
Matias L.
Why 4 stars ? Well basically because I only give 5 stars to a places I am willingly happy to say will be my last meal on this planet. Katana oh katana how much I love hate you. By now after looking at all the reviews yes I'll say it again for you it's a river with floating boats that carry plates of sushi along the way with each plate being colored to match a price. Expensive ? No, yet definitely awesome. I must warn you this isn't for everyone. Authentic Japanese sushi but at a price and I'm not talking about money. Simply put its a whole in the wall joint that you must be willing to wait in a line for because seating is minimal. Yes the food is delicious and fresh. To me it's a locals place and I like it that way. For those who write bad reviews it's simply because you are looking for fancy, flashy with great service. We all want fancy sometimes yes but this isn't the place to come looking for it. Big groups can come but I highly don't recommend it. I like coming here with my gf to sit at the bar with a beer and munch on some amazing fresh sushi. The best part is the plates are small portions so if you're like me that eats anything and everything, you can try every piece that comes your way.
(4)
Rachel K.
The excellent sushi doesn't make up for the attitude of the owner. I am a regular customer, and I love the sushi here. I came in at 9pm and there was a line of people waiting. The owner offered everyone around me drinks, but not my girlfriend or me. After waiting 45 minutes for a spot I saw two seats had been open for a while to get the owners attention to ask if we could sit there. He said no, that someone else had been there before us, when I told him I had actually been there longer (and the person the owner said had been there longer than me agreed) he told me to "get the fuck out" and that he "didn't need my business." I was shocked. I refuse to be treated this way and will not return, good sushi doesn't outweigh horrible treatment. I'm not sure if this man hates repeat customers, but the message was loud and clear and I won't be back.
(1)
Joseph C.
sushilicius! Floating Wooden boats on a conveyor belt sailing around filled with delicious sushi as the chef prepares it right in front of your eyes. Each plate had a different price and as you stack them, that is your bill. By all means this is not a fine dining experience, definitely a local spot, always a wait since is very good. Perfect for a casual night with friends and good food.
(4)
Emily P.
The best sushi you will find!! If you like California Rolls, go home. (You don't belong) Wanna impress your chick with fancy service, better luck next time. Are impatient and want prompt seating, not the place for you. This place has authentic, fresh, awesome sushi. No fancy bs, no weird secret sauce used to mask previously frozen stuff. The chef will throw away old boats if they don't get eaten fast enough, and any menu item isn't better than what's being shipped around ;) Don't bother coming here if you want high class, or a booth, or noodles. This place is known for being an in-and-out spot, not for kids- don't be cheap just cause you feeding five. Come here on a casual date night, or with a friend, or hey, even by yourself is awesome. Tip the server who is running around like a mad man decently, don't be an asshole, and guess what! You have a new dream hole-in-the-wall for sushi. Thank yourself for not being pretentious enough like the rest of Miami to miss something fabulous.
(5)
Lovey J.
Great sushi at a great price! There's always a wait and it's not a place to take children. Service is okay, but the sushi makes up for it! Dimly lit hole in the wall original sushi joint they I absolutely love!
(4)
Kostia B.
My girlfriend and I love sushi and this place beats all! We go at least once every two weeks. It's a hole in the wall but lately it's gotten a lot of recognition. It opens after 6pm and you can expect to wait for at least 10-20 minutes at any time. Katana doesn't have that many chairs and only three tables. But the food is worth the wait and it's cheap compared to others around the beach. The staff is also very friendly but make sure they see you come in and for you to know who's in front of you and who comes after.
(5)
Ayla S.
Katana is my favorite little hole in the wall. If you want to lay low and get out of the house for a bite to eat, then this is a great little hide out place. The sushi is good and the prices are affordable. The restaurant is really dark inside and small, so you usually always will have a wait. The floating boats with different sushi selections to choose from was a great idea. Best to go at 6pm when they open. Enjoy.
(4)
Stephi B.
I LOVE this place! Its a small hidden gem. The sushi is great, the atmosphere and the staff is also very pleasant. I will HIGHLY recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Kai S.
In South Florida, where East Asians are the minority among all minorities, and people order sushi at Thai restaurants, it is practically impossible to find an authentic Japanese restaurant, let alone an authentic sushi bar owned by Japanese who serve value fares on a conveyor belt, known in Japanese as kaiten-zushi. Thankfully, I find Katana, located in Normandy Isle, a neighborhood in Miami Beach, to be a place as such, and it has been my go-to place for checking the "palate compatibility" between myself and my dates. (They don't have to be knowledgeable about sushi or even enjoy raw fish, but they should be adventurous enough to try something new once.) Instead of the more common sushi train, at Katana, each color-coded dish is presented on a small boat floating through a narrow canal. Diners sitting at the bar grab whatever dishes they desire from the boats, although they can also order appetizers, udon noodles, donburi (rice bowls) off the menu. In terms of the food quality, it is decent. Its sashimi is definitely fresh, which is more than what you can ask for for the low prices you pay. The rolls range from average to great, and the clear winner is the spicy tuna gunkanmaki (warship rolls), with a unique flavor that's truly one of the best I have ever had. The desserts, such as ice cream tempura and banana tempura, are served in large portions. Avoid gyoza (Japanese potstickers), chicken teriyaki, and oyakodon (chicken and egg over rice). I hate to say it but they were awful when I ordered them.
(3)
Alexandra P.
Katana is truly a local, hole-in-the-wall gem. The space itself is admittedly cramped (and most definitely a fire hazard, not to mention NOT physicalhandicap-friendly). There's a little walled-up structure with a "river" of wooden boats each with different sushi/sashimi/salads floating around. You're seated wherever your party fits, facing the bar and are given a menu of appetizers and other food not floating past. I'm vegan so at first I was a little irked because nothing floating by was without seafood. BUT I advised one of the servers I only wanted veggie rolls and they had regular veg rolls as well as BOMB ASS tempura ones. Not to mention there is no small plate that goes over about $5. We paid almost $30 even for two people, including beer. And we were stuffed. Overall service was fantastic and quick, food was fresh and made to order. Can't wait to go again!
(4)
Diana G.
I love this place! Sure the wait is a little long and the place is tiny but the sushi is delicious and the ambience is really cool! Definitely a place for a date or Alone!l the prices are great too! It's worth the wait!
(5)
George M.
Was taken here and immediately was infatuated Little boats floating around and around... how eff'n cool is that I'm not huge into sushi but it might be the dawn of a new era for me If you know me, you know this is my kind of place Can't wait to go back
(5)
victoria s.
Someone fire that rude manager! Place is disorganized, dirty and hot. Stay away.
(1)
Lori W.
One of my FAVORITE hole-in-the wall spots! I'd never been to conveyor belt (boats floating on a river) sushi restaurant before so I was pretty excited when myself and a few friends decided to stop by. It's a pretty small place and there was a wait to be seated but in my opinion I think it was well worth it. The staff was great and the food was FRESH! That's usually my biggest issue with sushi restaurants they either have nice decor and staff and lousy food r vice versa but this place had it all! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone whose never been to this type of restaurant! :)
(5)
Manuela F.
I had a very nice experience . I really recommend this place to all the people that don't care about the place but enjoy the good food. The idea to have boat floating is amazing!!!
(5)
Jacquelyn B.
The sushi wasn't amazing but it was good. It gets pretty crowded so the wait time was long. It was very fun to sit and watch the sushi rolls on the small boats. The concept is great. Enjoyed my time there.
(3)
Joseluis A.
katana is great but you must arrive before 6:30 if you want to find a spot without waiting. this is a tiny restaurant with a loyal clientele that keeps on coming back for more. the little boats float away in eternal loop bringing the goods from the kitchen. here you will find the classic sushi rolls, nigiri and other good stuff like seaweed salad and edamame. if you wish to order from the menu, you could do that too. i tried the udon noodle soup and that was such a great deal for only $4.75. big bowl of dashi stock with generous amounts of udon noodles and thinly sliced green onions. the sashimi they offer is good too, especially the salmon. i could eat this stuff for days!
(4)
Christine P.
Wow! Love the concept. Little sushi boats come around on a "river" and you take what you want and they keep a tab. Place is really small but the sushi is fantastic. Service was great. The best part however was when it came time to pay the tab! The prices were amazing! They sure aren't regular Miami prices! Most of the little plates of sushi from the river were under $5. They also have a menu where you can order dishes and appetizers but it is way more fun to take plates off the river!
(5)
Laura M.
Worth the wait (40mins). I loved their concept of the little boats with the sushi and the different prices. We were lucky to be seated by the chef, got to see him cook and easy access to the fresh dishes. I would love to go back on a less crowded day. They should look into creating a better system for seating guests since they space is so limited.
(3)
Nevik E.
Note: On Yelp I review exclusively sushi bars. Pure food quality it probably gets 2 stars. However, this is the funnest hole in the wall sushi in S. Fl. One of the few conveyor style (in this case floating boats) joints in S. Fl. Great for a quick cheap bite if you're out doing other things. Fish is average, choices are standard. Makes my top ten list based on price and fun.
(4)
Jonathan F.
I am hesitant to write a review because it hidden gem is the best japanese restaurant in Miami. I'd rather not have more people find it because he gets crowded already. You come in and the host remembers you and you have to wait your turn. Be prepared to wait if there is a crowd and it is almost always crowded. The food comes around on boats and you just take what you want and they count the plates at the end. Everything is exceptionally fresh. There are also are a number of hot items you can order on the menu.
(5)
Jonah K.
Busy place, good quality sushi with good sized cuts. The prices are very low for the quality. I will be back for sure. The whole boat thing is pretty fun as well, similar to the trains you see more often but even more amusing. Sake prices are also very low for good cold sake.
(4)
Ricky O.
Sushi on boats! Always packed! its all about turning seats there... good food, affordable, and cool concept! CASA BAHIA LOVES SUSHI BOAT!
(4)
Lorenzo D.
I come to Katana 2/3 times a week. It's the best Japanese restaurant in the beach, hands down. Food is AMAZING. The price is even better. I gave one star only because i want to capture your attention to the d*** manager (guy) that works there. Every other person in the staff is super nice and gently (as real japanese ppl who they are). Him instead it's a real piece of s***. he enjoys provocating customer with his rude answers, never smile always give bad answer. every single person we talked to abt Katana says how nice the plave would be without him. The restaurant says they close at 11pm but of course every time me and my gf walk in at 10.35 he tells us on purpose they are close.
(1)
Alex H.
Row, row, row your [sushi], Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream. A friend made the recommendation. I would never have found this place if it wasn't for Google Maps. (Tip: Parking in the back!) When you walk in, you find a large bar with a steam of water and food on boats circling about it. You sit along the "shoreline" picking your food as it floats by. This is Dim Sum on water. Each "dish" has a value associated with it from $1.25 (red plates) to $3.50 (black or gold plates). I didn't order any appetizers, which would have been rather silly since you have an infinite supply of food parading in front of you. In the event you want something specific that hasn't passed by, just ask the waitress! Bottom Line: Must try! Fastest way to get sushi service I've ever seen!
(5)
Kristina K.
Dear Katana, I love you but I am slowing down visiting you. It has been over five years since I fell in love with you, but I really don't think you have been cleaned since then. That AC has been leaking forever, and the dust everywhere, and the scotch tape, I don't even want to think of the little animals visiting your kitchen. And the lines of people because you don't take reservations the same day....
(3)
Nickolas D.
Amazingly rude manager, definitely worst experience in management I have ever experienced.
(1)
Felix J.
The place STINKS, is DIRTY and the manager is a JERK! DIRTY is NOT an opinion, it's a fact. Check out their health department inspection violations: felixj.me/katana I agree with Dang N.'s review below. Manager is a complete jerk! My family of 4 walked in and there were only 4 other people dining at the time. I went specifically because our daughters love the whole boat thing. As we walked over to sit along the boats, the manager said, "No! You sit here!" He pointed to a table that would put two of us away from the boats and would need to reach over. We explained why we were there, the girls, etc. He wouldn't listen. He said, "No. Sit there. We need those for other people!" As I wrote, the place was empty. We didn't want the girls to be upset so they sat down at the table while I went to use the restroom. While in the DISGUSTING bathroom, I asked myself, "why would I choose to eat at this dirty, smelly place, where we were just treated so poorly?" When I left the nasty bathroom, I told my family, "let's go. We'll go to another place like this." As I walked out, I told the manager, "because of your unfriendliness, you just lost business!" All he said was, "Ok, bye!" That pissed me off further so I proceeded to say, out loud so the other customers could overhear, "I should have listened to the multiple YELP reviews that warned about you and the poor service at this place. Trust me, I will be adding to the list!" Again, "Ok, bye!" was his arrogant response. The place STINKS, is DIRTY and the manager is a JERK! felixj.me/katana
(1)
Chill C.
I read a couple of reviews and was scared of the staff. But what a nice surprise: they were totally normal. at first very professional and quiet. Typical Japanese. The girl behind the counter was extremely attentive. she took care of my green tea refill before I even raised my eyes to her. She gave me lemons for the delicious spicy octopus salad without being ask. so 5 Stars for the service! The food was outstanding and in a good price - quality relation. I will go back. That's for sure!
(4)
Carlos E.
I like this place because is close to my home and is cheap for the quality and quantity of the food. My daughter loves it, she can eat 7 or 8 plates of sushi easily when we get there. If you are looking for specialty rolls you need to order from the menu rather than wait for the boats to come around. The variety of the boats is not the greatest but once again you can request what you want and they will make it for you. if you stick to hot or cold tea your bill is less than 20 bucks (for a normal person not for a 250 lb starving gorilla). The problem is the capacity, not many, it gets crowded quickly after they open at 6pm, normally there is people waiting at the door when they open, I know, I am one of them. if you get there later than lets say 7, you may have to wait a while.
(4)
Joseph P.
This place is just one of the most consistently good sushi joints around town. Every time I go, its as good and sometimes better than the last time. Interestingly though, its the simplicity of this place that I think makes it so successful. The place is a hole in the wall sushi joint that can barely sit more than 30 people at a time. Its highlight is the sushi chef enclosed by a river moat flowing with traveling sushi boats; delivering tasty sushi, sashimi and rolls. The seating in this place is often challenging because there are only 3 tables seating "parties" of 4. The rest of the seating runs along the river moat. The seating kind of works on a honor system of first come, first serve. Being that we are in MIami, you know that there is always a good chance that some punk (regardless of age or gender) may try to sneak their way past. Make sure you find out who is in front of you when you arrive. I recommend going when it opens at 6pm, but expect a line outside the door to get in. So maybe get there by 5:45 or so. I would suggest always going there expecting a wait of about 15 - 30 minutes just to keep yourself mentally less anxious. On the positive side, waiting means that the sushi is constantly moving, which is why this place's sushi always seems to taste really fresh. Even melting in your mouth at times. The pricing on the sushi goes by color of the plate. It ranges from $1.50 - $3.75 per plate. There is a board (legend) hung on the wall to help decipher prices, but honestly, just go with what looks good. It will be worth it. I promise. I highly recommend a few things here: Miso soup (always good), Salad (love the dressing), Vegetable Tempura (perfectly fried) and my personal favorite, Dragon Roll. It is absolutely scrumptious as the avocado melts with the crispy shrimp and a tinge of spicy-ness in your mouth. I usually get two. (One thing to note is that some rolls are made to order like the Dragon Roll, so if you are looking for something specific, just order from the servers). Speaking of servers, the staff is abnormally nice and considerate. Abnormally because we all know thats a rarity in our beloved town. As a public service announcement I just want to add one more thing: Don't go here if you are in a hurry, rude, inconsiderate, anti-social or just a jerk. The patrons and staff tend to be social, kind and overall just happy to enjoy some really good sushi. Cheers!
(4)
Alfredo M.
Sushi was OK nothing exceptional. Service was appalling. Imagine the worst experience you have ever had at a restaurant and then multiply it by twelve; that's Katana for ya! Glad I tried it once won't be back again.
(2)
Rebecca C.
Row, row, row your boat... gently down the stream. Merrily merrily merrily life is but a dream! Yay - what gets better and funner than sushi on boats going around in a river to your hearts content?? This was the perfect graduation meal. But I have to vent and complain first - this was the most awfullest, terriblest wait I have ever ever had at any restaurant ever. It was over an hour and there were more people waiting than eating. There was no system whatsoever and they didn't even take names, it's all based on honor code and the one waiter who works his butt off is supposed to remember the order people came in, unless you get in his face. Anyways - phew - the food & sushi. So fun. Wasn't that why we went anyways? Just beware of the wait & crowd & hassle even on weeknights! But oh so worth it. I love me some sushi on boats. It's just so much better that way.
(4)
Jeannie C.
My husband and I call this our favorite sushi place - hands down! We go at least twice a month, if not more often - always on a Friday after work to unwind. Get there before 6 or you'll wait - even though it's worth the wait. Nothing fancy about this place, that's for sure. But if you want great sushi and a fantastic staff who really care about your visit - GO HERE!! Recommendations: Uni (sea urchin) Mango Snapper Roll (special order) Salad (dressing is killer) Spicy Tuna Spicy Octopus Cold sake Oh, heck - have it all! It's that good!! I agree with Joseph P and would like to quote the last part of his review: "As a public service announcement I just want to add one more thing: Don't go here if you are in a hurry, rude, inconsiderate, anti-social or just a jerk. The patrons and staff tend to be social, kind and overall just happy to enjoy some really good sushi. Cheers!" Thanks, Joseph - well said! I HIGHLY recommend this place!
(5)
Asami S.
My favorite item here is the tuna tataki with spicy mayo. They have a few decent rolls here but everything else is either hit or miss. Sometimes the rolls are fresh and tightly rolled and the sashimi is "butter-like". Other days that is not so true. I find the spicy tuna and the various seafood "salads" they have to be overly salted and pungent. The seasoning is overly concentrated, as if from a seasoning cube (think bouillon cube). Their tempura desserts are tasty, but aren't most things fried? I personally have not had any problems with service. My main problems besides the inconsistency in food quality is crowding and that the place looks DIRTY. It could use a good cleaning, especially since raw fish is being served here.
(3)
Li F.
******The Owner is Japanese, and one of the most RACIST I've ever come across. Avoid this fascist joint.****** Besides some sushi plate floating on a water propelled belt, I don't really know what else is special for this place. The sushi/sashimis are bland, some are not even fresh and a bit saggy and even fishy to smell. Space is freaking cramped, too. I don't know why people want to come over here to eat and hang out. Be prepared to wait a horrendous amount of time in front of the door for a seat. The staffs are also extremely rude, forcing you to leave as soon as you don't order any more items, or move you to a crappy place when there are more people coming wanting your spot... Best way to ruin your romantic date. I don't think I'll come second time. Any other Japanese Sushi/Sashimi Buffet is 100% better than this shitty joint.
(1)
Michelle Z.
( to the tune of Copa Cabana) Her name was Michelle, she sure loves sushi, be it salmon,yellowtail, cut up in rolls or even squares she went to eat one, night at Katana, little boats floated on right by, little dishes caught her eye. filled up with rolls and more, each plate cost less than four, With every boat that passed by, she was a sushi whore At Katana! Yummy Katana! the boats float by and you just grab 'em At Katana! Yummy Kataaaaaaaana! sushi, capsizing, boats, so much to handle at Kataaaaaaaaana, it's sooo much fuuuuun.
(4)
Kristen T.
I LOVE KANTANA!! A locals spot in Normandy Isle on North Bay Village, don't let it's hole in the wall exterior fool you, and you can easily miss this place if you aren't paying attention (look for the red and black asian style lights in window!) Parking is easy- right in front on the street or the public parking areas on the side streets. There isn't any outdoor seating, there isn't a bright pretty sign guiding you in or a host desk with a skinny dumb model ignoring you for ten minutes then telling you to go to the bar to wait until you are called (bc there is no bar).. this is a no frills, we don't need to impress anyone our food will do that for us type of place. It gets packed, so come early. When you get there, you may be confused about how they are keeping track of you when you came in without writing your name down or giving you a buzzer or even talking to you, but just trust them. You don't need to say a word. They know what they are doing. It's a small space where you basically sit bar style around a mechanism that has boats with sushi going passed you in a moat sushi river thing. The sushi is on different color plates (which if you look at the wall coincide with 3 different prices, from 1.50-$3.50, AKA SUPER CHEAP.) JUST RELAX! Don't get all nervous and start asking all sorts of questions you can easily figure out on your own by looking around you and taking it all in. You aren't going to have a peppy server explaining to you "the concept" or telling you how many plates they recommend you each have. If you need to be babied through your dining experience, this place isn't for you. If you judge a sushi place on how good their lychee martinis are, this place isn't for you, and they don't have those. You can be crazy and pick whatever looks good as its floating by or you can match what you are looking at to a picture on a menu which will tell you. On the menu they have other hot items you can order.. I usually get edamame, seaweed salad, white rice, miso soup, pork shumai, chicken terriyaki or the chicken udon noodles.. you know, basic delicious stuff. No fried rice here though. The noodles are in a sweet Japanese broth that I didn't like at first but now I love, and the thick noodles are great. We also usually get tons of hot saki and sapporo for some quiet saki bombing (I guess those college days of being the loudest saki bombers in a sushi place are over) and I leave stuffed, drunk, happy and with left overs for less than $50 for 2 people. We also usually get the fried ice cream which is HUGE, has like 3 scoops of ice cream and delicious as well. This place is perfect if you are looking for good cheap eats whether it be to impress someone with your knowledge of a local hip fun spot or to just go for the 100th time because you want something you know is consistent, fresh and not too bad on your wallet. There are only a few tables with 4-6 seats so it's better to go with a smaller crowd or on a date. Kantana, don't ever change! (or for that matter, increase your prices either!)
(5)
Paige S.
Katana's is a great restaurant to grab a bite to eat, or sit down to dinner with some friends. The staff is extremely sweet, and very conscious of seating customers in the order they arrived. The spicy tuna got me hooked, and their banana tempura is what gets me going back! The only thing I would like to change is for there to be more of a variety. After eating a few plates, it seems like the same items continue to come out. Other than that, the food is great quality and has delicious flavor.
(4)
Leah S.
This little place did not disappoint. Thanks to Yelp we found this little tiny spot w/ great sushi. Very fresh. Rolls come around in small tapas style format . The plates are $1.50-3.50 and on the sushi river which is constantly getting fresh sushi placed on the plates by the fastest sushi chef I've ever seen. New York Style. Overall a great experience. We went on a Saturday at about 9:30 and there was about a 30 minute wait. You can pass the time by sipping on premium Sapporo beers, they will serve you while you wait, though you may have to ask, don't wait for them to ask you. Also they don't write down your names so better be somewhat aware or they can forget its your turn. They really need a better seating system. It almost happened to us Some time passed w/ the empty chair and he realized it was us who was next and finally let us sit. There is no sign for Katana. Look for the Japanese lanterns in the window. The place is just past the Peruvian restaurant and before Bay Drive. The great news is they accept reservations! Reservations get seated first.
(4)
Arly M.
What took me so long? I literally lived a block from this place for some years and even while knowing of its popularity, never tried it. Until now. I loved this place. I went on two separate nights this past week. The service was great considering how busy they were both nights. The sushi tasted fresh as it should. The boat concept is fun. Yes it is a hole in the wall but the best kind. I love wasabi and their wasabi actually had kick. I thing I have found my new go to Sushi spot.
My best friend suggested a few years back she had found the coolest sushi place on the beach and to my surprise she really did. So last week I took my boyfriend their to surprise him with our trip to New York and of course, sushi! We had a blast and the service was superb. Totally going back.
(5)
Dan G.
My favorite sushi place in Miami. It is an unpretentious little sushi bar that you grab colored plates off the boats that whiz by in a moat around the cooks. The color of the plate determines the price and they add them all up at the end. Great tasting creations and a nice selection of both wine and tea. I would say that you need to get there a little early as they tend to have a wait!
(4)
Eilene B.
My good friend and i are from california (los angeles and san diego, respectively.) and we yelped sushi in miami beach and this place came up. the place is funky cool, all dark with the sushi bar/river in the middle. its nice. its a bit cramped but nothing i couldn't deal with. the sushi? pretty good. have i had better? yes. but it was tasty and it was a good price. my only issue food-wise i suppose was that they didn't give you any description of the sushi nor a menu. you just kinda went by eye. now why do i have a 2 out of 5? the service. rude is an understatement. The 2 people who were there were very very rude. heres what happened: One gentleman had an ID from another country. The man clearly was over 21 but i understand laws are strict etc... anyways, the man gave him the ID he looked at it for about a second then threw it back to the costumer and said "i don't speak spanish so i don't understand this ID I am not going to jail!" and walked away. The man was clearly taken aback and so was i. very rude and disrespectful. the man looked upset the whole time he was there. (and by the way, you can read a damn year, the numbers are not any different in south america. jerk...) now on to our "waitress". The cherry on top. This woman filled out water cups ONCE. and didn't talk to us the ENTIRE time we were there (which was about an hour and a half) which i guess is okay since its sort of your own self service. so it didn't bother me much. BUT, when we went to pay, i left her a small tip, just because i always tip. i told my friend not to worry about the tip (she paid card) that i had cash. we started to get our things together and then the woman came up and RUDELY threw the receipt tray in front of my friend and told her "tip isn't included in the price!". i couldn't believe she has the NERVE to do that. My friend was shocked, and got nervous to say anything back. so i gave her more of my money for the tip. and we left quickly. now, I've been a waitress since i was 16 years old. my parents are in the food industry. i get it. tips are essential. BUT i feel that rule only applies if you actually were waiting on us. she didn't refill anything, she didn't bring us any food or cocktails, so naturally i left her a smaller tip. i felt she was EXTREMELY rude to my friend and very pushy. she didn't even deserve a damn tip but i left her one to be nice. her being rude ruined my entire experience there. i will NOT be going back to this place if i ever visit miami beach again. its been almost a week and I'm still upset about it. save your money, go somewhere where they actually care about the costumer, not the money. (the man with the ID spent the whole time yelling at the woman waitress about money in another language across all the costumers, also rude i feel) long but i felt i needed to say something. horrible service ruins the restaurant.
(2)
Jahzel M.
This place is amazing!!!! It's miami's little gem! It's the closest experience I have had to sushi restaurants in Japan. The quality, the variation, the service, everything is worth the visit.
(5)
Julia K.
This is truly a love hate review. So let's start with the good... The food is always freshly made by the chef standing right at the counter. Everything is consistently good. The fish is thinly sliced and melts in your mouth. There are small plates of unique creations, and it can be a bit adventurous to try new things. I have been going to Katana for 15 years and I am pretty sure they have Never raised the prices. You can't have sushi of this quality at this price anywhere on Miami Beach. That being said, I don't think they have updated or cleaned this place in 15 years either. This restaurant is so dark, I am almost afraid of how dirty it really is. I guess the seedy, hole-in-the-wall decor is part of the North Beach allure. And I will keep coming back because the food is great, but I pray for a scrub down.
(3)
Kathia D.
There are so many reviews on this place already. Yes, the interior decor is old and it's quite dark in there. It is very small. Your best bet is to get there about 10 minutes before opening so you don't have to wait too long. Yes, there are boats that float by with sushi on them. The sushi is made right in front of you by a very serious, very skilled sushi artist (there is a tip jar, be nice). I have always found the sushi to be fresh and delicious. There are plates at all different prices. At the end of your dining experience, the value of the plates (which are priced by the pattern/color) is added up. I enjoy this place.
(4)
Andrew S.
Back to 4... TRICK. Sit at the table right next to where the sushi chef puts out the dishes. It completely changes the dynamic. The sushi freshness was better. I would say it has something to do with the time of day we went... around 6:30pm on a Monday. Dinner was just starting and food fresh and good. Manager was in a jovial mood too. Cool guy, who is going scuba diving in my home state soon. I think his enthusiasm for Spam Musubi (the 'hot dog' or 'hamburger' to islanders) earned an extra star :-)
(4)
Aslamon R.
Best Sushi in Miami without a doubt. That being said, the place is not the cleanest and the attention is very rude. I go there for the sushi, so I dont care about the long lines, or the attitude of the manager (who I think is the owner too). Im a regular customer, and I saw it all: - Manager telling people they cant serve them, because theres a long line and they want to close (10 pm on a friday) - Manager asking people to go home because he needs the seats (literally) while people are still eating - Enforcing chek on customers while they are still eating - Employees yelling at customers for not tiping more than 10% and demanding (yes! demanding! more tip) But, theres a reason why this place is always packed, from 5 to 10: its the best damn sushi in miami. So, go there for the food, not the experience.
(4)
Suzy V.
Been to katana twice and the sushi here is great. The premise of the restaraunt is basically sit around a small bar as little boats with plates of sushi float by. You can pick these up a la carte of order off the menu. Good prices good sushi.
(4)
Rosemary S.
If you are lucky enough you may find a parking spot available right outside. You've might've just won the lotto if you walk in and find 2 chairs next to each other available. I've been here several times and won the lotto only once, all the other times I've had to wait. The sushi is great for the price and area. The food floating on boats is awesome! I just wish this place was bigger.
(4)
Gabi B.
This place has great sushi but employs nasty people. The manager here is a complete ass. I'm the kind of person that it takes a lot to get me mad and after our experience last night I will never go back and will be reporting this company and him to the BBB for discrimination. If you're looking for great sushi and don't mind being treated like shit , then by all means this is the place for you.
(1)
Ruth H.
Neat times 10! This place has sushi boats floating on a river of water... its like a theme park ride, only tastier. Oh, to be the captain of that ship!, in search of the $1.50 plates, which I never saw. Katana, we shall set sail again.
(4)
Michelle B.
Fresh, delicious, sushi brought to you by boats on conveyor belts..or moat, whatever. So charming, I usually go into a daydream that entails me magically becoming miniscule and riding on one of those little boats, but then someone ends up confusing me for sashimi and Katana is forced to close down since cannibalism is frowned upon in this society. Fortunately, I come back from my daydream and choose more plates that range from $1.50 to 3.75 depending on the color of the plate. Yummy and affordable indeed.
(4)
Art B.
Pretty good food but extraordinarily rude staff and management. Would have eaten more if I wasn't so insulted. Inexcusable. There is no way a place that treats their customers like the way they treated me and my friends should be allowed to stay open.
(1)
Leslie B.
My kids think this place is fun because it has the boats that float around and you choose what you want. However, it seems dirty to me. I dislike going there. Sushi places need to be pristinely clean in my opinion. There are so many better sushi places in Miami so keep looking.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Albert M.
Good food, amazing prices, me and a friend just stuffed ourselves with amazing sushi and a few beers for $50 combined. So much win!!!! So here's the breakdown, this is probably the only affordable, fresh, and authentic sushi in all of Miami. This is the real deal. Now the problem is the place is a tiny hole in the wall, you have to move out of your seat to let other people sit. The lack of space also makes having to wait for a table a regular thing. And since there usually isnt a host taking names it can become a clusterfuck. Ive seen people fight about who got there first and who got the next table. Still this place rocks. Great sushi, great prices. Also, if you've ever been to Toyko, this place will take you back. Very much like a lot of the sushi restaurants I went to in Tokyo.
(5)Ana Carolina L.
Bad bad bad bad! I don't know about the food because I left. Left because people there are extremely rude. I was there for 15 minutes and nobody even notice. I went to say "excuse me, how long is the wait?" And the guy step my foot and never came back to talk to me. More people gave up! Too bad!
(1)Ashley C.
Amazingly great food, loved it atmosphere, casual chic get there early or make a reservation this place is a hot spot and always busy
(5)Roger Y.
A very small restaurant that is somewhat disorganized in everything except for the food which is very good. Be prepared to wait for a table or a seat and also for your bill - but the food comes fairly quickly once you get started. Some items are ordered but the sushi comes on small boats that circle the table - you just take what you want. Good luck if your not sushi knowledgeable because there is no description or label on most of the plates. Best to sit next to someone who looks like they know their sushi - after about 5 "what's that" they may get annoyed but so be it. I am of the generation that avoids raw fish so I only order what I could recognize as cooked - it was all very good, Udon soup was standard and good, shrimp tempura, vegetable tempura all ok. The shrimp teriyaki was served with the thick teriyaki sauce that taste like its from a bottle - I would guess that anything named teriyaki is similar so I would skip on that. All in all a good spot, little funky, I suggested to the waiter that he invest in a pad and pencil and write down the arrivals in order so they can be seated properly - he actually took about 90 seconds to explain to me why that was not a good idea - I didn't get his logic but I defer to his experience. Prices are very reasonable. Overall, I like this place and you may too - if your tolerant of the disorganization.
(4)Lopez A.
They have recently revamped their menu with new additions. They still have the prior dishes and with the new ones is just even better. Dessert has room for improvements, but I still visit at least once a week.
(5)Frank B.
As a sushi lover and Chef and creator of the ShuShi Brand, I occasionally enjoy going out to enjoy sushi prepared by others....since I had never been to this place before and I have heard, I figured I'd endured the 45 minute wait even though I was starving...after everyone being seated in orderly fashion, the lack of smart server common sense attitude of someone who would clearly be dismissed by the owner if he or she would find out. Nevertheless, he proceeded to seat a party of three instead of a party of two so he can make that one extra cover....the lack of smarts caused two people to walk out and now a bad unnecessary review. People, greed is a killer....notice those that spread the wealth are the happiest....first and last time....
(1)Kathia L.
Food was ok. Place was disgusting looking! Parking very difficult . Worst costumer service I've seen in a long time . Save your time and your money
(1)Samuel D.
I'm not crazy about how cramped you have to be and it often takes long to be seated but the sushi is SO damn good. By far better than ANY sushi restaurant including RA. Prices are no secret as the different plates denote the prices. Definitely the BEST sushi place in South Florida! Doesn't get a 5 cause it takes for ever to be seated, but trust me it's worth the wait!
(4)Izabella Z.
I'm new to Miami and this place blew me away! Best sushi I've ever had! Walking in, you notice its quaint but busy as a beehive. They have a conveyor belt with sushi boats that contain a variety of colorful plates of different dishes. People are waiting in line to just sit down! The host memorizes the order in which everyone comes in and does an amazing job at accomodating larger groups. You get what you paid for tho. Plates vary from $1.50 - $3.50. I try to come in at least once a week. Love coming here!
(5)Jessica C.
My boyfriend and I were in Miami for 2 nights, and Katana came highly recommended from many locals. We arrived by taxi around 7pm on a Thursday night, and we realized the restaurant was pretty small and there were 4 parties ahead of us. We almost decided to go elsewhere when the waiter greeted us warmly and offered us a beer while we waited. This was great because we stood outside and drank our beer and waited only 15 minutes to be seated. The restaurant is pretty dark and only seats 30 people max, but the little floating boats were great and really added a fun vibe to our meal. The sushi was very reasonably priced (3 rolls per plate were anywhere from $1.50 to $3.50). Make sure you get here earlier than 8pm though, because we noticed a long line after we finished eating.
(4)Natalie L.
First time I ever tried sushi was at Katana and I'm so glad that I did. The sushi is amazing. Can't beat their prices ($2-$5/plates). And I love the concept with the little boats. Small place and it can get full pretty quick. I suggest getting there at 6, when they open. Otherwise, be prepared to wait a bit.
(5)Ali G.
I was so excited to go to this place and have never been so let down. First off, the service is HORRIBLE. Not like a little bad...but like the staff deliberately ignores you and you will just be standing around for 10-15 minutes before you have to awkwardly ask someone what you should do. After you may get a table, have patience. That's all you need at this place. A ton of patience to get anything. Food is mediocre and overpriced. I should have bought sushi from whole foods instead. Oh, and it's a dump. So there's that.
(1)Luigi C.
So... "Mobile Sushi" WTF is that? Well it's the kind of Sushi that comes to you... Katana brings you that... The Food: Normally Budget and Sushi is a bad combination but in this case Katana makes it happen... Their stuff is fresh. The variety and quality is enhanced by the skill of the sushi chef making the rolls.. JapanRasta is my fave, he's fast and good. The Tuna is awesome.. Spicy Tuna Roll, Spicy Crunchy Tuna Salad (Ground Spicy Tuna with Tempura batter crumbs) Their tempura is really good too.. Eel rolls, Ikura, Hamachi, octopus, the works.. if it's not on the boats ask for it and they'll bring it to you... they also have Udon and a bunch of other stuff... good food. Banana Tempura to top it off, very nice. Sake selection is 'OK'. The Scene: Katana is tacky and ugly but it's 'cute' ugly, Kinda like your grandparents garage or storage room... it's cramped you'd swear it was dirty but its not. The "river" is made of white bathroom tile and caulk and looks like a weekend DIY 8th grader project.. but it works! So you pick your sushi eat and then they count the plates when its time to check out, don't even think about hiding the plates, they have a sushi ninja watching and the next thing you know you'll hear "HADOUKEN!!" and you'll be engulfed in blue-flames "YOU LOSE!" It does get packed, waiters might get a bit in the weeds but they're nice and friendly. I really like this place. and I've been going there for like 13 years! arigato gozaimasu Katana!
(4)Kwan W.
First time here; was seated within 15 mins and was the fourth group in line. They had the boats stocked which was good. The seafood is fresh. The service is OK but they were busy. Would definitely come again with more friends. Must get the unagi here, it is so good.
(4)Apple S.
Best sushi place in Miami! Love the concept, their sushi is delish. I like taking plates, but order my tempura. The cheesecake dessert is great but enough to share! Prices are great. Only minor: so many people love it and with their tiny space, you always have to wait in line.
(5)Sharon W.
We ordered take away from here. The ordering process over the phone was painless and the food was ready when we arrived ~25 minutes later. Staff was friendly! The food was great! The fish was fresh and there were many unusual offerings on the menu. We ordered a mix of standbys, like spicy tuna, as well as more unique offerings, like the squash roll. The prices are great - the sushi rolls mostly contain 4 pieces, which is preferable to me as you can order a bigger variety. I would definitely do take away from here again; however, I would think twice about eating in as the interior is abysmal.
(4)Matias L.
Why 4 stars ? Well basically because I only give 5 stars to a places I am willingly happy to say will be my last meal on this planet. Katana oh katana how much I love hate you. By now after looking at all the reviews yes I'll say it again for you it's a river with floating boats that carry plates of sushi along the way with each plate being colored to match a price. Expensive ? No, yet definitely awesome. I must warn you this isn't for everyone. Authentic Japanese sushi but at a price and I'm not talking about money. Simply put its a whole in the wall joint that you must be willing to wait in a line for because seating is minimal. Yes the food is delicious and fresh. To me it's a locals place and I like it that way. For those who write bad reviews it's simply because you are looking for fancy, flashy with great service. We all want fancy sometimes yes but this isn't the place to come looking for it. Big groups can come but I highly don't recommend it. I like coming here with my gf to sit at the bar with a beer and munch on some amazing fresh sushi. The best part is the plates are small portions so if you're like me that eats anything and everything, you can try every piece that comes your way.
(4)Rachel K.
The excellent sushi doesn't make up for the attitude of the owner. I am a regular customer, and I love the sushi here. I came in at 9pm and there was a line of people waiting. The owner offered everyone around me drinks, but not my girlfriend or me. After waiting 45 minutes for a spot I saw two seats had been open for a while to get the owners attention to ask if we could sit there. He said no, that someone else had been there before us, when I told him I had actually been there longer (and the person the owner said had been there longer than me agreed) he told me to "get the fuck out" and that he "didn't need my business." I was shocked. I refuse to be treated this way and will not return, good sushi doesn't outweigh horrible treatment. I'm not sure if this man hates repeat customers, but the message was loud and clear and I won't be back.
(1)Joseph C.
sushilicius! Floating Wooden boats on a conveyor belt sailing around filled with delicious sushi as the chef prepares it right in front of your eyes. Each plate had a different price and as you stack them, that is your bill. By all means this is not a fine dining experience, definitely a local spot, always a wait since is very good. Perfect for a casual night with friends and good food.
(4)Jacquelyn B.
The sushi wasn't amazing but it was good. It gets pretty crowded so the wait time was long. It was very fun to sit and watch the sushi rolls on the small boats. The concept is great. Enjoyed my time there.
(3)Emily P.
The best sushi you will find!! If you like California Rolls, go home. (You don't belong) Wanna impress your chick with fancy service, better luck next time. Are impatient and want prompt seating, not the place for you. This place has authentic, fresh, awesome sushi. No fancy bs, no weird secret sauce used to mask previously frozen stuff. The chef will throw away old boats if they don't get eaten fast enough, and any menu item isn't better than what's being shipped around ;) Don't bother coming here if you want high class, or a booth, or noodles. This place is known for being an in-and-out spot, not for kids- don't be cheap just cause you feeding five. Come here on a casual date night, or with a friend, or hey, even by yourself is awesome. Tip the server who is running around like a mad man decently, don't be an asshole, and guess what! You have a new dream hole-in-the-wall for sushi. Thank yourself for not being pretentious enough like the rest of Miami to miss something fabulous.
(5)Lovey J.
Great sushi at a great price! There's always a wait and it's not a place to take children. Service is okay, but the sushi makes up for it! Dimly lit hole in the wall original sushi joint they I absolutely love!
(4)Kostia B.
My girlfriend and I love sushi and this place beats all! We go at least once every two weeks. It's a hole in the wall but lately it's gotten a lot of recognition. It opens after 6pm and you can expect to wait for at least 10-20 minutes at any time. Katana doesn't have that many chairs and only three tables. But the food is worth the wait and it's cheap compared to others around the beach. The staff is also very friendly but make sure they see you come in and for you to know who's in front of you and who comes after.
(5)Kai S.
In South Florida, where East Asians are the minority among all minorities, and people order sushi at Thai restaurants, it is practically impossible to find an authentic Japanese restaurant, let alone an authentic sushi bar owned by Japanese who serve value fares on a conveyor belt, known in Japanese as kaiten-zushi. Thankfully, I find Katana, located in Normandy Isle, a neighborhood in Miami Beach, to be a place as such, and it has been my go-to place for checking the "palate compatibility" between myself and my dates. (They don't have to be knowledgeable about sushi or even enjoy raw fish, but they should be adventurous enough to try something new once.) Instead of the more common sushi train, at Katana, each color-coded dish is presented on a small boat floating through a narrow canal. Diners sitting at the bar grab whatever dishes they desire from the boats, although they can also order appetizers, udon noodles, donburi (rice bowls) off the menu. In terms of the food quality, it is decent. Its sashimi is definitely fresh, which is more than what you can ask for for the low prices you pay. The rolls range from average to great, and the clear winner is the spicy tuna gunkanmaki (warship rolls), with a unique flavor that's truly one of the best I have ever had. The desserts, such as ice cream tempura and banana tempura, are served in large portions. Avoid gyoza (Japanese potstickers), chicken teriyaki, and oyakodon (chicken and egg over rice). I hate to say it but they were awful when I ordered them.
(3)Lorin G.
I have nothing bad to say about this place, ever! The fish is always fresh, service is as to be expected in a place like this. Could be better, could be worse. Try and get there a little before they open at 630 because you will wait in line for a seat. Place seats about 20-25 people so it's always a tight fit. But it's so worth it. Such a great experience with the sushi boats, but if you want to go to hang out, go somewhere else. This place is a get in and get out type of joint.
(5)Nelson A.
If your looking for fancy or great pampering skip this place. If your looking for real authentic Sushi at a great price make this one of your stops when your in North Beach. The place serves up great Sushi nough said.
(5)Petunia L.
You know this is the place to go when you want sushi in Miami. Affordable, but good. Also there's always a wait time so come prepared the place is small and stuffy.
(4)Stephanie C.
The sushi was pretty fresh and yummy! The place itself is tiny so you'll be waiting for a while. If it's packed then be ready to be waiting outside in a line. The best part of this experience is being able to grab the plate of food right from the little boat on a moat. All in all, this 'hole in the wall' is a great restaurant! They also have a sister restaurant by the name of Shima. Both great places!
(4)Yannelis G.
Okay so this is what you call a hole in the wall sushi joint. As soon as you walk in you'll see a river of boats filled with different items off the menu, the wait can be anywhere to 15-45 min I've waited an hour before.. It's first come first serve not many places to sit because it's only around the mini river thing. That says how much I love it. I come here very often the staff is friendly! It's been around for years! The fried shrimp dumplings are my favorite :)
(5)Natasha P.
Super cute spot. The sushi and food is really good and fresh. You can order from a menu or pick what you like from a little plate floating by on a little boat right by your table :) The only thing is that it is a small place. So if it happens to be one of those days where it's really crowded, you have to stand in a line and wait if there are no seats. And when the people are standing there kinda looking at you and your food, you feel a little rushed. Overall, very yummy food, good service, a different kind of restaurant, fun, very cute little boats with food :) A must to experience
(4)Carla B.
I'm not angry or anything. But I just feel it's irresponsible of me to give it 5 stars anymore. Even 4 would be misleading. It's decent. I still love the fact that you get to savor different kinds of sushi, but for YEARS they've had that awful a/c unit that leaks on top of the door, and they haven't fixed it. Ladies, watch out for your hair when you walk in! It's such a basic thing, really. The place is very small, which makes me feel like I don't know if I prefer to stand for a long time to get a seat, or to sit it out, because then you're at butt level with the people standing, lol! However, that wouldn't be terrible if everything else was great. But I had to tell both servers tonight that I wanted my check, because the first one forgot and kept on cleaning table after table. That aside, tonight the crab meat roll with eel on top was KILLER. Very fresh! Their dumplings were also amazing.
(3)Jordy S.
One of my favorites sushi places in Miami when im on holiday. I see many complains about the owner, but believe me the owner is a very nice man and he always recognize me when im back. This place has pretty good sushi, always fresh delicious and a lots of variety! The only thing that they have to do is just update the interior of the restaurant because its looks very old and dirty, please do something on it . Katana wont disappoint
(4)Hin C.
Super Rude owner, Toshi! Party of 3 walked in and the owner told us 40minutes. I replied, ok, for 3 please, we'll be back. 30 minutes we noticed that the party of 4 that came after us had sat down. We went in and told Toshi, "excuse me, those 4 came after us." Then suddenly Toshi RAISED his voice at us, that we just went outside... That was not called for, he raised his voice in front of every customer inside the restaurant. Working in the hospitality industry myself, that is below low.... That's not the way to speak to your customers like that even if your busy, irritated, frustated, or because we look like we walked out of a ComicCon. Don't want time serve us??? Especially if you're the owner or Manager. Service is terrible and I'm HIGHLY disappointed because this place was high recommended to me by a friend. A simple "Oh I'm so sorry, ill get you the next table" would be nice, but instead, he sat a couple in front of our faces. NEVER ever going back. Do you think I would stand outside the restaurant for 30 minutes for nothing?? And I've already paid for my parking too... Working in the hospitality industry myself, that is below low.... That's not the way you should speak to your "guest", even IF you're busy, irritated, frustrated, or because we look like we walked out of a ComicCon (We did). ESPECIALLY, if you're the owner or manager, you're held to a higher standard. Don't want time serve us because we're probably broke Otakus that wont tip???? We're the best tippers because we know what it's like to delivery customer service even when guest is unhappy and yelling in your face .
(1)Fernanda F.
This little hole in the wall has great and very affordable sushi. It gets super packed, especially given that it's an itty bitty teeny tiny spot, so try to go before 8pm. I'm giving it 4 stars because the sushi is ok and the service is nice. But don't go if you're craving a gourmet meal, you'll be disappointed. It's definitely just a different, and very old, place to satisfy a random sushi craving.
(4)Henry M.
Are you starving for sushi? Then come here and eat. They charge you by the plate but I promise you won't break the bank if you stuff yourself. It's a tiny little place that has seating around a conveyor on which the sushi is served. With that said, know when to come here. If you come here during prime time, you're going to have to wait. But if you come during some off time or, god forbid super early, you won't have to wait long if at all. The food is delicious. It might get repetitive so just ask the waiter for something different or for something you loved and haven't seen come by again. You can even get sake or beer! Like I said, you won't break the bank if you eat here. It's reasonably priced.
(4)Naty S.
After hearing about this "Boat Sushi" place... We finally made it to Katana... Here you have to trust all the reviews and amazing recommendations. Based on appearances one may not go in, but trust your instincts... We made it to Katana around 10:30PM on. Friday night and there was a waiting line of 45 minutes. Well the wait was well worth it! The boats come by fast, carrying precious cargo... Tuna with Spicy Mayo, Salmon Sushi, all kinds of Sushi rolls, Gyoza, Uni rolls, seafood salad, you name it. They also have an additional menu with Noodles, teriyaki delicacies and sweet treats... The place is so full that it guarantees that the food is always fresh and just made. At times all the boats are sailing empty... Just to see new exciting shipments coming your way. Each boat carries a new surprise to be discovered. It is very Japanese, the servers are running non stop trying to accommodate all the guests waiting at the door. Come with time, come hungry, come with an open mind and just sail away... Katana wont disappoint!!!
(5)Ana S.
This review is NOT for the food NOT for the service they deserve 4 stars. This are for the owners, come on! Yesterday a piece of the front wall fell on the top of a customers head waiting then on another customers foot. The place needs to be updated, that air vent with aluminum foil really?! The place is falling apart-spend money in a better a number machine so you don't have to get all flustered if you get it wrong. Please update Katana!!!!!!
(2)Joseph G.
Thoroughly enjoyable sushi experience. Katana has a full menu and can also be enjoyed by way of small wooden boats carrying plates of sushi along a lazy river around the chefs. When enjoying sushi from the boats they charge by the plate. The color of the plate determines the price of the item on it. The plates range from $1.50 - $3.75 and they add up all the plates at the end of your meal for your bill. Katana is relatively small and if you are not part of the first seatings at 6pm you will be waiting for around one hour. I strictly ate off the boats which had a nice variety of sushi, sashimi, hand rolls, and salads. Great spot for a date.
(4)Matteo B.
Some of the negative reviews are a bit bizarre. If you want a nice atmosphere, you're missing the point. There are plenty of sushi places in Miami Beach with 'atmosphere', but good luck stuffing your face for around $20. Yes, it's musty. Yes, it's dark. But that's part of the vibe. No, the manager ISN'T rude unless you're rude to him. Then again, we're in Miami, where manners go out the window. This isn't a place I go to for sashimi, or cute little rolls with drops of sauce scattered on the plate. Just get ready to go on a rice-overload with various crab rolls, california rolls, shrimp tempura rolls, that just roll on by on a little river as you sit down. It's not fancy sushi. It's not particularly great tasting. But it gets the job done when you just want something simple that will fill you up.
(5)Ariel M.
This is a hole in the wall place ... But let's just say it is soooooooo worth coming here! I've lived in my neighborhood for over 13 years and for the first 8 ... I never ventured out. I truly regret not doing so because knowing that such a great sushi place existed around my block and I missed out all those years just kills me every time! Me and my boyfriend love coming here at least 1-2 times a month. Unfortunately because of the long lines, yes, you will always have a line here - we sometimes don't come out as often as we would like. This place is a small place and so you will be cramped inside while you wait. You'll notice as you first come in that there is no hostess but you will find one man running around - Toshi. He's the guy who somehow knows when you came in and will ensure you are seated based on who was first inside. I warn you now - DONT EXPECT GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. Also, avoid truly approaching him, he means well - simply has a funny way of showing it. Once seated, get ready to enjoy some amazing sushi at such great prices. You can wait for your sushi to arrive from the river boats and/or you can also order from their menu. They have some beer options and coke products. Their udon noodle soup with egg is amazing. Overall this is one of the BEST sushi places in Miami hands down. The lines will always be there to get in and sit - it shows how good it is and people will wait 35-45 minutes just to sit down and enjoy the food! Check it out... We do all the time and love it! We come so often that Toshi knows us now and says hello ...
(5)Dennis M.
Great little hole in the wall. Conveyor belts with boats of sushi was definitely a unique experience. Place is very affordable and food was great. Get there early though, we had to wait quite a while. If you don't see a roll of choice from the menu on any boat, feel free to order with waiter and they will have it made for you.
(4)Alex B.
This place is so cute! My friend goes here like 3 times a week because she loves it so much, and she's friends with the chef and waitresses. The boats coming down the water are really cute and you have the urge to snatch a plate before someone else does. All the sushi was delicious and I was full really quickly. I think the prices are fair because the fish is high quality, but it's a low-mid priced meal for me, and probably low or average for a Miami native. Come here!
(4)Roberto F.
I've been coming to this place for years and I think the best approach to this review is simply stating the pros and cons, so here goes. PROS: Great quality sushi. Always fresh, delicious, and lots of variety Simple pricing. Plates are color-coordinated based on price so you know prices right away. And the prices are not bad at all. Plus, you can order whatever sushi you want if it's not floating on the little boats on the conveyor style moat. I suggest to try the banana tempura because it's just reeeally good lol CONS: Manager is RUDE. I've never had an issue with him, which is why I keep going back after 6 years, but I've seen him several times being very rude to other people. This place is not your typical restaurant and the manager will remind you of that if you confront him about the long wait or him seating others before you after you've been waiting. He's just rude if you bother him. Otherwise, he's fine. Place needs a renovation. Plain and simple.
(4)Anna L.
This place has pretty good sushi, at very good prices. Its not fancy sushi, not creative over the top rolls... but if you're craving sushi this is it. BE PREPARED TO WAIT! ITS a tiny place, and it gets packed really quickly. You can only make reservations for the next day, if I'm not mistaken. Also the seating isn't very comfy. But all of those things don't matter as much... the sushi is good, and along with the prices, its worth the wait.
(4)Ashley C.
In total, I've visited this restaurant 3 times over the span of 6 months years ago, and after my last visit I have never been back. On a search for the famous sushi boat restaurants Japan is known for, and once I stumbled upon this restaurant online and decided to make a long trip from my home in the Redlands to Miami Beach and give this place a try. Honestly, on my first visit I must have been so fascinated by the whole idea that I over looked all the important details. On my second visit I asked if there was a waiting list and he said no you'll be seated when there is an opening. Whatever, fair enough I guess. I waited in line for quite a while, and he seated a couple who had arrived after me. When I said something to him he started raising his voice at me and told me no they were here first. Bullsh*t, I saw saw them park on the curb and come in after me. I was clearly annoyed and considered leaving right then, but then a party left and mine got seated. I tried to get over it, but I was annoyed the rest of my visit. This time around, I noticed the sushi chef didn't have his hair covered or held back completely; he was wiping his face and nose with his bare hands and still preparing food!! The fish wasn't kept on ice, but just in plastic containers on the counter. The waitress that took our drink and other food orders leaned in over the passing sushi to speak to us. Come on really? I'm not a germophobe, but god damn don't put your face and hot breathe all over the passing food! Who came up with this setup? The sushi is not covered by anything so flies that get in when countless people are coming in to wait can easily get on the food. I saw the same exact dish of sashimi (raw fish) go around for about 30 minutes and instead of taking it out and replacing it, they just left it there. I feel bad for whoever ended up eating that one. The sushi was decent, but not memorable or impressive at all. The sashimi wasn't that fresh, and the side dishes and soups weren't memorable either. I've been to many, many Japanese restaurants and I've definitely had better that was around the same price range. I asked for hot green tea and saw the girl pour it from a large canister, and pop it in the microwave. Really? The tiles around the water where the boats pass through looked discolored and moldy, the lights has dust on them (seriously WTF, do these people even clean after hours??). The air-conditioning unit looked nasty and black with mold buildup and it was leaking. The seating area was cramped and uncomfortable, it didn't give customers enough personal space, and the seats themselves need to be replaced. I didn't even use the restroom because I was afraid of how nasty it would be. It took forever for us to pay and leave because the waitress never came back after dropping off the food. Now, for the last and final visit; the one that convinced me to never go back ever!! I decided to take my siblings here for the experience, but honestly I should have learned from my previous visit. My party consisted of 5; my boyfriend and I and my three siblings. Again!! We had to deal with the nasty douche manager and the careless seating/waiting setup. Come on! I know you guys are cheap as hell but can't you just buy a damn notebook and have people write their names and wait to be called!?! We were skipped again by people who arrived much later. I didn't bother saying anything because I didn't want to smell the managers nasty breathe as he bitches and treats you like crap. Finally, we were seated about 40 minutes after arriving. From there our overall dinner experience was fine. UNTIL... it was time to pay. My brother decided to treat us and pay for the whole bill which was just pushing $100. The waitress, who was only seen twice during the whole visit, came to collect the payment for our check. My brother paid cash and we waited for her to return with the change so that we could then all pitch in for a more than fair tip and leave. That didn't happen because all of a sudden the rude manager came and yelled at us in front of everyone in the whole restaurant saying "oh she lives off of tips and you have to give her more money than that." I was in so much shock I didn't even know what to say!!! First of all, tips are based on service, and her service was shit to be frank. Yet, even though her service was barely there, we always tip very well, and we had full intention of doing so before he came and embarrassed us in front of everyone there!! My brother still tipped her after that too!! Honestly, if she had even made an effort to come back to us she would have seen that we were leaving her a tip. Honestly, I would have just told him and her to go F**k themselves and left if I could get over my shock and speak. I was so furious and really wanted to bitch him out! HOW IS THIS PLACE STILL GETTING BUISNESS!!! It's gross, has rude workers, and I can't believe they pass health inspections!!! Never coming to this place ever again!!
(1)Sack S.
Visiting from Toronto and my son's 11th birthday and he wanted sushi served on a conveyor belt style. We used Yelp and this one came up. We read all the negative reviews but went anyways since there seems to be little options in the area. The Restaurant is a little hard to find since the restaurant offers no name on the walls or doors. We used the street address and visual clues that it was Japanese restaurant. Restaurant opened at 6PM and we arrived a 5:45pm with line up already. We entered promptly at 6PM and was seated immediately - it is an extremely small restaurant. The food was good and the kids loved it - the reason why it is so popular is because it was so cheap. We ate 20 plates with noodles and appetizers and the bill $65 unheard of. In Toronto or New York the bill would have been doubled. There was only 2 servers and 2 sushi chefs. Probably 1 more person in the back. You can see how the employees can be tense and somewhat crusty since the restaurant is so small and people are waiting in line from when they open to when they close. These people are going all out - running a marathon for 5 straight hours. So when a customer with higher expectations being overly demanding comes in, you can empathize with the workers for being somewhat rude unintentionally. For the record we encountered decent service. But we sat next to the cash register and the phone was ringing non stop for take out orders, the manager finally gave up and stop answering the phone to focus on the customers in the restaurant. So when you go to this restaurant expect it to be like the "Soup Nazi" in Seinfeld, if you can not handle it, don't go, I warn you. If you can, then you can expect a good meal at very great price. Remember to eat and leave - this is not the place to go for romantic dinner since you have 30 people standing over you waiting to take your spot. Man I wish I had a business like it.
(4)David R.
This is not your typical place and you will be reminded of that. Where do I begin?... are you ready to wait anywhere between 10-30 minutes to be seated?... and are you ready to be talked to in a quick and serious manner before being seated?... and are you ready to eat one of the BEST sushi experiences you will have in Miami???!!! if so, THIS IS THE PLACE! I have been going to Katana for years and what I love about it is the consistent service and quality of food. Not ONE time, have I gone to eat here and been disappointed. The manager, according to many reviews is an ass... not true. He works hard, moves things around and finds you a seat as people that are already seated move... he is a great person, as long as you dont bother him wondering why you have to wait to be seated...There is a reason why people are willing to wait so much for it, its simply a great experience. Every time I eat here, it reminds me of the documentary where the best sushi in the world is made by this guy who everyone scared off lol. I simply love it and highly recommend it. The prices are per plate and its such a hidden gem. I recommend the tuna with the sauce, the eel and the spicy tuna... soooo yummy!!!! Now once you are seated, you will have the smiliest most kind woman, asian too, giving you all you want and deserve! A must must must try place in Miami.
(5)Diana N.
This place is amazing-cozy hole in the wall that makes you feel like you're in New York City. Food is stellar and the atmosphere is fun.
(5)Carolina C.
The service and the food is amazing. I think that the restaurant could be bigger and serve more varieties.
(4)Christine T.
My favorite sushi restaurant in South Florida! Have been coming for the past 5 years and have never left unsatisfied. With that being said, this place is definitely a dive, and why I have to deduct a star. It can definitely use a renovation and thorough cleaning. But the food is delicious and inexpensive. My husband and I can eat here feeling stuffed, and order a bottle of nigori sake, for 50$. Excellent date night, and expect to wait for a seat because it's always packed. Favorite menu item: spicy tuna and tuna with Cajun sauce Tip: don't come with more than 4 people, it is a small restaurant and it's hard to accommodate a party of more than that.
(4)R M.
The quality of the sushi is better than I expected form this place, which has no name outside and looks dingy. The space inside can use some updating and cleaning. The conspt is fun, though not new by any means as this idea was sexy in the 90's. This looks like a leftover place from back then. Would have liked to see more variety of sushi, and it was not dirt cheap either. We paid for 2 people $60 without tip.
(3)William K.
Amazing sushi for the price!!!! A hole in the wall place but it is definitely worth the wait!!
(5)Liliana R.
Great sushi and a good variety of japanese food, although they seriously have to work on the space and physical aspect of the place, it looks dirty and sometimes smells.
(3)Rachel S.
I had been coming to this place for almost 5 years. Never again. For years I have brushed off the smell of mold, the horribly disorganized system for seating guests (or lack of system thereof) and the terrible attitude of the manager/head waiter because they make a decent California roll and their prices are good. Never again. My husband and I entered the establish to wait in the clusterf*%$k of a line to be seated and after a few minutes some seats opened up. The manager guy seats people who got there after we arrived, and when we told him so said "too bad." Seriously? Never again.
(1)Rick L.
Horrible customer service! The server actually said, "I'm not an asshole but if you don't like it there's the door." incredible. This is what happens when you forget things are done differently here in the good old USA! Never again.
(1)Jessica A.
Blink and you'll miss it! This little hole in the wall actually gets pretty darn busy! Expect a wait of thirty minutes or so... Trust me, it's worth the experience! Bring a date or friend, it's a cool tiny place. Fun concept for those looking to try different types of sushi, though, you won't find all those ~famous~ rolls here. The sushi floats around on a belt, and the closer you are to the chef, the better chance you have of picking up what you want. Simple sushi, but good and fresh! The price of your sushi varies on the type of plate you pick up.
(4)Selma F.
Eat sushis differently! Be prepared to stand in line at 5:45pm if you are going on a weekend. The food was good and really fresh and fairly inexpensive. However you will tend to over-eat before of the boats and small plates. The conveyor belt makes the sushis experience different however you might feel a little rushed. Customer service was very good.
(4)Natalya A.
I'm surprised this place had 3 1/2 stars .... Anyways I've been coming here for about 4 years now and I LOVE it! Originally when I came in high school it was only place to get affordable fresh sushi! Yes, the wait to sit down takes forever and can be a pain but it's always worth the wait. They are efficient and work with what they have. I'll always be loyal to them. You get your money's worth. I love the fact you can see them making the sushi in front of you. I do wish they would expand.
(5)Milay s.
Wow! I LOVED this place!!!! Fun atmosphere, cool rotating sushi river and really inexpensive. Worth the 45 min wait on a Sat. night. I wish this restaurant were in LA where I live!!!!
(5)Wendy G.
We live near to Katana and love it for an easy dinner on a weekday. There's usually a wait for a spot at the sushi bar and there's only three or so tables, so be prepared to wait. But once you get a coveted seat then the sushi comes around on water river in small boats. Sushi is simple, tuna, salmon, crab, octopus, spicy tuna. There are rolls and hot entrees that you can order off a menu. Fish is generally very fresh. The restaurant could definitely use a remodel.
(4)Rachel S.
I've been wanting to try Katana for quite some time now. I finally found my way here at just the right day and time. It was a Tuesday evening around 6:30pm. Why so early, you ask? Because I took Joseluis's advice. I knew I had to be here early to find a seat. As advised the place was already full and I managed to snag the last open seat near the end of the bar. It was full of locals. The service was good. My water glass was kept filled, and they kept checking to see if I needed anything. The dishes I tried included seaweed salad, rainbow roll, California roll, and salmon sashimi. All were fresh and tasty. I really like the little water boat system. After all this tasting my plates stacked up. The price on my check was very reasonable. I wish there would be more restaurants like Katana around our magic city.
(4)Caro G.
Amazing place, but this time my experience was not good. Service is a big ingredient of the experience, and the manager was extremely rude. I won't get into details, but man, u need to keep it together, not all Argentinians are bad, and we do un speak english. Thanks.
(1)Sarah S.
I grew up in Miami Beach and have been to this place countless times. It is hands-down my favorite sushi place on the beach. But for those of you looking for a quick overview, here are the pros and cons: PROS: -Fantastic, fresh sushi, rolls, dumplings, etc. -Very cheap, especially for such high quality (HUGE meal under $30) -Decent parking in the area, free after 6-7PM and there is a lot right behind the restaurant as well -Very cute, unique set-up, great for a date or casual night out with friends/family CONS- -Very long wait and does not take reservations -Although customer service is quick and efficient, not overly friendly -Not kid friendly due to previous cons Now for the detailed description-- I grew up in Miami Beach and have been coming here for years. It's a simple hole in the wall place, but appearances can be deceiving-- it is hands-down my favorite sushi place on the beach. The sushi is extremely fresh and very reasonably priced. You pay by the plate, and they have a display on the wall of the restaurant displaying what plate designs equal what price (light blue plate is $1-something, gold is $4, etc.). You can eat a HUGE meal of fresh, high-quality sushi, dumplings, rolls, and more for 20-30 dollars. It is fairly small, and the plates of food circulate on boats around a little "river" set-up in front of the bar seating. If you do not see what you want on the boats, you can always call over a waiter and individually order it. They also have hot dishes like noodles, teriyaki, and even fried ice cream. Perfect for a casual date, night out with family, etc.-- not kid-friendly, however. They are extremely busy, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, and do not take reservations (clearly they don't have to). I've waited 45 minutes for a party of 2 to be seated, but it is well worth the wait. If you do not want to wait very long, I would recommend showing right as they open (especially on weekends). Although the service is very quick, efficient, and polite/respectful to customers, do not expect overly friendly service. Overall, this place is fantastic, and I would highly recommend it to anyone craving great sushi/Japanese food.
(5)Laura P.
I've been coming to Katana for a few years now (6 years) and I just came back to it after a year and I see that nothing has changed. Same rude greeting guy. Very small place, and not so appealing to the eyes. Very, very very disorganized . I do have to admit that the food is still very tasty but the experience can leave a bad taste in your mouth!
(3)Romuald L.
They have not cleaned or painted for 15 yrs. It smells like gas and the service is gotten worse lately. Spoiled and lazy waiters will deny service after 9.40pm sometimes...
(1)Parry S.
I use to love the place... But it really needs a makeover! It's dirty, smelly and staff working there for too long are ruining the experience... Super rude, exhausted, or just over it manager needs a new job !!! Never going back :((
(1)Terra S.
Just so so. The service isn't ANYTHING to rave or bash! It's super tiny and can get really congested w/ people waiting behind and around you. The concept is cool with the floating boats but I had to order my specific rolls because I didn't see any of the rolls I wanted floating by after the first ten minutes of sitting down. My BFF Laura P recommend we eat at this place but acknowledged that her previous experiences were always lackluster. Would I come back on my own maybe not. Although the prices can't be beat I'd rather spend $3 or so more dollars per roll for a better overall experience! But that's just me.
(3)Paul K.
Forget the food. It was average at best. But the "yelp sensored people" running this place are rude and inconsiderate. Only come here if you want to be abused. I can't believe I wasted my time coming to this dump. Furthermore when YOU act like jerks towards your customers don't go crying to yelp when you receive a bad review. Perhaps spending more time appreciating that you even have customers would be a wise choice. The place is dirty cramped & mediocre at best. Everyone is so impressed because the food floats around on little boats. Seriously?
(1)Bri B.
My initial reaction was, eww I will not eat here. Then I did, and this place is such a great little hole in the wall restaurant (literally). I wish they would spend a little money on fixing the place, but as long as the food is fresh and delicious, I will keep coming back!
(4)Ronny C.
Ok Sushi The wait was long and the last batch of items were ok - I like the cozy place food was good however the place needs some work- We had the soft shell appetizer and it was tasty. We ate several boats and we enjoyed the sashimi and some of the rolls. Wine selection was limited but good. We have dual residence- and we are buying a home in the area- for now we are finding interesting places in the hood. We will give it another try to get 5 stars.
(4)Alex K.
I'm back with an update about the Katana Restaurant! This time with much funnier and worse rating! As usual I came here expecting some kind of change in... EVERYTHING! The wait was so long and this time with no chairs to sit while waiting. The people who were eating were selfish pigs, taking thier sweet time sucking the wasabi and edamame. Ok on to the next sentence... The sushi was good but not alot of my faves were there. I really don't like how they show off thier air conditioning by not building a roof or whatever. Not my type of place. Don't really recommend a place with possible diseases and douches. That's all for now...
(1)M R.
1. Why is this place TWO DOLLAR signs yelp? I'd argue for 1. 2. We (boyfriend and I) lived in the neighborhood for a year. We tried to limit ourselves to eating here once a week. 3. I tried to make sexy eye contact with the chef with dreads every time. No luck. My boyfriend is such a cockblock. Haha 4. Cheap plates encourage you to try new things :) 5. The male server didn't have a wait list. He just memorized everyone. So impressive!
(5)felicia b.
What a special, sexy little place. A delicious seaweed salad, kissed with sesame oil....Delightful little boats carrying bites of sushi heaven as cargo....Strong wasabi and perfectly pickled ginger to your heart's content...Love!
(4)Anny V.
i love this place! the food is amazing! great price for sushi! the service is also great!
(5)Sofia A.
Japanese workers are awesome the owner espically that guy was awesome to me.... great prices and the boats was amazing found it really AWESOME TOO... sushi was great loved the restaurant I wish could be bigger always busy!!!
(5)Gabrielle W.
SUSHI BOATS!... steer clear of the splash zone... jk lollll YES, I am a super fan of Katana and as a former resident of Normandy Isle this was my go-to sushi spot. They have a dreaded-out-sushi-maker-chef-dude and a conveyor belt with sushi boats with delectable sushi on colorful plates... sounds a lil like heaven, right? Ok, so why would heaven receive only 4 stars, you ask? Well, the wait is always long if you arrive after 6(which is when it opens) and the order in which you are called to be seated is not very concise. Basically, it involves the owner(a little asian dude that never smiles) barking at people on where to sit once a seat around the sushi boats becomes available. lol Buttttt, some sake always cures the stress from the wait, the sushi is super fresh, the udon soup is *GAH* amazingggg, and did i mention the SUSHI BOATS?? oh, and the prices are great. :)
(4)Rich S.
Visit #2 Tonight was disappointing. We came at opening and as soon as we sat down we were swatting FLIES away from the fish on the boat while sitting at the bar. And more disturbing was the LAYER of DUST on the rope that is directly above the boats of fish that goes around the river. We didn't notice this until the end of our meal and quickly asked for the check and left with a pit in our stomach. Attached find the pictures of the dust / dirt right on top of fish. A gust of wind and it's on the dish. I'm upset because we frequented this restaurant and now we are never going back.
(1)Katana W.
Now I'm not being bias because Katana is my name, but this is an amazing spot! I came it by myself as I usually do when I try a new place, and I have no complaints at all. I will be back again!
(5)Octavia Y.
I ALLLLLLWAYYYYSSSSSS WANNA bring my out of town friends here. There will always be a wait but it's well worth it! I can't and won't say much more because everyone has said it all. Don't worry about the dude who does seating, if you've ever worked in hospitality you understand, if you haven't, welp--- you don't. It's a small place and I feel like he does a good job. It's also better for you to come with one or two other people, this is NOT a place for large groups, at all, lol. Go! And ENJOY !
(5)Elizabeth R.
I've been holding on to my review of Katana for the past few years. Why? Well, it's been a love/hate relationship. My first visit to Katana was back in 2003-2004 when I first moved to Miami. At the time, I was just starting out in the Magic City and money was tight, so Katana was the perfect, divey, affordable sushi option. I've been here countless times - for birthdays, dinner/movie nights or just because I'm lazy and I don't want to cook. Most of the time, the sushi is decent, but don't expect Nobu or Makoto quality here. Little plastic boats go round and round delivering sushi to patrons on colorful plates. Each plate has a price tag ranging from $1.50 up to $3.50 and contains items like squid salad, seaweed salad, steamed dumplings, sashimi and rolls. After all these years, Katana is still good and I visit them often. The servers are fantastic - fast on their feet, somehow effortlessly weaving between clientele in the small space without knocking anyone over. But, if you can get passed the sushi chef who doesn't wear gloves, the untidy bathroom, the microwaves out in clear view that nuke sake and the dust bunnies around the lighting over the floating sushi, you'll be just fine. Katana always has a line out of their door so they must be doing something right!
(3)Dang N.
Wow, just like everyone else who's given this place a 1 star, I discovered the manager is a complete ass. He treated my friends and I like total garbage and was a complete dick. And the waitress behind the bar didn't help any bit either. The experience was so bad I don't even want to get into what happened at the restaurant but nonetheless we left quick and didn't say much. Shocking, especially considering he's Japanese? Wow, complete failure as a Japanese man. People like that back in the day would have been commanded to commit seppuku.
(1)Karmanzita D.
Completely Filth!!!! Once a Lil Paradise Hole in the Wall is now a Complete DUMP! hadn't been there in a while. Fly's were flying inside the closed case were the Octopus and Eel seafood where Eeeeeaaawwww!!!! The place is very Dusty and the chairs ripped.(see other customers comments and pics on the same subject) One who Needs Permanent Vacation is The Manager. He is Very EDGY, TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL and COMPLETLY Out Of Line with Customers. You can see it in the poor faces of the two staff members that work there--(How Intimidated they are by him) The AWESOME Chef just stays Out of It!!...Or He'll throw him the NINJA Knife...LOL He needs to be put in the Right Place. You would think you were at the "SOUP NAZI" line in Seinfeld .. .that part We found it HILARIOUS!! Bathrooms also Dirty and run down. HOW DID IT GET THIS BAD!!??? How has this place passed the Health Departments inspections is something to be questioned.??? Anyone who is Handicapped on wheelchair should AVOID going to this Place...it's Not HANDICAP FRIENDLY Whatsoever. One thing did not change was the Food- It seems Fresh and tastes Deliah(since clientele is constantly moving for the 4-5 hrs that stays open. But!!! Old Customers or New Customers Don't matter. Management Could give a Crap who You Are....and this Ol' time manager Proves it Many Times Over and Over. I wonder if he's related to the Owner that allows this type of Behavior and Embarrassment to his Customers. that's the Only reason I can think of for him still Working There. THUMBS! DOWN!!!!!! Over And Over. Will Never Recommend This Place Again!!! ...What a Total Let Down :O( SAD!! SAD!! SAD!!!
(1)Karhlah E.
Great place, prepare for a wait though. Since its rather small, i encourage less people.
(5)Marjorie S.
Was brought to this place by a friend & was not disappointed. It's a hole in the wall and not a large variety of sushi but what they do have is pretty good. The wait can be a while but it's well worth it. Will definitely be returning in the future.
(4)Meryl L.
Let's put it this way... You get what you pay for. The most expensive plate is $3.50 and as cheap as $1.50. They serve an assortment, sushi, hand rolls, seaweed salads, sashimi etc. Very basis, nothing fancy. The place itself is very tiny, be prepared to wait. The tables turn quick but there isn't much seating to being with. Also a little on the hot side. In my option on air conditioning or a comfortable temp is needed here in Miami. Although the concept makes for a fun dinner the quality itself is sub par. I'll consider myself a little bit of a sushi snob but i figured a place that makes the sushi right infront of you, places it directly on a plate onto a little boat that floats around the bar could be different and fun. What more can I say, no impressed. The ahi tuna was chewy, the kani salad was way to salty. There is also part of me that can't help but wonder how long some of that sushi has been circling on the river... Don't see myself coming back, not anytime soon. Disappointing.
(2)Darth C.
This quaint izakaya features a sort of conveyor belt distribution system, wherein different styles of sushi are concocted, served on plates of varying colours*, and subsequently placed on one of several miniature boats that are continuously encircling the bar in pursuit of a patron worthy of its contents. Anyway... While the sushi isn't among the greatest I've ever had, it's undeniably great, and consistently so. On a Saturday night, you may wait 20-25 minutes to be seated, but it's certainly worth the wait. The waitstaff is usually all-Japanese and does their best to provide an experience comparable to that of a TÅkyÅ izakaya. *Once you've had your fill, beckon to a member of the staff, East Asian style (i.e., with your palm facing downward), and ask for the check. They'll sort your empty plates by colour, and charge you based on the predetermined value assigned to each.
(5)Michael S.
Great fresh sushi and decent service. Hard to find a good sushi hole in the wall like this one.
(3)Jessica A.
This is by far my favorite sushi restaurant. The plates are decently priced and the sushi is fresh and delicious. The only negative is how packed this restaurant gets on the weekends and weeknights. When I first found this place, it was empty. There was maybe 4 other people in the restaurant. Over a span of 6 months the place was almost always crowded. Good for business but annoying for customers. I just hate how some people get rude with the manager. He does the best he can with trying to remember who arrived first. Also it should be obvious that a couple of 2 is going to be seated before a party of 4. If you are rude to him he will tell you to leave. That can be entertaining to watch while waiting for a table. Overall the best time to go would be Monday - Wednesday after 9pm. The value for the food you receive is perfect.
(5)Miguel Y.
Best mobile sushi around. You can actually call it a sushi dive in. been coming here for over 12 years and never disappointed The staff is always excellent. The staff might get nasty yes, but if you bitch about the wait and you see every one waiting patiently don't expect royal treatment. Don't complain about the wait on here if it was your first time, If you notice the regulars wait and don't complain. Best if you get there between 6-7p or after 10p or else expect to wait at Least 1 hour. Hint: You can ask for a drink while you wait to get started. Try the Tempura Cheesecake it's the bomb 1 is enough to share for two !
(5)Michelle Z.
Hands down my favorite Sushi spot in Miami. Literally a hole in the wall! If your patience wears thin easily, don't bother checking this place out. Waiting for the next table on a busy night can range up to an hour. Hopefully one day they will finally expand the restaurant in size to accommodate the demand for the best sushi in town. Till then, I'll keep coming back !
(5)Danielle H.
First things first, this place can be hard to find. I drove by it twice & didn't notice. There are no signs or lights nothing indicating it is Katana except for a few Japanese symbols by the entrance that you can barley see. If it wasn't for my phones navigation insisting I was there I would have never found it. But I did & it was a good thing we arrived at 5:50pm because there was a line forming. I had no idea it gets so packed! 30 minutes in to opening the waiting line was out the door! So come early or except to wait. The place is very small. I believe there were three small tables & the rest is seating around the revolving sushi bar or heaven as I saw it. It definitely could use a make over but hey, as long as the sushi's fresh I'm in & boy was it fresh! So I'm allergic to shellfish & I must be cautious while eating sushi so I kind of freaked when I saw the sushi floating by was not labeled. I had no idea what any thing was besides what I can tell by eye but that still scares me. So that's mostly why I deducted a star. My gf explained to our server my situation & he grabbed me a menu. He explained I can order off it & some things will be floating by so the menu will help me identify what I can have. I was immediately relieved & was able to enjoy the delicious food passing me by. Sea weed salad, edamame, spicy tuna roll, salmon sashimi, Cajun salmon, & cucumber rolls are just some of the things we had. At $1.50-$3.75 a plate you won't dent your pocket much. We stuffed our faces plus drinks & spent about $50. We spend more at any of our other sushi spots. I highly recommend trying Katana you will not be disappointed! I'm eagerly awaiting my next visit!
(4)Christine M.
Katana is not your normal place in Miami. Its a whole in the wall and really small but they deliver as far as food goes. Sushi is unexpensive and fresh. The wait to be sitted can be long but its worth it.
(4)Fabiola T.
Even though food is good like any other good sushi restaurant the place is very disorganized and very run down, not clean and the guy that runs the place, his name is Toshi is very rude, he tries to remember the order in which clients come into the place but always misses out and gets mad if someone calls it to his attention, not worth it! Go somewhere else for sushi!!
(1)Michael N.
we live around the corner when in mb and katana is a must visit. don't feel at home here unless i've had their octopus salad, smoked eel and spicy tuna. they even make vegetarian sushi for my seafood allergic wife. don't understand the complaints about the owner/manager. never had a cross word with anyone from the staff. probably be there tonight if my relatives arrive in time for the opening
(5)Jeff G.
I've been here a few times in the past ever since I moved somewhat nearby a few years ago. Every time I've come it's been busy. It's the only affordable sushi place around, especially compared to the empty boat place down the road I recently visited! My last trip here I came by myself, which seems to be the trick to getting seated relatively quickly. I noticed the price spread on the plates have changed, but only slightly. Some plates that used to be 3.25 are now 3.50 but that's about it. What I like about this self serve style is that you can pace yourself. Pick out what you like then wait for the next dish that appeals to you, which may take some time, allowing you to digest the previous dish. I'm usually pretty content by the fifth dish or so. This visit they had hot items float by, like a whole bunch of Gyoza. I jumped on it immediately! The $3.50 plate was full of them, I was happy, they were quite good. I walked out full, my total with tax and tip was $21, not too bad for good quality Sushi!
(4)Arturo B.
Katana is good, but not spectacular. Small and cozy venue where sushi/rolls are constantly being made. Plates are placed on a 'boat', which travel through a lazy river and people pick as they please. You pay by the color of the plate. These get stacked and counted at time of settling your bill. My only issue with this concept is that if you are waiting for an item, someone ahead of you may get it. Patience is key here. One concern I have is that we are unsure about the 'freshness' of the fish as we got some 'frozen' fish... Hope it was a one-time incident and not routine business. By the way, get there early or late. It gets packed during weekends and the wait may be long before you sit down...
(3)Naty K.
Blink, and you might miss this place. Why? Because for some odd (and stupid) reason, Katana does not have a sign at all. It is wedged between some establishments. But hey, considering the crowds who come, maybe it is best they don't have a sign and it is somewhat of a secret. I dread to see what would happen if this place were more widely-publicized. Love the concept of floating boats full of sushi plates. Beware, this place is quite small and can get crowded...if you don't come at the right time, you may find yourself waiting a while for a table. Yes, it is quite popular. The way Katana works is a fairly simple concept: you sit down around a bar and watch little boats float by in the water thanks to a conveyor belt, and when you see something that catches your eye, you pick up the plate and eat it. On the wall, you will see the color-coded plates and a price for each, so say you pick a blue dish and on the wall the blue dish is $1.75, then that is what you will pay for what you just ate, and so on and so forth. Each plate has its own price. Selections vary from dumplings, to seaweed salad, tuna tataki, crab salad, to other items. Everything is fresh, I have been here several times and never suffered gastrointestinal upset. The best part? You have fun while eating, because it's amusing to watch the boats pass by and see how quickly the chef can refill them and which selections get picked the most. I am sure that there are other similar concept restaurants in South Florida but I have yet to hear about them. The best part about this place is that you get fresh, decent quality sushi at a very affordable price, and at the same time, you have fun while eating. Beware though - once you leave, your clothes will have a heavy smell of food. Perhaps it's from the Gyoza and other fried items?
(4)Jake J.
I moved to Miami in 2008 and was introduced to Katana by friends soon after we arrived. The place is small, no frills, and run by the same dedicated (and small - 4 people?) staff every time I've been. Yes, there are no English signs out front - but why would they need to put one up when the line is out the door? The sushi is great, the prices are amazing, and the owner is friendly. He does a great job keeping a ton of information in his head, and unlike some of the other reviewers have commented, he is always gracious and extremely apologetic when he accidentally tries to seat someone out of order. I'm guessing some people here are mad a local place (that's been named one of the best in Miami many times since it opened in the 90's) won't bend over backward for them. If you like good sushi and are a decent person who can wait your turn and appreciate the hard work it takes to run a successful restaurant in Miami... You'll like Katana.
(5)Sandy S.
Been going here once a week and their customer service is awesome! They really know how to take care of you whether you're a party of 2 or 4 (not recommended for more if you want to sit together) and I've sat in different areas of the resto. You will not be ignored as busy as it is so don't wander off to the back waiting for someone to leave a table. Just wait in line and they'll call you out or you'll lose your spot. Place is small so don't bring strollers, carriers and even little kids there unless they can sit still. It's more of an eat and run kind of place. The food is fresh and if it's not on the boat you can simply request for the sushi for less waiting time. If you do bring kids please refrain them from touching the boats especially when they hesitate to grab a dish from them! It's nice to have the kids experience this style of eating and watching these boats go around and around but I have 2 little ones too and they just watch. Once the dish is touched it's yours! Please be mindful!
(5)Nicole L.
Great spot for quick fresh sushi. There's usually a line of people waiting to sit, it's a tiny place but definitely worth it.
(4)Johana M.
I love this place. Here's how it goes plain and simple....if the dude with the dreads is slicing the tuna stay. The tuna is delicious!!! The waiter is hands down an a-hole even if you're a regular and you catch him on a bad day he'll be mean. The lady waitresses are nice yay! The wait is a mission if you get there between 7:30 and 9:00 so try to get there when they open or later. As far as the sushi goes - lets just say it's the ONLY reason I go here. It's not pretty and the head staff guy is an a$$. This is one of those places you just have to try and decide if it's for you.
(5)ilke b.
I been there many times,i want tell first good part fresh food,good price after 6 pm free parking,Bad part staff they have to try better face like :) they could be need new decorete old and dirty !!! if you check the ceiling full of dust !!looks horrible.anyway thank you for all
(4)Benjamin B.
This is one if those hidden gems that one might expect to find in Chinatown in NYC or San Fran but not in Miami Beach. I went here with a good friend, and all We wanted to do was talk and drink. The place is small, but the noise is manageable and people have decorum. We sat, talked, and ate for hours without a bother. The plates are numerous, and we tried almost everything that came around. Everything that we are was good, and the beers/wines we had to accompany our meal were good and reasonably priced. I would love to come here in a date to see how a potential partner handles the situation. The venue provides many opportunities to see how someone will act with regard to choice and option.
(4)Jacqueline E.
This place was amazing. My boyfriend and I were visiting Miami by way of Houston and after seeing all these great reviews(and loving the restaurants concept) decided to give it a shot. This will be a staple in any of our future Miami visits!
(5)Tania Elizabeth O.
The sushi is very simple, you won't find many different rolls but you will find the most common ones. The one thing I love is that the sushi tasted so fresh it was very good sushi. The location is very small and I can't imagine being there when it's jammed packed. I had the miso soup it was also very good. The hubby and I over indulged and only spent $30. Definitely will be back!
(4)Tina C.
This little hole-in-the-wall has some Authentic Japanese food. My family and I went in here, already queued up on a wait list. I could see why! The conveyor belt was driven by flowing water and floating boats which was quite a visual delight. I've never eaten at conveyor style sushi joints before (and I've been to Japan) so picking up the dishes as quickly as I could was like a fun little game! The prices were quite reasonable and the seafood was fresh! My younger brother who is allergic to seafood ordered pork tonkatsu. He said it was the best tonkatsu he ever had-crispy skin, moist and tender meat over a heaping of soft rice and candied ginger. I recommend this dish to any meat-lovers out there! I enjoyed the seared tuna immensely and the beefy udon noodles that I ordered off the menu. Anyways, the variety that they have here is limited but delicious! Quick service and real Japanese accommodation. I felt like I was back in Japan. :)
(4)Yamile F.
Contacted severe food poisoning from here. Truly the worst week of my life.
(1)Fernanda T.
always fresh fish! This place does not offer all the rolls you would find at any other sushi place, but who needs those when you have delicious Negi Hama!
(5)Dylan E.
This is in my Top 3 restaurants, but if you ask my sister...she would eat there 2x a day and everyday. This is a great and happening place. The food portions, prices, and options make it great for sharing or trying out new stuff. The Kobe Rice Cakes are AWESOME! Good Teamwork to make your overall experience amazing. I am planning on going back next week.
(5)Lorenzo D.
I come to Katana 2/3 times a week. It's the best Japanese restaurant in the beach, hands down. Food is AMAZING. The price is even better. I gave one star only because i want to capture your attention to the d*** manager (guy) that works there. Every other person in the staff is super nice and gently (as real japanese ppl who they are). Him instead it's a real piece of s***. he enjoys provocating customer with his rude answers, never smile always give bad answer. every single person we talked to abt Katana says how nice the plave would be without him. The restaurant says they close at 11pm but of course every time me and my gf walk in at 10.35 he tells us on purpose they are close.
(1)Alex H.
Row, row, row your [sushi], Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream. A friend made the recommendation. I would never have found this place if it wasn't for Google Maps. (Tip: Parking in the back!) When you walk in, you find a large bar with a steam of water and food on boats circling about it. You sit along the "shoreline" picking your food as it floats by. This is Dim Sum on water. Each "dish" has a value associated with it from $1.25 (red plates) to $3.50 (black or gold plates). I didn't order any appetizers, which would have been rather silly since you have an infinite supply of food parading in front of you. In the event you want something specific that hasn't passed by, just ask the waitress! Bottom Line: Must try! Fastest way to get sushi service I've ever seen!
(5)Kristina K.
Dear Katana, I love you but I am slowing down visiting you. It has been over five years since I fell in love with you, but I really don't think you have been cleaned since then. That AC has been leaking forever, and the dust everywhere, and the scotch tape, I don't even want to think of the little animals visiting your kitchen. And the lines of people because you don't take reservations the same day....
(3)Nickolas D.
Amazingly rude manager, definitely worst experience in management I have ever experienced.
(1)Kathia D.
There are so many reviews on this place already. Yes, the interior decor is old and it's quite dark in there. It is very small. Your best bet is to get there about 10 minutes before opening so you don't have to wait too long. Yes, there are boats that float by with sushi on them. The sushi is made right in front of you by a very serious, very skilled sushi artist (there is a tip jar, be nice). I have always found the sushi to be fresh and delicious. There are plates at all different prices. At the end of your dining experience, the value of the plates (which are priced by the pattern/color) is added up. I enjoy this place.
(4)Felix J.
The place STINKS, is DIRTY and the manager is a JERK! DIRTY is NOT an opinion, it's a fact. Check out their health department inspection violations: felixj.me/katana I agree with Dang N.'s review below. Manager is a complete jerk! My family of 4 walked in and there were only 4 other people dining at the time. I went specifically because our daughters love the whole boat thing. As we walked over to sit along the boats, the manager said, "No! You sit here!" He pointed to a table that would put two of us away from the boats and would need to reach over. We explained why we were there, the girls, etc. He wouldn't listen. He said, "No. Sit there. We need those for other people!" As I wrote, the place was empty. We didn't want the girls to be upset so they sat down at the table while I went to use the restroom. While in the DISGUSTING bathroom, I asked myself, "why would I choose to eat at this dirty, smelly place, where we were just treated so poorly?" When I left the nasty bathroom, I told my family, "let's go. We'll go to another place like this." As I walked out, I told the manager, "because of your unfriendliness, you just lost business!" All he said was, "Ok, bye!" That pissed me off further so I proceeded to say, out loud so the other customers could overhear, "I should have listened to the multiple YELP reviews that warned about you and the poor service at this place. Trust me, I will be adding to the list!" Again, "Ok, bye!" was his arrogant response. The place STINKS, is DIRTY and the manager is a JERK! felixj.me/katana
(1)Chill C.
I read a couple of reviews and was scared of the staff. But what a nice surprise: they were totally normal. at first very professional and quiet. Typical Japanese. The girl behind the counter was extremely attentive. she took care of my green tea refill before I even raised my eyes to her. She gave me lemons for the delicious spicy octopus salad without being ask. so 5 Stars for the service! The food was outstanding and in a good price - quality relation. I will go back. That's for sure!
(4)Carlos E.
I like this place because is close to my home and is cheap for the quality and quantity of the food. My daughter loves it, she can eat 7 or 8 plates of sushi easily when we get there. If you are looking for specialty rolls you need to order from the menu rather than wait for the boats to come around. The variety of the boats is not the greatest but once again you can request what you want and they will make it for you. if you stick to hot or cold tea your bill is less than 20 bucks (for a normal person not for a 250 lb starving gorilla). The problem is the capacity, not many, it gets crowded quickly after they open at 6pm, normally there is people waiting at the door when they open, I know, I am one of them. if you get there later than lets say 7, you may have to wait a while.
(4)Joseph P.
This place is just one of the most consistently good sushi joints around town. Every time I go, its as good and sometimes better than the last time. Interestingly though, its the simplicity of this place that I think makes it so successful. The place is a hole in the wall sushi joint that can barely sit more than 30 people at a time. Its highlight is the sushi chef enclosed by a river moat flowing with traveling sushi boats; delivering tasty sushi, sashimi and rolls. The seating in this place is often challenging because there are only 3 tables seating "parties" of 4. The rest of the seating runs along the river moat. The seating kind of works on a honor system of first come, first serve. Being that we are in MIami, you know that there is always a good chance that some punk (regardless of age or gender) may try to sneak their way past. Make sure you find out who is in front of you when you arrive. I recommend going when it opens at 6pm, but expect a line outside the door to get in. So maybe get there by 5:45 or so. I would suggest always going there expecting a wait of about 15 - 30 minutes just to keep yourself mentally less anxious. On the positive side, waiting means that the sushi is constantly moving, which is why this place's sushi always seems to taste really fresh. Even melting in your mouth at times. The pricing on the sushi goes by color of the plate. It ranges from $1.50 - $3.75 per plate. There is a board (legend) hung on the wall to help decipher prices, but honestly, just go with what looks good. It will be worth it. I promise. I highly recommend a few things here: Miso soup (always good), Salad (love the dressing), Vegetable Tempura (perfectly fried) and my personal favorite, Dragon Roll. It is absolutely scrumptious as the avocado melts with the crispy shrimp and a tinge of spicy-ness in your mouth. I usually get two. (One thing to note is that some rolls are made to order like the Dragon Roll, so if you are looking for something specific, just order from the servers). Speaking of servers, the staff is abnormally nice and considerate. Abnormally because we all know thats a rarity in our beloved town. As a public service announcement I just want to add one more thing: Don't go here if you are in a hurry, rude, inconsiderate, anti-social or just a jerk. The patrons and staff tend to be social, kind and overall just happy to enjoy some really good sushi. Cheers!
(4)Alfredo M.
Sushi was OK nothing exceptional. Service was appalling. Imagine the worst experience you have ever had at a restaurant and then multiply it by twelve; that's Katana for ya! Glad I tried it once won't be back again.
(2)Rebecca C.
Row, row, row your boat... gently down the stream. Merrily merrily merrily life is but a dream! Yay - what gets better and funner than sushi on boats going around in a river to your hearts content?? This was the perfect graduation meal. But I have to vent and complain first - this was the most awfullest, terriblest wait I have ever ever had at any restaurant ever. It was over an hour and there were more people waiting than eating. There was no system whatsoever and they didn't even take names, it's all based on honor code and the one waiter who works his butt off is supposed to remember the order people came in, unless you get in his face. Anyways - phew - the food & sushi. So fun. Wasn't that why we went anyways? Just beware of the wait & crowd & hassle even on weeknights! But oh so worth it. I love me some sushi on boats. It's just so much better that way.
(4)Alexandra P.
Katana is truly a local, hole-in-the-wall gem. The space itself is admittedly cramped (and most definitely a fire hazard, not to mention NOT physicalhandicap-friendly). There's a little walled-up structure with a "river" of wooden boats each with different sushi/sashimi/salads floating around. You're seated wherever your party fits, facing the bar and are given a menu of appetizers and other food not floating past. I'm vegan so at first I was a little irked because nothing floating by was without seafood. BUT I advised one of the servers I only wanted veggie rolls and they had regular veg rolls as well as BOMB ASS tempura ones. Not to mention there is no small plate that goes over about $5. We paid almost $30 even for two people, including beer. And we were stuffed. Overall service was fantastic and quick, food was fresh and made to order. Can't wait to go again!
(4)Diana G.
I love this place! Sure the wait is a little long and the place is tiny but the sushi is delicious and the ambience is really cool! Definitely a place for a date or Alone!l the prices are great too! It's worth the wait!
(5)George M.
Was taken here and immediately was infatuated Little boats floating around and around... how eff'n cool is that I'm not huge into sushi but it might be the dawn of a new era for me If you know me, you know this is my kind of place Can't wait to go back
(5)victoria s.
Someone fire that rude manager! Place is disorganized, dirty and hot. Stay away.
(1)Ayla S.
Katana is my favorite little hole in the wall. If you want to lay low and get out of the house for a bite to eat, then this is a great little hide out place. The sushi is good and the prices are affordable. The restaurant is really dark inside and small, so you usually always will have a wait. The floating boats with different sushi selections to choose from was a great idea. Best to go at 6pm when they open. Enjoy.
(4)Stephi B.
I LOVE this place! Its a small hidden gem. The sushi is great, the atmosphere and the staff is also very pleasant. I will HIGHLY recommend this restaurant.
(5)Lori W.
One of my FAVORITE hole-in-the wall spots! I'd never been to conveyor belt (boats floating on a river) sushi restaurant before so I was pretty excited when myself and a few friends decided to stop by. It's a pretty small place and there was a wait to be seated but in my opinion I think it was well worth it. The staff was great and the food was FRESH! That's usually my biggest issue with sushi restaurants they either have nice decor and staff and lousy food r vice versa but this place had it all! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone whose never been to this type of restaurant! :)
(5)Manuela F.
I had a very nice experience . I really recommend this place to all the people that don't care about the place but enjoy the good food. The idea to have boat floating is amazing!!!
(5)Joseluis A.
katana is great but you must arrive before 6:30 if you want to find a spot without waiting. this is a tiny restaurant with a loyal clientele that keeps on coming back for more. the little boats float away in eternal loop bringing the goods from the kitchen. here you will find the classic sushi rolls, nigiri and other good stuff like seaweed salad and edamame. if you wish to order from the menu, you could do that too. i tried the udon noodle soup and that was such a great deal for only $4.75. big bowl of dashi stock with generous amounts of udon noodles and thinly sliced green onions. the sashimi they offer is good too, especially the salmon. i could eat this stuff for days!
(4)Christine P.
Wow! Love the concept. Little sushi boats come around on a "river" and you take what you want and they keep a tab. Place is really small but the sushi is fantastic. Service was great. The best part however was when it came time to pay the tab! The prices were amazing! They sure aren't regular Miami prices! Most of the little plates of sushi from the river were under $5. They also have a menu where you can order dishes and appetizers but it is way more fun to take plates off the river!
(5)Laura M.
Worth the wait (40mins). I loved their concept of the little boats with the sushi and the different prices. We were lucky to be seated by the chef, got to see him cook and easy access to the fresh dishes. I would love to go back on a less crowded day. They should look into creating a better system for seating guests since they space is so limited.
(3)Nevik E.
Note: On Yelp I review exclusively sushi bars. Pure food quality it probably gets 2 stars. However, this is the funnest hole in the wall sushi in S. Fl. One of the few conveyor style (in this case floating boats) joints in S. Fl. Great for a quick cheap bite if you're out doing other things. Fish is average, choices are standard. Makes my top ten list based on price and fun.
(4)Jonathan F.
I am hesitant to write a review because it hidden gem is the best japanese restaurant in Miami. I'd rather not have more people find it because he gets crowded already. You come in and the host remembers you and you have to wait your turn. Be prepared to wait if there is a crowd and it is almost always crowded. The food comes around on boats and you just take what you want and they count the plates at the end. Everything is exceptionally fresh. There are also are a number of hot items you can order on the menu.
(5)Jonah K.
Busy place, good quality sushi with good sized cuts. The prices are very low for the quality. I will be back for sure. The whole boat thing is pretty fun as well, similar to the trains you see more often but even more amusing. Sake prices are also very low for good cold sake.
(4)Ricky O.
Sushi on boats! Always packed! its all about turning seats there... good food, affordable, and cool concept! CASA BAHIA LOVES SUSHI BOAT!
(4)Jeannie C.
My husband and I call this our favorite sushi place - hands down! We go at least twice a month, if not more often - always on a Friday after work to unwind. Get there before 6 or you'll wait - even though it's worth the wait. Nothing fancy about this place, that's for sure. But if you want great sushi and a fantastic staff who really care about your visit - GO HERE!! Recommendations: Uni (sea urchin) Mango Snapper Roll (special order) Salad (dressing is killer) Spicy Tuna Spicy Octopus Cold sake Oh, heck - have it all! It's that good!! I agree with Joseph P and would like to quote the last part of his review: "As a public service announcement I just want to add one more thing: Don't go here if you are in a hurry, rude, inconsiderate, anti-social or just a jerk. The patrons and staff tend to be social, kind and overall just happy to enjoy some really good sushi. Cheers!" Thanks, Joseph - well said! I HIGHLY recommend this place!
(5)Asami S.
My favorite item here is the tuna tataki with spicy mayo. They have a few decent rolls here but everything else is either hit or miss. Sometimes the rolls are fresh and tightly rolled and the sashimi is "butter-like". Other days that is not so true. I find the spicy tuna and the various seafood "salads" they have to be overly salted and pungent. The seasoning is overly concentrated, as if from a seasoning cube (think bouillon cube). Their tempura desserts are tasty, but aren't most things fried? I personally have not had any problems with service. My main problems besides the inconsistency in food quality is crowding and that the place looks DIRTY. It could use a good cleaning, especially since raw fish is being served here.
(3)Li F.
******The Owner is Japanese, and one of the most RACIST I've ever come across. Avoid this fascist joint.****** Besides some sushi plate floating on a water propelled belt, I don't really know what else is special for this place. The sushi/sashimis are bland, some are not even fresh and a bit saggy and even fishy to smell. Space is freaking cramped, too. I don't know why people want to come over here to eat and hang out. Be prepared to wait a horrendous amount of time in front of the door for a seat. The staffs are also extremely rude, forcing you to leave as soon as you don't order any more items, or move you to a crappy place when there are more people coming wanting your spot... Best way to ruin your romantic date. I don't think I'll come second time. Any other Japanese Sushi/Sashimi Buffet is 100% better than this shitty joint.
(1)gema m.
This place is amazing..! I feel for anyone that had a bad experience here, I can't begin to imagine how. My fiancé and I come here religiously and if there's a wait, we'll usually wait, and leave happy. The staff has never been anything less than friendly. The fish is always fresh, rolls are delicious, sashimi sliced to perfection and above all very well priced. And on top of that, its a great experience having your sushi selections come around on boats thru a water surrounding the sushi bar. If you had a bad experience, I would seriously suggest giving it another chance. Love them! :)
(5)Kristen T.
I LOVE KANTANA!! A locals spot in Normandy Isle on North Bay Village, don't let it's hole in the wall exterior fool you, and you can easily miss this place if you aren't paying attention (look for the red and black asian style lights in window!) Parking is easy- right in front on the street or the public parking areas on the side streets. There isn't any outdoor seating, there isn't a bright pretty sign guiding you in or a host desk with a skinny dumb model ignoring you for ten minutes then telling you to go to the bar to wait until you are called (bc there is no bar).. this is a no frills, we don't need to impress anyone our food will do that for us type of place. It gets packed, so come early. When you get there, you may be confused about how they are keeping track of you when you came in without writing your name down or giving you a buzzer or even talking to you, but just trust them. You don't need to say a word. They know what they are doing. It's a small space where you basically sit bar style around a mechanism that has boats with sushi going passed you in a moat sushi river thing. The sushi is on different color plates (which if you look at the wall coincide with 3 different prices, from 1.50-$3.50, AKA SUPER CHEAP.) JUST RELAX! Don't get all nervous and start asking all sorts of questions you can easily figure out on your own by looking around you and taking it all in. You aren't going to have a peppy server explaining to you "the concept" or telling you how many plates they recommend you each have. If you need to be babied through your dining experience, this place isn't for you. If you judge a sushi place on how good their lychee martinis are, this place isn't for you, and they don't have those. You can be crazy and pick whatever looks good as its floating by or you can match what you are looking at to a picture on a menu which will tell you. On the menu they have other hot items you can order.. I usually get edamame, seaweed salad, white rice, miso soup, pork shumai, chicken terriyaki or the chicken udon noodles.. you know, basic delicious stuff. No fried rice here though. The noodles are in a sweet Japanese broth that I didn't like at first but now I love, and the thick noodles are great. We also usually get tons of hot saki and sapporo for some quiet saki bombing (I guess those college days of being the loudest saki bombers in a sushi place are over) and I leave stuffed, drunk, happy and with left overs for less than $50 for 2 people. We also usually get the fried ice cream which is HUGE, has like 3 scoops of ice cream and delicious as well. This place is perfect if you are looking for good cheap eats whether it be to impress someone with your knowledge of a local hip fun spot or to just go for the 100th time because you want something you know is consistent, fresh and not too bad on your wallet. There are only a few tables with 4-6 seats so it's better to go with a smaller crowd or on a date. Kantana, don't ever change! (or for that matter, increase your prices either!)
(5)Paige S.
Katana's is a great restaurant to grab a bite to eat, or sit down to dinner with some friends. The staff is extremely sweet, and very conscious of seating customers in the order they arrived. The spicy tuna got me hooked, and their banana tempura is what gets me going back! The only thing I would like to change is for there to be more of a variety. After eating a few plates, it seems like the same items continue to come out. Other than that, the food is great quality and has delicious flavor.
(4)Leah S.
This little place did not disappoint. Thanks to Yelp we found this little tiny spot w/ great sushi. Very fresh. Rolls come around in small tapas style format . The plates are $1.50-3.50 and on the sushi river which is constantly getting fresh sushi placed on the plates by the fastest sushi chef I've ever seen. New York Style. Overall a great experience. We went on a Saturday at about 9:30 and there was about a 30 minute wait. You can pass the time by sipping on premium Sapporo beers, they will serve you while you wait, though you may have to ask, don't wait for them to ask you. Also they don't write down your names so better be somewhat aware or they can forget its your turn. They really need a better seating system. It almost happened to us Some time passed w/ the empty chair and he realized it was us who was next and finally let us sit. There is no sign for Katana. Look for the Japanese lanterns in the window. The place is just past the Peruvian restaurant and before Bay Drive. The great news is they accept reservations! Reservations get seated first.
(4)Arly M.
What took me so long? I literally lived a block from this place for some years and even while knowing of its popularity, never tried it. Until now. I loved this place. I went on two separate nights this past week. The service was great considering how busy they were both nights. The sushi tasted fresh as it should. The boat concept is fun. Yes it is a hole in the wall but the best kind. I love wasabi and their wasabi actually had kick. I thing I have found my new go to Sushi spot.
(5)Josue M.
My best friend suggested a few years back she had found the coolest sushi place on the beach and to my surprise she really did. So last week I took my boyfriend their to surprise him with our trip to New York and of course, sushi! We had a blast and the service was superb. Totally going back.
(5)Dan G.
My favorite sushi place in Miami. It is an unpretentious little sushi bar that you grab colored plates off the boats that whiz by in a moat around the cooks. The color of the plate determines the price and they add them all up at the end. Great tasting creations and a nice selection of both wine and tea. I would say that you need to get there a little early as they tend to have a wait!
(4)Julia K.
This is truly a love hate review. So let's start with the good... The food is always freshly made by the chef standing right at the counter. Everything is consistently good. The fish is thinly sliced and melts in your mouth. There are small plates of unique creations, and it can be a bit adventurous to try new things. I have been going to Katana for 15 years and I am pretty sure they have Never raised the prices. You can't have sushi of this quality at this price anywhere on Miami Beach. That being said, I don't think they have updated or cleaned this place in 15 years either. This restaurant is so dark, I am almost afraid of how dirty it really is. I guess the seedy, hole-in-the-wall decor is part of the North Beach allure. And I will keep coming back because the food is great, but I pray for a scrub down.
(3)Eilene B.
My good friend and i are from california (los angeles and san diego, respectively.) and we yelped sushi in miami beach and this place came up. the place is funky cool, all dark with the sushi bar/river in the middle. its nice. its a bit cramped but nothing i couldn't deal with. the sushi? pretty good. have i had better? yes. but it was tasty and it was a good price. my only issue food-wise i suppose was that they didn't give you any description of the sushi nor a menu. you just kinda went by eye. now why do i have a 2 out of 5? the service. rude is an understatement. The 2 people who were there were very very rude. heres what happened: One gentleman had an ID from another country. The man clearly was over 21 but i understand laws are strict etc... anyways, the man gave him the ID he looked at it for about a second then threw it back to the costumer and said "i don't speak spanish so i don't understand this ID I am not going to jail!" and walked away. The man was clearly taken aback and so was i. very rude and disrespectful. the man looked upset the whole time he was there. (and by the way, you can read a damn year, the numbers are not any different in south america. jerk...) now on to our "waitress". The cherry on top. This woman filled out water cups ONCE. and didn't talk to us the ENTIRE time we were there (which was about an hour and a half) which i guess is okay since its sort of your own self service. so it didn't bother me much. BUT, when we went to pay, i left her a small tip, just because i always tip. i told my friend not to worry about the tip (she paid card) that i had cash. we started to get our things together and then the woman came up and RUDELY threw the receipt tray in front of my friend and told her "tip isn't included in the price!". i couldn't believe she has the NERVE to do that. My friend was shocked, and got nervous to say anything back. so i gave her more of my money for the tip. and we left quickly. now, I've been a waitress since i was 16 years old. my parents are in the food industry. i get it. tips are essential. BUT i feel that rule only applies if you actually were waiting on us. she didn't refill anything, she didn't bring us any food or cocktails, so naturally i left her a smaller tip. i felt she was EXTREMELY rude to my friend and very pushy. she didn't even deserve a damn tip but i left her one to be nice. her being rude ruined my entire experience there. i will NOT be going back to this place if i ever visit miami beach again. its been almost a week and I'm still upset about it. save your money, go somewhere where they actually care about the costumer, not the money. (the man with the ID spent the whole time yelling at the woman waitress about money in another language across all the costumers, also rude i feel) long but i felt i needed to say something. horrible service ruins the restaurant.
(2)Jahzel M.
This place is amazing!!!! It's miami's little gem! It's the closest experience I have had to sushi restaurants in Japan. The quality, the variation, the service, everything is worth the visit.
(5)Andrew S.
Back to 4... TRICK. Sit at the table right next to where the sushi chef puts out the dishes. It completely changes the dynamic. The sushi freshness was better. I would say it has something to do with the time of day we went... around 6:30pm on a Monday. Dinner was just starting and food fresh and good. Manager was in a jovial mood too. Cool guy, who is going scuba diving in my home state soon. I think his enthusiasm for Spam Musubi (the 'hot dog' or 'hamburger' to islanders) earned an extra star :-)
(4)Aslamon R.
Best Sushi in Miami without a doubt. That being said, the place is not the cleanest and the attention is very rude. I go there for the sushi, so I dont care about the long lines, or the attitude of the manager (who I think is the owner too). Im a regular customer, and I saw it all: - Manager telling people they cant serve them, because theres a long line and they want to close (10 pm on a friday) - Manager asking people to go home because he needs the seats (literally) while people are still eating - Enforcing chek on customers while they are still eating - Employees yelling at customers for not tiping more than 10% and demanding (yes! demanding! more tip) But, theres a reason why this place is always packed, from 5 to 10: its the best damn sushi in miami. So, go there for the food, not the experience.
(4)Michelle Z.
( to the tune of Copa Cabana) Her name was Michelle, she sure loves sushi, be it salmon,yellowtail, cut up in rolls or even squares she went to eat one, night at Katana, little boats floated on right by, little dishes caught her eye. filled up with rolls and more, each plate cost less than four, With every boat that passed by, she was a sushi whore At Katana! Yummy Katana! the boats float by and you just grab 'em At Katana! Yummy Kataaaaaaaana! sushi, capsizing, boats, so much to handle at Kataaaaaaaaana, it's sooo much fuuuuun.
(4)Suzy V.
Been to katana twice and the sushi here is great. The premise of the restaraunt is basically sit around a small bar as little boats with plates of sushi float by. You can pick these up a la carte of order off the menu. Good prices good sushi.
(4)Rosemary S.
If you are lucky enough you may find a parking spot available right outside. You've might've just won the lotto if you walk in and find 2 chairs next to each other available. I've been here several times and won the lotto only once, all the other times I've had to wait. The sushi is great for the price and area. The food floating on boats is awesome! I just wish this place was bigger.
(4)Gabi B.
This place has great sushi but employs nasty people. The manager here is a complete ass. I'm the kind of person that it takes a lot to get me mad and after our experience last night I will never go back and will be reporting this company and him to the BBB for discrimination. If you're looking for great sushi and don't mind being treated like shit , then by all means this is the place for you.
(1)Ruth H.
Neat times 10! This place has sushi boats floating on a river of water... its like a theme park ride, only tastier. Oh, to be the captain of that ship!, in search of the $1.50 plates, which I never saw. Katana, we shall set sail again.
(4)Michelle B.
Fresh, delicious, sushi brought to you by boats on conveyor belts..or moat, whatever. So charming, I usually go into a daydream that entails me magically becoming miniscule and riding on one of those little boats, but then someone ends up confusing me for sashimi and Katana is forced to close down since cannibalism is frowned upon in this society. Fortunately, I come back from my daydream and choose more plates that range from $1.50 to 3.75 depending on the color of the plate. Yummy and affordable indeed.
(4)Art B.
Pretty good food but extraordinarily rude staff and management. Would have eaten more if I wasn't so insulted. Inexcusable. There is no way a place that treats their customers like the way they treated me and my friends should be allowed to stay open.
(1)Leslie B.
My kids think this place is fun because it has the boats that float around and you choose what you want. However, it seems dirty to me. I dislike going there. Sushi places need to be pristinely clean in my opinion. There are so many better sushi places in Miami so keep looking.
(1)Stephanie L.
The whole idea of conveyor "river" sushi is brilliant! It turns an ordinary meal into a fun eating experience, where you can let your eyes decide what your stomach wants. The only question becomes...does it taste as good as it looks? At Katana you can watch different options come floating down a little river in mini wooden boats. The plate pattern designates the cost, and for a very reasonable price you can get several plates of different dishes. While the experience is fantastic, the quality itself is only mediocre. The fish sometimes tastes a little dry, and the other dishes are often so-so. I've had better quality and more creative sushi, but I've definitely had worse sushi experiences too. If you don't see what you'd like on the water, you can also order from a traditional menu. The restaurant's layout makes it a little tricky to come with a large group (and often ensures a wait), but in Miami the concept is something unique worth trying if you're looking for something new to try with friends or a date.
(3)Lauren B.
This is a quaint little place in North Bay Village. The sushi and sashimi literally melts in your mouth. It's REALLY that good. I promise. The little boats that go by are so fun! Although it can be a challenge to grab what you want before someone else does. The prices, I mean you CANNOT beat it. Each plate on the boats \\range between $1.50-$3.75... what a steal! The only complaints are the wait. They open at 6, get there then. Or around 10 PM. Also the smell is a bit off because the restaurant is old and it shows. Needs an update for sure!! HIGHLY recommend!!!
(4)Priscilla R.
This is our weekly hang out! We literaly walk down the street every Thursday to eat here. We give it 3 stars for the price & convenience! Service is just ok though, but I gave it 3 stars because the price and location is so good, it makes up for the ok service.
(3)David S.
The pathetic Sushi NAZI manager is there EVERYDAY now-- ruder and more obnoxious than ever. Must have gone off his meds. Even the employees can't stand him. !!! :-(
(1)Eduardo O.
Meh! I guess people love to grab their sushi from a floating plate passing by. But there are surely fresher and better sushi places around. not counting the limited sitting, and lack of service.
(2)John L.
Definitely a hole in the wall sushi joint. Get there before 7pm or you will be waiting in line watching everyone else eat! A party of anything more than four will be kind of a pain to get sitting all together.
(4)Margaret T.
This place, by far, is the BEST SUSHI I've had since being in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale area. The owner takes pride in the food and spirits he serves. Most people complain about the wait and how they seat people by memory. Yes they are old school and you must be diligent where your place in line is, but there is a reason why people are waiting in line (even waiting an hour before the restaurant opens). This restaurant cares about their product which is rare nowadays. Yes they could expand into the unit next door but they choose now to because again, they are about their food and serving the best quality without compromising to make more money. If you can respect that, you will be happy when you sit down, have their quick and great service with excellent food quality. I will be driving that hour and some odd minutes because its worth it. I'm a impatient person but I also know good things come to those to wait. This is definitely one of those moments. Period.
(5)Wendy H.
It is my favorite sushi place...i am sure that a sushi snob would completely disagree with me but I love it! I think it is fresh and yummy...the service is great...and the prices are incredible. If you look on the wall you'll see the different plates with the prices and you pick up your choice of sushi from the katana boats floating by on the little river...sooo cute and sooo entertaining. I love going to Katana...sometimes there can be a wait so be patient and they open at 6pm.
(5)Jezza L.
Cool little sushi spot where boats float around with sushi plates priced differently. Feels like your in a backstreet in Japan. The only negative is the wait for seats. It's worth the wait though.
(4)Penny B.
It's a small hole in the wall sushi place located in the heart of North Bay Village, FL. It's quite dark in here, so I can't see how clean the place is, but what do you expect...it's a hole-in-the-wall! (I've never used the restrooms in this place either). Katana has good, cheap sushi on plates floating on boats around the restaurant. You pay based on the color of the plates, there are usually about 4 sushi pieces on each plate; each plate ranges from $1.50-$3.50, and you can choose some other appetizers/dishes that they prepare in the kitchen. There is a stream of water that circulates in a loop around the restaurant through the kitchen and back. The chefs make the sushi in the center and place it on the plates for customers to select as the sushi plate boats float by. They only open from 6pm-10pm and don't take reservations.
(4)May R.
Katana's place might be a little scruffy, but this place made me love Japanese foods even more! I just can't help but to tell everyone to try Katana. Even tough Katana is a very noisy place, i'm enjoying every minute here. Because once you eat any specialties, you will forget everything and will not hear anything. I swear, that's what i felt. I think everything on their menu are awesome. I was like, "OMG. Gotta tell my friends to try this! This will make them love me! Hahaha! " Everyone must give their tongue the opportunity to taste the best sushi and rolls ever! They deserve to be given 5 stars!
(5)Kaylin O.
To be honest with you, I wasn't absolutely thrilled about this place the first time I came here with my bf. He raved about how he and his friends love this place. I have to say great price for sushi. The place is always packed. This place is only open in the evenings. There are only 3 tables plus the seats around the revolving sushi conveyor. Depend on which day you go, it can be great or ok. It depends on which chef you have. My bf and I think one chef is better than the other. The fish are not always super fresh. It's always busy so it's better to go early. If you don't want to wait, you can order to go. To me it's more like a 3.5 but I gave it a 4.
(4)J C.
Doors open at 6pm and you might as well get here earlier since you can't make reservations! It is a first come first serve basis. The first thing that will catch your eye is the sushi conveyer style bar. While the sushi is moving around the bar by the sushi boats you must catch it while you can. The prices are extremely reasonable from the sushi to everything on the menu. The sushi is priced by the color of the plate. The decor would be considered "Hole in the wall" but I recommend this place for a quick & reasonable bite!
(4)Lolo l.
OMG! What a great place! We had to wait like 15 min but it's ok, because that was a good sign. The service was great and the food exquisite! Fresh fish, good gyoza, japanese beer and people who actually speak Japanese (and English of course~!) Loved the theme with the little river and the sushi upon the boats, super genius and funny idea~! The place itself is not fancy, just like a regular restaurant from the outside, but the real magic happens inside. You feel like you have visit Tokyo while you are there because it's very similar to the restaurants in Japan....If you've even gone to Japan...then you would know what I mean. So,go and have fun and itadakimasu~~!!
(5)Kelly O.
Oh conveyer belt sushi how I have missed you. It has been almost a year since my visit to Japan and since then I have been dreaming of the salmon nigri with thinly sliced onion and Japanese mayo. There it was and it took all I had not to yell hello lover when I finally and blisfully ate that nigri. It is probably one of my favorite foods to eat. And I proved it by having a few platefuls. All the rolls were good. The eel and spicy tuna were favorites. Even the chicken katsu ginger dish was a nice surprise. Nice flavors and crispy deliciousness with a side of that wonderful mayo. Whenever I miss Japan I'll know where to come.
(4)Ozzy R.
I think i sunk your Sushi Boat!!! Seriously i think i may have caused some water way congestion last night picking sushi from these cool little boats with sushi on them. This is a lil place that has a sushi bar and some tables as well. It is very cool and quaint and c i cannot belive i hadn't been there before even though i grew up on miami beach. I had dinner here last night and i must say that i really enjoyed the food. You get to pick from a variety of plates floating by you as well as some dishes and appetizers. I reccomend the shrimp skewers as a starte. The service was great and the food was great as well. Looking forward to my next visit. This place is fairly priced and they charge you per lil plate that u select from the river which range from $3 to 8$ and then they have appetizers from $5.50 to $9.50. I guess if your not careful you could rack up a huge tab..lol
(5)Alex C.
This has quickly become one of my favorite top 5 restaurants. Katana never disappoints. Yes, it's a hole in the wall and yes the wait is long. but it is worth it. My favorite is the spicy tuna roll. the only downside is that it's not open for lunch weekdays or weekends.
(5)Apreski C.
Gross, dirty, and terrible service. I was hesitant to eat there when I saw what it looked like and ended up getting very sick afterward. I checked their health code record and they have several critical violations. Hippo Bites just opened down the street, they're clean, have boats, great food, and super friendly service. Save yourself a hospital bill.
(1)Jessica W.
So I came here with one of my friends who lives nearby and I don't understand what all the hype is about. We arrived as soon as they opened, so it was nice that we didn't have to wait for a place to sit. I think it's really clever how they serve the food on boats floating on a little moat, but besides that I don't think it's that special. The place looked dirty, which is concerning considering I am consuming raw fish. The sushi was ok, nothing great. Luckily, we didn't have any problems with the service, unlike other reviewers. It was cool to check out, but I don't plan on returning.
(2)Yoshi Y.
I love this place. It's rare to find japanese run/owned sushi restaurants in South Florida. You can tell when a place is run by thai/chinese etc and they're trying to replicate japanese cuisine, usually without good results. Fortunately, this place is not like that. You can tell a huge difference in sushi quality from a non japanese to japanese sushi chef. I've always loved conveyor belt sushi both in Japan and the many places you find it on the west coast. Here they use boats, which is a cute system and has grown more popular. Sometimes the wait can be a little bit, but it's because it's such a local spot and it's so small. It's been around forever. The sushi(nigiri specifically) portions are very large and VERY reasonably priced. i love going here because i can load up on quality sushi without burying my wallet. I no longer live in the beach so i cant make it out here as often. I wish there was a place of this caliber downtown or in brickell so i could go there a few times a week.
(5)Maria K.
I've been going to this place for 20 years and unfortunately I am no longer a fan. The sushi has been great but the place is disgusting. Looks like they haven't cleaned the place in all the years I've been going. It's a shame because I loved the place but the dirtiness is now unbearable. The last straw for me was the floating baby roach in my water, their nasty bathroom, the 2 inch dust on the AC ducts on the ceiling, and the slamming door with the broken hinge. Actually the whole place needs a deep cleaning. I wonder how it looks when the lights are turned on. I didn't make a stink about the roach but I promised myself that I will not be eating here anymore.
(1)Keshia R.
I love this place! All other sushi I've had does not compare to what they are making at Katana. Only thing is the long wait because the place is small, but to me it is well worth the wait.
(5)Alissa W.
This place is adorable they have little boats going by on a river stream with different plates of sushi. The quality was great everything was very very fresh. I didn't order anything off the menu just stuck to the sushi boats. Everything we got was great especially the spicy octopus salad. It is a cute concept and none of the plates are large usually half portions which I love because you can try everything. The spicy tuna, and the scallop rolls were great.
(4)Hannah S.
Boats & sushi - two of my greatest loves, and little Katana brings them together in the sweetest way. I mean, who can possibly resist food floating by on little boats? Who would want to? We arrived and had to wait awhile - at least 25, 30 minutes - the place is teeny tiny, and busy. But worth the wait. We got a seat at the bar, which meant front row food access. Sweet. The little river went around and around, with all kinds of tasty treats floating by - I'm with George M., I was immediately infatuated. This certainly isn't an experimental or exotic sushi joint - most of the options are pretty basic. California rolls, spicy tuna, salmon sashimi, shrimp rolls, etc. But everything was good quality, tasty - and CHEAP. So cheap. Service was nice, but at this place, atmosphere is really where it's at. Can't wait to go back ... I miss that little river already.
(4)Remy L.
This place has some of the most delicious sushis I've tasted in Miami. The sushis come on boats. Just the fact that being able to see what you're going to eat makes all the difference to me. The service is not always perfect and I've had some less than average experiences a few times but sushis are so good that we keep going back.
(4)Cranky C.
I think 2.5 is better but they don't haves... And a 3 is too much. Bizarre little joint where you grab sushi off little boats that drift by in the center of the place. A for originality and D for execution. The boats go by in a dimly lit little homemade river. Sitting next to it, you see all the cheap electrical wiring. Cheap home depot lights with warnings on them. Bad lighting makes it difficult to see what exact kind of sushi it is. Maybe little signs on the boats or the non sushi experts? The service was midgrade. You'd think it'd be super great since there's no service other than bringing another drink, which they have to carefully pass thru the boat area. Kinda wild. As you finish, your dishes go on a platform above the river... Where, btw, they sit the entire time. The sushi was pretty good. I've had better and I've had worse. We avoided the ones that went round and round for 20 minutes but if you just got there you may have picked some not so fresh ones. I ordered the udon noodle soup as well. Some udon noodles in broth. No veggies. Clean it up. Redo some interiors. Figure out the food thing so it seems fresher. And get some motivated non shy servers. Boom.
(2)Jessica F.
Great sushi! They have a restaurant design similar to that of Japanese sushi conveyor belts, except the conveyor belt is a mini river which has the sushi sitting in a little boat. Each plate is color-coded to designate the price, which makes it difficult to keep track of when you're grabbing everything that looks good! They make the sushi right in front of you. Also, this place is super small. They have limited seating around the little river and maybe 3 or 4 small tables next to it. Be there early to get seats!
(4)Teresa S.
Got to check this spot out last night. If you're looking for good sushi, definitely check this place out. It's not 'the best' sushi, but it is most certainly not sub par by any means. the food is fresh, and very tasty. service was great, and the staff was quite hospitable during my time there. It's pretty much one of those hole-in-the wall spots you're likely to return to often. I can see how waiting after certain hours of the evening can be a bit of a pain. Seems like a lot of people like to come around, and the restaurant itself is not incredibly spacious for the amount of frequent patrons that are constantly coming in. They have a very small menu which consists of the usual udon, teriyaki, and spicy dishes, but I can't imagine how much of anyone's attention would remain focused on that when there's food literally floating by right in front of you. there's a sushi boat 'river' with boats each carrying a different assortment of sushi, sashimi, salads all in smaller and reasonable portions. Pricing for this is handled differently. Each plate with a specific color/design details the price of what you'll pay for it. Prices range as low as $1.50 up to $3.50 a plate. When you ask for the check the waitress/waiter will charge you accordingly to the amount of plates you've pulled off the boats. definitely worth returning to.
(4)Hiram R.
Awesome place for sushi. Been around for ever yet never gets old. Love the boats carrying around the sushi. Great way to taste different things without paying too much.
(5)Myner G.
Katana I love this place. It's pretty much a small sushi bar with a circle bar in the center of the restaurant where boats come around loaded with sushi rolls and other great things. The prices are all based on the color of the plate you grab ( $1.50, $2.00, $2.50, $3.00 and $4.00). This place is very cheap for sushi and it's extremely fresh quality, I have never been let down here. The only set back is you should not go in a group bigger than 4 because the seating can get tricky and take a while. If you're a tourist and you're on the beach reading this do yourself a favor and hit this place up and avoid paying $18 for a roll on South Beach which will more than likely suck. Oh this place also has really cheap beer and $5 tall Sakes. Every time I go, I end up stacking anywhere from 8-12 plates and only manage to spend $50. Recommendations: Have one of each plate and stuff your face! It's all good!
(4)Elizabeth S.
Try finding cheaper sushi of this quality anywhere else... I dare you! This little "whole in the wall" is Miamians' little secret. I'm even hesitant to write this review because, as it is, I already have to get there 10 minutes before opening to guarantee a seat. People will easily wait an hour standing for a chance to sit at the bar where boats piled with color-coordinated plates float by. The sushi is FRESH, CHEAP, and creative. The atmosphere is wonderful; I hope they never expand because I think it would kill it's charm. Definitely try the spicy crunchy! It's a mountainous mixture of raw tuna with spicy mayo and crunchy (tempura flakes). All in all, it's in my top two for sushi places of all time because the quality exceeds the price; often not the case with sushi restaurants.
(4)Serena S.
Finally, a restaurant that doesn't serve Thai food, sushi, and fried rice all in one spot! A Japanese restaurant with a Japanese sushi chef! Crazy!!! My friend told me about this place and it's places like this that make me love NoBe. This place is sooo adorable and I love the boats that float by with plates of sushi. However, if this place didn't have that, it would just be like any other mediocre sushi place, which is sad! It has so much potential, but relies on the novelty of floating boats to reel people in. The sushi is good, but not great. There are more "california roll" type sushi rolls than legit ones. It's also not the freshest sushi I've had either :( However, this place is super affordable and I think it's one of those "you get what you pay for" type places, so I can't complain. Service is great, but expect a wait. It's not a very big restaurant, so it can get crowded. You pay by plate, and different plates cost different amounts. You can even stand at the far end of the sushi boat path and grab plates, dump the sushi into a to-go box and take it home! Awesome. If they had fresher fish and better rolls, this place would skyrocket. But for now, 3-stars it is...
(3)Elizabeth P.
Love this place. Love the fact that some is preparing sushi I front of me. Wish the place was bigger. Sometimes there is a wait.
(5)Diana D.
I love coming to this place for the sole reason of "the sushi river". In Miami, where sushi joints are a dime a dozen there HAS to be a reason why 15 minutes after they open all their tables are full and there's already a line forming. Yes its dim, small, and that river can give off a funky smell, but the sushi here has always been great. In fact, I enjoy it more when it is packed because the dude rolling up the sushi is pounding them out left and right, Ive been when its not so packed and sometimes the dishes can be repetitive and boring. I live down south so I wish this place wasn't so far for me. I can't ever say that I've had bad service here, I get their philosophy, they trying to make and people who are "table campers" impede that.
(4)Zhiqi Z.
Yeah, the owner is a rude Asian dude who thinks his sushi is the best in town (but apparently his food is just overpriced bland pieces). The owner resides in his overly cramped space thinking he can just shoot you dead providing you with exceptionally bad service and attitude that will sure to make you feel very very special. Oh, remember don't come here if your skin or hair color is not "white enough" to his taste. He will sure to make you pay for the consequence, and at the very end of special treatment, rushing to the door and tell you that "oh, your tips are not appropriate for my house, for what I've treated you a moment ago. Make sure u no come again." You betcha I won't come again.
(1)Rhiannon R.
Great food at a great price. This is such an amazing hole-in-the-wall find!
(5)Eloisa S.
This place is filthy! They need to be visited by the Health Department. We went there last night for the last time. We were waiting for a seat and saw buckets on a corner with a lot of dirty dishes sitting there for anyone to see it, and the wall around it had old pieces of food stuck to it. Disgusting! Think, you are in a place were you are about to eat raw fish! Scary! I wonder how dirty is the kitchen. The waiter is always rude and obnoxious. No wonder, that poor dude doesn't have a life, he is always there and he is not even the manager. The place is ran by itself, nobody knows who is the owner. Stay away! I will...
(1)Damian N.
Great sushi at great price. Small place, usually pretty crowded, but it deserve the waiting. Super fresh. Don't recommend to go in groups bigger than four.
(5)Kay K.
Totally for locals! Like a "hole in a wall", but love the food + service! It's my little window into Japanese culture. Very respectful! The sushi "master" stays very focus while preparing dishing...he's not their to get your #. Staff is great! They always remember my favorite dish, side sauces and drink. It's a bit tight...but that makes great conversation opportunities for you and your neighbors. It's only loud when tourist invade and when disrespectful people forget to put their phones away.
(5)Natalia G.
Favorites included: mixed tempura plate, salmon sashimi with shredded onion, and tuna tataki (comes with a dash of japanese mayo). Simple dishes, good prices, fun concept. I was thankful to have not waited for a seat, although it suddenly got packed after we sat down. The sushi won't blow your socks off, but it was fresh and the sushi chef cutting fish in front of me was japanese and knew what he was doing. I only wish they had a little more variety... the same things came around the conveyor every time - the most unique fish I had was a mackerel nigiri. Nonetheless, I will be back here when the sushi craving hits.
(4)Fabian A.
Place is way better than I thought. Sushi is great and affordable.
(4)Leby G.
seafood is always fresh and maintained at good temperature, nothing yuckier than my white tuna sashimi at room temp. Cool ambiance. I like the chefs are actually asian and like that they take requests. Also liked that we were approached and informed about last call and were given an opportunity to order something at that time. Could look a little cleaner would be my only suggestion.
(4)J. P.
Love sushi of this place, try to avoid weekends as it gets busy. Their gyoza is great, and the spicy calamari salad, one of the best I ever had! Will definitely come back and recommend, but try not to go more than 5 in the same group as there is not available seating!
(4)Paul H.
I went around 7pm and did not have to wait. I called in around 6:15pm to ask if I could make a reservation but the lady said "we do not take reservations". The odd thing was when I arrived, there was a table with a "reserved" sign so go figure. Beware, all the delicious sushi is on the gold/black dishes ($3.50). I ended up with 7 of those $3.50 dishes and a few of the cheaper dishes totaling $36 with the cheesecake tempura. I was very content afterwards but not full. I did feel the food coma coming on a few minutes later so I was glad I didn't stuff my face. Some tips: have a phone with data open up katana's online menu so you can gauge the price of the dishes if you are on a budget. Definitely try the cheesecake tempura, it was amazing!!
(4)Teresa K.
This place is great for a fun intimate sushi experience. The place is incredibly small though so please don't take a group of 5 or more there because it would practically fill the place. Especially since there are ALWAYS people waiting in line because they serve excellent sushi for wonderfully low prices. You can order specific pieces of sushi if you want, but part of the fun for me is watching what floats by and grabbing anything that looks tasty. They also have good sake at reasonable prices. Definitely check it out.
(4)Cheryl A.
This amazing hole in the wall Japanese restaurant is just awesome. The sushi are amazing. I always start with a miso soup and the ice cream tempura for dessert. Very delicious! The prices are very affordable. (no reservations do be ready to wait)
(4)charles h.
I've been going to Katana since it opened and I love it. There is always a wait to be seated and business is good. That being said its time for Katana to renovate the place. The interior reminds me of a garage or a roadhouse strip joint. Cheap decorations, extension chords hanging from the ceiling, ripped upholstery on the seats, dirty dusty ceiling, and a substandard A/C are some of the obvious areas that need improvement. Offering the waiting customers something to drink would be nice. The sushi boats service, the good sushi, and the price keep me going back.
(4)Vivian L.
Love this hole-in-the-wall place. I came on a friday night after work since they close at 1 am. The staff is nice and quick to take drink orders, appetizers, etc. For sushi you can pick from various plates from the boats floating by. I love this concept because you know what you're getting is fresh, especially when the people next to you grad everything before you do. But its ok, I'm patient for the good stuff. Forgive me for not knowing the names of the rolls but I like this one tempura roll with spicy mayo. Another one had crab on it..I know it's pretty vague but trust me..everything i had off the boats was good. Except for the caviar..I don't do caviar. To finish we had tempura banana dessert. It was so delicious. The ice cream that came along with it melted when you paired it w.ith bites of warm banana. Good place for quick sushi & prices are fair, too. Those little floating sushi plates range from 2.50 to about 4.75.
(4)Mike W.
Katana is one of our perennial favorites. As others have said the decor is a bit past its prime, but the food is wonderful. Come early or wait in line. You can order items from the kitchen as well, but our fave is the nigiri because the fish is fresh and the nigiri is well made. And your wallet won't be sore at the end of your feast! Highly recommended!
(5)Jackie G.
After driving by it twice, I finally noticed that it was the red lantern lit restaurant under a sign with the letters RK and a basketball in a net next to it. K for Katana? Why the basketball? I don't get it. I'm assuming that's an old sign, but then there's the same sign on top of a gelato restaurant across the street. Anyways, I'm going off on a tangent about nothingness- back to Katana. We finally arrived at Katana at 11-ish (it closes at 1) and had to wait a bit for 2 seats. Considering the size of the restaurant (25 people max?) the wait wasn't too long. As we sat waiting we were fixated on the little sushi boats floating around and my inner child wished so badly that I had a Barbie with me so that I could send her riding through the tunnel of sushi love and wave to her as she rode back in joy! Once we were seated we couldn't wait to grab each sushi roll that passed us by. At first we were like "stay away from the black and gold plates" since plates are priced by color and style and those are the most expensive at a whopping $3.50 each. Thankfully we did the math and realized that it was actually an amazing deal! Once that happened our fat kids were unleashed. The rolls passed by fast and it was very exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. We grabbed roll after roll and even after we had a heap of sushi around us our eyes could not stop looking at the delicious looking sushi zipping by; if you have even a tinge of A.D.D. this might not be a good place for you. The rolls we had were very fresh and delicious and when we wanted a roll that was not floating around they were happy to make it for us. In the end we finished our meal with their banana tempura (not on the boat). It was presented beautifully in a banana peel surrounded in ice cream. We wanted one ball of chocolate and the other of vanilla, but the waitress said that it would be impossible to do that. Weird. The dessert was also pretty bland so we had to ask for chocolate syrup to jazz it up. The dessert wasn't their shining moment but maybe it was the fact that it was around closing time or that the waitress didn't make it right. Who knows, what I do know is that Katana is definitely an experience that one should have. It's different, fun, and entertaining. The sushi is fresh and tasty and although they might not have the most exciting rolls they're still good and for the price they're great! The restaurant is clean, the decor is interesting with it's paper mache rock mountain and katanas over the kitchen entrance, and the ambiance is intimate and cozy just scoot close to your bud or make friends with the person next to you since you might be elbow to elbow with them. I noticed they had tables for four but that's about it, I don't recommend going with any more people. However you go, just go and you'll have a great time! I can't wait to go back, and the next time that I do I will be taking my Barbie doll with me.
(4)Vilmar G.
Great food. Traditional and not mixed with other asian cuisines. Restaurant is very small and, despite the good food, it come make good use of some cleaning. Particularly ceiling and fixtures.
(4)Rudy M.
Awesome, I come here at least once a week. Don't expect a 5 start place, but the sushi if good and cheap
(4)Dannie M.
always love this place! Be ready for a 5-20 minute wait, there are only like 25 total seats and you end up waiting a lot. But its always worth it. Great time and good sushi!!!!!!!!
(4)Tina K.
First, the chef and the people who work there are actually Japanese so that's a plus. I used to go to a lot of these conveyor belt sushi places just cuz it's instant gratification - You see, you like, you take. And it's also pretty cheap so that's not bad either. The sushi was OK, they had the common stuff like salmon, tuna, shrimp, hamachi... once in a while uni and some less common sushi but the selection was not bad. You just can't expect high quality sushi for that price so I think that it's not bad for the value. I would go back, it's fun for a quick sushi fix. This place is always packed though so go earlier to avoid the lines.
(3)Max X.
first thing THEY DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS second thing THEY DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS third thing LEAVE YOUR KID AT HOME (there are many regular patrons who have placed open bounties on kids who touch the plate's and not take them...and i am one of them) good got that our of the way..if you are a Miami native then this might be a problem and if so this place does not need your business (they will do just fine by my business and others who live around here). if you are a normal person who is not completely out of touch with reality than no problem, the wait of 20-45min should be easy, have a chat, look around, or do anything else, than be annoying i.e. play on your phone and not pay attention to your surroundings and block server traffic...you would be alarmed how much this happens. If your group is 3 or less than you are going to be seated quick, and relatively fast; if you got more than that seriously go somewhere else, the tables (of which there are only 3) seat a maximum of 5 and people tend to think that this is a lounge about type of place, when the reality is: get in, eat, have a couple of beers, and get out and do whatever you need to do. they have two sushi chefs who make stuff, and some chefs in the back that make warm stuff. Of the two guys out front there is the guy with dreads, and the smaller guy; the smaller guy throws in WAYYY more variety (but both are still great). But whoever is working that night the staff is nice, friendly, and super accommodating, after this walk on over to Norm's and play some pool and grab a couple of pitchers of beer.
(4)Maggie L.
I am pretty picky when it comes to food and especially asian food. I found this place simply great for its price. Very fresh sushi and sashimi, lot more authentic than most Japanese restaurants in US, cozy and interesting ambience, fast and efficient service. Highly recommend for a casual lunch or dinner for a small group or even for a quick bite by yourself. The presentation of sushi boat is cute and tempting. The menu outside sushi is limited, some dons and udons, tried both and they are just okay. Last but not least, the check surprised us by how reasonable it is! Overall great experience.
(5)Heather J.
Wonderful! Great "casual" vibe - lots of fun to sit at the sushi bar watching the various dishes float by. The sushi was "OK", not the best I've ever had, but it's a great neighborhood dining spot.
(3)Elham A.
I have been to this place three times but never again...! The sushi is not very good, the rolls don't stand out at all. The menu food is okey, I did like the shrimp tempura. What really bothered me was the fact that this place is not clean! I really expect a restaurant to make sure the floors are clean and perhaps dust the lighting once in a while?! Is that too much to ask for? However, this does not change the flavor of the food...! Finding a bug, a cockroach crawling on the glass, right above the sushi boats really does make a difference. I was so disgusted I decided to never come back again to this place...! The staff was very nonchalant about the whole deal and did not make any efforts to pretend this never happens. The sushi is not good and it is not fresh at all!!! Please don't waste your time with this place!
(2)Ron B.
Kaitenzushi is fun! The food was good and service good. I wish they had a bigger selection on the boats going around. The prices were cheap and so the building but character factor wins out. Go there and have some fun!
(3)Nicholas P.
The sushi place I love to hate. I hate the wait, oh I hate the wait and the wondering if someone that came after me is being seated before me. The people watching I like. The concept I really like, the sushi I really like if not love and the price I absolutely love, by all means don't change that and you will always have me. All in all I am giving this restaurant 5 stars because there are very few restaurants that have consistently taken me through such an emotional roller coatser with feelings of hatred, betrayal, testing of patience yet always delivered a happy ending. I will see you tomorrow night for yet another ride.
(5)Kolja P.
A small, laid-back neighborhood place to grab some sushi and sashimi off little boats as they swim by. They should freshen up the interior sometime and do something about the truly awful restroom!
(3)Thierry W.
Fun place, no need for a menu, sushis are displayed in floating boats in front of you. Only big issue, waiting time is terrible, you cant just decide to pop in there and reservations are impossible. The cool part are the menu items, they have some extras you can order.
(3)Elyse W.
This is place is kind of a gem and, sure, there's definitely a gimmicky/quirky/novelty feel to the whole set up, but I've always had really rad experiences here. Basically, it's like a Japanese sushi-go-round except you have a large, circular bar where everyone sits and instead of a conveyor belt carrying a bunch of a la carte items, you have a little, blue, chlorine river with floating boats holding individualized plates for customers to grab. Each colored plate has a different color and/or pattern which represents a different price. All plates are between $1.50-$3.50. As you eat, stack up all your plates, and at the end, a waiter comes over, tallies up your total and that's that. And although it's super cheap, the quality of sushi is pretty high and the more popular items are almost always fresh because people snatch them up as soon as they're made. My favorites are the salmon sashimi on top on rice with a side of thin onions (and it's on one of the cheapest plates, a red one, so I stuff my face with these) and the ahi tuna with this "Cajun" sauce that I love so much, I always ask for a side of it whenever I come in (the one waiter dude who practically lives there always gives me a look like "bitch, that's just mayo with cajun seasoning" but I don't care, nothing here is quite right without it). Their crunchy tuna, tempura rolls, and most eel rolls re pretty tasty too. Avoid the squid salad and the white fish. Their egg dishes have always creeped me out a bit, but I've had friends who get mad when they haven't seen any egg dishes in a while. And if you've seen the same roll pass you by more than three times, don't eat that either. Things can get a little fishy tasting here sometimes. Sake is pretty cheap as well. A large cost less than 6 bucks, I think. Just a few tips: * Y-100 is ALWAYS playing, just put up with it, it kind of enhances the experience for some weird reason. * Try to come during the week, weekends get kind of crazy and you'll definitely be waiting for a seat for a while. There's no reservations, the place is way too small. And I've seen fights pop up here in the name of a seat. * Don't EVER take a plate and then decide that you don't want it and put it back on a boat. I don't know what's under sushi-making-man's Rasta hat (most likely, just dreds) but I like to think there's snakes under there because if you pull that kind of shit this dude will shank-eye you SO hard, you'll feel like you turned to stone. * There's free parking in the back.
(5)Daniel C.
Amazing Amazing, Never had anything else like it. Have Leo make the Spicy cruchy Tuna salad or a Dragon Tempura roll. Cheap and delicious. You'll see the main guy Toshi running around, one of the nicest guys ever. Their Queue system need to be worked on but I have never been skipped. I actually don't want anymore people going there because then it will get too crowded. Oh well.
(5)Danny N.
Small but great
(5)cherry h.
We found this place by mistake and it was the great mistake ever! I love the environment and the customer service. It's a very small place but it's worth the wait to be seated. There are different type of dishes to pick from and the highest dish is only $3.50. The tempura ice cream was delicious! We all were satisfy and the total was for the 6 people was only $150!! Who can beat that!!
(5)Diego D.
i had never been to this place so maybe tonight wasn't the best night. The sushi wasn't bad, and the service was pretty good, but the variety was not what I expected. They have a clever system of keeping track what the customers consume, There are different type of dishes to pick from and the highest dish is only $3.50, then they go down to 2.50, 2.25, 1.75 and 1.50, well the majority of the plates that would come around were the ones for 3.50, so i kinda feel you were force to eat the higher priced shushi plates. It would take a quite a while to see a $1.50 plate come by. Then the same sushi plates would circle over and over and over, you had to wait quite a while to see a new variety come by. But, having said all that, the prices were not bad, the sushi was pretty fresh, the service was good, I would visit it again.
(2)John B.
The sushi on a conveyor joint. Decor is below par and seating is limited. Lift your sushi selections off the floating plates traveling around the water belt. Dishes are priced according to the plate color or plate design and posted on the wall. You may also order from the menu, but selecting from the conveyor is the one to go if your hungrey and want immediate satisfaction. Conveyor selection is a bit limited, would have liked to see more variety. Bathrooms could be nice and the place could seem cleaner too.
(3)Linette P.
Update, last night I took myself out on a drunk date. And ate up a storm. It is still very good. FYI: Bad idea to order desert when drunk dating yourself. It was huge, and then I just felt sad. I was an emotional rollercoaster but the good news is I met these wonderful people that did not mind eating off a strangers plate (me) that made me not so sad.... Yay!
(3)Brian K.
Very good sushi for the price! I go at least once a week.
(4)Krysttian D.
Boats and Hoes, my favorite mixture, but Boats and Sushi are a welcomed substitute. It works on a plate system, with prices ranging from 1.25 per plate to 3.75 per plate. The prices are extraordinary cheap, and i've never gotten so full of sushi. The friends ordered the fried chicken, but if you go to a sushi joint, that's what you should order. The sake choices were pretty limited and expensive. Overall a great first date spot.
(4)Ronnie F.
If you're looking for A+ sushi in Miami, this is NOT it. But if you're looking for a fun experience with pretty good sushi, Katana might be your best bet. Katana is a sushi restaurant located on Normandy Road, near Las Vacas Gordas and in the middle of a strip mall. The staff of 4-5 does a great job of seeing to your needs, though the service often feels rushed as there are several people waiting for you to leave the bar so they themselves can be seated. As I said above, Katana is not known as the BEST sushi restaurant. The atmosphere is great though; guests are allowed to sit around a river that runs at chest length, atop which rest different rolls and entrees. The sushi chef is located in the middle of this river, and he/she will happily make you custom rolls if you ask. This place is a good first-date place if you're with someone down-to-earth.
(4)Siuwai M.
I love the experience even though it makes you eat faster but so much fun.
(4)Brian T.
I went to this place last week and I have to say I was presently surprised. The place is definitely not bad as some people have made it out to be. It was quaint and the atmosphere was nice. The lady who served us was very friendly and willing to accommodate our requests. The sushi was fresh and they have variety there. Would definitely go back again.
(4)Jason O.
3.5-4 stars Conveyor belt sushi is the sort of paradoxical concept that defines Japan so well. While at odds with the slow attention to detail explicit in a superiorly crafted meal, the conveyor belts also show the island's rapid progress into modernity. Ditto for fresh fish on the cheap, and the obscene tower of plates westerners love to photograph themselves with. In Miami, this idea of further dumbing down sushi for mass production should send shivers down your spine. However, much like the conveyor belt joints I tried in Kyoto, this place exceeds in quality most of our other offerings. Dining here feels like walking into a teleporter. The light wood, the display of color-coded plates and their accompanying prices, and the rowboats with sushi offerings on an ever-flowing stream makes Katana a place of which to be proud. If you don't see something you would like, they are happy to make it for you. If you want some noodles or katsu or other hot dishes (all good), there is a small menu from which you can order as well. On the sushi side, they have one of the best non-Naoe nigiri I've had in Miami, a very nice version of spicy tuna, good nigiri in general, and that salmon with onions and mayo you're craving right now if you've hit these joints in Japan. Go grab a boat
(4)Ana M.
I cant believe I'm writing this being how Ive eaten here alot. I just am always disappointed yet I keep going back. The place is filthy dirty and its just grungy in there. I keep going back because its cheap and quick. Sad really. I need to stop. So- I'm writing this review because someone has to. The bathrooms are really bad- dirty. They keep the dirty dishes on the floor and the gentleman that runs the joint, well... He is very efficient. He gets people in and out, but he really is the sushi Nazi. He is the boss man and he will kick you out of this place if you misbehave. He kicked my roommate out once. Not pretty. He's good at his job, but not the nicest. Its a shame really that this place is so dirty. They should just close down for a month- remodel and open so that its not so funky in there. Ayyyyee Katana- please.. clean up your act. I like it there, but I'm not going back until its cleaned up.
(1)Michael C.
First discovered this place because of some reviews on yelp and this place is amazing. I've now been there twice and it's some of the best sushi I've ever had. Will be there again and again for sure.
(5)Maria L.
I've been coming here for 7-8 years, through ups and downs, but they never dissappoint me(well, unless I get their way past 6 pm when they ran out of seats- hate waiting). I love staring at those boats gliding by carrying "my" sushi hoping that the guy next to won't pick it up. Lol. You can eat a variety of rolls and sushi- in any order you want. There are lots of parking in the front, side and back! And if that's not enough, their banana tempura portion is pretty huge. Or have a scoop of green tea ice cream, it cleans your palate... Hmmm. Oh, and I called today, they don't take any reservations...
(5)Matt W.
Great place, a bit tiny but I love the lanterns, great choice and friendly staff. Prices are good too, ranging from 1 to 6,90 dollars ;)
(4)Lorna B.
I have been dying to go to this restaurant next to my house & finally I had the chance to go the other night. It's small but quaint. We got there right as it opened and there were other people in line besides us waiting to go in. A wait before it opens? You know the food must be yummy! I love the boats idea & you can either sit at the bar/river area or 2 little tables to the side. I had my son with me so we opted for the table. Our waitress was nice, didn't speak too good of English but that doesn't bother me, I can always point to things and ask questions later! My boyfriend had to ask her what to do since it was his first time in a sushi restaurant like that. She said you can just take what you like and you pay by the plate type. The place filled up fast and the sushi started floating down the little river right away. The quality of the fish was very nice and fresh. I grabbed up a sushi roll covered in crab right away. So yummy! Next was some red tuna & then a crab salad. I couldn't eat fast enough! I made sure to pace myself though. We also ordered a chicken teriyaki, edamame & a steak teriyaki. My boyfriend ended up returning the steak teriyaki. He said it was way too overcooked. We tried a few more items that floated on by and it is imperative that you try the seared tuna with spicy sauce! DELISH :) I loved it. We finished off the meal with the cheesecake tempura. OMG so yummy! Vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce & cheesecake tempura?! My son was in heaven as were we! As we were finishing up I understood what other people have said about how it feels like you need to rush through your meal since others are standing and waiting just behind you. Its a litle uncomfortable but I was not about to rush through a delicious meal such as this. I also noticed that a different variety of sushi was starting to come out as the time progressed. I think next time I would've waited a little bit longer to go in just to be able to try the variety that comes out after they've been open a little longer, It's worth the wait, trust me. The service was mediocre but the food was delicious and I can't wait to go back.
(4)Liz T.
very decent sushi place. a friend moved into the area and has been going like 2 or 3 times a week. so i finally went last week and it was pretty good. def not the best sushi in miami. however, it's decently priced and a hell of an experience. there's no sign. seriously. just find it by the address. once we found it we had a bit of a wait, which i assumed was normal. however, a guy came in after us started bitching about how long it was taking and he's been coming for years and never had to wait... blah blah blah. well, i found out after, katana just got voted best sushi for 2008 by miami new times. so i'm sure it's popularity is going to rise a bit. plates go floating in front of your face. just sit and start grabbing. things were very reasonably priced and prices correspond with the plate color. also, if you're gonna get something cooked, make sure you order it right away, cause it takes a while. i ordered the salmon terriyaki and it was pretty good. surprisingly large portion for the $6 or whatever it was. my dining companions all seemed to love it a lot more than i did. but i don't think i'm in love with katana, nor do i think they deserve best sushi by new times. that all being said, it was a great time and i'm sure to go back.
(4)Vanessa V.
great value for awesome sushi and sashimi! They got me with the boats floating on a lazy river haha ;) This place is packed! My husband and I were able to stack 11 plates of sushi and my friends 8 :D We had a blast, we will definitely come back...they do need to give this place a scrub!
(4)Enrique F.
I recently had dinner at Katana with my girlfriend and I don't remember the last time I was this impressed by a restaurant. The food itself was slightly above average sushi ( not the best I have ever had ) but the real treat was the layout. I absolutely loved the sushi boats floating by us. It really made the night that much more romantic and cozy. I think I could just hang out there forever. In addition to just picking up plates from the boats we special ordered a dragon roll and it was excellent. They also had the large 16 oz. Kirin which is a plus in my book. I skipped out on dessert which based on the previous reviews seems like a mistake. Highly recommended.
(3)Hungry Rat S.
Don't get too excited. The price here is probably the most redeeming quality you'll find here today. Even then, I've had revolving/sushi boat places that warrant a solid 4 star for its consistency, efficiency, and cleanliness. But not here. I admit I really only ended up here out of desperation for finding a place where I could grub down on some basic sushi whilest out of town, without wanting to deal with pretentious overpriced fusionish places. Well, sometimes you get what you pay for. And while this place certainly isn't pretentious, it may leave you with a bit of heartburn. And thats coming from someone who has eaten extensively in the back alleys of many foreign countries, much of which I would've preferred over this place.
(2)cristina o.
when we were in japan i became obsessed with this nigiri of salmon that came with thinly sliced white onions and yummy japanese mayo. i ate it whenever i found it as much as i could stuff in my face. last night we brought some friends here and they had the salmon nigiri i thought i would never find here!!! the quality of the fish was very good, and while the selection isn't that varied everything we tried was delicious. the eel here was probably the best i have ever had, if there would have been more coming on those little boats I assure you our bill would have been super high....
(4)Agnes Y.
love the restaurant! good atmosphere, and fresh rice, fresh fishes, love the fresh crispy seaweed! love the young sushi chef too~~
(5)richard k.
great food , but busy place , be ready to wait , service is rushed but only because of the long line of people waiting,
(4)Noel D.
i was very sad when the rest of the world found out about katana!!! this has been my weekly sushi spot for years, the food has never lost quality its always been amazing, minus the lack of space this is the best dive sushi spot in miami beach
(5)frequent d.
the sushi itself was not horrible , but the space is a disaster,if they could at least follow basic health rules! the smell of mold and the good size holes in the trim made me wonder when the health dept comes out. . about the boats... it is good they go fast , other wise a bug could hitch a ride.
(2)Ivan I.
Hi. I was there with my wife at oct. 11th 2011. The ambience is cheap, looks like a snack bar with a very small amount of seats and that stream that everybody was talking about was very dirty. Servers act like they're not there at all. They just smile when they greet u and they forget about u at all. You can notice how they speak to a customer and then turn around and make the face like they just talked with a s..t. I was asking about everything 2-3 times for 1 thing. Sushi are OK, well worth the price. But the most important thing that they charged me more then it was on the bill. The bill was 50.96 with tax and I wasn't going to leave tip for that horrible service. But when I checked my balance activity it was 58.60!!!! It's not a big deal but the fact that they did it pissed me off. They've just stolen my money. And I'm sure that's not the first time they've done it. I expected much more due to those good reviews. Very BAD!!!!!
(1)Ozkr G.
I loved this place!!! Amazing Sushi (Best I've ever had for sure), Amazing concept, and really tranquil environment. I had stayed at a nearby hotel for the weekend, and my girlfriend wanted to eat Japanese, I yelped up Japanese, and this restaurant came up so I decided to check it out. It was great! They have boats with sushi plates on them in a constant current going around a huge U-shaped bar where they are constantly re-filled once taken, with a bunch of different types of sushi, and fresh sashimi. The prices are really fair for everything on their menu, and the sushi is priced varied on the color of the plate you get. The 3 different prices are $1.50, $2.50 and $3.50. We had 2 appetizers a beer and a bunch of sushi and wasted around 50 bucks, so pretty average. Also, I cannot forget to mention the tempura cheesecake, not the best I've ever had but hey, if you've never tried it, this is a great place to start.
(4)J. P.
Love sushi of this place, try to avoid weekends as it gets busy. Their gyoza is great, and the spicy calamari salad, one of the best I ever had! Will definitely come back and recommend, but try not to go more than 5 in the same group as there is not available seating!
(4)Paul H.
I went around 7pm and did not have to wait. I called in around 6:15pm to ask if I could make a reservation but the lady said "we do not take reservations". The odd thing was when I arrived, there was a table with a "reserved" sign so go figure. Beware, all the delicious sushi is on the gold/black dishes ($3.50). I ended up with 7 of those $3.50 dishes and a few of the cheaper dishes totaling $36 with the cheesecake tempura. I was very content afterwards but not full. I did feel the food coma coming on a few minutes later so I was glad I didn't stuff my face. Some tips: have a phone with data open up katana's online menu so you can gauge the price of the dishes if you are on a budget. Definitely try the cheesecake tempura, it was amazing!!
(4)Teresa K.
This place is great for a fun intimate sushi experience. The place is incredibly small though so please don't take a group of 5 or more there because it would practically fill the place. Especially since there are ALWAYS people waiting in line because they serve excellent sushi for wonderfully low prices. You can order specific pieces of sushi if you want, but part of the fun for me is watching what floats by and grabbing anything that looks tasty. They also have good sake at reasonable prices. Definitely check it out.
(4)Cheryl A.
This amazing hole in the wall Japanese restaurant is just awesome. The sushi are amazing. I always start with a miso soup and the ice cream tempura for dessert. Very delicious! The prices are very affordable. (no reservations do be ready to wait)
(4)charles h.
I've been going to Katana since it opened and I love it. There is always a wait to be seated and business is good. That being said its time for Katana to renovate the place. The interior reminds me of a garage or a roadhouse strip joint. Cheap decorations, extension chords hanging from the ceiling, ripped upholstery on the seats, dirty dusty ceiling, and a substandard A/C are some of the obvious areas that need improvement. Offering the waiting customers something to drink would be nice. The sushi boats service, the good sushi, and the price keep me going back.
(4)Vivian L.
Love this hole-in-the-wall place. I came on a friday night after work since they close at 1 am. The staff is nice and quick to take drink orders, appetizers, etc. For sushi you can pick from various plates from the boats floating by. I love this concept because you know what you're getting is fresh, especially when the people next to you grad everything before you do. But its ok, I'm patient for the good stuff. Forgive me for not knowing the names of the rolls but I like this one tempura roll with spicy mayo. Another one had crab on it..I know it's pretty vague but trust me..everything i had off the boats was good. Except for the caviar..I don't do caviar. To finish we had tempura banana dessert. It was so delicious. The ice cream that came along with it melted when you paired it w.ith bites of warm banana. Good place for quick sushi & prices are fair, too. Those little floating sushi plates range from 2.50 to about 4.75.
(4)Mike W.
Katana is one of our perennial favorites. As others have said the decor is a bit past its prime, but the food is wonderful. Come early or wait in line. You can order items from the kitchen as well, but our fave is the nigiri because the fish is fresh and the nigiri is well made. And your wallet won't be sore at the end of your feast! Highly recommended!
(5)Tina K.
First, the chef and the people who work there are actually Japanese so that's a plus. I used to go to a lot of these conveyor belt sushi places just cuz it's instant gratification - You see, you like, you take. And it's also pretty cheap so that's not bad either. The sushi was OK, they had the common stuff like salmon, tuna, shrimp, hamachi... once in a while uni and some less common sushi but the selection was not bad. You just can't expect high quality sushi for that price so I think that it's not bad for the value. I would go back, it's fun for a quick sushi fix. This place is always packed though so go earlier to avoid the lines.
(3)Ron B.
Kaitenzushi is fun! The food was good and service good. I wish they had a bigger selection on the boats going around. The prices were cheap and so the building but character factor wins out. Go there and have some fun!
(3)Danny N.
Small but great
(5)Jackie G.
After driving by it twice, I finally noticed that it was the red lantern lit restaurant under a sign with the letters RK and a basketball in a net next to it. K for Katana? Why the basketball? I don't get it. I'm assuming that's an old sign, but then there's the same sign on top of a gelato restaurant across the street. Anyways, I'm going off on a tangent about nothingness- back to Katana. We finally arrived at Katana at 11-ish (it closes at 1) and had to wait a bit for 2 seats. Considering the size of the restaurant (25 people max?) the wait wasn't too long. As we sat waiting we were fixated on the little sushi boats floating around and my inner child wished so badly that I had a Barbie with me so that I could send her riding through the tunnel of sushi love and wave to her as she rode back in joy! Once we were seated we couldn't wait to grab each sushi roll that passed us by. At first we were like "stay away from the black and gold plates" since plates are priced by color and style and those are the most expensive at a whopping $3.50 each. Thankfully we did the math and realized that it was actually an amazing deal! Once that happened our fat kids were unleashed. The rolls passed by fast and it was very exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. We grabbed roll after roll and even after we had a heap of sushi around us our eyes could not stop looking at the delicious looking sushi zipping by; if you have even a tinge of A.D.D. this might not be a good place for you. The rolls we had were very fresh and delicious and when we wanted a roll that was not floating around they were happy to make it for us. In the end we finished our meal with their banana tempura (not on the boat). It was presented beautifully in a banana peel surrounded in ice cream. We wanted one ball of chocolate and the other of vanilla, but the waitress said that it would be impossible to do that. Weird. The dessert was also pretty bland so we had to ask for chocolate syrup to jazz it up. The dessert wasn't their shining moment but maybe it was the fact that it was around closing time or that the waitress didn't make it right. Who knows, what I do know is that Katana is definitely an experience that one should have. It's different, fun, and entertaining. The sushi is fresh and tasty and although they might not have the most exciting rolls they're still good and for the price they're great! The restaurant is clean, the decor is interesting with it's paper mache rock mountain and katanas over the kitchen entrance, and the ambiance is intimate and cozy just scoot close to your bud or make friends with the person next to you since you might be elbow to elbow with them. I noticed they had tables for four but that's about it, I don't recommend going with any more people. However you go, just go and you'll have a great time! I can't wait to go back, and the next time that I do I will be taking my Barbie doll with me.
(4)Vilmar G.
Great food. Traditional and not mixed with other asian cuisines. Restaurant is very small and, despite the good food, it come make good use of some cleaning. Particularly ceiling and fixtures.
(4)Rudy M.
Awesome, I come here at least once a week. Don't expect a 5 start place, but the sushi if good and cheap
(4)Dannie M.
always love this place! Be ready for a 5-20 minute wait, there are only like 25 total seats and you end up waiting a lot. But its always worth it. Great time and good sushi!!!!!!!!
(4)Max X.
first thing THEY DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS second thing THEY DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS third thing LEAVE YOUR KID AT HOME (there are many regular patrons who have placed open bounties on kids who touch the plate's and not take them...and i am one of them) good got that our of the way..if you are a Miami native then this might be a problem and if so this place does not need your business (they will do just fine by my business and others who live around here). if you are a normal person who is not completely out of touch with reality than no problem, the wait of 20-45min should be easy, have a chat, look around, or do anything else, than be annoying i.e. play on your phone and not pay attention to your surroundings and block server traffic...you would be alarmed how much this happens. If your group is 3 or less than you are going to be seated quick, and relatively fast; if you got more than that seriously go somewhere else, the tables (of which there are only 3) seat a maximum of 5 and people tend to think that this is a lounge about type of place, when the reality is: get in, eat, have a couple of beers, and get out and do whatever you need to do. they have two sushi chefs who make stuff, and some chefs in the back that make warm stuff. Of the two guys out front there is the guy with dreads, and the smaller guy; the smaller guy throws in WAYYY more variety (but both are still great). But whoever is working that night the staff is nice, friendly, and super accommodating, after this walk on over to Norm's and play some pool and grab a couple of pitchers of beer.
(4)Maggie L.
I am pretty picky when it comes to food and especially asian food. I found this place simply great for its price. Very fresh sushi and sashimi, lot more authentic than most Japanese restaurants in US, cozy and interesting ambience, fast and efficient service. Highly recommend for a casual lunch or dinner for a small group or even for a quick bite by yourself. The presentation of sushi boat is cute and tempting. The menu outside sushi is limited, some dons and udons, tried both and they are just okay. Last but not least, the check surprised us by how reasonable it is! Overall great experience.
(5)Heather J.
Wonderful! Great "casual" vibe - lots of fun to sit at the sushi bar watching the various dishes float by. The sushi was "OK", not the best I've ever had, but it's a great neighborhood dining spot.
(3)Elham A.
I have been to this place three times but never again...! The sushi is not very good, the rolls don't stand out at all. The menu food is okey, I did like the shrimp tempura. What really bothered me was the fact that this place is not clean! I really expect a restaurant to make sure the floors are clean and perhaps dust the lighting once in a while?! Is that too much to ask for? However, this does not change the flavor of the food...! Finding a bug, a cockroach crawling on the glass, right above the sushi boats really does make a difference. I was so disgusted I decided to never come back again to this place...! The staff was very nonchalant about the whole deal and did not make any efforts to pretend this never happens. The sushi is not good and it is not fresh at all!!! Please don't waste your time with this place!
(2)Nicholas P.
The sushi place I love to hate. I hate the wait, oh I hate the wait and the wondering if someone that came after me is being seated before me. The people watching I like. The concept I really like, the sushi I really like if not love and the price I absolutely love, by all means don't change that and you will always have me. All in all I am giving this restaurant 5 stars because there are very few restaurants that have consistently taken me through such an emotional roller coatser with feelings of hatred, betrayal, testing of patience yet always delivered a happy ending. I will see you tomorrow night for yet another ride.
(5)Elyse W.
This is place is kind of a gem and, sure, there's definitely a gimmicky/quirky/novelty feel to the whole set up, but I've always had really rad experiences here. Basically, it's like a Japanese sushi-go-round except you have a large, circular bar where everyone sits and instead of a conveyor belt carrying a bunch of a la carte items, you have a little, blue, chlorine river with floating boats holding individualized plates for customers to grab. Each colored plate has a different color and/or pattern which represents a different price. All plates are between $1.50-$3.50. As you eat, stack up all your plates, and at the end, a waiter comes over, tallies up your total and that's that. And although it's super cheap, the quality of sushi is pretty high and the more popular items are almost always fresh because people snatch them up as soon as they're made. My favorites are the salmon sashimi on top on rice with a side of thin onions (and it's on one of the cheapest plates, a red one, so I stuff my face with these) and the ahi tuna with this "Cajun" sauce that I love so much, I always ask for a side of it whenever I come in (the one waiter dude who practically lives there always gives me a look like "bitch, that's just mayo with cajun seasoning" but I don't care, nothing here is quite right without it). Their crunchy tuna, tempura rolls, and most eel rolls re pretty tasty too. Avoid the squid salad and the white fish. Their egg dishes have always creeped me out a bit, but I've had friends who get mad when they haven't seen any egg dishes in a while. And if you've seen the same roll pass you by more than three times, don't eat that either. Things can get a little fishy tasting here sometimes. Sake is pretty cheap as well. A large cost less than 6 bucks, I think. Just a few tips: * Y-100 is ALWAYS playing, just put up with it, it kind of enhances the experience for some weird reason. * Try to come during the week, weekends get kind of crazy and you'll definitely be waiting for a seat for a while. There's no reservations, the place is way too small. And I've seen fights pop up here in the name of a seat. * Don't EVER take a plate and then decide that you don't want it and put it back on a boat. I don't know what's under sushi-making-man's Rasta hat (most likely, just dreds) but I like to think there's snakes under there because if you pull that kind of shit this dude will shank-eye you SO hard, you'll feel like you turned to stone. * There's free parking in the back.
(5)Daniel C.
Amazing Amazing, Never had anything else like it. Have Leo make the Spicy cruchy Tuna salad or a Dragon Tempura roll. Cheap and delicious. You'll see the main guy Toshi running around, one of the nicest guys ever. Their Queue system need to be worked on but I have never been skipped. I actually don't want anymore people going there because then it will get too crowded. Oh well.
(5)cherry h.
We found this place by mistake and it was the great mistake ever! I love the environment and the customer service. It's a very small place but it's worth the wait to be seated. There are different type of dishes to pick from and the highest dish is only $3.50. The tempura ice cream was delicious! We all were satisfy and the total was for the 6 people was only $150!! Who can beat that!!
(5)Kolja P.
A small, laid-back neighborhood place to grab some sushi and sashimi off little boats as they swim by. They should freshen up the interior sometime and do something about the truly awful restroom!
(3)Thierry W.
Fun place, no need for a menu, sushis are displayed in floating boats in front of you. Only big issue, waiting time is terrible, you cant just decide to pop in there and reservations are impossible. The cool part are the menu items, they have some extras you can order.
(3)Diego D.
i had never been to this place so maybe tonight wasn't the best night. The sushi wasn't bad, and the service was pretty good, but the variety was not what I expected. They have a clever system of keeping track what the customers consume, There are different type of dishes to pick from and the highest dish is only $3.50, then they go down to 2.50, 2.25, 1.75 and 1.50, well the majority of the plates that would come around were the ones for 3.50, so i kinda feel you were force to eat the higher priced shushi plates. It would take a quite a while to see a $1.50 plate come by. Then the same sushi plates would circle over and over and over, you had to wait quite a while to see a new variety come by. But, having said all that, the prices were not bad, the sushi was pretty fresh, the service was good, I would visit it again.
(2)John B.
The sushi on a conveyor joint. Decor is below par and seating is limited. Lift your sushi selections off the floating plates traveling around the water belt. Dishes are priced according to the plate color or plate design and posted on the wall. You may also order from the menu, but selecting from the conveyor is the one to go if your hungrey and want immediate satisfaction. Conveyor selection is a bit limited, would have liked to see more variety. Bathrooms could be nice and the place could seem cleaner too.
(3)Linette P.
Update, last night I took myself out on a drunk date. And ate up a storm. It is still very good. FYI: Bad idea to order desert when drunk dating yourself. It was huge, and then I just felt sad. I was an emotional rollercoaster but the good news is I met these wonderful people that did not mind eating off a strangers plate (me) that made me not so sad.... Yay!
(3)Brian K.
Very good sushi for the price! I go at least once a week.
(4)Krysttian D.
Boats and Hoes, my favorite mixture, but Boats and Sushi are a welcomed substitute. It works on a plate system, with prices ranging from 1.25 per plate to 3.75 per plate. The prices are extraordinary cheap, and i've never gotten so full of sushi. The friends ordered the fried chicken, but if you go to a sushi joint, that's what you should order. The sake choices were pretty limited and expensive. Overall a great first date spot.
(4)Ronnie F.
If you're looking for A+ sushi in Miami, this is NOT it. But if you're looking for a fun experience with pretty good sushi, Katana might be your best bet. Katana is a sushi restaurant located on Normandy Road, near Las Vacas Gordas and in the middle of a strip mall. The staff of 4-5 does a great job of seeing to your needs, though the service often feels rushed as there are several people waiting for you to leave the bar so they themselves can be seated. As I said above, Katana is not known as the BEST sushi restaurant. The atmosphere is great though; guests are allowed to sit around a river that runs at chest length, atop which rest different rolls and entrees. The sushi chef is located in the middle of this river, and he/she will happily make you custom rolls if you ask. This place is a good first-date place if you're with someone down-to-earth.
(4)Siuwai M.
I love the experience even though it makes you eat faster but so much fun.
(4)Brian T.
I went to this place last week and I have to say I was presently surprised. The place is definitely not bad as some people have made it out to be. It was quaint and the atmosphere was nice. The lady who served us was very friendly and willing to accommodate our requests. The sushi was fresh and they have variety there. Would definitely go back again.
(4)Jason O.
3.5-4 stars Conveyor belt sushi is the sort of paradoxical concept that defines Japan so well. While at odds with the slow attention to detail explicit in a superiorly crafted meal, the conveyor belts also show the island's rapid progress into modernity. Ditto for fresh fish on the cheap, and the obscene tower of plates westerners love to photograph themselves with. In Miami, this idea of further dumbing down sushi for mass production should send shivers down your spine. However, much like the conveyor belt joints I tried in Kyoto, this place exceeds in quality most of our other offerings. Dining here feels like walking into a teleporter. The light wood, the display of color-coded plates and their accompanying prices, and the rowboats with sushi offerings on an ever-flowing stream makes Katana a place of which to be proud. If you don't see something you would like, they are happy to make it for you. If you want some noodles or katsu or other hot dishes (all good), there is a small menu from which you can order as well. On the sushi side, they have one of the best non-Naoe nigiri I've had in Miami, a very nice version of spicy tuna, good nigiri in general, and that salmon with onions and mayo you're craving right now if you've hit these joints in Japan. Go grab a boat
(4)Ana M.
I cant believe I'm writing this being how Ive eaten here alot. I just am always disappointed yet I keep going back. The place is filthy dirty and its just grungy in there. I keep going back because its cheap and quick. Sad really. I need to stop. So- I'm writing this review because someone has to. The bathrooms are really bad- dirty. They keep the dirty dishes on the floor and the gentleman that runs the joint, well... He is very efficient. He gets people in and out, but he really is the sushi Nazi. He is the boss man and he will kick you out of this place if you misbehave. He kicked my roommate out once. Not pretty. He's good at his job, but not the nicest. Its a shame really that this place is so dirty. They should just close down for a month- remodel and open so that its not so funky in there. Ayyyyee Katana- please.. clean up your act. I like it there, but I'm not going back until its cleaned up.
(1)Michael C.
First discovered this place because of some reviews on yelp and this place is amazing. I've now been there twice and it's some of the best sushi I've ever had. Will be there again and again for sure.
(5)Maria L.
I've been coming here for 7-8 years, through ups and downs, but they never dissappoint me(well, unless I get their way past 6 pm when they ran out of seats- hate waiting). I love staring at those boats gliding by carrying "my" sushi hoping that the guy next to won't pick it up. Lol. You can eat a variety of rolls and sushi- in any order you want. There are lots of parking in the front, side and back! And if that's not enough, their banana tempura portion is pretty huge. Or have a scoop of green tea ice cream, it cleans your palate... Hmmm. Oh, and I called today, they don't take any reservations...
(5)Matt W.
Great place, a bit tiny but I love the lanterns, great choice and friendly staff. Prices are good too, ranging from 1 to 6,90 dollars ;)
(4)Vanessa V.
great value for awesome sushi and sashimi! They got me with the boats floating on a lazy river haha ;) This place is packed! My husband and I were able to stack 11 plates of sushi and my friends 8 :D We had a blast, we will definitely come back...they do need to give this place a scrub!
(4)Lorna B.
I have been dying to go to this restaurant next to my house & finally I had the chance to go the other night. It's small but quaint. We got there right as it opened and there were other people in line besides us waiting to go in. A wait before it opens? You know the food must be yummy! I love the boats idea & you can either sit at the bar/river area or 2 little tables to the side. I had my son with me so we opted for the table. Our waitress was nice, didn't speak too good of English but that doesn't bother me, I can always point to things and ask questions later! My boyfriend had to ask her what to do since it was his first time in a sushi restaurant like that. She said you can just take what you like and you pay by the plate type. The place filled up fast and the sushi started floating down the little river right away. The quality of the fish was very nice and fresh. I grabbed up a sushi roll covered in crab right away. So yummy! Next was some red tuna & then a crab salad. I couldn't eat fast enough! I made sure to pace myself though. We also ordered a chicken teriyaki, edamame & a steak teriyaki. My boyfriend ended up returning the steak teriyaki. He said it was way too overcooked. We tried a few more items that floated on by and it is imperative that you try the seared tuna with spicy sauce! DELISH :) I loved it. We finished off the meal with the cheesecake tempura. OMG so yummy! Vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce & cheesecake tempura?! My son was in heaven as were we! As we were finishing up I understood what other people have said about how it feels like you need to rush through your meal since others are standing and waiting just behind you. Its a litle uncomfortable but I was not about to rush through a delicious meal such as this. I also noticed that a different variety of sushi was starting to come out as the time progressed. I think next time I would've waited a little bit longer to go in just to be able to try the variety that comes out after they've been open a little longer, It's worth the wait, trust me. The service was mediocre but the food was delicious and I can't wait to go back.
(4)Liz T.
very decent sushi place. a friend moved into the area and has been going like 2 or 3 times a week. so i finally went last week and it was pretty good. def not the best sushi in miami. however, it's decently priced and a hell of an experience. there's no sign. seriously. just find it by the address. once we found it we had a bit of a wait, which i assumed was normal. however, a guy came in after us started bitching about how long it was taking and he's been coming for years and never had to wait... blah blah blah. well, i found out after, katana just got voted best sushi for 2008 by miami new times. so i'm sure it's popularity is going to rise a bit. plates go floating in front of your face. just sit and start grabbing. things were very reasonably priced and prices correspond with the plate color. also, if you're gonna get something cooked, make sure you order it right away, cause it takes a while. i ordered the salmon terriyaki and it was pretty good. surprisingly large portion for the $6 or whatever it was. my dining companions all seemed to love it a lot more than i did. but i don't think i'm in love with katana, nor do i think they deserve best sushi by new times. that all being said, it was a great time and i'm sure to go back.
(4)Dylan E.
This is in my Top 3 restaurants, but if you ask my sister...she would eat there 2x a day and everyday. This is a great and happening place. The food portions, prices, and options make it great for sharing or trying out new stuff. The Kobe Rice Cakes are AWESOME! Good Teamwork to make your overall experience amazing. I am planning on going back next week.
(5)Albert M.
Good food, amazing prices, me and a friend just stuffed ourselves with amazing sushi and a few beers for $50 combined. So much win!!!! So here's the breakdown, this is probably the only affordable, fresh, and authentic sushi in all of Miami. This is the real deal. Now the problem is the place is a tiny hole in the wall, you have to move out of your seat to let other people sit. The lack of space also makes having to wait for a table a regular thing. And since there usually isnt a host taking names it can become a clusterfuck. Ive seen people fight about who got there first and who got the next table. Still this place rocks. Great sushi, great prices. Also, if you've ever been to Toyko, this place will take you back. Very much like a lot of the sushi restaurants I went to in Tokyo.
(5)Ana Carolina L.
Bad bad bad bad! I don't know about the food because I left. Left because people there are extremely rude. I was there for 15 minutes and nobody even notice. I went to say "excuse me, how long is the wait?" And the guy step my foot and never came back to talk to me. More people gave up! Too bad!
(1)Ashley C.
Amazingly great food, loved it atmosphere, casual chic get there early or make a reservation this place is a hot spot and always busy
(5)Roger Y.
A very small restaurant that is somewhat disorganized in everything except for the food which is very good. Be prepared to wait for a table or a seat and also for your bill - but the food comes fairly quickly once you get started. Some items are ordered but the sushi comes on small boats that circle the table - you just take what you want. Good luck if your not sushi knowledgeable because there is no description or label on most of the plates. Best to sit next to someone who looks like they know their sushi - after about 5 "what's that" they may get annoyed but so be it. I am of the generation that avoids raw fish so I only order what I could recognize as cooked - it was all very good, Udon soup was standard and good, shrimp tempura, vegetable tempura all ok. The shrimp teriyaki was served with the thick teriyaki sauce that taste like its from a bottle - I would guess that anything named teriyaki is similar so I would skip on that. All in all a good spot, little funky, I suggested to the waiter that he invest in a pad and pencil and write down the arrivals in order so they can be seated properly - he actually took about 90 seconds to explain to me why that was not a good idea - I didn't get his logic but I defer to his experience. Prices are very reasonable. Overall, I like this place and you may too - if your tolerant of the disorganization.
(4)Frank B.
As a sushi lover and Chef and creator of the ShuShi Brand, I occasionally enjoy going out to enjoy sushi prepared by others....since I had never been to this place before and I have heard, I figured I'd endured the 45 minute wait even though I was starving...after everyone being seated in orderly fashion, the lack of smart server common sense attitude of someone who would clearly be dismissed by the owner if he or she would find out. Nevertheless, he proceeded to seat a party of three instead of a party of two so he can make that one extra cover....the lack of smarts caused two people to walk out and now a bad unnecessary review. People, greed is a killer....notice those that spread the wealth are the happiest....first and last time....
(1)Kathia L.
Food was ok. Place was disgusting looking! Parking very difficult . Worst costumer service I've seen in a long time . Save your time and your money
(1)Samuel D.
I'm not crazy about how cramped you have to be and it often takes long to be seated but the sushi is SO damn good. By far better than ANY sushi restaurant including RA. Prices are no secret as the different plates denote the prices. Definitely the BEST sushi place in South Florida! Doesn't get a 5 cause it takes for ever to be seated, but trust me it's worth the wait!
(4)Izabella Z.
I'm new to Miami and this place blew me away! Best sushi I've ever had! Walking in, you notice its quaint but busy as a beehive. They have a conveyor belt with sushi boats that contain a variety of colorful plates of different dishes. People are waiting in line to just sit down! The host memorizes the order in which everyone comes in and does an amazing job at accomodating larger groups. You get what you paid for tho. Plates vary from $1.50 - $3.50. I try to come in at least once a week. Love coming here!
(5)Jessica C.
My boyfriend and I were in Miami for 2 nights, and Katana came highly recommended from many locals. We arrived by taxi around 7pm on a Thursday night, and we realized the restaurant was pretty small and there were 4 parties ahead of us. We almost decided to go elsewhere when the waiter greeted us warmly and offered us a beer while we waited. This was great because we stood outside and drank our beer and waited only 15 minutes to be seated. The restaurant is pretty dark and only seats 30 people max, but the little floating boats were great and really added a fun vibe to our meal. The sushi was very reasonably priced (3 rolls per plate were anywhere from $1.50 to $3.50). Make sure you get here earlier than 8pm though, because we noticed a long line after we finished eating.
(4)Natalie L.
First time I ever tried sushi was at Katana and I'm so glad that I did. The sushi is amazing. Can't beat their prices ($2-$5/plates). And I love the concept with the little boats. Small place and it can get full pretty quick. I suggest getting there at 6, when they open. Otherwise, be prepared to wait a bit.
(5)Lopez A.
They have recently revamped their menu with new additions. They still have the prior dishes and with the new ones is just even better. Dessert has room for improvements, but I still visit at least once a week.
(5)Dang N.
Wow, just like everyone else who's given this place a 1 star, I discovered the manager is a complete ass. He treated my friends and I like total garbage and was a complete dick. And the waitress behind the bar didn't help any bit either. The experience was so bad I don't even want to get into what happened at the restaurant but nonetheless we left quick and didn't say much. Shocking, especially considering he's Japanese? Wow, complete failure as a Japanese man. People like that back in the day would have been commanded to commit seppuku.
(1)Ali G.
I was so excited to go to this place and have never been so let down. First off, the service is HORRIBLE. Not like a little bad...but like the staff deliberately ignores you and you will just be standing around for 10-15 minutes before you have to awkwardly ask someone what you should do. After you may get a table, have patience. That's all you need at this place. A ton of patience to get anything. Food is mediocre and overpriced. I should have bought sushi from whole foods instead. Oh, and it's a dump. So there's that.
(1)Luigi C.
So... "Mobile Sushi" WTF is that? Well it's the kind of Sushi that comes to you... Katana brings you that... The Food: Normally Budget and Sushi is a bad combination but in this case Katana makes it happen... Their stuff is fresh. The variety and quality is enhanced by the skill of the sushi chef making the rolls.. JapanRasta is my fave, he's fast and good. The Tuna is awesome.. Spicy Tuna Roll, Spicy Crunchy Tuna Salad (Ground Spicy Tuna with Tempura batter crumbs) Their tempura is really good too.. Eel rolls, Ikura, Hamachi, octopus, the works.. if it's not on the boats ask for it and they'll bring it to you... they also have Udon and a bunch of other stuff... good food. Banana Tempura to top it off, very nice. Sake selection is 'OK'. The Scene: Katana is tacky and ugly but it's 'cute' ugly, Kinda like your grandparents garage or storage room... it's cramped you'd swear it was dirty but its not. The "river" is made of white bathroom tile and caulk and looks like a weekend DIY 8th grader project.. but it works! So you pick your sushi eat and then they count the plates when its time to check out, don't even think about hiding the plates, they have a sushi ninja watching and the next thing you know you'll hear "HADOUKEN!!" and you'll be engulfed in blue-flames "YOU LOSE!" It does get packed, waiters might get a bit in the weeds but they're nice and friendly. I really like this place. and I've been going there for like 13 years! arigato gozaimasu Katana!
(4)Kwan W.
First time here; was seated within 15 mins and was the fourth group in line. They had the boats stocked which was good. The seafood is fresh. The service is OK but they were busy. Would definitely come again with more friends. Must get the unagi here, it is so good.
(4)Stephanie L.
The whole idea of conveyor "river" sushi is brilliant! It turns an ordinary meal into a fun eating experience, where you can let your eyes decide what your stomach wants. The only question becomes...does it taste as good as it looks? At Katana you can watch different options come floating down a little river in mini wooden boats. The plate pattern designates the cost, and for a very reasonable price you can get several plates of different dishes. While the experience is fantastic, the quality itself is only mediocre. The fish sometimes tastes a little dry, and the other dishes are often so-so. I've had better quality and more creative sushi, but I've definitely had worse sushi experiences too. If you don't see what you'd like on the water, you can also order from a traditional menu. The restaurant's layout makes it a little tricky to come with a large group (and often ensures a wait), but in Miami the concept is something unique worth trying if you're looking for something new to try with friends or a date.
(3)Lauren B.
This is a quaint little place in North Bay Village. The sushi and sashimi literally melts in your mouth. It's REALLY that good. I promise. The little boats that go by are so fun! Although it can be a challenge to grab what you want before someone else does. The prices, I mean you CANNOT beat it. Each plate on the boats \\range between $1.50-$3.75... what a steal! The only complaints are the wait. They open at 6, get there then. Or around 10 PM. Also the smell is a bit off because the restaurant is old and it shows. Needs an update for sure!! HIGHLY recommend!!!
(4)Priscilla R.
This is our weekly hang out! We literaly walk down the street every Thursday to eat here. We give it 3 stars for the price & convenience! Service is just ok though, but I gave it 3 stars because the price and location is so good, it makes up for the ok service.
(3)David S.
The pathetic Sushi NAZI manager is there EVERYDAY now-- ruder and more obnoxious than ever. Must have gone off his meds. Even the employees can't stand him. !!! :-(
(1)Eduardo O.
Meh! I guess people love to grab their sushi from a floating plate passing by. But there are surely fresher and better sushi places around. not counting the limited sitting, and lack of service.
(2)John L.
Definitely a hole in the wall sushi joint. Get there before 7pm or you will be waiting in line watching everyone else eat! A party of anything more than four will be kind of a pain to get sitting all together.
(4)Margaret T.
This place, by far, is the BEST SUSHI I've had since being in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale area. The owner takes pride in the food and spirits he serves. Most people complain about the wait and how they seat people by memory. Yes they are old school and you must be diligent where your place in line is, but there is a reason why people are waiting in line (even waiting an hour before the restaurant opens). This restaurant cares about their product which is rare nowadays. Yes they could expand into the unit next door but they choose now to because again, they are about their food and serving the best quality without compromising to make more money. If you can respect that, you will be happy when you sit down, have their quick and great service with excellent food quality. I will be driving that hour and some odd minutes because its worth it. I'm a impatient person but I also know good things come to those to wait. This is definitely one of those moments. Period.
(5)Wendy H.
It is my favorite sushi place...i am sure that a sushi snob would completely disagree with me but I love it! I think it is fresh and yummy...the service is great...and the prices are incredible. If you look on the wall you'll see the different plates with the prices and you pick up your choice of sushi from the katana boats floating by on the little river...sooo cute and sooo entertaining. I love going to Katana...sometimes there can be a wait so be patient and they open at 6pm.
(5)Jezza L.
Cool little sushi spot where boats float around with sushi plates priced differently. Feels like your in a backstreet in Japan. The only negative is the wait for seats. It's worth the wait though.
(4)Penny B.
It's a small hole in the wall sushi place located in the heart of North Bay Village, FL. It's quite dark in here, so I can't see how clean the place is, but what do you expect...it's a hole-in-the-wall! (I've never used the restrooms in this place either). Katana has good, cheap sushi on plates floating on boats around the restaurant. You pay based on the color of the plates, there are usually about 4 sushi pieces on each plate; each plate ranges from $1.50-$3.50, and you can choose some other appetizers/dishes that they prepare in the kitchen. There is a stream of water that circulates in a loop around the restaurant through the kitchen and back. The chefs make the sushi in the center and place it on the plates for customers to select as the sushi plate boats float by. They only open from 6pm-10pm and don't take reservations.
(4)May R.
Katana's place might be a little scruffy, but this place made me love Japanese foods even more! I just can't help but to tell everyone to try Katana. Even tough Katana is a very noisy place, i'm enjoying every minute here. Because once you eat any specialties, you will forget everything and will not hear anything. I swear, that's what i felt. I think everything on their menu are awesome. I was like, "OMG. Gotta tell my friends to try this! This will make them love me! Hahaha! " Everyone must give their tongue the opportunity to taste the best sushi and rolls ever! They deserve to be given 5 stars!
(5)Kaylin O.
To be honest with you, I wasn't absolutely thrilled about this place the first time I came here with my bf. He raved about how he and his friends love this place. I have to say great price for sushi. The place is always packed. This place is only open in the evenings. There are only 3 tables plus the seats around the revolving sushi conveyor. Depend on which day you go, it can be great or ok. It depends on which chef you have. My bf and I think one chef is better than the other. The fish are not always super fresh. It's always busy so it's better to go early. If you don't want to wait, you can order to go. To me it's more like a 3.5 but I gave it a 4.
(4)J C.
Doors open at 6pm and you might as well get here earlier since you can't make reservations! It is a first come first serve basis. The first thing that will catch your eye is the sushi conveyer style bar. While the sushi is moving around the bar by the sushi boats you must catch it while you can. The prices are extremely reasonable from the sushi to everything on the menu. The sushi is priced by the color of the plate. The decor would be considered "Hole in the wall" but I recommend this place for a quick & reasonable bite!
(4)Lolo l.
OMG! What a great place! We had to wait like 15 min but it's ok, because that was a good sign. The service was great and the food exquisite! Fresh fish, good gyoza, japanese beer and people who actually speak Japanese (and English of course~!) Loved the theme with the little river and the sushi upon the boats, super genius and funny idea~! The place itself is not fancy, just like a regular restaurant from the outside, but the real magic happens inside. You feel like you have visit Tokyo while you are there because it's very similar to the restaurants in Japan....If you've even gone to Japan...then you would know what I mean. So,go and have fun and itadakimasu~~!!
(5)Kelly O.
Oh conveyer belt sushi how I have missed you. It has been almost a year since my visit to Japan and since then I have been dreaming of the salmon nigri with thinly sliced onion and Japanese mayo. There it was and it took all I had not to yell hello lover when I finally and blisfully ate that nigri. It is probably one of my favorite foods to eat. And I proved it by having a few platefuls. All the rolls were good. The eel and spicy tuna were favorites. Even the chicken katsu ginger dish was a nice surprise. Nice flavors and crispy deliciousness with a side of that wonderful mayo. Whenever I miss Japan I'll know where to come.
(4)Jessica F.
Great sushi! They have a restaurant design similar to that of Japanese sushi conveyor belts, except the conveyor belt is a mini river which has the sushi sitting in a little boat. Each plate is color-coded to designate the price, which makes it difficult to keep track of when you're grabbing everything that looks good! They make the sushi right in front of you. Also, this place is super small. They have limited seating around the little river and maybe 3 or 4 small tables next to it. Be there early to get seats!
(4)Ozzy R.
I think i sunk your Sushi Boat!!! Seriously i think i may have caused some water way congestion last night picking sushi from these cool little boats with sushi on them. This is a lil place that has a sushi bar and some tables as well. It is very cool and quaint and c i cannot belive i hadn't been there before even though i grew up on miami beach. I had dinner here last night and i must say that i really enjoyed the food. You get to pick from a variety of plates floating by you as well as some dishes and appetizers. I reccomend the shrimp skewers as a starte. The service was great and the food was great as well. Looking forward to my next visit. This place is fairly priced and they charge you per lil plate that u select from the river which range from $3 to 8$ and then they have appetizers from $5.50 to $9.50. I guess if your not careful you could rack up a huge tab..lol
(5)Alex C.
This has quickly become one of my favorite top 5 restaurants. Katana never disappoints. Yes, it's a hole in the wall and yes the wait is long. but it is worth it. My favorite is the spicy tuna roll. the only downside is that it's not open for lunch weekdays or weekends.
(5)Apreski C.
Gross, dirty, and terrible service. I was hesitant to eat there when I saw what it looked like and ended up getting very sick afterward. I checked their health code record and they have several critical violations. Hippo Bites just opened down the street, they're clean, have boats, great food, and super friendly service. Save yourself a hospital bill.
(1)Jessica W.
So I came here with one of my friends who lives nearby and I don't understand what all the hype is about. We arrived as soon as they opened, so it was nice that we didn't have to wait for a place to sit. I think it's really clever how they serve the food on boats floating on a little moat, but besides that I don't think it's that special. The place looked dirty, which is concerning considering I am consuming raw fish. The sushi was ok, nothing great. Luckily, we didn't have any problems with the service, unlike other reviewers. It was cool to check out, but I don't plan on returning.
(2)Yoshi Y.
I love this place. It's rare to find japanese run/owned sushi restaurants in South Florida. You can tell when a place is run by thai/chinese etc and they're trying to replicate japanese cuisine, usually without good results. Fortunately, this place is not like that. You can tell a huge difference in sushi quality from a non japanese to japanese sushi chef. I've always loved conveyor belt sushi both in Japan and the many places you find it on the west coast. Here they use boats, which is a cute system and has grown more popular. Sometimes the wait can be a little bit, but it's because it's such a local spot and it's so small. It's been around forever. The sushi(nigiri specifically) portions are very large and VERY reasonably priced. i love going here because i can load up on quality sushi without burying my wallet. I no longer live in the beach so i cant make it out here as often. I wish there was a place of this caliber downtown or in brickell so i could go there a few times a week.
(5)Maria K.
I've been going to this place for 20 years and unfortunately I am no longer a fan. The sushi has been great but the place is disgusting. Looks like they haven't cleaned the place in all the years I've been going. It's a shame because I loved the place but the dirtiness is now unbearable. The last straw for me was the floating baby roach in my water, their nasty bathroom, the 2 inch dust on the AC ducts on the ceiling, and the slamming door with the broken hinge. Actually the whole place needs a deep cleaning. I wonder how it looks when the lights are turned on. I didn't make a stink about the roach but I promised myself that I will not be eating here anymore.
(1)Keshia R.
I love this place! All other sushi I've had does not compare to what they are making at Katana. Only thing is the long wait because the place is small, but to me it is well worth the wait.
(5)Hannah S.
Boats & sushi - two of my greatest loves, and little Katana brings them together in the sweetest way. I mean, who can possibly resist food floating by on little boats? Who would want to? We arrived and had to wait awhile - at least 25, 30 minutes - the place is teeny tiny, and busy. But worth the wait. We got a seat at the bar, which meant front row food access. Sweet. The little river went around and around, with all kinds of tasty treats floating by - I'm with George M., I was immediately infatuated. This certainly isn't an experimental or exotic sushi joint - most of the options are pretty basic. California rolls, spicy tuna, salmon sashimi, shrimp rolls, etc. But everything was good quality, tasty - and CHEAP. So cheap. Service was nice, but at this place, atmosphere is really where it's at. Can't wait to go back ... I miss that little river already.
(4)Remy L.
This place has some of the most delicious sushis I've tasted in Miami. The sushis come on boats. Just the fact that being able to see what you're going to eat makes all the difference to me. The service is not always perfect and I've had some less than average experiences a few times but sushis are so good that we keep going back.
(4)Cranky C.
I think 2.5 is better but they don't haves... And a 3 is too much. Bizarre little joint where you grab sushi off little boats that drift by in the center of the place. A for originality and D for execution. The boats go by in a dimly lit little homemade river. Sitting next to it, you see all the cheap electrical wiring. Cheap home depot lights with warnings on them. Bad lighting makes it difficult to see what exact kind of sushi it is. Maybe little signs on the boats or the non sushi experts? The service was midgrade. You'd think it'd be super great since there's no service other than bringing another drink, which they have to carefully pass thru the boat area. Kinda wild. As you finish, your dishes go on a platform above the river... Where, btw, they sit the entire time. The sushi was pretty good. I've had better and I've had worse. We avoided the ones that went round and round for 20 minutes but if you just got there you may have picked some not so fresh ones. I ordered the udon noodle soup as well. Some udon noodles in broth. No veggies. Clean it up. Redo some interiors. Figure out the food thing so it seems fresher. And get some motivated non shy servers. Boom.
(2)Teresa S.
Got to check this spot out last night. If you're looking for good sushi, definitely check this place out. It's not 'the best' sushi, but it is most certainly not sub par by any means. the food is fresh, and very tasty. service was great, and the staff was quite hospitable during my time there. It's pretty much one of those hole-in-the wall spots you're likely to return to often. I can see how waiting after certain hours of the evening can be a bit of a pain. Seems like a lot of people like to come around, and the restaurant itself is not incredibly spacious for the amount of frequent patrons that are constantly coming in. They have a very small menu which consists of the usual udon, teriyaki, and spicy dishes, but I can't imagine how much of anyone's attention would remain focused on that when there's food literally floating by right in front of you. there's a sushi boat 'river' with boats each carrying a different assortment of sushi, sashimi, salads all in smaller and reasonable portions. Pricing for this is handled differently. Each plate with a specific color/design details the price of what you'll pay for it. Prices range as low as $1.50 up to $3.50 a plate. When you ask for the check the waitress/waiter will charge you accordingly to the amount of plates you've pulled off the boats. definitely worth returning to.
(4)Hiram R.
Awesome place for sushi. Been around for ever yet never gets old. Love the boats carrying around the sushi. Great way to taste different things without paying too much.
(5)Myner G.
Katana I love this place. It's pretty much a small sushi bar with a circle bar in the center of the restaurant where boats come around loaded with sushi rolls and other great things. The prices are all based on the color of the plate you grab ( $1.50, $2.00, $2.50, $3.00 and $4.00). This place is very cheap for sushi and it's extremely fresh quality, I have never been let down here. The only set back is you should not go in a group bigger than 4 because the seating can get tricky and take a while. If you're a tourist and you're on the beach reading this do yourself a favor and hit this place up and avoid paying $18 for a roll on South Beach which will more than likely suck. Oh this place also has really cheap beer and $5 tall Sakes. Every time I go, I end up stacking anywhere from 8-12 plates and only manage to spend $50. Recommendations: Have one of each plate and stuff your face! It's all good!
(4)Elizabeth S.
Try finding cheaper sushi of this quality anywhere else... I dare you! This little "whole in the wall" is Miamians' little secret. I'm even hesitant to write this review because, as it is, I already have to get there 10 minutes before opening to guarantee a seat. People will easily wait an hour standing for a chance to sit at the bar where boats piled with color-coordinated plates float by. The sushi is FRESH, CHEAP, and creative. The atmosphere is wonderful; I hope they never expand because I think it would kill it's charm. Definitely try the spicy crunchy! It's a mountainous mixture of raw tuna with spicy mayo and crunchy (tempura flakes). All in all, it's in my top two for sushi places of all time because the quality exceeds the price; often not the case with sushi restaurants.
(4)Alissa W.
This place is adorable they have little boats going by on a river stream with different plates of sushi. The quality was great everything was very very fresh. I didn't order anything off the menu just stuck to the sushi boats. Everything we got was great especially the spicy octopus salad. It is a cute concept and none of the plates are large usually half portions which I love because you can try everything. The spicy tuna, and the scallop rolls were great.
(4)Serena S.
Finally, a restaurant that doesn't serve Thai food, sushi, and fried rice all in one spot! A Japanese restaurant with a Japanese sushi chef! Crazy!!! My friend told me about this place and it's places like this that make me love NoBe. This place is sooo adorable and I love the boats that float by with plates of sushi. However, if this place didn't have that, it would just be like any other mediocre sushi place, which is sad! It has so much potential, but relies on the novelty of floating boats to reel people in. The sushi is good, but not great. There are more "california roll" type sushi rolls than legit ones. It's also not the freshest sushi I've had either :( However, this place is super affordable and I think it's one of those "you get what you pay for" type places, so I can't complain. Service is great, but expect a wait. It's not a very big restaurant, so it can get crowded. You pay by plate, and different plates cost different amounts. You can even stand at the far end of the sushi boat path and grab plates, dump the sushi into a to-go box and take it home! Awesome. If they had fresher fish and better rolls, this place would skyrocket. But for now, 3-stars it is...
(3)Elizabeth P.
Love this place. Love the fact that some is preparing sushi I front of me. Wish the place was bigger. Sometimes there is a wait.
(5)Diana D.
I love coming to this place for the sole reason of "the sushi river". In Miami, where sushi joints are a dime a dozen there HAS to be a reason why 15 minutes after they open all their tables are full and there's already a line forming. Yes its dim, small, and that river can give off a funky smell, but the sushi here has always been great. In fact, I enjoy it more when it is packed because the dude rolling up the sushi is pounding them out left and right, Ive been when its not so packed and sometimes the dishes can be repetitive and boring. I live down south so I wish this place wasn't so far for me. I can't ever say that I've had bad service here, I get their philosophy, they trying to make and people who are "table campers" impede that.
(4)Zhiqi Z.
Yeah, the owner is a rude Asian dude who thinks his sushi is the best in town (but apparently his food is just overpriced bland pieces). The owner resides in his overly cramped space thinking he can just shoot you dead providing you with exceptionally bad service and attitude that will sure to make you feel very very special. Oh, remember don't come here if your skin or hair color is not "white enough" to his taste. He will sure to make you pay for the consequence, and at the very end of special treatment, rushing to the door and tell you that "oh, your tips are not appropriate for my house, for what I've treated you a moment ago. Make sure u no come again." You betcha I won't come again.
(1)Rhiannon R.
Great food at a great price. This is such an amazing hole-in-the-wall find!
(5)Eloisa S.
This place is filthy! They need to be visited by the Health Department. We went there last night for the last time. We were waiting for a seat and saw buckets on a corner with a lot of dirty dishes sitting there for anyone to see it, and the wall around it had old pieces of food stuck to it. Disgusting! Think, you are in a place were you are about to eat raw fish! Scary! I wonder how dirty is the kitchen. The waiter is always rude and obnoxious. No wonder, that poor dude doesn't have a life, he is always there and he is not even the manager. The place is ran by itself, nobody knows who is the owner. Stay away! I will...
(1)Damian N.
Great sushi at great price. Small place, usually pretty crowded, but it deserve the waiting. Super fresh. Don't recommend to go in groups bigger than four.
(5)Kay K.
Totally for locals! Like a "hole in a wall", but love the food + service! It's my little window into Japanese culture. Very respectful! The sushi "master" stays very focus while preparing dishing...he's not their to get your #. Staff is great! They always remember my favorite dish, side sauces and drink. It's a bit tight...but that makes great conversation opportunities for you and your neighbors. It's only loud when tourist invade and when disrespectful people forget to put their phones away.
(5)Natalia G.
Favorites included: mixed tempura plate, salmon sashimi with shredded onion, and tuna tataki (comes with a dash of japanese mayo). Simple dishes, good prices, fun concept. I was thankful to have not waited for a seat, although it suddenly got packed after we sat down. The sushi won't blow your socks off, but it was fresh and the sushi chef cutting fish in front of me was japanese and knew what he was doing. I only wish they had a little more variety... the same things came around the conveyor every time - the most unique fish I had was a mackerel nigiri. Nonetheless, I will be back here when the sushi craving hits.
(4)Fabian A.
Place is way better than I thought. Sushi is great and affordable.
(4)Leby G.
seafood is always fresh and maintained at good temperature, nothing yuckier than my white tuna sashimi at room temp. Cool ambiance. I like the chefs are actually asian and like that they take requests. Also liked that we were approached and informed about last call and were given an opportunity to order something at that time. Could look a little cleaner would be my only suggestion.
(4)Enrique F.
I recently had dinner at Katana with my girlfriend and I don't remember the last time I was this impressed by a restaurant. The food itself was slightly above average sushi ( not the best I have ever had ) but the real treat was the layout. I absolutely loved the sushi boats floating by us. It really made the night that much more romantic and cozy. I think I could just hang out there forever. In addition to just picking up plates from the boats we special ordered a dragon roll and it was excellent. They also had the large 16 oz. Kirin which is a plus in my book. I skipped out on dessert which based on the previous reviews seems like a mistake. Highly recommended.
(3)Hungry Rat S.
Don't get too excited. The price here is probably the most redeeming quality you'll find here today. Even then, I've had revolving/sushi boat places that warrant a solid 4 star for its consistency, efficiency, and cleanliness. But not here. I admit I really only ended up here out of desperation for finding a place where I could grub down on some basic sushi whilest out of town, without wanting to deal with pretentious overpriced fusionish places. Well, sometimes you get what you pay for. And while this place certainly isn't pretentious, it may leave you with a bit of heartburn. And thats coming from someone who has eaten extensively in the back alleys of many foreign countries, much of which I would've preferred over this place.
(2)cristina o.
when we were in japan i became obsessed with this nigiri of salmon that came with thinly sliced white onions and yummy japanese mayo. i ate it whenever i found it as much as i could stuff in my face. last night we brought some friends here and they had the salmon nigiri i thought i would never find here!!! the quality of the fish was very good, and while the selection isn't that varied everything we tried was delicious. the eel here was probably the best i have ever had, if there would have been more coming on those little boats I assure you our bill would have been super high....
(4)Agnes Y.
love the restaurant! good atmosphere, and fresh rice, fresh fishes, love the fresh crispy seaweed! love the young sushi chef too~~
(5)richard k.
great food , but busy place , be ready to wait , service is rushed but only because of the long line of people waiting,
(4)Noel D.
i was very sad when the rest of the world found out about katana!!! this has been my weekly sushi spot for years, the food has never lost quality its always been amazing, minus the lack of space this is the best dive sushi spot in miami beach
(5)frequent d.
the sushi itself was not horrible , but the space is a disaster,if they could at least follow basic health rules! the smell of mold and the good size holes in the trim made me wonder when the health dept comes out. . about the boats... it is good they go fast , other wise a bug could hitch a ride.
(2)Ivan I.
Hi. I was there with my wife at oct. 11th 2011. The ambience is cheap, looks like a snack bar with a very small amount of seats and that stream that everybody was talking about was very dirty. Servers act like they're not there at all. They just smile when they greet u and they forget about u at all. You can notice how they speak to a customer and then turn around and make the face like they just talked with a s..t. I was asking about everything 2-3 times for 1 thing. Sushi are OK, well worth the price. But the most important thing that they charged me more then it was on the bill. The bill was 50.96 with tax and I wasn't going to leave tip for that horrible service. But when I checked my balance activity it was 58.60!!!! It's not a big deal but the fact that they did it pissed me off. They've just stolen my money. And I'm sure that's not the first time they've done it. I expected much more due to those good reviews. Very BAD!!!!!
(1)Ozkr G.
I loved this place!!! Amazing Sushi (Best I've ever had for sure), Amazing concept, and really tranquil environment. I had stayed at a nearby hotel for the weekend, and my girlfriend wanted to eat Japanese, I yelped up Japanese, and this restaurant came up so I decided to check it out. It was great! They have boats with sushi plates on them in a constant current going around a huge U-shaped bar where they are constantly re-filled once taken, with a bunch of different types of sushi, and fresh sashimi. The prices are really fair for everything on their menu, and the sushi is priced varied on the color of the plate you get. The 3 different prices are $1.50, $2.50 and $3.50. We had 2 appetizers a beer and a bunch of sushi and wasted around 50 bucks, so pretty average. Also, I cannot forget to mention the tempura cheesecake, not the best I've ever had but hey, if you've never tried it, this is a great place to start.
(4)Natasha P.
Super cute spot. The sushi and food is really good and fresh. You can order from a menu or pick what you like from a little plate floating by on a little boat right by your table :) The only thing is that it is a small place. So if it happens to be one of those days where it's really crowded, you have to stand in a line and wait if there are no seats. And when the people are standing there kinda looking at you and your food, you feel a little rushed. Overall, very yummy food, good service, a different kind of restaurant, fun, very cute little boats with food :) A must to experience
(4)Carla B.
I'm not angry or anything. But I just feel it's irresponsible of me to give it 5 stars anymore. Even 4 would be misleading. It's decent. I still love the fact that you get to savor different kinds of sushi, but for YEARS they've had that awful a/c unit that leaks on top of the door, and they haven't fixed it. Ladies, watch out for your hair when you walk in! It's such a basic thing, really. The place is very small, which makes me feel like I don't know if I prefer to stand for a long time to get a seat, or to sit it out, because then you're at butt level with the people standing, lol! However, that wouldn't be terrible if everything else was great. But I had to tell both servers tonight that I wanted my check, because the first one forgot and kept on cleaning table after table. That aside, tonight the crab meat roll with eel on top was KILLER. Very fresh! Their dumplings were also amazing.
(3)Jordy S.
One of my favorites sushi places in Miami when im on holiday. I see many complains about the owner, but believe me the owner is a very nice man and he always recognize me when im back. This place has pretty good sushi, always fresh delicious and a lots of variety! The only thing that they have to do is just update the interior of the restaurant because its looks very old and dirty, please do something on it . Katana wont disappoint
(4)Hin C.
Super Rude owner, Toshi! Party of 3 walked in and the owner told us 40minutes. I replied, ok, for 3 please, we'll be back. 30 minutes we noticed that the party of 4 that came after us had sat down. We went in and told Toshi, "excuse me, those 4 came after us." Then suddenly Toshi RAISED his voice at us, that we just went outside... That was not called for, he raised his voice in front of every customer inside the restaurant. Working in the hospitality industry myself, that is below low.... That's not the way to speak to your customers like that even if your busy, irritated, frustated, or because we look like we walked out of a ComicCon. Don't want time serve us??? Especially if you're the owner or Manager. Service is terrible and I'm HIGHLY disappointed because this place was high recommended to me by a friend. A simple "Oh I'm so sorry, ill get you the next table" would be nice, but instead, he sat a couple in front of our faces. NEVER ever going back. Do you think I would stand outside the restaurant for 30 minutes for nothing?? And I've already paid for my parking too... Working in the hospitality industry myself, that is below low.... That's not the way you should speak to your "guest", even IF you're busy, irritated, frustrated, or because we look like we walked out of a ComicCon (We did). ESPECIALLY, if you're the owner or manager, you're held to a higher standard. Don't want time serve us because we're probably broke Otakus that wont tip???? We're the best tippers because we know what it's like to delivery customer service even when guest is unhappy and yelling in your face .
(1)Fernanda F.
This little hole in the wall has great and very affordable sushi. It gets super packed, especially given that it's an itty bitty teeny tiny spot, so try to go before 8pm. I'm giving it 4 stars because the sushi is ok and the service is nice. But don't go if you're craving a gourmet meal, you'll be disappointed. It's definitely just a different, and very old, place to satisfy a random sushi craving.
(4)Lorin G.
I have nothing bad to say about this place, ever! The fish is always fresh, service is as to be expected in a place like this. Could be better, could be worse. Try and get there a little before they open at 630 because you will wait in line for a seat. Place seats about 20-25 people so it's always a tight fit. But it's so worth it. Such a great experience with the sushi boats, but if you want to go to hang out, go somewhere else. This place is a get in and get out type of joint.
(5)Nelson A.
If your looking for fancy or great pampering skip this place. If your looking for real authentic Sushi at a great price make this one of your stops when your in North Beach. The place serves up great Sushi nough said.
(5)Henry M.
Are you starving for sushi? Then come here and eat. They charge you by the plate but I promise you won't break the bank if you stuff yourself. It's a tiny little place that has seating around a conveyor on which the sushi is served. With that said, know when to come here. If you come here during prime time, you're going to have to wait. But if you come during some off time or, god forbid super early, you won't have to wait long if at all. The food is delicious. It might get repetitive so just ask the waiter for something different or for something you loved and haven't seen come by again. You can even get sake or beer! Like I said, you won't break the bank if you eat here. It's reasonably priced.
(4)Naty S.
After hearing about this "Boat Sushi" place... We finally made it to Katana... Here you have to trust all the reviews and amazing recommendations. Based on appearances one may not go in, but trust your instincts... We made it to Katana around 10:30PM on. Friday night and there was a waiting line of 45 minutes. Well the wait was well worth it! The boats come by fast, carrying precious cargo... Tuna with Spicy Mayo, Salmon Sushi, all kinds of Sushi rolls, Gyoza, Uni rolls, seafood salad, you name it. They also have an additional menu with Noodles, teriyaki delicacies and sweet treats... The place is so full that it guarantees that the food is always fresh and just made. At times all the boats are sailing empty... Just to see new exciting shipments coming your way. Each boat carries a new surprise to be discovered. It is very Japanese, the servers are running non stop trying to accommodate all the guests waiting at the door. Come with time, come hungry, come with an open mind and just sail away... Katana wont disappoint!!!
(5)Ana S.
This review is NOT for the food NOT for the service they deserve 4 stars. This are for the owners, come on! Yesterday a piece of the front wall fell on the top of a customers head waiting then on another customers foot. The place needs to be updated, that air vent with aluminum foil really?! The place is falling apart-spend money in a better a number machine so you don't have to get all flustered if you get it wrong. Please update Katana!!!!!!
(2)Joseph G.
Thoroughly enjoyable sushi experience. Katana has a full menu and can also be enjoyed by way of small wooden boats carrying plates of sushi along a lazy river around the chefs. When enjoying sushi from the boats they charge by the plate. The color of the plate determines the price of the item on it. The plates range from $1.50 - $3.75 and they add up all the plates at the end of your meal for your bill. Katana is relatively small and if you are not part of the first seatings at 6pm you will be waiting for around one hour. I strictly ate off the boats which had a nice variety of sushi, sashimi, hand rolls, and salads. Great spot for a date.
(4)Matteo B.
Some of the negative reviews are a bit bizarre. If you want a nice atmosphere, you're missing the point. There are plenty of sushi places in Miami Beach with 'atmosphere', but good luck stuffing your face for around $20. Yes, it's musty. Yes, it's dark. But that's part of the vibe. No, the manager ISN'T rude unless you're rude to him. Then again, we're in Miami, where manners go out the window. This isn't a place I go to for sashimi, or cute little rolls with drops of sauce scattered on the plate. Just get ready to go on a rice-overload with various crab rolls, california rolls, shrimp tempura rolls, that just roll on by on a little river as you sit down. It's not fancy sushi. It's not particularly great tasting. But it gets the job done when you just want something simple that will fill you up.
(5)Ariel M.
This is a hole in the wall place ... But let's just say it is soooooooo worth coming here! I've lived in my neighborhood for over 13 years and for the first 8 ... I never ventured out. I truly regret not doing so because knowing that such a great sushi place existed around my block and I missed out all those years just kills me every time! Me and my boyfriend love coming here at least 1-2 times a month. Unfortunately because of the long lines, yes, you will always have a line here - we sometimes don't come out as often as we would like. This place is a small place and so you will be cramped inside while you wait. You'll notice as you first come in that there is no hostess but you will find one man running around - Toshi. He's the guy who somehow knows when you came in and will ensure you are seated based on who was first inside. I warn you now - DONT EXPECT GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. Also, avoid truly approaching him, he means well - simply has a funny way of showing it. Once seated, get ready to enjoy some amazing sushi at such great prices. You can wait for your sushi to arrive from the river boats and/or you can also order from their menu. They have some beer options and coke products. Their udon noodle soup with egg is amazing. Overall this is one of the BEST sushi places in Miami hands down. The lines will always be there to get in and sit - it shows how good it is and people will wait 35-45 minutes just to sit down and enjoy the food! Check it out... We do all the time and love it! We come so often that Toshi knows us now and says hello ...
(5)Dennis M.
Great little hole in the wall. Conveyor belts with boats of sushi was definitely a unique experience. Place is very affordable and food was great. Get there early though, we had to wait quite a while. If you don't see a roll of choice from the menu on any boat, feel free to order with waiter and they will have it made for you.
(4)Alex B.
This place is so cute! My friend goes here like 3 times a week because she loves it so much, and she's friends with the chef and waitresses. The boats coming down the water are really cute and you have the urge to snatch a plate before someone else does. All the sushi was delicious and I was full really quickly. I think the prices are fair because the fish is high quality, but it's a low-mid priced meal for me, and probably low or average for a Miami native. Come here!
(4)Petunia L.
You know this is the place to go when you want sushi in Miami. Affordable, but good. Also there's always a wait time so come prepared the place is small and stuffy.
(4)Stephanie C.
The sushi was pretty fresh and yummy! The place itself is tiny so you'll be waiting for a while. If it's packed then be ready to be waiting outside in a line. The best part of this experience is being able to grab the plate of food right from the little boat on a moat. All in all, this 'hole in the wall' is a great restaurant! They also have a sister restaurant by the name of Shima. Both great places!
(4)Roberto F.
I've been coming to this place for years and I think the best approach to this review is simply stating the pros and cons, so here goes. PROS: Great quality sushi. Always fresh, delicious, and lots of variety Simple pricing. Plates are color-coordinated based on price so you know prices right away. And the prices are not bad at all. Plus, you can order whatever sushi you want if it's not floating on the little boats on the conveyor style moat. I suggest to try the banana tempura because it's just reeeally good lol CONS: Manager is RUDE. I've never had an issue with him, which is why I keep going back after 6 years, but I've seen him several times being very rude to other people. This place is not your typical restaurant and the manager will remind you of that if you confront him about the long wait or him seating others before you after you've been waiting. He's just rude if you bother him. Otherwise, he's fine. Place needs a renovation. Plain and simple.
(4)Anna L.
This place has pretty good sushi, at very good prices. Its not fancy sushi, not creative over the top rolls... but if you're craving sushi this is it. BE PREPARED TO WAIT! ITS a tiny place, and it gets packed really quickly. You can only make reservations for the next day, if I'm not mistaken. Also the seating isn't very comfy. But all of those things don't matter as much... the sushi is good, and along with the prices, its worth the wait.
(4)Ashley C.
In total, I've visited this restaurant 3 times over the span of 6 months years ago, and after my last visit I have never been back. On a search for the famous sushi boat restaurants Japan is known for, and once I stumbled upon this restaurant online and decided to make a long trip from my home in the Redlands to Miami Beach and give this place a try. Honestly, on my first visit I must have been so fascinated by the whole idea that I over looked all the important details. On my second visit I asked if there was a waiting list and he said no you'll be seated when there is an opening. Whatever, fair enough I guess. I waited in line for quite a while, and he seated a couple who had arrived after me. When I said something to him he started raising his voice at me and told me no they were here first. Bullsh*t, I saw saw them park on the curb and come in after me. I was clearly annoyed and considered leaving right then, but then a party left and mine got seated. I tried to get over it, but I was annoyed the rest of my visit. This time around, I noticed the sushi chef didn't have his hair covered or held back completely; he was wiping his face and nose with his bare hands and still preparing food!! The fish wasn't kept on ice, but just in plastic containers on the counter. The waitress that took our drink and other food orders leaned in over the passing sushi to speak to us. Come on really? I'm not a germophobe, but god damn don't put your face and hot breathe all over the passing food! Who came up with this setup? The sushi is not covered by anything so flies that get in when countless people are coming in to wait can easily get on the food. I saw the same exact dish of sashimi (raw fish) go around for about 30 minutes and instead of taking it out and replacing it, they just left it there. I feel bad for whoever ended up eating that one. The sushi was decent, but not memorable or impressive at all. The sashimi wasn't that fresh, and the side dishes and soups weren't memorable either. I've been to many, many Japanese restaurants and I've definitely had better that was around the same price range. I asked for hot green tea and saw the girl pour it from a large canister, and pop it in the microwave. Really? The tiles around the water where the boats pass through looked discolored and moldy, the lights has dust on them (seriously WTF, do these people even clean after hours??). The air-conditioning unit looked nasty and black with mold buildup and it was leaking. The seating area was cramped and uncomfortable, it didn't give customers enough personal space, and the seats themselves need to be replaced. I didn't even use the restroom because I was afraid of how nasty it would be. It took forever for us to pay and leave because the waitress never came back after dropping off the food. Now, for the last and final visit; the one that convinced me to never go back ever!! I decided to take my siblings here for the experience, but honestly I should have learned from my previous visit. My party consisted of 5; my boyfriend and I and my three siblings. Again!! We had to deal with the nasty douche manager and the careless seating/waiting setup. Come on! I know you guys are cheap as hell but can't you just buy a damn notebook and have people write their names and wait to be called!?! We were skipped again by people who arrived much later. I didn't bother saying anything because I didn't want to smell the managers nasty breathe as he bitches and treats you like crap. Finally, we were seated about 40 minutes after arriving. From there our overall dinner experience was fine. UNTIL... it was time to pay. My brother decided to treat us and pay for the whole bill which was just pushing $100. The waitress, who was only seen twice during the whole visit, came to collect the payment for our check. My brother paid cash and we waited for her to return with the change so that we could then all pitch in for a more than fair tip and leave. That didn't happen because all of a sudden the rude manager came and yelled at us in front of everyone in the whole restaurant saying "oh she lives off of tips and you have to give her more money than that." I was in so much shock I didn't even know what to say!!! First of all, tips are based on service, and her service was shit to be frank. Yet, even though her service was barely there, we always tip very well, and we had full intention of doing so before he came and embarrassed us in front of everyone there!! My brother still tipped her after that too!! Honestly, if she had even made an effort to come back to us she would have seen that we were leaving her a tip. Honestly, I would have just told him and her to go F**k themselves and left if I could get over my shock and speak. I was so furious and really wanted to bitch him out! HOW IS THIS PLACE STILL GETTING BUISNESS!!! It's gross, has rude workers, and I can't believe they pass health inspections!!! Never coming to this place ever again!!
(1)Jessica A.
Blink and you'll miss it! This little hole in the wall actually gets pretty darn busy! Expect a wait of thirty minutes or so... Trust me, it's worth the experience! Bring a date or friend, it's a cool tiny place. Fun concept for those looking to try different types of sushi, though, you won't find all those ~famous~ rolls here. The sushi floats around on a belt, and the closer you are to the chef, the better chance you have of picking up what you want. Simple sushi, but good and fresh! The price of your sushi varies on the type of plate you pick up.
(4)Selma F.
Eat sushis differently! Be prepared to stand in line at 5:45pm if you are going on a weekend. The food was good and really fresh and fairly inexpensive. However you will tend to over-eat before of the boats and small plates. The conveyor belt makes the sushis experience different however you might feel a little rushed. Customer service was very good.
(4)Sack S.
Visiting from Toronto and my son's 11th birthday and he wanted sushi served on a conveyor belt style. We used Yelp and this one came up. We read all the negative reviews but went anyways since there seems to be little options in the area. The Restaurant is a little hard to find since the restaurant offers no name on the walls or doors. We used the street address and visual clues that it was Japanese restaurant. Restaurant opened at 6PM and we arrived a 5:45pm with line up already. We entered promptly at 6PM and was seated immediately - it is an extremely small restaurant. The food was good and the kids loved it - the reason why it is so popular is because it was so cheap. We ate 20 plates with noodles and appetizers and the bill $65 unheard of. In Toronto or New York the bill would have been doubled. There was only 2 servers and 2 sushi chefs. Probably 1 more person in the back. You can see how the employees can be tense and somewhat crusty since the restaurant is so small and people are waiting in line from when they open to when they close. These people are going all out - running a marathon for 5 straight hours. So when a customer with higher expectations being overly demanding comes in, you can empathize with the workers for being somewhat rude unintentionally. For the record we encountered decent service. But we sat next to the cash register and the phone was ringing non stop for take out orders, the manager finally gave up and stop answering the phone to focus on the customers in the restaurant. So when you go to this restaurant expect it to be like the "Soup Nazi" in Seinfeld, if you can not handle it, don't go, I warn you. If you can, then you can expect a good meal at very great price. Remember to eat and leave - this is not the place to go for romantic dinner since you have 30 people standing over you waiting to take your spot. Man I wish I had a business like it.
(4)Yannelis G.
Okay so this is what you call a hole in the wall sushi joint. As soon as you walk in you'll see a river of boats filled with different items off the menu, the wait can be anywhere to 15-45 min I've waited an hour before.. It's first come first serve not many places to sit because it's only around the mini river thing. That says how much I love it. I come here very often the staff is friendly! It's been around for years! The fried shrimp dumplings are my favorite :)
(5)Rachel S.
I had been coming to this place for almost 5 years. Never again. For years I have brushed off the smell of mold, the horribly disorganized system for seating guests (or lack of system thereof) and the terrible attitude of the manager/head waiter because they make a decent California roll and their prices are good. Never again. My husband and I entered the establish to wait in the clusterf*%$k of a line to be seated and after a few minutes some seats opened up. The manager guy seats people who got there after we arrived, and when we told him so said "too bad." Seriously? Never again.
(1)Rick L.
Horrible customer service! The server actually said, "I'm not an asshole but if you don't like it there's the door." incredible. This is what happens when you forget things are done differently here in the good old USA! Never again.
(1)David R.
This is not your typical place and you will be reminded of that. Where do I begin?... are you ready to wait anywhere between 10-30 minutes to be seated?... and are you ready to be talked to in a quick and serious manner before being seated?... and are you ready to eat one of the BEST sushi experiences you will have in Miami???!!! if so, THIS IS THE PLACE! I have been going to Katana for years and what I love about it is the consistent service and quality of food. Not ONE time, have I gone to eat here and been disappointed. The manager, according to many reviews is an ass... not true. He works hard, moves things around and finds you a seat as people that are already seated move... he is a great person, as long as you dont bother him wondering why you have to wait to be seated...There is a reason why people are willing to wait so much for it, its simply a great experience. Every time I eat here, it reminds me of the documentary where the best sushi in the world is made by this guy who everyone scared off lol. I simply love it and highly recommend it. The prices are per plate and its such a hidden gem. I recommend the tuna with the sauce, the eel and the spicy tuna... soooo yummy!!!! Now once you are seated, you will have the smiliest most kind woman, asian too, giving you all you want and deserve! A must must must try place in Miami.
(5)Diana N.
This place is amazing-cozy hole in the wall that makes you feel like you're in New York City. Food is stellar and the atmosphere is fun.
(5)Carolina C.
The service and the food is amazing. I think that the restaurant could be bigger and serve more varieties.
(4)Christine T.
My favorite sushi restaurant in South Florida! Have been coming for the past 5 years and have never left unsatisfied. With that being said, this place is definitely a dive, and why I have to deduct a star. It can definitely use a renovation and thorough cleaning. But the food is delicious and inexpensive. My husband and I can eat here feeling stuffed, and order a bottle of nigori sake, for 50$. Excellent date night, and expect to wait for a seat because it's always packed. Favorite menu item: spicy tuna and tuna with Cajun sauce Tip: don't come with more than 4 people, it is a small restaurant and it's hard to accommodate a party of more than that.
(4)R M.
The quality of the sushi is better than I expected form this place, which has no name outside and looks dingy. The space inside can use some updating and cleaning. The conspt is fun, though not new by any means as this idea was sexy in the 90's. This looks like a leftover place from back then. Would have liked to see more variety of sushi, and it was not dirt cheap either. We paid for 2 people $60 without tip.
(3)William K.
Amazing sushi for the price!!!! A hole in the wall place but it is definitely worth the wait!!
(5)Liliana R.
Great sushi and a good variety of japanese food, although they seriously have to work on the space and physical aspect of the place, it looks dirty and sometimes smells.
(3)Natalya A.
I'm surprised this place had 3 1/2 stars .... Anyways I've been coming here for about 4 years now and I LOVE it! Originally when I came in high school it was only place to get affordable fresh sushi! Yes, the wait to sit down takes forever and can be a pain but it's always worth the wait. They are efficient and work with what they have. I'll always be loyal to them. You get your money's worth. I love the fact you can see them making the sushi in front of you. I do wish they would expand.
(5)Milay s.
Wow! I LOVED this place!!!! Fun atmosphere, cool rotating sushi river and really inexpensive. Worth the 45 min wait on a Sat. night. I wish this restaurant were in LA where I live!!!!
(5)Wendy G.
We live near to Katana and love it for an easy dinner on a weekday. There's usually a wait for a spot at the sushi bar and there's only three or so tables, so be prepared to wait. But once you get a coveted seat then the sushi comes around on water river in small boats. Sushi is simple, tuna, salmon, crab, octopus, spicy tuna. There are rolls and hot entrees that you can order off a menu. Fish is generally very fresh. The restaurant could definitely use a remodel.
(4)Rachel S.
I've been wanting to try Katana for quite some time now. I finally found my way here at just the right day and time. It was a Tuesday evening around 6:30pm. Why so early, you ask? Because I took Joseluis's advice. I knew I had to be here early to find a seat. As advised the place was already full and I managed to snag the last open seat near the end of the bar. It was full of locals. The service was good. My water glass was kept filled, and they kept checking to see if I needed anything. The dishes I tried included seaweed salad, rainbow roll, California roll, and salmon sashimi. All were fresh and tasty. I really like the little water boat system. After all this tasting my plates stacked up. The price on my check was very reasonable. I wish there would be more restaurants like Katana around our magic city.
(4)Caro G.
Amazing place, but this time my experience was not good. Service is a big ingredient of the experience, and the manager was extremely rude. I won't get into details, but man, u need to keep it together, not all Argentinians are bad, and we do un speak english. Thanks.
(1)Terra S.
Just so so. The service isn't ANYTHING to rave or bash! It's super tiny and can get really congested w/ people waiting behind and around you. The concept is cool with the floating boats but I had to order my specific rolls because I didn't see any of the rolls I wanted floating by after the first ten minutes of sitting down. My BFF Laura P recommend we eat at this place but acknowledged that her previous experiences were always lackluster. Would I come back on my own maybe not. Although the prices can't be beat I'd rather spend $3 or so more dollars per roll for a better overall experience! But that's just me.
(3)Sarah S.
I grew up in Miami Beach and have been to this place countless times. It is hands-down my favorite sushi place on the beach. But for those of you looking for a quick overview, here are the pros and cons: PROS: -Fantastic, fresh sushi, rolls, dumplings, etc. -Very cheap, especially for such high quality (HUGE meal under $30) -Decent parking in the area, free after 6-7PM and there is a lot right behind the restaurant as well -Very cute, unique set-up, great for a date or casual night out with friends/family CONS- -Very long wait and does not take reservations -Although customer service is quick and efficient, not overly friendly -Not kid friendly due to previous cons Now for the detailed description-- I grew up in Miami Beach and have been coming here for years. It's a simple hole in the wall place, but appearances can be deceiving-- it is hands-down my favorite sushi place on the beach. The sushi is extremely fresh and very reasonably priced. You pay by the plate, and they have a display on the wall of the restaurant displaying what plate designs equal what price (light blue plate is $1-something, gold is $4, etc.). You can eat a HUGE meal of fresh, high-quality sushi, dumplings, rolls, and more for 20-30 dollars. It is fairly small, and the plates of food circulate on boats around a little "river" set-up in front of the bar seating. If you do not see what you want on the boats, you can always call over a waiter and individually order it. They also have hot dishes like noodles, teriyaki, and even fried ice cream. Perfect for a casual date, night out with family, etc.-- not kid-friendly, however. They are extremely busy, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, and do not take reservations (clearly they don't have to). I've waited 45 minutes for a party of 2 to be seated, but it is well worth the wait. If you do not want to wait very long, I would recommend showing right as they open (especially on weekends). Although the service is very quick, efficient, and polite/respectful to customers, do not expect overly friendly service. Overall, this place is fantastic, and I would highly recommend it to anyone craving great sushi/Japanese food.
(5)Laura P.
I've been coming to Katana for a few years now (6 years) and I just came back to it after a year and I see that nothing has changed. Same rude greeting guy. Very small place, and not so appealing to the eyes. Very, very very disorganized . I do have to admit that the food is still very tasty but the experience can leave a bad taste in your mouth!
(3)Romuald L.
They have not cleaned or painted for 15 yrs. It smells like gas and the service is gotten worse lately. Spoiled and lazy waiters will deny service after 9.40pm sometimes...
(1)Parry S.
I use to love the place... But it really needs a makeover! It's dirty, smelly and staff working there for too long are ruining the experience... Super rude, exhausted, or just over it manager needs a new job !!! Never going back :((
(1)Paul K.
Forget the food. It was average at best. But the "yelp sensored people" running this place are rude and inconsiderate. Only come here if you want to be abused. I can't believe I wasted my time coming to this dump. Furthermore when YOU act like jerks towards your customers don't go crying to yelp when you receive a bad review. Perhaps spending more time appreciating that you even have customers would be a wise choice. The place is dirty cramped & mediocre at best. Everyone is so impressed because the food floats around on little boats. Seriously?
(1)Bri B.
My initial reaction was, eww I will not eat here. Then I did, and this place is such a great little hole in the wall restaurant (literally). I wish they would spend a little money on fixing the place, but as long as the food is fresh and delicious, I will keep coming back!
(4)Ronny C.
Ok Sushi The wait was long and the last batch of items were ok - I like the cozy place food was good however the place needs some work- We had the soft shell appetizer and it was tasty. We ate several boats and we enjoyed the sashimi and some of the rolls. Wine selection was limited but good. We have dual residence- and we are buying a home in the area- for now we are finding interesting places in the hood. We will give it another try to get 5 stars.
(4)Alex K.
I'm back with an update about the Katana Restaurant! This time with much funnier and worse rating! As usual I came here expecting some kind of change in... EVERYTHING! The wait was so long and this time with no chairs to sit while waiting. The people who were eating were selfish pigs, taking thier sweet time sucking the wasabi and edamame. Ok on to the next sentence... The sushi was good but not alot of my faves were there. I really don't like how they show off thier air conditioning by not building a roof or whatever. Not my type of place. Don't really recommend a place with possible diseases and douches. That's all for now...
(1)M R.
1. Why is this place TWO DOLLAR signs yelp? I'd argue for 1. 2. We (boyfriend and I) lived in the neighborhood for a year. We tried to limit ourselves to eating here once a week. 3. I tried to make sexy eye contact with the chef with dreads every time. No luck. My boyfriend is such a cockblock. Haha 4. Cheap plates encourage you to try new things :) 5. The male server didn't have a wait list. He just memorized everyone. So impressive!
(5)felicia b.
What a special, sexy little place. A delicious seaweed salad, kissed with sesame oil....Delightful little boats carrying bites of sushi heaven as cargo....Strong wasabi and perfectly pickled ginger to your heart's content...Love!
(4)Anny V.
i love this place! the food is amazing! great price for sushi! the service is also great!
(5)Sofia A.
Japanese workers are awesome the owner espically that guy was awesome to me.... great prices and the boats was amazing found it really AWESOME TOO... sushi was great loved the restaurant I wish could be bigger always busy!!!
(5)Gabrielle W.
SUSHI BOATS!... steer clear of the splash zone... jk lollll YES, I am a super fan of Katana and as a former resident of Normandy Isle this was my go-to sushi spot. They have a dreaded-out-sushi-maker-chef-dude and a conveyor belt with sushi boats with delectable sushi on colorful plates... sounds a lil like heaven, right? Ok, so why would heaven receive only 4 stars, you ask? Well, the wait is always long if you arrive after 6(which is when it opens) and the order in which you are called to be seated is not very concise. Basically, it involves the owner(a little asian dude that never smiles) barking at people on where to sit once a seat around the sushi boats becomes available. lol Buttttt, some sake always cures the stress from the wait, the sushi is super fresh, the udon soup is *GAH* amazingggg, and did i mention the SUSHI BOATS?? oh, and the prices are great. :)
(4)Rich S.
Visit #2 Tonight was disappointing. We came at opening and as soon as we sat down we were swatting FLIES away from the fish on the boat while sitting at the bar. And more disturbing was the LAYER of DUST on the rope that is directly above the boats of fish that goes around the river. We didn't notice this until the end of our meal and quickly asked for the check and left with a pit in our stomach. Attached find the pictures of the dust / dirt right on top of fish. A gust of wind and it's on the dish. I'm upset because we frequented this restaurant and now we are never going back.
(1)Katana W.
Now I'm not being bias because Katana is my name, but this is an amazing spot! I came it by myself as I usually do when I try a new place, and I have no complaints at all. I will be back again!
(5)Octavia Y.
I ALLLLLLWAYYYYSSSSSS WANNA bring my out of town friends here. There will always be a wait but it's well worth it! I can't and won't say much more because everyone has said it all. Don't worry about the dude who does seating, if you've ever worked in hospitality you understand, if you haven't, welp--- you don't. It's a small place and I feel like he does a good job. It's also better for you to come with one or two other people, this is NOT a place for large groups, at all, lol. Go! And ENJOY !
(5)Miguel Y.
Best mobile sushi around. You can actually call it a sushi dive in. been coming here for over 12 years and never disappointed The staff is always excellent. The staff might get nasty yes, but if you bitch about the wait and you see every one waiting patiently don't expect royal treatment. Don't complain about the wait on here if it was your first time, If you notice the regulars wait and don't complain. Best if you get there between 6-7p or after 10p or else expect to wait at Least 1 hour. Hint: You can ask for a drink while you wait to get started. Try the Tempura Cheesecake it's the bomb 1 is enough to share for two !
(5)Elizabeth R.
I've been holding on to my review of Katana for the past few years. Why? Well, it's been a love/hate relationship. My first visit to Katana was back in 2003-2004 when I first moved to Miami. At the time, I was just starting out in the Magic City and money was tight, so Katana was the perfect, divey, affordable sushi option. I've been here countless times - for birthdays, dinner/movie nights or just because I'm lazy and I don't want to cook. Most of the time, the sushi is decent, but don't expect Nobu or Makoto quality here. Little plastic boats go round and round delivering sushi to patrons on colorful plates. Each plate has a price tag ranging from $1.50 up to $3.50 and contains items like squid salad, seaweed salad, steamed dumplings, sashimi and rolls. After all these years, Katana is still good and I visit them often. The servers are fantastic - fast on their feet, somehow effortlessly weaving between clientele in the small space without knocking anyone over. But, if you can get passed the sushi chef who doesn't wear gloves, the untidy bathroom, the microwaves out in clear view that nuke sake and the dust bunnies around the lighting over the floating sushi, you'll be just fine. Katana always has a line out of their door so they must be doing something right!
(3)Karmanzita D.
Completely Filth!!!! Once a Lil Paradise Hole in the Wall is now a Complete DUMP! hadn't been there in a while. Fly's were flying inside the closed case were the Octopus and Eel seafood where Eeeeeaaawwww!!!! The place is very Dusty and the chairs ripped.(see other customers comments and pics on the same subject) One who Needs Permanent Vacation is The Manager. He is Very EDGY, TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL and COMPLETLY Out Of Line with Customers. You can see it in the poor faces of the two staff members that work there--(How Intimidated they are by him) The AWESOME Chef just stays Out of It!!...Or He'll throw him the NINJA Knife...LOL He needs to be put in the Right Place. You would think you were at the "SOUP NAZI" line in Seinfeld .. .that part We found it HILARIOUS!! Bathrooms also Dirty and run down. HOW DID IT GET THIS BAD!!??? How has this place passed the Health Departments inspections is something to be questioned.??? Anyone who is Handicapped on wheelchair should AVOID going to this Place...it's Not HANDICAP FRIENDLY Whatsoever. One thing did not change was the Food- It seems Fresh and tastes Deliah(since clientele is constantly moving for the 4-5 hrs that stays open. But!!! Old Customers or New Customers Don't matter. Management Could give a Crap who You Are....and this Ol' time manager Proves it Many Times Over and Over. I wonder if he's related to the Owner that allows this type of Behavior and Embarrassment to his Customers. that's the Only reason I can think of for him still Working There. THUMBS! DOWN!!!!!! Over And Over. Will Never Recommend This Place Again!!! ...What a Total Let Down :O( SAD!! SAD!! SAD!!!
(1)Karhlah E.
Great place, prepare for a wait though. Since its rather small, i encourage less people.
(5)Marjorie S.
Was brought to this place by a friend & was not disappointed. It's a hole in the wall and not a large variety of sushi but what they do have is pretty good. The wait can be a while but it's well worth it. Will definitely be returning in the future.
(4)Meryl L.
Let's put it this way... You get what you pay for. The most expensive plate is $3.50 and as cheap as $1.50. They serve an assortment, sushi, hand rolls, seaweed salads, sashimi etc. Very basis, nothing fancy. The place itself is very tiny, be prepared to wait. The tables turn quick but there isn't much seating to being with. Also a little on the hot side. In my option on air conditioning or a comfortable temp is needed here in Miami. Although the concept makes for a fun dinner the quality itself is sub par. I'll consider myself a little bit of a sushi snob but i figured a place that makes the sushi right infront of you, places it directly on a plate onto a little boat that floats around the bar could be different and fun. What more can I say, no impressed. The ahi tuna was chewy, the kani salad was way to salty. There is also part of me that can't help but wonder how long some of that sushi has been circling on the river... Don't see myself coming back, not anytime soon. Disappointing.
(2)Darth C.
This quaint izakaya features a sort of conveyor belt distribution system, wherein different styles of sushi are concocted, served on plates of varying colours*, and subsequently placed on one of several miniature boats that are continuously encircling the bar in pursuit of a patron worthy of its contents. Anyway... While the sushi isn't among the greatest I've ever had, it's undeniably great, and consistently so. On a Saturday night, you may wait 20-25 minutes to be seated, but it's certainly worth the wait. The waitstaff is usually all-Japanese and does their best to provide an experience comparable to that of a TÅkyÅ izakaya. *Once you've had your fill, beckon to a member of the staff, East Asian style (i.e., with your palm facing downward), and ask for the check. They'll sort your empty plates by colour, and charge you based on the predetermined value assigned to each.
(5)Michael S.
Great fresh sushi and decent service. Hard to find a good sushi hole in the wall like this one.
(3)Jessica A.
This is by far my favorite sushi restaurant. The plates are decently priced and the sushi is fresh and delicious. The only negative is how packed this restaurant gets on the weekends and weeknights. When I first found this place, it was empty. There was maybe 4 other people in the restaurant. Over a span of 6 months the place was almost always crowded. Good for business but annoying for customers. I just hate how some people get rude with the manager. He does the best he can with trying to remember who arrived first. Also it should be obvious that a couple of 2 is going to be seated before a party of 4. If you are rude to him he will tell you to leave. That can be entertaining to watch while waiting for a table. Overall the best time to go would be Monday - Wednesday after 9pm. The value for the food you receive is perfect.
(5)Danielle H.
First things first, this place can be hard to find. I drove by it twice & didn't notice. There are no signs or lights nothing indicating it is Katana except for a few Japanese symbols by the entrance that you can barley see. If it wasn't for my phones navigation insisting I was there I would have never found it. But I did & it was a good thing we arrived at 5:50pm because there was a line forming. I had no idea it gets so packed! 30 minutes in to opening the waiting line was out the door! So come early or except to wait. The place is very small. I believe there were three small tables & the rest is seating around the revolving sushi bar or heaven as I saw it. It definitely could use a make over but hey, as long as the sushi's fresh I'm in & boy was it fresh! So I'm allergic to shellfish & I must be cautious while eating sushi so I kind of freaked when I saw the sushi floating by was not labeled. I had no idea what any thing was besides what I can tell by eye but that still scares me. So that's mostly why I deducted a star. My gf explained to our server my situation & he grabbed me a menu. He explained I can order off it & some things will be floating by so the menu will help me identify what I can have. I was immediately relieved & was able to enjoy the delicious food passing me by. Sea weed salad, edamame, spicy tuna roll, salmon sashimi, Cajun salmon, & cucumber rolls are just some of the things we had. At $1.50-$3.75 a plate you won't dent your pocket much. We stuffed our faces plus drinks & spent about $50. We spend more at any of our other sushi spots. I highly recommend trying Katana you will not be disappointed! I'm eagerly awaiting my next visit!
(4)Christine M.
Katana is not your normal place in Miami. Its a whole in the wall and really small but they deliver as far as food goes. Sushi is unexpensive and fresh. The wait to be sitted can be long but its worth it.
(4)Fabiola T.
Even though food is good like any other good sushi restaurant the place is very disorganized and very run down, not clean and the guy that runs the place, his name is Toshi is very rude, he tries to remember the order in which clients come into the place but always misses out and gets mad if someone calls it to his attention, not worth it! Go somewhere else for sushi!!
(1)Michael N.
we live around the corner when in mb and katana is a must visit. don't feel at home here unless i've had their octopus salad, smoked eel and spicy tuna. they even make vegetarian sushi for my seafood allergic wife. don't understand the complaints about the owner/manager. never had a cross word with anyone from the staff. probably be there tonight if my relatives arrive in time for the opening
(5)Jeff G.
I've been here a few times in the past ever since I moved somewhat nearby a few years ago. Every time I've come it's been busy. It's the only affordable sushi place around, especially compared to the empty boat place down the road I recently visited! My last trip here I came by myself, which seems to be the trick to getting seated relatively quickly. I noticed the price spread on the plates have changed, but only slightly. Some plates that used to be 3.25 are now 3.50 but that's about it. What I like about this self serve style is that you can pace yourself. Pick out what you like then wait for the next dish that appeals to you, which may take some time, allowing you to digest the previous dish. I'm usually pretty content by the fifth dish or so. This visit they had hot items float by, like a whole bunch of Gyoza. I jumped on it immediately! The $3.50 plate was full of them, I was happy, they were quite good. I walked out full, my total with tax and tip was $21, not too bad for good quality Sushi!
(4)Arturo B.
Katana is good, but not spectacular. Small and cozy venue where sushi/rolls are constantly being made. Plates are placed on a 'boat', which travel through a lazy river and people pick as they please. You pay by the color of the plate. These get stacked and counted at time of settling your bill. My only issue with this concept is that if you are waiting for an item, someone ahead of you may get it. Patience is key here. One concern I have is that we are unsure about the 'freshness' of the fish as we got some 'frozen' fish... Hope it was a one-time incident and not routine business. By the way, get there early or late. It gets packed during weekends and the wait may be long before you sit down...
(3)Naty K.
Blink, and you might miss this place. Why? Because for some odd (and stupid) reason, Katana does not have a sign at all. It is wedged between some establishments. But hey, considering the crowds who come, maybe it is best they don't have a sign and it is somewhat of a secret. I dread to see what would happen if this place were more widely-publicized. Love the concept of floating boats full of sushi plates. Beware, this place is quite small and can get crowded...if you don't come at the right time, you may find yourself waiting a while for a table. Yes, it is quite popular. The way Katana works is a fairly simple concept: you sit down around a bar and watch little boats float by in the water thanks to a conveyor belt, and when you see something that catches your eye, you pick up the plate and eat it. On the wall, you will see the color-coded plates and a price for each, so say you pick a blue dish and on the wall the blue dish is $1.75, then that is what you will pay for what you just ate, and so on and so forth. Each plate has its own price. Selections vary from dumplings, to seaweed salad, tuna tataki, crab salad, to other items. Everything is fresh, I have been here several times and never suffered gastrointestinal upset. The best part? You have fun while eating, because it's amusing to watch the boats pass by and see how quickly the chef can refill them and which selections get picked the most. I am sure that there are other similar concept restaurants in South Florida but I have yet to hear about them. The best part about this place is that you get fresh, decent quality sushi at a very affordable price, and at the same time, you have fun while eating. Beware though - once you leave, your clothes will have a heavy smell of food. Perhaps it's from the Gyoza and other fried items?
(4)Jake J.
I moved to Miami in 2008 and was introduced to Katana by friends soon after we arrived. The place is small, no frills, and run by the same dedicated (and small - 4 people?) staff every time I've been. Yes, there are no English signs out front - but why would they need to put one up when the line is out the door? The sushi is great, the prices are amazing, and the owner is friendly. He does a great job keeping a ton of information in his head, and unlike some of the other reviewers have commented, he is always gracious and extremely apologetic when he accidentally tries to seat someone out of order. I'm guessing some people here are mad a local place (that's been named one of the best in Miami many times since it opened in the 90's) won't bend over backward for them. If you like good sushi and are a decent person who can wait your turn and appreciate the hard work it takes to run a successful restaurant in Miami... You'll like Katana.
(5)Sandy S.
Been going here once a week and their customer service is awesome! They really know how to take care of you whether you're a party of 2 or 4 (not recommended for more if you want to sit together) and I've sat in different areas of the resto. You will not be ignored as busy as it is so don't wander off to the back waiting for someone to leave a table. Just wait in line and they'll call you out or you'll lose your spot. Place is small so don't bring strollers, carriers and even little kids there unless they can sit still. It's more of an eat and run kind of place. The food is fresh and if it's not on the boat you can simply request for the sushi for less waiting time. If you do bring kids please refrain them from touching the boats especially when they hesitate to grab a dish from them! It's nice to have the kids experience this style of eating and watching these boats go around and around but I have 2 little ones too and they just watch. Once the dish is touched it's yours! Please be mindful!
(5)Nicole L.
Great spot for quick fresh sushi. There's usually a line of people waiting to sit, it's a tiny place but definitely worth it.
(4)Johana M.
I love this place. Here's how it goes plain and simple....if the dude with the dreads is slicing the tuna stay. The tuna is delicious!!! The waiter is hands down an a-hole even if you're a regular and you catch him on a bad day he'll be mean. The lady waitresses are nice yay! The wait is a mission if you get there between 7:30 and 9:00 so try to get there when they open or later. As far as the sushi goes - lets just say it's the ONLY reason I go here. It's not pretty and the head staff guy is an a$$. This is one of those places you just have to try and decide if it's for you.
(5)ilke b.
I been there many times,i want tell first good part fresh food,good price after 6 pm free parking,Bad part staff they have to try better face like :) they could be need new decorete old and dirty !!! if you check the ceiling full of dust !!looks horrible.anyway thank you for all
(4)Michelle Z.
Hands down my favorite Sushi spot in Miami. Literally a hole in the wall! If your patience wears thin easily, don't bother checking this place out. Waiting for the next table on a busy night can range up to an hour. Hopefully one day they will finally expand the restaurant in size to accommodate the demand for the best sushi in town. Till then, I'll keep coming back !
(5)Benjamin B.
This is one if those hidden gems that one might expect to find in Chinatown in NYC or San Fran but not in Miami Beach. I went here with a good friend, and all We wanted to do was talk and drink. The place is small, but the noise is manageable and people have decorum. We sat, talked, and ate for hours without a bother. The plates are numerous, and we tried almost everything that came around. Everything that we are was good, and the beers/wines we had to accompany our meal were good and reasonably priced. I would love to come here in a date to see how a potential partner handles the situation. The venue provides many opportunities to see how someone will act with regard to choice and option.
(4)Jacqueline E.
This place was amazing. My boyfriend and I were visiting Miami by way of Houston and after seeing all these great reviews(and loving the restaurants concept) decided to give it a shot. This will be a staple in any of our future Miami visits!
(5)Tania Elizabeth O.
The sushi is very simple, you won't find many different rolls but you will find the most common ones. The one thing I love is that the sushi tasted so fresh it was very good sushi. The location is very small and I can't imagine being there when it's jammed packed. I had the miso soup it was also very good. The hubby and I over indulged and only spent $30. Definitely will be back!
(4)Tina C.
This little hole-in-the-wall has some Authentic Japanese food. My family and I went in here, already queued up on a wait list. I could see why! The conveyor belt was driven by flowing water and floating boats which was quite a visual delight. I've never eaten at conveyor style sushi joints before (and I've been to Japan) so picking up the dishes as quickly as I could was like a fun little game! The prices were quite reasonable and the seafood was fresh! My younger brother who is allergic to seafood ordered pork tonkatsu. He said it was the best tonkatsu he ever had-crispy skin, moist and tender meat over a heaping of soft rice and candied ginger. I recommend this dish to any meat-lovers out there! I enjoyed the seared tuna immensely and the beefy udon noodles that I ordered off the menu. Anyways, the variety that they have here is limited but delicious! Quick service and real Japanese accommodation. I felt like I was back in Japan. :)
(4)Yamile F.
Contacted severe food poisoning from here. Truly the worst week of my life.
(1)Fernanda T.
always fresh fish! This place does not offer all the rolls you would find at any other sushi place, but who needs those when you have delicious Negi Hama!
(5)Apple S.
Best sushi place in Miami! Love the concept, their sushi is delish. I like taking plates, but order my tempura. The cheesecake dessert is great but enough to share! Prices are great. Only minor: so many people love it and with their tiny space, you always have to wait in line.
(5)Sharon W.
We ordered take away from here. The ordering process over the phone was painless and the food was ready when we arrived ~25 minutes later. Staff was friendly! The food was great! The fish was fresh and there were many unusual offerings on the menu. We ordered a mix of standbys, like spicy tuna, as well as more unique offerings, like the squash roll. The prices are great - the sushi rolls mostly contain 4 pieces, which is preferable to me as you can order a bigger variety. I would definitely do take away from here again; however, I would think twice about eating in as the interior is abysmal.
(4)Matias L.
Why 4 stars ? Well basically because I only give 5 stars to a places I am willingly happy to say will be my last meal on this planet. Katana oh katana how much I love hate you. By now after looking at all the reviews yes I'll say it again for you it's a river with floating boats that carry plates of sushi along the way with each plate being colored to match a price. Expensive ? No, yet definitely awesome. I must warn you this isn't for everyone. Authentic Japanese sushi but at a price and I'm not talking about money. Simply put its a whole in the wall joint that you must be willing to wait in a line for because seating is minimal. Yes the food is delicious and fresh. To me it's a locals place and I like it that way. For those who write bad reviews it's simply because you are looking for fancy, flashy with great service. We all want fancy sometimes yes but this isn't the place to come looking for it. Big groups can come but I highly don't recommend it. I like coming here with my gf to sit at the bar with a beer and munch on some amazing fresh sushi. The best part is the plates are small portions so if you're like me that eats anything and everything, you can try every piece that comes your way.
(4)Rachel K.
The excellent sushi doesn't make up for the attitude of the owner. I am a regular customer, and I love the sushi here. I came in at 9pm and there was a line of people waiting. The owner offered everyone around me drinks, but not my girlfriend or me. After waiting 45 minutes for a spot I saw two seats had been open for a while to get the owners attention to ask if we could sit there. He said no, that someone else had been there before us, when I told him I had actually been there longer (and the person the owner said had been there longer than me agreed) he told me to "get the fuck out" and that he "didn't need my business." I was shocked. I refuse to be treated this way and will not return, good sushi doesn't outweigh horrible treatment. I'm not sure if this man hates repeat customers, but the message was loud and clear and I won't be back.
(1)Joseph C.
sushilicius! Floating Wooden boats on a conveyor belt sailing around filled with delicious sushi as the chef prepares it right in front of your eyes. Each plate had a different price and as you stack them, that is your bill. By all means this is not a fine dining experience, definitely a local spot, always a wait since is very good. Perfect for a casual night with friends and good food.
(4)Emily P.
The best sushi you will find!! If you like California Rolls, go home. (You don't belong) Wanna impress your chick with fancy service, better luck next time. Are impatient and want prompt seating, not the place for you. This place has authentic, fresh, awesome sushi. No fancy bs, no weird secret sauce used to mask previously frozen stuff. The chef will throw away old boats if they don't get eaten fast enough, and any menu item isn't better than what's being shipped around ;) Don't bother coming here if you want high class, or a booth, or noodles. This place is known for being an in-and-out spot, not for kids- don't be cheap just cause you feeding five. Come here on a casual date night, or with a friend, or hey, even by yourself is awesome. Tip the server who is running around like a mad man decently, don't be an asshole, and guess what! You have a new dream hole-in-the-wall for sushi. Thank yourself for not being pretentious enough like the rest of Miami to miss something fabulous.
(5)Lovey J.
Great sushi at a great price! There's always a wait and it's not a place to take children. Service is okay, but the sushi makes up for it! Dimly lit hole in the wall original sushi joint they I absolutely love!
(4)Kostia B.
My girlfriend and I love sushi and this place beats all! We go at least once every two weeks. It's a hole in the wall but lately it's gotten a lot of recognition. It opens after 6pm and you can expect to wait for at least 10-20 minutes at any time. Katana doesn't have that many chairs and only three tables. But the food is worth the wait and it's cheap compared to others around the beach. The staff is also very friendly but make sure they see you come in and for you to know who's in front of you and who comes after.
(5)Ayla S.
Katana is my favorite little hole in the wall. If you want to lay low and get out of the house for a bite to eat, then this is a great little hide out place. The sushi is good and the prices are affordable. The restaurant is really dark inside and small, so you usually always will have a wait. The floating boats with different sushi selections to choose from was a great idea. Best to go at 6pm when they open. Enjoy.
(4)Stephi B.
I LOVE this place! Its a small hidden gem. The sushi is great, the atmosphere and the staff is also very pleasant. I will HIGHLY recommend this restaurant.
(5)Kai S.
In South Florida, where East Asians are the minority among all minorities, and people order sushi at Thai restaurants, it is practically impossible to find an authentic Japanese restaurant, let alone an authentic sushi bar owned by Japanese who serve value fares on a conveyor belt, known in Japanese as kaiten-zushi. Thankfully, I find Katana, located in Normandy Isle, a neighborhood in Miami Beach, to be a place as such, and it has been my go-to place for checking the "palate compatibility" between myself and my dates. (They don't have to be knowledgeable about sushi or even enjoy raw fish, but they should be adventurous enough to try something new once.) Instead of the more common sushi train, at Katana, each color-coded dish is presented on a small boat floating through a narrow canal. Diners sitting at the bar grab whatever dishes they desire from the boats, although they can also order appetizers, udon noodles, donburi (rice bowls) off the menu. In terms of the food quality, it is decent. Its sashimi is definitely fresh, which is more than what you can ask for for the low prices you pay. The rolls range from average to great, and the clear winner is the spicy tuna gunkanmaki (warship rolls), with a unique flavor that's truly one of the best I have ever had. The desserts, such as ice cream tempura and banana tempura, are served in large portions. Avoid gyoza (Japanese potstickers), chicken teriyaki, and oyakodon (chicken and egg over rice). I hate to say it but they were awful when I ordered them.
(3)Alexandra P.
Katana is truly a local, hole-in-the-wall gem. The space itself is admittedly cramped (and most definitely a fire hazard, not to mention NOT physicalhandicap-friendly). There's a little walled-up structure with a "river" of wooden boats each with different sushi/sashimi/salads floating around. You're seated wherever your party fits, facing the bar and are given a menu of appetizers and other food not floating past. I'm vegan so at first I was a little irked because nothing floating by was without seafood. BUT I advised one of the servers I only wanted veggie rolls and they had regular veg rolls as well as BOMB ASS tempura ones. Not to mention there is no small plate that goes over about $5. We paid almost $30 even for two people, including beer. And we were stuffed. Overall service was fantastic and quick, food was fresh and made to order. Can't wait to go again!
(4)Diana G.
I love this place! Sure the wait is a little long and the place is tiny but the sushi is delicious and the ambience is really cool! Definitely a place for a date or Alone!l the prices are great too! It's worth the wait!
(5)George M.
Was taken here and immediately was infatuated Little boats floating around and around... how eff'n cool is that I'm not huge into sushi but it might be the dawn of a new era for me If you know me, you know this is my kind of place Can't wait to go back
(5)victoria s.
Someone fire that rude manager! Place is disorganized, dirty and hot. Stay away.
(1)Lori W.
One of my FAVORITE hole-in-the wall spots! I'd never been to conveyor belt (boats floating on a river) sushi restaurant before so I was pretty excited when myself and a few friends decided to stop by. It's a pretty small place and there was a wait to be seated but in my opinion I think it was well worth it. The staff was great and the food was FRESH! That's usually my biggest issue with sushi restaurants they either have nice decor and staff and lousy food r vice versa but this place had it all! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone whose never been to this type of restaurant! :)
(5)Manuela F.
I had a very nice experience . I really recommend this place to all the people that don't care about the place but enjoy the good food. The idea to have boat floating is amazing!!!
(5)Jacquelyn B.
The sushi wasn't amazing but it was good. It gets pretty crowded so the wait time was long. It was very fun to sit and watch the sushi rolls on the small boats. The concept is great. Enjoyed my time there.
(3)Joseluis A.
katana is great but you must arrive before 6:30 if you want to find a spot without waiting. this is a tiny restaurant with a loyal clientele that keeps on coming back for more. the little boats float away in eternal loop bringing the goods from the kitchen. here you will find the classic sushi rolls, nigiri and other good stuff like seaweed salad and edamame. if you wish to order from the menu, you could do that too. i tried the udon noodle soup and that was such a great deal for only $4.75. big bowl of dashi stock with generous amounts of udon noodles and thinly sliced green onions. the sashimi they offer is good too, especially the salmon. i could eat this stuff for days!
(4)Christine P.
Wow! Love the concept. Little sushi boats come around on a "river" and you take what you want and they keep a tab. Place is really small but the sushi is fantastic. Service was great. The best part however was when it came time to pay the tab! The prices were amazing! They sure aren't regular Miami prices! Most of the little plates of sushi from the river were under $5. They also have a menu where you can order dishes and appetizers but it is way more fun to take plates off the river!
(5)Laura M.
Worth the wait (40mins). I loved their concept of the little boats with the sushi and the different prices. We were lucky to be seated by the chef, got to see him cook and easy access to the fresh dishes. I would love to go back on a less crowded day. They should look into creating a better system for seating guests since they space is so limited.
(3)Nevik E.
Note: On Yelp I review exclusively sushi bars. Pure food quality it probably gets 2 stars. However, this is the funnest hole in the wall sushi in S. Fl. One of the few conveyor style (in this case floating boats) joints in S. Fl. Great for a quick cheap bite if you're out doing other things. Fish is average, choices are standard. Makes my top ten list based on price and fun.
(4)Jonathan F.
I am hesitant to write a review because it hidden gem is the best japanese restaurant in Miami. I'd rather not have more people find it because he gets crowded already. You come in and the host remembers you and you have to wait your turn. Be prepared to wait if there is a crowd and it is almost always crowded. The food comes around on boats and you just take what you want and they count the plates at the end. Everything is exceptionally fresh. There are also are a number of hot items you can order on the menu.
(5)Jonah K.
Busy place, good quality sushi with good sized cuts. The prices are very low for the quality. I will be back for sure. The whole boat thing is pretty fun as well, similar to the trains you see more often but even more amusing. Sake prices are also very low for good cold sake.
(4)Ricky O.
Sushi on boats! Always packed! its all about turning seats there... good food, affordable, and cool concept! CASA BAHIA LOVES SUSHI BOAT!
(4)Lorenzo D.
I come to Katana 2/3 times a week. It's the best Japanese restaurant in the beach, hands down. Food is AMAZING. The price is even better. I gave one star only because i want to capture your attention to the d*** manager (guy) that works there. Every other person in the staff is super nice and gently (as real japanese ppl who they are). Him instead it's a real piece of s***. he enjoys provocating customer with his rude answers, never smile always give bad answer. every single person we talked to abt Katana says how nice the plave would be without him. The restaurant says they close at 11pm but of course every time me and my gf walk in at 10.35 he tells us on purpose they are close.
(1)Alex H.
Row, row, row your [sushi], Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream. A friend made the recommendation. I would never have found this place if it wasn't for Google Maps. (Tip: Parking in the back!) When you walk in, you find a large bar with a steam of water and food on boats circling about it. You sit along the "shoreline" picking your food as it floats by. This is Dim Sum on water. Each "dish" has a value associated with it from $1.25 (red plates) to $3.50 (black or gold plates). I didn't order any appetizers, which would have been rather silly since you have an infinite supply of food parading in front of you. In the event you want something specific that hasn't passed by, just ask the waitress! Bottom Line: Must try! Fastest way to get sushi service I've ever seen!
(5)Kristina K.
Dear Katana, I love you but I am slowing down visiting you. It has been over five years since I fell in love with you, but I really don't think you have been cleaned since then. That AC has been leaking forever, and the dust everywhere, and the scotch tape, I don't even want to think of the little animals visiting your kitchen. And the lines of people because you don't take reservations the same day....
(3)Nickolas D.
Amazingly rude manager, definitely worst experience in management I have ever experienced.
(1)Felix J.
The place STINKS, is DIRTY and the manager is a JERK! DIRTY is NOT an opinion, it's a fact. Check out their health department inspection violations: felixj.me/katana I agree with Dang N.'s review below. Manager is a complete jerk! My family of 4 walked in and there were only 4 other people dining at the time. I went specifically because our daughters love the whole boat thing. As we walked over to sit along the boats, the manager said, "No! You sit here!" He pointed to a table that would put two of us away from the boats and would need to reach over. We explained why we were there, the girls, etc. He wouldn't listen. He said, "No. Sit there. We need those for other people!" As I wrote, the place was empty. We didn't want the girls to be upset so they sat down at the table while I went to use the restroom. While in the DISGUSTING bathroom, I asked myself, "why would I choose to eat at this dirty, smelly place, where we were just treated so poorly?" When I left the nasty bathroom, I told my family, "let's go. We'll go to another place like this." As I walked out, I told the manager, "because of your unfriendliness, you just lost business!" All he said was, "Ok, bye!" That pissed me off further so I proceeded to say, out loud so the other customers could overhear, "I should have listened to the multiple YELP reviews that warned about you and the poor service at this place. Trust me, I will be adding to the list!" Again, "Ok, bye!" was his arrogant response. The place STINKS, is DIRTY and the manager is a JERK! felixj.me/katana
(1)Chill C.
I read a couple of reviews and was scared of the staff. But what a nice surprise: they were totally normal. at first very professional and quiet. Typical Japanese. The girl behind the counter was extremely attentive. she took care of my green tea refill before I even raised my eyes to her. She gave me lemons for the delicious spicy octopus salad without being ask. so 5 Stars for the service! The food was outstanding and in a good price - quality relation. I will go back. That's for sure!
(4)Carlos E.
I like this place because is close to my home and is cheap for the quality and quantity of the food. My daughter loves it, she can eat 7 or 8 plates of sushi easily when we get there. If you are looking for specialty rolls you need to order from the menu rather than wait for the boats to come around. The variety of the boats is not the greatest but once again you can request what you want and they will make it for you. if you stick to hot or cold tea your bill is less than 20 bucks (for a normal person not for a 250 lb starving gorilla). The problem is the capacity, not many, it gets crowded quickly after they open at 6pm, normally there is people waiting at the door when they open, I know, I am one of them. if you get there later than lets say 7, you may have to wait a while.
(4)Joseph P.
This place is just one of the most consistently good sushi joints around town. Every time I go, its as good and sometimes better than the last time. Interestingly though, its the simplicity of this place that I think makes it so successful. The place is a hole in the wall sushi joint that can barely sit more than 30 people at a time. Its highlight is the sushi chef enclosed by a river moat flowing with traveling sushi boats; delivering tasty sushi, sashimi and rolls. The seating in this place is often challenging because there are only 3 tables seating "parties" of 4. The rest of the seating runs along the river moat. The seating kind of works on a honor system of first come, first serve. Being that we are in MIami, you know that there is always a good chance that some punk (regardless of age or gender) may try to sneak their way past. Make sure you find out who is in front of you when you arrive. I recommend going when it opens at 6pm, but expect a line outside the door to get in. So maybe get there by 5:45 or so. I would suggest always going there expecting a wait of about 15 - 30 minutes just to keep yourself mentally less anxious. On the positive side, waiting means that the sushi is constantly moving, which is why this place's sushi always seems to taste really fresh. Even melting in your mouth at times. The pricing on the sushi goes by color of the plate. It ranges from $1.50 - $3.75 per plate. There is a board (legend) hung on the wall to help decipher prices, but honestly, just go with what looks good. It will be worth it. I promise. I highly recommend a few things here: Miso soup (always good), Salad (love the dressing), Vegetable Tempura (perfectly fried) and my personal favorite, Dragon Roll. It is absolutely scrumptious as the avocado melts with the crispy shrimp and a tinge of spicy-ness in your mouth. I usually get two. (One thing to note is that some rolls are made to order like the Dragon Roll, so if you are looking for something specific, just order from the servers). Speaking of servers, the staff is abnormally nice and considerate. Abnormally because we all know thats a rarity in our beloved town. As a public service announcement I just want to add one more thing: Don't go here if you are in a hurry, rude, inconsiderate, anti-social or just a jerk. The patrons and staff tend to be social, kind and overall just happy to enjoy some really good sushi. Cheers!
(4)Alfredo M.
Sushi was OK nothing exceptional. Service was appalling. Imagine the worst experience you have ever had at a restaurant and then multiply it by twelve; that's Katana for ya! Glad I tried it once won't be back again.
(2)Rebecca C.
Row, row, row your boat... gently down the stream. Merrily merrily merrily life is but a dream! Yay - what gets better and funner than sushi on boats going around in a river to your hearts content?? This was the perfect graduation meal. But I have to vent and complain first - this was the most awfullest, terriblest wait I have ever ever had at any restaurant ever. It was over an hour and there were more people waiting than eating. There was no system whatsoever and they didn't even take names, it's all based on honor code and the one waiter who works his butt off is supposed to remember the order people came in, unless you get in his face. Anyways - phew - the food & sushi. So fun. Wasn't that why we went anyways? Just beware of the wait & crowd & hassle even on weeknights! But oh so worth it. I love me some sushi on boats. It's just so much better that way.
(4)Jeannie C.
My husband and I call this our favorite sushi place - hands down! We go at least twice a month, if not more often - always on a Friday after work to unwind. Get there before 6 or you'll wait - even though it's worth the wait. Nothing fancy about this place, that's for sure. But if you want great sushi and a fantastic staff who really care about your visit - GO HERE!! Recommendations: Uni (sea urchin) Mango Snapper Roll (special order) Salad (dressing is killer) Spicy Tuna Spicy Octopus Cold sake Oh, heck - have it all! It's that good!! I agree with Joseph P and would like to quote the last part of his review: "As a public service announcement I just want to add one more thing: Don't go here if you are in a hurry, rude, inconsiderate, anti-social or just a jerk. The patrons and staff tend to be social, kind and overall just happy to enjoy some really good sushi. Cheers!" Thanks, Joseph - well said! I HIGHLY recommend this place!
(5)Asami S.
My favorite item here is the tuna tataki with spicy mayo. They have a few decent rolls here but everything else is either hit or miss. Sometimes the rolls are fresh and tightly rolled and the sashimi is "butter-like". Other days that is not so true. I find the spicy tuna and the various seafood "salads" they have to be overly salted and pungent. The seasoning is overly concentrated, as if from a seasoning cube (think bouillon cube). Their tempura desserts are tasty, but aren't most things fried? I personally have not had any problems with service. My main problems besides the inconsistency in food quality is crowding and that the place looks DIRTY. It could use a good cleaning, especially since raw fish is being served here.
(3)Li F.
******The Owner is Japanese, and one of the most RACIST I've ever come across. Avoid this fascist joint.****** Besides some sushi plate floating on a water propelled belt, I don't really know what else is special for this place. The sushi/sashimis are bland, some are not even fresh and a bit saggy and even fishy to smell. Space is freaking cramped, too. I don't know why people want to come over here to eat and hang out. Be prepared to wait a horrendous amount of time in front of the door for a seat. The staffs are also extremely rude, forcing you to leave as soon as you don't order any more items, or move you to a crappy place when there are more people coming wanting your spot... Best way to ruin your romantic date. I don't think I'll come second time. Any other Japanese Sushi/Sashimi Buffet is 100% better than this shitty joint.
(1)Michelle Z.
( to the tune of Copa Cabana) Her name was Michelle, she sure loves sushi, be it salmon,yellowtail, cut up in rolls or even squares she went to eat one, night at Katana, little boats floated on right by, little dishes caught her eye. filled up with rolls and more, each plate cost less than four, With every boat that passed by, she was a sushi whore At Katana! Yummy Katana! the boats float by and you just grab 'em At Katana! Yummy Kataaaaaaaana! sushi, capsizing, boats, so much to handle at Kataaaaaaaaana, it's sooo much fuuuuun.
(4)Kristen T.
I LOVE KANTANA!! A locals spot in Normandy Isle on North Bay Village, don't let it's hole in the wall exterior fool you, and you can easily miss this place if you aren't paying attention (look for the red and black asian style lights in window!) Parking is easy- right in front on the street or the public parking areas on the side streets. There isn't any outdoor seating, there isn't a bright pretty sign guiding you in or a host desk with a skinny dumb model ignoring you for ten minutes then telling you to go to the bar to wait until you are called (bc there is no bar).. this is a no frills, we don't need to impress anyone our food will do that for us type of place. It gets packed, so come early. When you get there, you may be confused about how they are keeping track of you when you came in without writing your name down or giving you a buzzer or even talking to you, but just trust them. You don't need to say a word. They know what they are doing. It's a small space where you basically sit bar style around a mechanism that has boats with sushi going passed you in a moat sushi river thing. The sushi is on different color plates (which if you look at the wall coincide with 3 different prices, from 1.50-$3.50, AKA SUPER CHEAP.) JUST RELAX! Don't get all nervous and start asking all sorts of questions you can easily figure out on your own by looking around you and taking it all in. You aren't going to have a peppy server explaining to you "the concept" or telling you how many plates they recommend you each have. If you need to be babied through your dining experience, this place isn't for you. If you judge a sushi place on how good their lychee martinis are, this place isn't for you, and they don't have those. You can be crazy and pick whatever looks good as its floating by or you can match what you are looking at to a picture on a menu which will tell you. On the menu they have other hot items you can order.. I usually get edamame, seaweed salad, white rice, miso soup, pork shumai, chicken terriyaki or the chicken udon noodles.. you know, basic delicious stuff. No fried rice here though. The noodles are in a sweet Japanese broth that I didn't like at first but now I love, and the thick noodles are great. We also usually get tons of hot saki and sapporo for some quiet saki bombing (I guess those college days of being the loudest saki bombers in a sushi place are over) and I leave stuffed, drunk, happy and with left overs for less than $50 for 2 people. We also usually get the fried ice cream which is HUGE, has like 3 scoops of ice cream and delicious as well. This place is perfect if you are looking for good cheap eats whether it be to impress someone with your knowledge of a local hip fun spot or to just go for the 100th time because you want something you know is consistent, fresh and not too bad on your wallet. There are only a few tables with 4-6 seats so it's better to go with a smaller crowd or on a date. Kantana, don't ever change! (or for that matter, increase your prices either!)
(5)Paige S.
Katana's is a great restaurant to grab a bite to eat, or sit down to dinner with some friends. The staff is extremely sweet, and very conscious of seating customers in the order they arrived. The spicy tuna got me hooked, and their banana tempura is what gets me going back! The only thing I would like to change is for there to be more of a variety. After eating a few plates, it seems like the same items continue to come out. Other than that, the food is great quality and has delicious flavor.
(4)Leah S.
This little place did not disappoint. Thanks to Yelp we found this little tiny spot w/ great sushi. Very fresh. Rolls come around in small tapas style format . The plates are $1.50-3.50 and on the sushi river which is constantly getting fresh sushi placed on the plates by the fastest sushi chef I've ever seen. New York Style. Overall a great experience. We went on a Saturday at about 9:30 and there was about a 30 minute wait. You can pass the time by sipping on premium Sapporo beers, they will serve you while you wait, though you may have to ask, don't wait for them to ask you. Also they don't write down your names so better be somewhat aware or they can forget its your turn. They really need a better seating system. It almost happened to us Some time passed w/ the empty chair and he realized it was us who was next and finally let us sit. There is no sign for Katana. Look for the Japanese lanterns in the window. The place is just past the Peruvian restaurant and before Bay Drive. The great news is they accept reservations! Reservations get seated first.
(4)Arly M.
What took me so long? I literally lived a block from this place for some years and even while knowing of its popularity, never tried it. Until now. I loved this place. I went on two separate nights this past week. The service was great considering how busy they were both nights. The sushi tasted fresh as it should. The boat concept is fun. Yes it is a hole in the wall but the best kind. I love wasabi and their wasabi actually had kick. I thing I have found my new go to Sushi spot.
(5)gema m.
This place is amazing..! I feel for anyone that had a bad experience here, I can't begin to imagine how. My fiancé and I come here religiously and if there's a wait, we'll usually wait, and leave happy. The staff has never been anything less than friendly. The fish is always fresh, rolls are delicious, sashimi sliced to perfection and above all very well priced. And on top of that, its a great experience having your sushi selections come around on boats thru a water surrounding the sushi bar. If you had a bad experience, I would seriously suggest giving it another chance. Love them! :)
(5)Josue M.
My best friend suggested a few years back she had found the coolest sushi place on the beach and to my surprise she really did. So last week I took my boyfriend their to surprise him with our trip to New York and of course, sushi! We had a blast and the service was superb. Totally going back.
(5)Dan G.
My favorite sushi place in Miami. It is an unpretentious little sushi bar that you grab colored plates off the boats that whiz by in a moat around the cooks. The color of the plate determines the price and they add them all up at the end. Great tasting creations and a nice selection of both wine and tea. I would say that you need to get there a little early as they tend to have a wait!
(4)Eilene B.
My good friend and i are from california (los angeles and san diego, respectively.) and we yelped sushi in miami beach and this place came up. the place is funky cool, all dark with the sushi bar/river in the middle. its nice. its a bit cramped but nothing i couldn't deal with. the sushi? pretty good. have i had better? yes. but it was tasty and it was a good price. my only issue food-wise i suppose was that they didn't give you any description of the sushi nor a menu. you just kinda went by eye. now why do i have a 2 out of 5? the service. rude is an understatement. The 2 people who were there were very very rude. heres what happened: One gentleman had an ID from another country. The man clearly was over 21 but i understand laws are strict etc... anyways, the man gave him the ID he looked at it for about a second then threw it back to the costumer and said "i don't speak spanish so i don't understand this ID I am not going to jail!" and walked away. The man was clearly taken aback and so was i. very rude and disrespectful. the man looked upset the whole time he was there. (and by the way, you can read a damn year, the numbers are not any different in south america. jerk...) now on to our "waitress". The cherry on top. This woman filled out water cups ONCE. and didn't talk to us the ENTIRE time we were there (which was about an hour and a half) which i guess is okay since its sort of your own self service. so it didn't bother me much. BUT, when we went to pay, i left her a small tip, just because i always tip. i told my friend not to worry about the tip (she paid card) that i had cash. we started to get our things together and then the woman came up and RUDELY threw the receipt tray in front of my friend and told her "tip isn't included in the price!". i couldn't believe she has the NERVE to do that. My friend was shocked, and got nervous to say anything back. so i gave her more of my money for the tip. and we left quickly. now, I've been a waitress since i was 16 years old. my parents are in the food industry. i get it. tips are essential. BUT i feel that rule only applies if you actually were waiting on us. she didn't refill anything, she didn't bring us any food or cocktails, so naturally i left her a smaller tip. i felt she was EXTREMELY rude to my friend and very pushy. she didn't even deserve a damn tip but i left her one to be nice. her being rude ruined my entire experience there. i will NOT be going back to this place if i ever visit miami beach again. its been almost a week and I'm still upset about it. save your money, go somewhere where they actually care about the costumer, not the money. (the man with the ID spent the whole time yelling at the woman waitress about money in another language across all the costumers, also rude i feel) long but i felt i needed to say something. horrible service ruins the restaurant.
(2)Jahzel M.
This place is amazing!!!! It's miami's little gem! It's the closest experience I have had to sushi restaurants in Japan. The quality, the variation, the service, everything is worth the visit.
(5)Julia K.
This is truly a love hate review. So let's start with the good... The food is always freshly made by the chef standing right at the counter. Everything is consistently good. The fish is thinly sliced and melts in your mouth. There are small plates of unique creations, and it can be a bit adventurous to try new things. I have been going to Katana for 15 years and I am pretty sure they have Never raised the prices. You can't have sushi of this quality at this price anywhere on Miami Beach. That being said, I don't think they have updated or cleaned this place in 15 years either. This restaurant is so dark, I am almost afraid of how dirty it really is. I guess the seedy, hole-in-the-wall decor is part of the North Beach allure. And I will keep coming back because the food is great, but I pray for a scrub down.
(3)Kathia D.
There are so many reviews on this place already. Yes, the interior decor is old and it's quite dark in there. It is very small. Your best bet is to get there about 10 minutes before opening so you don't have to wait too long. Yes, there are boats that float by with sushi on them. The sushi is made right in front of you by a very serious, very skilled sushi artist (there is a tip jar, be nice). I have always found the sushi to be fresh and delicious. There are plates at all different prices. At the end of your dining experience, the value of the plates (which are priced by the pattern/color) is added up. I enjoy this place.
(4)Andrew S.
Back to 4... TRICK. Sit at the table right next to where the sushi chef puts out the dishes. It completely changes the dynamic. The sushi freshness was better. I would say it has something to do with the time of day we went... around 6:30pm on a Monday. Dinner was just starting and food fresh and good. Manager was in a jovial mood too. Cool guy, who is going scuba diving in my home state soon. I think his enthusiasm for Spam Musubi (the 'hot dog' or 'hamburger' to islanders) earned an extra star :-)
(4)Aslamon R.
Best Sushi in Miami without a doubt. That being said, the place is not the cleanest and the attention is very rude. I go there for the sushi, so I dont care about the long lines, or the attitude of the manager (who I think is the owner too). Im a regular customer, and I saw it all: - Manager telling people they cant serve them, because theres a long line and they want to close (10 pm on a friday) - Manager asking people to go home because he needs the seats (literally) while people are still eating - Enforcing chek on customers while they are still eating - Employees yelling at customers for not tiping more than 10% and demanding (yes! demanding! more tip) But, theres a reason why this place is always packed, from 5 to 10: its the best damn sushi in miami. So, go there for the food, not the experience.
(4)Suzy V.
Been to katana twice and the sushi here is great. The premise of the restaraunt is basically sit around a small bar as little boats with plates of sushi float by. You can pick these up a la carte of order off the menu. Good prices good sushi.
(4)Rosemary S.
If you are lucky enough you may find a parking spot available right outside. You've might've just won the lotto if you walk in and find 2 chairs next to each other available. I've been here several times and won the lotto only once, all the other times I've had to wait. The sushi is great for the price and area. The food floating on boats is awesome! I just wish this place was bigger.
(4)Gabi B.
This place has great sushi but employs nasty people. The manager here is a complete ass. I'm the kind of person that it takes a lot to get me mad and after our experience last night I will never go back and will be reporting this company and him to the BBB for discrimination. If you're looking for great sushi and don't mind being treated like shit , then by all means this is the place for you.
(1)Ruth H.
Neat times 10! This place has sushi boats floating on a river of water... its like a theme park ride, only tastier. Oh, to be the captain of that ship!, in search of the $1.50 plates, which I never saw. Katana, we shall set sail again.
(4)Michelle B.
Fresh, delicious, sushi brought to you by boats on conveyor belts..or moat, whatever. So charming, I usually go into a daydream that entails me magically becoming miniscule and riding on one of those little boats, but then someone ends up confusing me for sashimi and Katana is forced to close down since cannibalism is frowned upon in this society. Fortunately, I come back from my daydream and choose more plates that range from $1.50 to 3.75 depending on the color of the plate. Yummy and affordable indeed.
(4)Art B.
Pretty good food but extraordinarily rude staff and management. Would have eaten more if I wasn't so insulted. Inexcusable. There is no way a place that treats their customers like the way they treated me and my friends should be allowed to stay open.
(1)Leslie B.
My kids think this place is fun because it has the boats that float around and you choose what you want. However, it seems dirty to me. I dislike going there. Sushi places need to be pristinely clean in my opinion. There are so many better sushi places in Miami so keep looking.
(1)