Katana Coral Way

At Katana’s second location, dinner arrives by waterway. Small wooden boats, laden with colorful plates of sushi and sashimi, drift slowly around the counter in a continuous, mesmerizing flotilla. There is no high-tech conveyor belt, just this simple, charming procession that has been a fixture of Miami’s dining landscape for decades. Diners take a seat at the counter and simply intercept whichever dish catches their attention, an interactive format that turns the meal into a unique form of entertainment. This is the second outpost for a restaurant that has been a family-owned institution in the city since 1993, quietly building one of Miami’s most dedicated followings. Long considered a rite of passage for locals, the original developed a reputation for its delicious and affordable Japanese fare, and for the lengthy waits to get one of the few coveted counter seats. The opening in a more central Miami neighborhood makes this beloved local affair accessible to a new generation of diners. The culinary offering that circulates on the boats is a straightforward collection of Japanese classics. The kitchen has become known for its fresh nigiri, various rolls, and pieces of tempura which are all part of the selection. The system is refreshingly direct: at the end of the meal, the bill is calculated based on the color and number of empty plates stacked on the table. It is this combination of unpretentious food and a singular, nostalgic method of service that has cemented the restaurant’s place in the city’s culture.