When asking yourself about something to do near me in Miami with a group of friends or family, consider
Paperfish Sushi
Why Paperfish Sushi is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Paperfish Sushi offers an exceptional and authentic Nikkei dining experience, where Japanese culinary traditions meet Peruvian flavors, right in the heart of Miami's Brickell district. Entering through iconic red torii gates that symbolize a passage from the ordinary world to a sacred space, guests are immediately transported into a beautifully crafted environment featuring cherry blossom tree-lined interiors, soft-lit paper lanterns, and Japanese-themed décor that creates an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant's menu is thoughtfully designed with both small and main plates, ideal for sharing, enabling lively gatherings and social dining. Signature dishes, such as Wagyu bao buns with wasabi mayo, Nikkei ceviche mixing fresh tuna, crispy quinoa, and watermelon in a shoyu marinade, and pulpo robata with tender octopus and mashed edamame, illustrate the skillful fusion perfecting each bite. With a wine and cocktail list complementing the fresh seasonal ingredients, Paperfish Sushi stands out as a great spot for friends to meet, enjoy exceptional food, and experience a culturally rich ambiance that balances Tokyo izakaya style with Miami's flair. Its combination of artistic presentation, unique flavors, and welcoming setting make it a memorable choice for social dining and special occasions.
Here's what people think of Paperfish Sushi
As of recent, Paperfish Sushi holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1244 reviews.
Reviews of Paperfish Sushi reflect widespread enthusiasm for the vibrant ambiance, attentive service, and inventive menu. Many patrons praise the restaurant’s creativity and quality, especially highlighting the beautiful, artful dishes that offer a fresh take on Nikkei cuisine. Positive feedback focuses on tasty appetizers like the crispy rice and bao buns, the flavorful cocktails such as the Flower Blossom drink, and the peaceful yet lively atmosphere created by the interior design elements, including cherry blossoms and Japanese motifs. Visitors also appreciate the knowledgeable and caring staff who enhance the dining experience through excellent service and attention to detail. On the other hand, some reviews note that during busy dinner hours, service could seem just average, with occasional delays or less personalized attention. A few also mention the challenge of locating the restaurant initially due to its hidden alleyway setting, which may affect first impressions. Despite these minor critiques, most guests conclude that the innovative menu, quality of ingredients, and immersive decor create an outstanding dining experience. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive reviews and multiple Traveler’s Choice awards affirm Paperfish Sushi as a premier destination for authentic and elevated Nikkei cuisine in Miami, appealing to both casual diners and culinary enthusiasts alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Joanna Vasquez
My friends suggested this place for a happy hour on a Friday evening. I got there a little earlier than they did and sat at the bar and was handed the menu for the Miami Spice month. It looked good, but I really wanted to try the happy hour menu my friends spoke of. So I had to ask for it. My friend arrived shortly after and we ordered drinks from it. The drinks not only were delicious, but also very appealing to the eye. The bartender was a little inattentive. She was on her phone for a long time, and genuinely I really don’t care, but I clocked it because we were one of the only group sitting there, and there was two of us, and then there was another person sitting by themselves, and we constantly were trying to have to get her attention. However, a second bartender arrived within 15-20 minutes and really turned the night around. We ordered a lot of sushi off the happy hour menu and all of it was amazing. So overall, this is a solid place for sushi and an adequate place for happy hour.
M Soca
What a find! We were casually strolling around Brickell and saw the cute entrance to Paperfish. Intrigued by it we decided to have lunch there and my I’m so glad we did. Service is top notch. Food is delicious. Everything we ordered was fantastic. My Bento box was full of flavor and plentiful. The zucchini spiral salad was fenomenal as were the sushi and truffle infused fry rice. Dessert was also decadent to close a fabulous meal. We are coming back with our friends for sure.
Tasheena S
We stopped by here for happy hour and go enjoy some sushi. Please note the location is pretty interesting. It's before the train station, behind a restaurant..it's as if you're going into a parking lot and it's tucked away. Yeah u know that's a lot but it really gives the feel of hidden gem. The service was great we had a lovely waitress who was very knowledgeable of the menu. It was a Wednesday evening so it wasn't crowded or so busy. The decor and ambiance was really lovely. Now on to the food. We were not blown away by the options on the happy hour menu. We only ordered cocktails and the edamame from the happy hour menu. The cocktail was a big size for the price BUT it tastes more like juice. We decided to order rolls from their regular menu. We had the ACEVICHADO and SALMON FURAI rolls. I can't say we would go back because we are not in that area often. However, we would recommend it to our friends in that area of Miami.
Sarah Leinbach
Pros: amazing atmosphere! Absolutely loved the creative and immersive decor. The food and drinks were, for the most part, delicious. And great happy hour deals! The highlights were the tropical yasai roll and chocolate ganache cake! The miso shishito peppers were also decent, but definitely was lacking in sauce. Cons: my friend thought the truffle fried rice was bland (I disagreed with her!). The restaurant was quite loud (mostly from the music, but also because it was crowded on a Friday night), making conversation difficult. The main thing detracting from our dining experience was that our waitress was extremely unfriendly and inattentive.
Camila Isabel
Ordered the rainbow roll and hot truffle nigiri and it was sooo good! More than anything our server, Ana was so sweet and attentive. She knew the menu like the back of her hand and made sure we had everything we needed. Hope to be back to be served by her.
How to reach Paperfish Sushi
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Why Paperfish Sushi may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Paperfish Sushi with your friends?
Gathering with friends at Paperfish Sushi offers an unforgettable blend of exquisite cuisine, inviting ambiance, and a social dining experience tailored for groups. This standout Miami sushi destination, boasting a 4.5-star rating from over 1,200 reviews, masterfully captures the essence of authentic Japanese and Nikkei flavors with creative, beautifully crafted dishes that delight every palate. Paperfish’s innovative menu includes traditional sushi favorites, inventive rolls, and expertly prepared omakase selections, providing endless opportunities to sample and share diverse plates together. Its aesthetic atmosphere, inspired by Tokyo's vibrant izakaya culture but uniquely enhanced with Peruvian seasonal influences, invites guests into a warm, modern space that feels both energetic and intimate—perfect for friendly conversations or celebrations. The restaurant’s open-air terrace decorated with paper lanterns and cherry blossom touches, alongside a full bar acclaimed for innovative cocktails, creates an ideal setting to relax, toast, and savor moments with your favorite people. Additionally, daily happy hour specials and live weekend events elevate the fun and make Paperfish Sushi not just a meal, but a memorable social occasion. Whether for casual meetups or special gatherings, Paperfish offers the perfect combination of delicious food, welcoming vibes, and an experience that brings groups closer together.
What activities can you enjoy at Paperfish Sushi with a group?
When visiting Paperfish Sushi, groups can indulge in a range of activities that enhance the social dining experience beyond just great food. First and foremost, sharing a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes encourages interaction and discovery. The menu features small plates, nigiri, sashimi, and signature rolls that are perfect for communal dining, inviting every guest to try something different and exchange flavors. The restaurant’s contemporary izakaya style—rooted in casual Japanese gastropub culture—naturally promotes sharing and lively chatter, making it ideal for groups to bond over their culinary journey. Furthermore, Paperfish offers an expertly crafted full bar menu where friends can enjoy specialty cocktails, sake, and craft beers, with daily happy hours from 4 pm to 7 pm and late-night happy hours Sunday through Thursday, adding a festive touch to any visit. The ambiance itself is engaging and vibrant, featuring an open-air terrace and an interior adorned with natural wood, paper lanterns, and cherry blossoms, creating a relaxing space to socialize comfortably. On select nights, live music and thematic events bring an extra layer of entertainment that can turn a simple meal into a joyous get-together, perfect for any occasion from casual weekend catch-ups to celebrations.
Why is Paperfish Sushi the perfect place for a group meetup?
Paperfish Sushi stands out as an ideal venue for group meetups due to its thoughtfully designed environment, versatile menu, and welcoming customer service tailored to social eating. The layout includes communal tables and open seating arrangements that foster connection and easy conversation, allowing groups to sit together without feeling cramped. Unlike many traditional sushi establishments that focus solely on individual orders, Paperfish’s menu emphasizes variety through an array of shareable dishes that cater to different tastes, dietary preferences, and mood swings, ensuring everyone in the group finds something to enjoy. The restaurant’s Tokyo-inspired decor and inviting lighting contribute to a relaxing yet sophisticated atmosphere, creating a space where groups can linger comfortably for hours. Having multiple locations—South Miami Avenue, Brickell, and South Beach—offers convenient options, whether your meetup is downtown or near the beach. Paperfish’s reputation for high-quality, fresh ingredients and impeccable presentation ensures the meal itself becomes a talking point, elevating the social experience. Additionally, their customer-focused approach, including easy online reservations and accommodating staff, guarantees smooth and pleasant gatherings. Taken together, these attributes make Paperfish Sushi much more than a meal spot—it’s a destination where meaningful connections flourish over some of the best sushi Miami has to offer.
What food and drinks make Paperfish Sushi a top choice for group dining?
The culinary offerings at Paperfish Sushi deliver an authentic and exciting Japanese dining experience that perfectly suits groups looking to explore diverse flavors together. Guests enjoy an extensive menu centered on Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients, resulting in unique and vibrant dishes. Highlights include expertly crafted omakase servings recommended for first-timers, which take diners on a curated culinary journey, plus signature rolls like the tropical yasai maki featuring mango, cucumber, and passion fruit sauce—each bite tasting like a burst of summer. Small plates such as crispy-fried tokusen tofu pouches and robust sashimi platters provide variety and depth, catering to different appetites within a group. The beverage program complements the food beautifully, featuring a full bar with innovative cocktails, a sake selection, and craft beers designed to pair with the delicate flavors of the cuisine. Daily happy hours from 4 pm to 7 pm and later specials encourage groups to extend their stay and share drinks in a lively setting. Together, the diverse and fresh menu offerings combined with thoughtfully designed drinks options ensure Paperfish stands out as a top-tier venue for group dining where taste and enjoyment harmonize perfectly.
How does the ambiance and setting at Paperfish Sushi enhance group experiences?
The ambiance at Paperfish Sushi significantly contributes to why it’s a favored place to gather with friends and family. The moment guests enter through the iconic red torii gates, they feel transported from everyday life into an immersive environment steeped in cultural symbolism and contemporary style. The open-air terrace with soft-lit paper lanterns, draping plants, and Japanese street signage creates an inviting social space that encourages relaxed mingling and conversation. Inside, the dining room features a clean, natural palette accented by wood finishes and cherry blossom trees, fostering a calm yet elegant atmosphere that feels both intimate and energetic. This careful attention to aesthetic detail enhances the sensory experience alongside the cuisine, making each meetup memorable beyond just the food. The balance between indoor comfort and outdoor charm allows groups to choose their ideal space based on mood or occasion. Whether celebrating a special event, enjoying happy hour, or simply catching up after work, the setting at Paperfish Sushi elevates any gathering into a thoughtfully curated moment, reinforcing its reputation as a premier group-friendly restaurant in Miami.
What makes the service and hospitality at Paperfish Sushi suited for friendly meetups?
Service at Paperfish Sushi is consistently praised as attentive, knowledgeable, and warm, qualities that contribute hugely to the overall enjoyment of group get-togethers. The staff are well-trained in explaining menu options, including the freshest seasonal ingredients and the philosophy behind Nikkei cuisine, helping guests make confident choices tailored to group preferences. They are adept at managing multiple guests, coordinating orders of shared plates seamlessly and ensuring timely serving so no one is left waiting. Friendly interaction with guests creates a welcoming atmosphere where groups feel valued and comfortable expressing dietary needs or special requests. Additionally, efficient reservation systems and accommodating timing for happy hours or special events reflect Paperfish’s commitment to customer satisfaction. This high level of personalized service supports a convivial environment where friends and families can relax, connect, and focus on enjoying each other's company without distractions or delays, making Paperfish Sushi a reliable and inviting venue for social dining in Miami.