SOUTH BEACH. This seafood restaurant is found inside the hip, stylish Delano Hotel. A sibling to the hotel's Blue Door restaurant, which attracts upscale scene-makers, Blue Sea caters to a more low-key clientele, who don't want to spend a fortune on dinner. However, the cuisine is still incredibly fresh and modern, with a focus on creative seafood. Try dishes like barbecued eel, stone crabs with coconut, or sushi rolls stuffed with unique ingredients like almonds and olives. The family-style seating at this restaurant makes it a fun place to meet locals and fellow travelers.

SOUTH BEACH. Tucked inside the basement of the "shabby chic" Townhouse Hotel, this slick, trendy restaurant has a relaxed, lounge-like vibe. Perfect cocktails and wonderful sushi are the top attractions. The menu features exotic Asian-fusion dishes such as lobster roll with yellow tomato and yuzu pepper dressing, live Maine lobster sashimi, and sun-dried tomato and avocado roll with garlic ponzu oil and green tea salt. Everything is painstakingly prepared and beautifully presented. A good wine list is available, but check out the interesting sake selection. Reservations recommended.

SOUTH MIAMI. This secret treasure is a favorite with an impressive number of Miami's Japanese-Americans, thanks in large part to its irresistible sushi and tempura dishes. Regulars swear that no other restaurant in West Dade serves up such a delicious variety of sushi, including everything from Toro rolls to fresh sashimi. Best of all, the atmosphere is casual yet composed, happily lacking the flash and flair of some of its Miami cousins. Arrive early on weekends and expect to stand for a bit. Don't fret, though, as you'll soon discover what so many locals have tried to keep to themselves ­ Matsuri is well worth any wait.

SOUTH BEACH. The key to dining at Nobu the first couple of times is to ask lots of questions. Servers are happy to guide you through the menu and help you navigate the sushi experience. Tempura, teriyaki and salads frequently entice diners, or you can give yourself over to the chef's acumen with the omakase, a meal of eight carefully composed dishes that allows you to sample a variety of flavors and textures. Worth noting: The sleek, contemporary outpost is also a celebrity haunt.

SUNSET. Bucking expectation, suburban Kendall is home to some of Miami's best sushi. Over the years, Shibui has earned a faithful following with its carefully prepared Japanese fare, which includes teriyaki chicken, tempura vegetables and impeccable sushi. The extensive menu marries these classics with specialties like the Caliente roll, made with tempura mahi mahi and dressed with a zingy sauce. Head to the second floor for traditional Japanese seating on cozy floor pillows.