For the past two decades NOE sushi bar, named after its talented and culinarily daring chef/co-owner Noe Carmona, has maintained a well-earned reputation as a temple of Japanese and Latin American gastronomy at its finest. More than fusion and not Nikkei, a meal at NOE sushi bar offers diners a transportive journey, combining provocative flavors, textures and techniques for an experience wholly its own. Now, as the brand celebrates 20 successful years and close to three dozen acclaimed locations throughout Ecuador, Chef Carmona is ready to unveil the first U.S. location of NOE sushi bar in South Miami. Located at 5958 South Dixie Highway in the former Mi’talia space, the restaurant is slated to open July 2024 upon completion of a full renovation.
At a young age Chef Carmona, the eldest of 10 siblings in a modest farming family in Ecuador, dreamed of getting to Quito. His culinary journey began at eight years of age, cooking rice to lend a hand at home. At 12, a restaurant job during school break ignited his passion for cooking and opened his eyes to the flavors and possibilities of different cuisines. Seven years later, he finally found himself in the country’s capital and despite numerous challenges upon arriving in Quito, including homelessness, Carmona’s determination led him to Tanoshi in Hotel Oro Verde. There, he began as a dishwasher and worked his way up to a spot on the kitchen staff. A few years later, he moved on to work alongside Japanese master chefs, sparking a lifelong love for Japanese cuisine. A protégé of Master Chef Ken Namba’s guidance, he grew to master Japanese culinary techniques leading to the opening of his first NOE in 1994 in Quito. There, he introduced his signature style – blending Japanese and Ecuadorian cuisine – and established himself as a trendsetting talent.
“It’s a dream come true to bring NOE to the United States and no other city would make sense for our first U.S. location more than Miami,” says Carmona in a statement. “I’m excited for South Floridians to have a completely new dining experience.”
Having a well-rounded menu of hot and cold specialties, including traditional and signature maki and sashimi selections, NOE sushi bar will feature a combination of NOE signatures as well as a handful of Chef Carmona creations unique to The 305. Signature must-haves include Noe Tataki – tuna, salmon, white fish, octopus and semi-roasted filet mignon, served with chef’s sauce; Mizutako – grilled octopus seasoned with oriental spices, accompanied by vegetables; Filet Mignon Ramen – traditional ramen served with slices of torched filet mignon, crunchy vegetables and a soft boiled egg; and Sake Yama Roll – roll wrapped in potato threads with crab, masago, avocado, cream cheese, topped with salmon, accompanied by passion fruit and eel sauces.
NOE sushi bar seats 140 between the patio and dining room, complete with a newly-installed sushi bar.
NOE sushi bar is located at 5958 South Dixie Highway. The restaurant will be open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:30am until 10:30pm.
