Food Review: The Kokai Experience

Kokai Sushi & Lounge is the new kid on the block in that everyone should be friends with. Seriously.

The 411

Kokai is a family-owned and family-run sushi (and lounge) spot located in Doral (in front of the Doral police building, so watch your speed pulling in). This little gem opened its doors earlier this month and should definitely be on your “must see” restaurant list.

The owners of Kokai hail from Venezuela, where they are successfully running Kokai Miami’s three South American sister locations (in Valencia, Maracay, and Maracaibo).

I know what you’re thinking — so how legit and authentic can a sushi restaurant run by Latinos be?

Well, folks, pretty darn authentic if you ask me. This family opened their first location (en Valencia) in 1998, so you do the mental math (because I can’t) on how much experience they have.

But (and a very big but at that), their sushi has a deliciously yummy Latin twist. Kokai’s take on sushi and Japanese fare has everything you expect in Japanese cuisine, but with the bold and refreshing flavors of Latin cuisine.

What I had

I was asked what I like the most, but to be honest (and I am), I still can’t decide. I loved it all. It was light and didn’t leave you feeling stuffed (like most food does) and on the verge of a food coma.

Even the dishes that had a fried component to them didn’t feel heavy (or greasy), but the very opposite — which makes it that much more enjoyable.

I could’ve kept eating more. And more. And more.

Ebi Kani roll (front) and Dynamite roll (back)

Shrimp Tempura: Shrimp tempura served with our special house sauce

Aderezo de Atun: seared thin slices of tuna with pepper in our special house sauce

Suzuki Fry: Deep fried hand breaded white fish, stuffed with crab, scallions in our special cheese sauce

Magic Sake: Thin slices of salmon with green apple in our special house sauce

Chocolate Soufflé

Some Additional Info

Kokai is located at 9036 NW 25th Street, Doral, FL and is open Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM; as well as Saturdays from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

Don’t forget to show them some love on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/KokaiSushi) and Twitter & Instagram (@KokaiSushi).

Want to make a reservation? Call 305-477-2588

Final Thoughts

After my dinner at Kokai, I was definitely feeling #KrazyForKokai. I cannot wait to go back and try all the other dishes Kokai is serving up.

But, I think that my favorite part of the whole #KokaiExperience was when Gerardo (who I believe is the GM and runs one of the sister locations) jumped into the kitchen to help the kitchen staff (there was a sudden influx of people).