SOUTH BEACH. This bustling Asian-fusion favorite is known for its satisfying, family-style portions of fantastic seafood and other Asian favorites. Celebrities, millionaires, and other jet setters often make a night of it here. The vivid decor features transcripts of Marco Polo's diaries on the floor, but there is usually too much people-watching going on to notice. Tantalizing menu options include seared rare tuna with spicy Japanese peppers or delicate rolled lobster pancakes. The side dishes are as excellent as the main dishes, especially the wasabi mashed potatoes. (Insider tip: Oprah recommends the crispy spinach.) Finish your evening with a bang by ordering the dessert sampler, which features a small portion of every dessert on the menu, from crème brûlée to flourless chocolate cake, served complete with a festive sparkler. Reservations required.

CORAL GABLES. Lima's award-winning restaurant now has an outpost in Miami, and it's every bit as good. Expect some wizardry from the kitchen because the chef-owner is Peruvian-Italian, and his native, seafood-based cuisine borrows heavily from Peru's Japanese population. Showcased are dishes like octopus stew with white-bean risotto, and red snapper with sea scallops and oyster sauce. Also tempting are tiraditos (a Peruvian version of sashimi), a selection of traditional ceviches, fresh seafood pastas and an unbeatable parihuela ­ a classic Peruvian bouillabaisse.

NORTH MIAMI BEACH. Standout Japanese cuisine makes this kitchen a favorite with folks who appreciate some of Japan's lesser-known delicasies, from panko-crusted oysters to kim chee hot pots to chrysanthemum tempura. Order several of their small plates (with sake, of course) and ask local diners to recommend their favorites. The late (or is it early?) closing time makes this Dixie Highway dive a fav of nightowls on the quest for inventive eats.

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.