Michelin starred Sushi by Scratch omakase has almost a cult following at its ten restaurants from New York and California to Texas and more. The night I went to their new permanent location for Sushi by Scratch Miami,  in Coconut Grove,  a couple who just moved here from Malibu said it was one of their first restaurant stops. I can see why. The quality of the nigiri is extraordinary, and then there are the unconventional and delicious taste combinations, the beverage flights including Japanese whisky, and the friendly and engaging atmosphere.

Speaking of unconventional, diners enter through a red door and ring the doorbell to be let in, shades of a speakeasy. You’re treated to a complimentary cocktail in their separate bar area. Called the Tozai Typhoo, it was made of sake, ginger syrup,  Japanese whisky and lime juice and was it ever tasty. From there you enter a 10 seat counter only omakase den with a team of three chefs and one bartender. The team is fun, engaging, and the night we were there, we ended up talking with just about everyone at the bar. It’s that kind of atmosphere.

The dining experience is 17 pieces. Between dishes, there are pickles to clear the palate.  The night we went there the fish ranged from Spanish bluefin tuna, prawn and Hamachi (yellowtail) to wagyu, king salmon, scallop,  bone marrow, eel and more. Among the flavor combos  were  sweet corn pudding and crunchy bread crumbs; wasabi with chimichurri; ponzu sauce and poblano pepper, and chili ponzu, scallions and truffle (supplement for the truffle). It all worked. There are no what they call “side cars” of soy sauce or wasabi. When used, those ingredients are incorporated into the nigiri by the chef. No chopsticks either; you eat with your fingers.

At Sushi by Scratch Miami you can choose to team up the nigiri with a variety of beverage options, from a combo of sakes, two micro cocktails and a beer ($115) to straight sake pairings ( 6 pours for $125)); or  Japanese whisky flight (4-6 pours) for $125.

I never had the Japanese whisky flight (note: the Japanese write “whiskey” as whisky without the “e”)  so took that option as I had read that the complex flavors of oak, caramel, and spice in the whiskey are complementary. I also asked the beverage director why Japanese whiskey before taking the plunge of the flight of six picks. Here’s what he said:

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“Whiskey pairs well with SBS’s menudue to the bold flavors featured in the menu specifically, intense ingredients like bone marrow, eel, and seared wagyu, which harmonize beautifully with whiskey’s robust character. Some of our favorites we feature are Yamazaki and Shibui. “ he concluded.

It was the right decision.

Three seatings are offered daily, 5 pm, 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. A seat is $185 per person plus tax and service. Reservations are essential.

Sushi by Scratch Miami is at 3540 Main Highway in Coconut Grove. There’s a large public parking lot a block away and street parking.