A romantic setting, pampering service and many of my favorite modern pan-Asian dishes made me feel like it was date night at the new Tanuki at River Landing. The flagship of the group that also owns Tanuki in South Beach faces the Miami River which, if you sit on the lovely outdoor terrace, you can see through rich vegetation and enjoy Miami’s special sunsets.That combined with the handsome teak furniture, deep purple cushions, rattan chairs and sense of serenity, made me feel as if I were in Southeast Asia. And take note, they offer a prix fixe lunch deal for as little as $25 plus a happy hour that’s also appealing.
Though it has only been open about a month, the service is professional as well as friendly, and its 4500 square feet seems smaller because of the design that emphasizes small dining areas. I also really liked the bars which reminded me of Tokyo, one next to the open sushi kitchen and with overhead digital art and small tables that organically come out of the wooden counter; the other beside the liquor bar.
The large menu under the direction of new company Brand Chef Gustavo Montes is divided into hot appetizers, dim sum, wok, peking duck, prime grill, omakase, premium nigiri, salad, appetizers, maki, nigiri and sashimi. The offerings and prices are more higher end than its South Beach sister, with a section for caviar and add ons to prime grill items ranging from three kinds of truffles and foie gras to gold and kaluga caviar (priced MP).
We started with the very fresh yellowtail tiradito ($16) and a fave, the scallop black truffle that was tasty and refined, though like a tasting portion ($23). We then went for the nigiri and sashimi omakase, the chef’s choice of seasonal fish which you can take up a notch with gold leaf flakes and caviar, five pieces for $45 or 8 pieces for $65. All the fish was high quality, not surprising since it’s flown in from the world famous Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo. Next up were the dim sum selection – 10 pieces including shrimp har gow, beef & foie xiao long bao, chicken truffle siu mai, and the mushroom and potato ($38).
I can never pass up peking duck, and here it was delicious, presented in thin slices along with two drumsticks served on a wooden plank with lime, sea salt and spring pancakes (half, $49; full $98). We were happy to see tempura on the menu which, sadly to us, one seldom sees on menus today. We loved the wild mushroom tempura, a mixture of oyster, chanterelles and mitaki mushrooms, flash fried, and made for sharing ($19).
For next time we earmarked signature dishes Karaage chicken & watermelon maki roll, an imaginative take on a classic Southern dish, the watermelon compressed with shiso, the A5 Kamameshi with wild foraged mushrooms and the bao buns.
An exclusive list of sake and wine along with Asian inspired cocktails were designed to pair with the cuisine. Cocktails are $13 each; a glass of wine (6 ounce pour) starts at $10 and bottles at $40. Note since there’s no liquor license yet, cocktails are made with sake.
As with the sister in South Beach, Tanuki River Landing offers deals which are ideal for trying out the restaurant. There’s a choice of two lunch specials –$25 for two courses and $30 for three courses.
First course offerings include a choice of salty or spicy Edamame, followed by a choice of Mango Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Salmon Avocado, Vegetable Udon Noodle, Mango Salmon ($25+$5), Striploin 5-oz. Prime (($25+$5) or Chirashi Don (($25+$5), all served with white rice. For dessert choose vanilla, chocolate or matcha mochi or espresso, double espresso or an Americano coffee.
Happy hour is offered Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., a selection of four cocktails for $8; house wine for $8; and beer for $5. Light bites include shishito peppers, shichimi chicharrones and edamame, $5 each; Char siu pork ribs (2 pieces), karaage chicken peppers; and salmon and avocado maki, $10 each.
Tanuki River Landing is located at River Landing Shops and Residences, 1400 N.W. N. River Drive, Miami 33125 which, if you’ve been on 836 you’ve seen from afar with flags of the big name brands. And while you’re at River Landing, pick up one of the top notch baguettes from Ficelle.
There’s ample parking, and the first two hours are free. There’s also dockage for arrival by boat. It’s open for lunch and dinner daily.
