To mark its highly anticipated 40th anniversary, as Miami Beach’s longest-running sushi bar, iconic Toni’s Sushi Bar is thrilled to announce the unveiling of its extraordinary redesign, a collaborative endeavor between world-renowned New York City firm KONO Designs, and four traditional craftsmen flown in from Japan to lend their inimitable knowledge of bamboo craftsmanship to the project. The exciting transformation sets a new standard for sushi dining experiences, combining modern aesthetics with the essence of traditional Japanese culture, to which the new design pays homage.
The sibling leadership team of Toni’s Sushi Bar – Kevin and Yoko Takarada – embarked on the heartfelt redesign in memory of their late parents, the founders of the restaurant, as the restaurant’s 40th anniversary approaches. The cornerstone of the new design is five tons of bamboo imported from the mountains of Kyoto, transformed into dramatic shapes and archways throughout the restaurant. In Japanese culture, bamboo is a symbol of strength and beauty but also has unwavering flexibility that allows for it to be shaped into form when treated and cut in particular ways. The four craftsmen, each a master in their field who count ancient temples and royal gardens in Japan among their past commissioned work, transformed Toni’s Sushi Bar into a mesmerizing space. Highlights include an enchanting bamboo tunnel over the restaurant’s signature sunken tables and a dynamic bamboo wave that seemingly crashes over the sushi bar.
Esteemed interior design firm Kono Designs was instrumental in the creative direction as the firm has extensive experience harmoniously balancing Japanese traditions with contemporary aesthetics in its global projects. From the materials used to the overall look and feel, the celebrated firm skillfully blended contemporary elements with nods to Japanese heritage to create a space that is as visually stunning as the acclaimed sushi the landmark restaurant has served for a remarkable four decades.
Renowned for its impeccable service, fresh ingredients, and exquisite sushi creations, Toni’s has become an iconic destination for locals and visitors alike who flock to its seats for signature items like Salmon Carpaccio, Bluefin Toro Tartar, Dreaming Shrimp Roll and a wide variety of fresh fish, among other favorite dishes. With its fresh new look and nearly four decades of service as one of Miami Beach’s most successful restaurants, it continues to elevate the sushi dining experience to new heights, reflecting the artistry of sushi-making with the artistry of its design.
Toni’s Sushi Bar is located at 1208 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, 33139. The hours of operation are Monday to Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call 305.673.9368 or visit www.tonisushi.com.