By: Sophia Lalaounis By: Sophia Lalaounis | February 25, 2025 | Food & Drink, Eat, Drink,
Grupo Ikigai expands its culinary legacy with the debut of Ikigai in Brickell Key, where traditional Japanese techniques meet modern innovation.
Grupo Ikigai, the esteemed hospitality brand behind Mexico City’s celebrated dining destinations, is expanding its reach with the unveiling of Ikigai, a Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Brickell Key. This new venture effortlessly fuses traditional Japanese culinary artistry with a modern sensibility, offering a menu rich in delicacies such as nigiri, maki, sashimi, temaki, and signature dishes like tempura, soups, and gyozas.
At Ikigai, guests can indulge in various traditional Japanese delicacies with a modern twist.
Highlighted items such as the white fish tiradito, hamachi serrano, ribeye udon, shrimp gyozas, and the nigiri omakase experience shift daily, ensuring a constant evolution based on the freshest global selections. Dedicated to providing the finest flavors, Ikigai sources premium ingredients worldwide, with fresh seafood flown in daily from Japan, New Zealand, Chile, Mexico, the U.S., and Europe.
Juan Jose Xacur, chef Ignacio Carmona and Andres Lebrija are teaming up to serve Miamians and visitors alike an exceptional culinary experience.
Leading the kitchen at Ikigai is chef and partner Ignacio Carmona, whose extensive 30 years of expertise and training in Japan have shaped his renowned culinary approach. Having helmed some of Mexico's finest Japanese restaurants, chef Carmona’s artistry has earned him numerous accolades, including a coveted place in the “100 Best Restaurants in Mexico.” Now, with Ikigai, he continues to innovate the dining scene, blending tradition with inventive gastronomy delivering an unparalleled experience in the heart of Brickell.
The serene ambiance boasting natural hues and textures reflects Ikigai's ethos of understated elegance.
Designed by the acclaimed architectural firm Sala Hars, Ikigai’s interiors embody a refined simplicity that elevates the dining experience. The serene ambiance, complemented by furnishings from La Metropolitana, reflects the restaurant’s ethos of understated elegance. “Our philosophy is deeply rooted in the Japanese concept of ‘ikigai,’ which translates to ‘reason for being,’” explained Xacur. “We aim to bring this philosophy to life through exceptional food, service and commitment to sustainability. If you do what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs and are also compensated for it, you have found your Ikigai.”
Flown in daily from the world’s premier waters, Ikigai’s sashimi delivers an authentic taste of Japan with every bite.
Ikigai invites guests to experience its thoughtfully curated menu for lunch, dinner, and special celebrations. The restaurant offers a 2-hour parking validation and invites patrons to secure reservations via OpenTable. With the launch of Ikigai, Grupo Ikigai takes an exciting step in introducing its flagship concept to the U.S., adding to its impressive portfolio of 12 distinguished restaurants across Mexico. 615 Brickell Key Dr., Miami
Photography by: Photo Credits: Nick Garcia