Mottai: A New Chapter in Japanese Cuisine
Miami’s vibrant culinary scene welcomes Mottai, a modern Japanese restaurant that has officially opened its doors at The Plaza Coral Gables. This new establishment represents the first U.S. venture from the acclaimed Brazil-based Attivo Group, known for its commitment to exceptional dining experiences across 13 celebrated locations in Brazil. With Mottai, the group aims to create a culinary experience that resonates with both their brand values and the unique essence of Miami.
Visionary Leadership Behind Mottai
Marcelo Simões Abrão, the driving force behind Attivo Group, expressed his excitement about this new venture:
“Bringing Mottai to the United States represents an important step for our group. When we expand into a new market, the goal is always to create something that feels authentic to both our values and the city itself. Miami’s international energy makes it a natural place for this next chapter.”
Crafting a Culinary Identity
At the helm of Mottai’s culinary development is Chef Brian Nasajon, who has honed his skills in renowned kitchens across New York and South Florida. Partnering with Executive Chef Moritz Esser and Sushi Chef Hiroshi Shintaku, the team has curated a menu that marries Japanese culinary discipline with a fresh, local perspective.
Exploratory Menu Highlights
The menu at Mottai is designed to encourage exploration, featuring a variety of cold and hot small plates. Guests can start with:
- Hamachi: served with white soy ponzu, jalapeño, and citrus oroshi.
- Hirame: accompanied by spicy pomelo and lemongrass.
- Japanese Eggplant: topped with miso mustard and tentsuyu.
- Steamed Clams: flavored with sake, chive oil, and furikake.
- Mottai Crispy Chicken: paired with pickled watermelon and chili sauce.
These dishes showcase a thoughtful reinterpretation of familiar Japanese preparations, emphasizing texture, seasoning, and ingredient pairings that elevate traditional formats.
Signature Dishes That Shine
Mottai’s menu features standout signature dishes that highlight both seafood and grill preparations:
- Sugi Katsu: a seafood-forward version of katsu using cobia and ponzu aioli.
- Pork Belly: served with hatcho yakiniku, bib lettuce, and shaved shallots.
- Black Garlic Chicken: paired with carrot purée and charred scallions.
- American Wagyu Rib-Eye: accompanied by shiso tempura and tare sauce.
- U4 Prawns: presented with a garlic ginger sauce.
The rice and noodle offerings, including Yaki Udon with wild mushrooms and Kinoko Hot Pot, further enhance the menu, inviting diners to engage with their food in an interactive way.
Exceptional Sushi Offerings
At Mottai’s sushi counter, Chef Hiroshi Shintaku curates a selection that emphasizes clean, high-quality ingredients.
For a curated experience, guests can opt for the Chef’s Nigiri or Sashimi selections, showcasing the breadth of premium seafood available.
Craft Cocktails and Delightful Desserts
Mottai also features a curated cocktail program led by Gui Jaroschy of Unfiltered Hospitality, offering refined takes on classic cocktails infused with Japanese influences. The drinks are designed to complement the menu, reflecting a sense of balance and layered flavors.
To wrap up the dining experience, the dessert menu includes:
- Mango Chawanmushi: a mango custard served with kiwi, passion fruit, coconut crumble, and sorbet.
- Chocolate Fondanta: a molten chocolate cake paired with black sesame cocoa nib tuile and Okinawa Espresso ice cream.
A Unique Dining Atmosphere
The interior of Mottai is inspired by French Japonisme, blending European architectural elements with subtle Japanese details. The design features marble tables, deep blue velvet seating, and white crane wall art, creating a refined yet welcoming environment. As day transitions to night, the restaurant’s lighting transforms the ambience, enhancing the dining experience.
Visit Mottai Today
Mottai is located at The Plaza Coral Gables at 2881 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134. The restaurant welcomes guests for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, visit mottaimiami.com or follow @mottaimiami on Instagram.
Join the Conversation
We invite you to experience the culinary innovation of Mottai. Share your thoughts and dining experiences in the comments below, and let us know how this new restaurant fits into the Miami dining landscape!
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
