10 seats and a spectacular design: New upscale Japanese spot opens on Coral Way

A luxurious, eye-catching Japanese restaurant is opening on Coral Way.

From partners and chefs Glen Kotlyarski and Yoni Matz comes Takay, a 10-seat counter that serves dinner omakase-style (chef’s choice). The restaurant, which opens July 10, is named for the Japanese word “takai,” which means “elevated.”

And elevated is a good way to describe the look of Takay. Designed by the Japan-based firm KTX, the 800-square foot restaurant features a Zen garden entrance and an intimate omakase counter.

Sitting at the counter, you’ll gaze into an installation made of native Japanese Hinoki wood that was inspired by artist Katsushika Hokusai’s famous work “The Great Wave Off Kanagawa.”

The room features other Hinoki wood touches on the sushi counter, shelving and latticework, with Shoji-style rice paper panels on the wall.

Kotlyarski, whose culinary career includes stints with the Jean-Georges Group and the Michelin-starred omakase spot Hiden in Wynwood, said he and Matz wanted to “exceed our guests’ expectations at every seating.”

“Because the menu changes with the seasons, no two experiences are exactly the same,” he said. “It gives us the opportunity to refine the progression — adjusting temperature and texture, considering aroma and visual presentation — so all senses are engaged.”

Each omakase dinner will start with sashimi, move to nigiri and various cooked plates. The seafood and specialty items used at Takay will be flown in from Japan.

The restaurant will also offer sake pairings, champagne and wine.

Co-founder Matz said he and Kotlyarski were thrilled to finally share their concept with Miami and that they hope to make dining at Takay a friendly and comfortable evening.

“It’s a culmination of decades of experience and a deep respect for Japanese culture,” he said. “It’s about creating a welcoming ambience where guests feel at home.”

Takay

Where: 2296 Coral Way, Miami

Opening: July 10

Seatings: 6 and 9 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday

Price: $250 per person for 17 courses

Reservations: SevenRooms