Lifestyle

Makoto, 2.0

By Giovanny Gutierrez

Interior of Makoto’s new restaurant space

Makoto’s new space was designed by Paris-based architect and designer India Mahdavi.

Portrait image of Chef Makoto

Chef Makoto Okuwa, photographed by Theodora Ritcher.

As if there weren’t already enough reasons to obsess (crispy tuna rice anyone?) over chef Makoto Okuwa’s eponymous Japanese restaurant, the (Stephen) Starr-powered team and international designer India Mahdavi have given us plenty more. 244 to be exact. That’s the number of guests the revamped Makoto—now located on Level Three of Bal Harbour Shops—can accommodate in its ample, breezy, and seamless indoor-outdoor space. Hopefully that means you never have to worry about not getting a reservation or table again.

The vibe is sort of what you’d expect if Don Draper was visiting Miami and wanted to go out for low-key but elevated sushi. It may take a moment to get situated depending on what part of the restaurant you happen to get sat in. Are you in a Parisian brasserie, American diner or 1930s, rattan-rage Los Angeles? To be honest, once the dishes start appearing, the ambience fades and all attention is on flavor.

And while the vibe is completely different than Makoto 1.0, you can count on the menu to deliver all the hits: The sake collection is still extensive, the Edomae-style sushi is impeccable and the cocktails remain unique. One new addition you’ll want to take advantage of is the exclusive sushi bar for 16. And pro tip: you’ll be first to be let in on any specials or catch of the day if you happen to snag a spot.

If you’re new to the Makoto menu, do it right with my personal favorites starting with a Thai Mojito, the famous Serrano Chili Tuna Crispy Rice, followed by Rock Shrimp from the tempura section, Spicy Yellowtail uramaki roll and the Miso Sea Bass topped with Crispy Kale—all in that order for a perfect journey.

A variety of dishes from Makoto

A few fan favorites: spicy tuna crispy rice, corn, and wasabi vegetable fried rice.

Makoto’s shishito peppers

Shishito tempura peppers.

Makoto’s fried rice with garnish on top

Wasabi vegetable fried rice.

@balharbourshops

follow us on instagram

Smooth as Gucci. The Italian house has just unveiled its new collection, The Art of Silk, which features nine international artists reinterpreting five archival themes—flora, fauna, nautical, equestrian, and the GG monogram—from Gucci’s storied collections. Experience the Art of Silk at Gucci’s Bal Harbour boutique.

1034 33
Open
Smooth as Gucci. The Italian house has just unveiled its new collection, The Art of Silk, which features nine international artists reinterpreting five archival themes—flora, fauna, nautical, equestrian, and the GG monogram—from Gucci’s storied collections. Experience the Art of Silk at Gucci’s Bal Harbour boutique.

Suede maxi-skirts. Equestrian-inspired boots. Elaborate necklines. Our highlights from the Ralph Lauren Fall ‘25 show in New York.

361 15
Open
Suede maxi-skirts. Equestrian-inspired boots. Elaborate necklines. Our highlights from the Ralph Lauren Fall ‘25 show in New York.

If ever you needed a reason to book it to Loewe—their new tome is available in store now. “Crafted World: Jonathan Anderson’s Loewe” celebrates Jonathan Anderson’s tenure as the house’s creative director with full-bleed photography of iconic designs, a collection of conversations, and a foreword by Zadie Smith. It’s the perfect way for the designer to conclude his chapter at the Spanish house before he turns over a new leaf as the creative director at Dior Men. Find the book—as well as pieces from Anderson’s final collection—here, at Loewe at Bal Harbour Shops.

115 4
Open
If ever you needed a reason to book it to Loewe—their new tome is available in store now. “Crafted World: Jonathan Anderson’s Loewe” celebrates Jonathan Anderson’s tenure as the house’s creative director with full-bleed photography of iconic designs, a collection of conversations, and a foreword by Zadie Smith. It’s the perfect way for the designer to conclude his chapter at the Spanish house before he turns over a new leaf as the creative director at Dior Men. Find the book—as well as pieces from Anderson’s final collection—here, at Loewe at Bal Harbour Shops.