For the past two decades NOE sushi bar, named after its talented and culinarily daring chef/co-owner
Noe Carmona, has maintained a well-earned reputation as a temple of Japanese and Latin American
gastronomy at its finest. More than fusion and not Nikkei, a meal at NOE sushi bar offers diners a
transportive journey, combining provocative flavors, textures and techniques for an experience wholly its
own. Now, as the brand celebrates 20 successful years and close to three dozen acclaimed locations
throughout Ecuador, Chef Carmona is ready to unveil the first U.S. location of NOE sushi bar in
South Miami. Located at 5958 South Dixie Highway in the former Mi'talia space, the restaurant is slated
to open July 2024 upon completion of a full renovation.
At a young age Chef Carmona, the eldest of 10 siblings in a modest farming family in Ecuador, dreamed
of getting to Quito. His culinary journey began at eight years of age, cooking rice to lend a hand at home.
At 12, a restaurant job during school break ignited his passion for cooking and opened his eyes to the
flavors and possibilities of different cuisines. Seven years later, he finally found himself in the country's
capital and despite numerous challenges upon arriving in Quito, including homelessness, Carmona's
determination led him to Tanoshi in Hotel Oro Verde. There, he began as a dishwasher and worked his
way up to a spot on the kitchen staff, where he was recognized for his relentless drive and work ethic. A
few years later, he moved on to work alongside Japanese master chefs, sparking a lifelong love for
Japanese cuisine. A protégé of Master Chef Ken Namba's guidance, he grew to master Japanese
culinary techniques leading to the opening of his first NOE in 1994 in Quito. There, he introduced his
signature style – blending Japanese and Ecuadorian cuisine – and established himself as a trendsetting
talent.
"It's a dream come true to bring NOE to the United States and no other city would make sense for our first
U.S. location more than Miami," says Carmona. "I'm excited for South Floridian's to have a completely
new dining experience."
Boasting a well-rounded menu of hot and cold specialties, including traditional and signature maki and
sashimi selections, NOE sushi bar will feature a combination of NOE signatures as well as a handful of
Chef Carmona creations unique to The 305. Signature must-haves include Noe Tataki – tuna, salmon,
white fish, octopus and semi-roasted filet mignon, served with chef's sauce; Mizutako – grilled octopus
seasoned with oriental spices, accompanied by vegetables; Filet Mignon Ramen – traditional ramen
served with slices of torched filet mignon, crunchy vegetables and a soft boiled egg; and Sake Yama Roll
– roll wrapped in potato threads with crab, masago, avocado, cream cheese, topped with salmon,
accompanied by passion fruit and eel sauces.
Seating 140 between the patio and sleek dining room, complete with a newly-installed sushi bar, NOE
sushi bar will undoubtedly become a destination in a market rich with residential and commercial
interests.
NOE sushi bar is located at 5958 South Dixie Highway. The restaurant will be open daily for lunch and
dinner from 11:30am until 10:30pm. Telephone: (305) 306-3708; www.noesushimiami.com.
