A sushi and tapas restaurant in downtown Coral Gables has closed its doors and a new Japanese restaurant is getting ready to replace it.
The Mai Sushi Tapas Bar at 98 Miracle Mile has closed permanently, according to its Google listing.
Meanwhile, new signage up on the windows of the space announces that STAND. Cafe & Japanese Eatery will be moving in soon. That’s the way STAND. styles itself. All caps with a period.
The concept behind STAND. sounds pretty unique. The Burn Miami found the following description online.
“By day, STAND. is a modern Japanese café inspired by Tokyo’s understated kissaten and convenience-food culture — serving handcrafted matcha, specialty coffee, sandos, onigiri, and bento boxes with seasonal proteins, rice, miso soup, and pickles.”
“By night, the space transforms into a dimly lit izakaya – casual yet refined – offering classics like karaage, gyoza, ramen, and small plates meant for sharing over sake, beer, and natural wine.”
Right now, the STAND. team tells us they are hoping for a May opening if all goes smoothly between now and then.