New Asian Eatery, IKO Miami, to Open in Edgewater Monday, December 9
+1 New Asian Eatery, IKO Miami, to Open in Edgewater Monday, December 9
New Asian Eatery, IKO Miami, to Open in Edgewater Monday, December 9
New Asian Eatery, IKO Miami, to Open in Edgewater Monday, December 9
New Asian Eatery, IKO Miami, to Open in Edgewater Monday, December 9
IKO Miami, the brainchild of entrepreneur Francesco Raveggi and Chef Guillermo Gassan, will open its doors in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood on Monday, December 9. Inspired by a love for Asian cuisine, particularly Japanese culinary traditions, IKO Miami offers an immersive dining experience centered around neurogastronomy, the art and science of how our brain perceives food through our senses. Inspired by the Japanese word ikoku, meaning “foreign country”—IKO embraces the essence of the unfamiliar and exotic by transporting guests through an experience that captivates with stunning visuals, enchanting aromas, and vibrant flavors.
IKO MIAMI
The journey begins the moment guests arrive. Before diners commence their meal, they are offered a special treat designed to awaken the taste buds, ushering in the experience. Each dish that follows is a masterpiece, crafted to ignite all five senses.
The restaurant’s menu, while deeply rooted in Japanese traditions, is infused with a creative, modern edge, showcasing Chef Gassan’s love for textures, flavors, and ingredients from across Asia. The menu features nigiri, sashimi, tartares, marinated raw selections, and sushi rolls. Standouts include the Tuna Tartare, Yellowfin tuna with a Venezuelan influence—an ode to Gassan’s roots—served with toasted corn arepas made with truffle and parmesan. The dish engages smell and taste as guests break the arepa to release the rich truffle aroma. Raw Marinated selections are paired with a complementary ingredient, such as Salmon Belly with lychee sauce, Octopus in paprika reduction, Lobster in a decadent truffle butter, and Hamachi with citrus and cilantro oil. Even sushi rolls are crafted with a twist, like the Alaska Roll—salmon marinated in yuzu and lemon zest, finished with gold flakes and ikura.
One of IKO’s signature dishes, the Wagyu Bar, allows diners to cook premium wagyu selections on a hot stone directly at their table, an experience that heightens both the tactile and aromatic sensations as the beef sizzles to perfection. To further elevate the experience, a spicy gold dust is presented in a glass bottle wrapped in paper, which is set ablaze tableside. As the paper slowly burns away to reveal the glass beneath, the dramatic flames ignite the sense of sight, creating anticipation. Guests can control the heat level by adjusting the spice to their preference. This hands-on interaction brings each bite to life, engaging sight, smell, and taste in a uniquely immersive way.
With years of experience across various Asian and fusion kitchens, Chef Guillermo Gassan brings a refined understanding of Japanese and Asian cuisine to IKO Miami. Born and raised in Venezuela, Gassan’s passion for Japanese cuisine and dedication to creating innovative, memorable dishes is evident in every plate he prepares.
“In each dish, I aim to capture the essence of Japan’s rich culinary heritage while bringing in a touch of exoticism that’s true to our concept,” says Chef Guillermo Gassan. “At IKO Miami, it’s not just about great food—it’s about creating an experience that resonates with our guests from the first moment to the last bite.”
As Co-Owner of IKO Miami, Francesco Raveggi brings his extensive entrepreneurial background and deep-rooted passion for the culinary arts to Miami’s vibrant dining scene. The Italian native has helped launch several successful ventures in Rome including Carlsberg Pub and Cuoco & Camicia, and Miami hotspot, La Natural.
IKO’s interior is designed to complement its culinary artistry. A stunning mural by local artists Julian Gonzalez and Raul Garcia from Murals Miami welcomes guests at the entrance. Designed by Guillermo’s brother, Maik Gassan, the mural features a hand reaching toward its goals, surrounded by bonsai trees and strokes inspired by Japanese calligraphy on a paper-like background, reflecting the restaurant’s blend of tradition and modernity. The restaurant features a minimalist design envisioned by the two founders, with warm wood tones complemented by black and white accents. An open kitchen offers a direct view into the culinary action, and a five-seat bar provides an intimate setting for sushi lovers. Velvet chairs add a touch of opulence throughout the dining room. In keeping with the restaurant’s dedication to quality and authenticity, the handmade lamps adorning the space were sourced directly from Bali.
IKO Miami is located at 75 NE 16th St, Miami, FL 33132. The restaurant will open Monday – Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday – Saturday from 5 p.m. to Midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
