Naruto 88 Bistro in Kendall, Miami

In the bustling stretch of North Kendall Drive, there’s a place where epicurean magic and flavors unfold, and that spot is the charming Naruto 88 Bistro. Every dish is a tantalizing bite, a lyrical symphony of tastes waiting to explode in a glorious burst of delight.

My little one, a budding food connoisseur, has always loved this place. With eyes sparkling with anticipation and excitement, she told me countless tales of the flavors hidden within those doors. To say she insisted that we come here would be putting it mildly. It was more like a culinary crusade, a voyage she beckoned me to undertake with a fervor that was too infectious to resist.

So there we were, stepping into the vibrant realm of Naruto 88 Bistro as if crossing an invisible threshold into a world where every morsel told a story. Miss Y.’s face lit up like a lantern in the night as the aroma of the dishes perfumed the air, inviting, enchanting.

She was the captain of our gastronomic adventure, navigating the menu with an assurance that was both delightful and amusing. Guided by her youthful wisdom, we embarked on a culinary odyssey, sharing bites from the takoyaki, chicken gyoza, ramen, and poke bowl.

Takoyaki

Let me sharpen your appetite with the tantalizing allure of a truly splendid Takoyaki: picture a sizzling pan, grooves filled with divine spheres of happiness. Within each one, a treasure trove of tender octopus pieces, hidden like pearls within the depths of a sea of batter. As they danced on the heated griddle, they transformed into golden globes, crispy on the outside, fluffy and warm within. The masterful chef turned each one and served them piping hot, dressed in a robe of rich, sweet-savory takoyaki sauce, the dark glossy sheen playing beautifully off the golden crust. Drizzles of creamy, tangy mayonnaise formed a beautiful contrast, both in color and flavor. A generous snowfall of bonito flakes danced atop, waving gently from the heat, their smoky essence infusing the spheres with added umami depth. A final sprinkle of green seaweed added color and an intriguing earthiness. Each bite was a collection of textures and flavors – crispy, creamy, sweet, savory, smoky – that was simply fun on the tongue.

Chicken Gyoza

The beauty of chicken gyoza, while modest in appearance, tells a compelling story. These meticulously pleated half-moon-shaped dumplings were honest and impactful, like a finely crafted art piece. The succulent chicken, subtly flavored with a blend of cabbage, garlic, and ginger, was enclosed within a paper-thin casing, creating a dynamic contrast between its crisp pan-fried side and its softer, steamed one. Paired with a sauce steeped in the flavors of soy, chili, and rice vinegar, every bite delivered a nuanced interplay of tastes that was both engaging and delicious.

BBQ Pork Ramen Noodle Soup

Here’s a dish that will bring you to your knees – a steaming bowl of BBQ Pork Ramen Noodle Soup, the kind of meal that makes you forget about sharing, much like Miss Y. did. It was served with beansprouts, scallions, cilantro, egg, corn, and edamame. The ramen noodles, perfect in their imperfection, served as a tangled nest for the barbequed pork, slices of charred heaven that redefined tenderness. This was not just pork – it was a testament to patience, time, and the transformative power of heat. All of this was cradled in a broth that was soulful in its complexity – a simmered melody of soy, mirin, garlic, ginger, and more. Vibrant scallions, nori whispers of the sea, and an egg with a yolk richer than a crooked politician accented the bowl. It was a dish that challenged the notion of ‘just a bowl of soup.’ Understandably, Miss Y. was fiercely protective of her treasure, barely allowing a bite to be shared. I must note, though, it was not a handsome bowl of ramen- it could have been presented with more care, as some of the ingredients were sinking.

Poke Bowl

This was my main dish. This poke bowl was more than just a meal—it was a  journey through tastes and textures that was a non-stop trip to flavor land. It started with a bed of fluffy white rice – no frills, just an honest-to-goodness foundation. On top of the rice,  chunks of raw salmon, as fresh as a salty sea breeze, their rich color like the setting sun – each bite was like a punch of oceanic sweetness. Then came the roasted mushrooms: earthy, smoky, not too good-looking. Avocado was next, smooth and creamy and almost buried in the rice, hitting all the right notes in its mellow, buttery tones. This poke bowl did not care for airs or graces – it was honest, bold, and delicious.

At the end of the meal, we sat there, contented smiles gracing our lips, the echoes of the food carnival slowly dying down. As we walked back, my little one looked at me, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction, and I knew our culinary adventure at Naruto 88 Bistro was more than a meal. It was a cherished memory, a page in our family’s flavor-filled book of life.