Prepare your taste buds for an exquisite journey through the vibrant flavors of sushi and Asian cuisine along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A. From mouthwatering sushi rolls to tantalizing noodle dishes, the culinary scene on 30A offers an array of options to satisfy your cravings for Asian delights. After careful consideration and the votes of sushi and Asian cuisine enthusiasts, we present to you the hottest spots for sushi and Asian cuisine on 30A. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure filled with delectable bites and culinary artistry.

Winner: Shaka Sushi and Cocktail Bar

Step into the realm of sushi perfection at Shaka Sushi and Cocktail Bar, the crowned champion of 30A’s hottest spot for sushi and Asian cuisine. Located in Inlet Beach, this culinary haven takes sushi to new heights with its dedication to quality ingredients and impeccable craftsmanship. From Chef James Sargent’s signature rolls to his innovative fusion creations, Shaka Sushi and Cocktail Bar knows how to elevate your sushi experience. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and artistry that will transport you to sushi paradise. Don’t forget to pair your sushi feast with one of their expertly crafted seasonal cocktails – we recommend the spicy margarita and the hot sake – for a complete sensory delight. Shaka Sushi and Cocktail Bar is a culinary gem that will leave you craving for more.

2nd Place: Nanbu Noodle Bar

In a close second, Nanbu Noodle Bar captures the essence of Asian comfort food with their soul-warming noodle dishes and authentic flavors. Situated in Seaside, this noodle paradise offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere where you can indulge in their delectable ramen bowls, udon noodles, and more. We suggest trying the Nanbu Noodle Bowl, a distinctive dish featuring Kurobuta BBQ pork shoulder, garnished with collard greens, corn, egg, and scallion, all served in a rich, double broth. Vegetarians fear not! The Assari Vegetable Ramen is a delightful choice that will surely brighten your day. This vibrant and flavorful bowl is packed with carrots, nori, tofu, enoki mushrooms, bok choy, and bamboo shoots, all topped off with a sprinkle of scallions and cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Each dish is a celebration of Asian culinary traditions, crafted with precision and love. From the rich broths to the perfectly cooked noodles, Nanbu Noodle Bar delivers a noodle experience that will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul.

3rd Place: Basmati’s Asian Cuisine

Securing the well-deserved third spot on our list of the hottest spots for sushi and Asian cuisine on 30A, Basmati’s Asian Cuisine is a treasure trove of culinary delights. Located in Miramar Beach, this restaurant offers a fusion of Asian flavors, showcasing the best of various cuisines. Basmati’s Asian Cuisine skillfully blends fresh, local ingredients with Asian culinary traditions, creating a relaxed yet elegant ambiance that’s always welcoming, and never pretentious. The restaurant’s distinctive sushi offerings have become a hit with South Walton residents. Equally popular are their bonsai salad, seaweed salad, and sashimi salad. Additionally, the Panko Red Snapper and Firecracker Grouper dishes enjoy equal popularity for their unique flavors. From their sushi creations to their tantalizing curry dishes, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to distant lands. Whether you’re a sushi connoisseur or an Asian cuisine enthusiast, Basmati’s Asian Cuisine is a must-visit destination for a unique dining experience that blends the best of the East.

More Sushi and Asian Cuisine Nominees:

While these establishments may not have claimed the top spots, they deserve recognition for their dedication to crafting exceptional sushi and Asian culinary experiences that will leave you wanting more.

The Bay

Nestled in Santa Rosa Beach, The Bay is a waterfront restaurant that boasts a laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking views. Their menu features a fusion of Asian-inspired dishes and coastal flavors, creating a dining experience that is both delightful and memorable. We recommend indulging in the Seafood Platter at Aja, a delightful assortment featuring fried oysters, blackened shrimp, and grilled fish, all accompanied by crispy French fries. For a local twist, substitute with fresh shrimp or Gulf fish, prepared to your liking—either grilled or blackened with a flavorful sake beurre blanc, or flash-fried in seasoned flour. Each option comes with two sides of your choice. The Fried Oysters, crisply golden and served with a unique smoked-Vidalia onion tartar sauce, also offer a choice of two accompaniments, ensuring a customized and satisfying seafood experience.

Old Florida Fish House

Located in Santa Rosa Beach, Old Florida Fish House offers a unique twist on Asian cuisine with its fusion-inspired dishes. The Summer Summer roll is a must-try, with its blend of tempura, scallions, spicy mayo, yellowtail, and salmon, elegantly topped with avocado, soy reduction, and citrus lemon zest for a refreshing twist. For those seeking a unique flavor experience, the Volcano Roll is a standout choice, featuring a decadent combination of snow crab salad, avocado, and cucumber, topped with baked crab, scallop, and salmon, all drizzled with soy reduction. These signature rolls, artfully crafted and bursting with flavors, are sure to delight any sushi aficionado. Their waterfront setting and relaxed atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for enjoying fresh seafood dishes infused with Asian flavors. 

Sushimoto

Situated in Miramar Beach, Sushimoto is a go-to destination for sushi enthusiasts. With its extensive sushi menu, tuna salad, and creative rolls, Sushimoto delivers a fresh and flavorful sushi experience that will leave you craving for more.

Shan Kishi

Located in Destin, Shan Kishi offers a diverse menu that encompasses various Asian cuisines. From their sushi creations to gyozas, to their hibachi dishes, Shan Kishi is known for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and skilled chefs.

Farm & Fire

Farm & Fire, situated in Santa Rosa Beach, combines Asian flavors with farm-to-table ingredients, creating a unique and memorable dining experience. The restaurant offers a diverse and tantalizing array of sushi rolls that cater to every palate. The Crunchy Munchies Roll is a crowd-pleaser, featuring a soy wrap, ginger-fired shrimp, tuna, cream cheese, and avocado, topped with a spicy Krab salad, eel sauce, fire sauce, and tempura crunchies for a delightful textural contrast. For a unique twist, try the Yellowstone Roll, which combines the unconventional yet delicious pairing of grilled tenderloin and tempura-fried onions with cucumber, avocado, and fire sauce, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a traditional sushi lover or an adventurous foodie, these creatively crafted rolls are sure to provide a memorable dining experience. With their commitment to using locally sourced produce and bold flavors, Farm & Fire offers a fresh and innovative approach to Asian cuisine that will delight your taste buds.

VKI Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

VKI Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, located in Miramar Beach, is a culinary destination that offers a combination of hibachi-style dining and authentic sushi creations. Whether you’re in the mood for sizzling teppanyaki or expertly crafted sushi rolls, VKI Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar delivers a memorable dining experience that blends entertainment with exquisite flavors.

For a complete list of this year’s 30A Hot Spots Award winners, dig in to www.30A.com/2023-hot-spot-winners.