Hawa Fusion Cuisine

• Cuisine(s): Fusion, Japanese, Lebanese, Mediterranean, Sushi
  Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-8pm
  Price: $, $$
  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
• Attire: Casual
  Features: Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Takeout, Delivery, Wheelchair Accessible, Kid Friendly, Vegetarian Friendly
  Serving: Dinner, Lunch
  Alcohol: None
• Reservations: Not Necessary
  Parking: Meters

Description

We really don't even want to tell you about this place. Why? We suspect it will become so immensely popular that someday we'll have to wait for seats because now it has only about six tables. Sigh. But at least we'll sleep at night knowing we sent you to a spot you'll love. This little find is hidden in an unusual space, but once you eat the food, your stomach will never let you forget where to go. The concept - Japanese-Lebanese-Mediterranean fusion - sounds really strange, but you'll be pleasantly surprised. Owner Mahmoud Hawa - yep, he's Lebanese - worked his way through most of Miami's finest restaurants and hotels until he compiled a menu that incorporates the best of everything. He describes it as "where two easts meet: the Far East and the Middle East." Rolls such as eel coconut - with crunchy, round mini rice crackers ($12) - and jasmine ($13), which stands out mainly because it's wrapped in green soy crêpe, taste even better than they look. Can't decide between salad or a roll but want to spend less than $15? Avant-Garde ingeniously combines the two so you won't have to choose. Then there's the tofu bucket, stuffed with rice, nuts, and avocado (trust us - it's worth trying), as well as kibbe nayye and pizzata, which sound foreign but taste divine. The restaurant is tiny and nothing to look at just yet, but Hawa is planning to expand soon, and we predict the result will be understated yet functional and impressive. Speaking of strange combinations, he also mentioned maybe having a belly dancer disguised as a geisha providing entertainment once the construction dust settles. It sure sounds odd, but we bought into his fusion concept, so let's keep an open mind.