26 Sushi & Tapas is now 26 Sushi & Wok
After nearly a decade of serving innovative Nikkei cuisine – the first kosher restaurant in the world to serve such a cuisine, 26 Sushi & Tapas in Surfside has undergone a bold transformation. The restaurant has reopened this month as 26 Sushi & Wok, embracing a completely new concept as a pan-Asian meat eatery, focusing mostly on Japanese and Chinese cuisine. This shift moves the beloved establishment from its dairy Nikkei roots—blending Japanese and Peruvian flavors—to a dynamic kosher meat-focused menu inspired by diverse Asian culinary traditions.
The change marks a significant evolution in the kosher dining scene in Surfside, a community known for its vibrant array of kosher options. Fans of the former 26 Sushi & Tapas, which opened ten years ago, may remember its creative sushi rolls and fusion dishes. While the dairy elements are now retired, 26 Sushi & Wok promises an equally exciting, meat-focused experience, complete with an expansive menu that showcases the best of Asian-inspired kosher cuisine.
Guests can expect a variety of freshly prepared wok dishes, sushi options with premium cuts of fish, and other classic Asian dishes reimagined through the kosher lens. Early reviews highlight flavorful dishes like Korean-style barbecue, crispy chicken preparations, and specialty sushi rolls featuring fresh and inventive combinations. (Keep scrolling for more images from the restaurant)
The menu at 26 Sushi & Wok in Surfside, FL, is an exciting blend of kosher Pan-Asian cuisine with a creative twist. The offerings range from expertly crafted sushi rolls to flavorful wok dishes, healthy options, and unique chef specials.
The sushi menu includes both raw and cooked varieties. Raw options feature inventive rolls like the Tower Roll, with spicy tuna, crispy onions, and glazed shiitake mushrooms, and the Pink Panther Roll, wrapped in soy paper and enhanced with a figs glaze. Cooked sushi highlights include the Crunchy Tiger Roll, with salmon tempura and wasabi peas, and the Truffle Tempura Veggie Roll, combining tempura zucchini with a truffle cream and Thai chili aioli.
Wok dishes provide a hearty array of Asian-inspired meals, such as Kung Pao Beef with a red chili glaze and roasted peanuts, or Bourbon Noodles, wok-fired thick egg noodles in a rich bourbon tare sauce. Health-conscious diners can enjoy lighter fare like Steamed Bok Choy or the HC Chop Sui, a mix of stir-fried vegetables in house sauce.
The menu also shines with chef’s specialties like the Miso Seabass, a marinated Chilean seabass served with wild mushrooms and a miso glaze, or the Chinese BBQ Beef Belly, tender beef belly bites in a house-made BBQ glaze. For a bold indulgence, try the Half Crispy Duck Peking Style, served with scallion crepes and hoisin sauce.
>>> Check out the Lunch Special menu
>>> Check out the Happy Hour menu
>>> Check out the Dessert menu
The restaurant’s new sleek interior remains inviting, blending modern design with warm touches that make it ideal for casual meals, date nights, or family gatherings. Despite the culinary shift, 26 Sushi & Wok retains the high-quality service and attention to detail that made its predecessor a local favorite.
This transformation comes at a time when the Surfside kosher dining market continues to expand, with eateries seeking to offer unique culinary perspectives. By pivoting to a meat menu, 26 Sushi & Wok attempts to differentiate itself and cater to both loyal customers and new diners eager to explore its innovative offerings.
The restaurant is under kosher certification by Kosher Miami.
Located at 9487 Harding Avenue in Surfside, FL, 26 Sushi & Wok is open Sunday through Thursday from 12 PM to 10 PM and on Saturdays after Shabbat until midnight. For reservations or takeout, visit their website at 26SushiWok.com or order directly through their ToastTab page.
H/T to @miamifoodyenta for some of the images
