Street Hibachi: A Culinary Experience in Aventura

Street Hibachi in Aventura offers a vibrant and distinctive dining experience, blending bold flavors with innovative twists on classic dishes. Touted as a Pan-Asian Steak and Sushi restaurant, our party of five went to experience the fun vibe and entertainment that should be inherent in a chef-led hibachi cooking demo.

Unfortunately, we were told that half of the adults would need to order from the hibachi table to sit in one of the dedicated stations. Thus, our group chose to sit at a regular table in a nearly empty restaurant at 5:30 PM on a Wednesday night in December. The restaurant itself is nicely furnished and has a mellow ambience, with music playing in the background and a light display on the ceiling. Located in the Aventura Waterways Shoppes (3599 NE 207th St, Aventura, FL 33180, ph: (305) 974-5056, streethibachi.com, under ORB supervision), Street Hibachi has outdoor spaces which would be a nice setting on a beautiful warm winter night.

The highlight of our meal, however, was the exceptional service. Our waitress was extremely attentive and made it a point to ably manage the needs of the pregnant mom and 4-year-old in our party. Though the food was not exceptional, Street Hibachi has a diverse menu with unique spins on traditional Asian fusion dishes. 

For starters, my husband ordered the Crispy Chicken Katsu.

Crispy Chicken Katsu

Advertised as chicken bites with sweet chili sauce and teriyaki, it essentially was strips of schnitzel. In retrospect, he should have tried the Chicken Gyoza, but was turned off by the mention of corn chipotle in the chicken-stuffed wontons.

Vegetable Tempura

I had the Vegetable Tempura that included nicely battered and fried sweet potato, yellow carrots, portobello mushrooms, and shishito peppers. It was lacking in salt, but I guess since it was served with soy sauce, it likely would have been too much sodium. Still, had I the choice, I would have preferred a different type of dipping sauce.

Avocado Maki Roll

An 8-piece avocado maki roll was well-made, but $12 seemed high for this staple that is ubiquitous in every kosher grocery store. 

Papa Noodles with Tofu

The vegetarian member in our party ordered the Papa Noodles with Tofu. It was a satisfying vegetarian option that didn’t feel like a compromise at all. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the tofu had a wonderfully crispy exterior while staying soft on the inside. The dish was lightly sauced, allowing the freshness of the ingredients to shine. It could have used a bit more flavor in the sauce but was loaded with portobello, champignon, and shitake mushrooms. It was a comforting, well-balanced dish that even non-vegetarians would enjoy, but could have used more broccoli, and had a large pile of shredded scallions on the side that seemed unnecessary.

Pad Kapow

The Pad Kapow was a generous serving of ground beef, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, atop a pile of jasmine rice, studded with a sunny side-up egg. The “Kapow” didn’t quite have the “pow” factor expected from its moniker, but was packed with a good balance of savory, spicy, and tangy notes. The crisp and tender bites offered a satisfying mouthfeel. 

Bibimbap

The Bibimbap was a beautiful blend of fresh, crunchy carrots, bean sprouts, and spinach topped with a perfectly fried egg, with Korean-style short ribs that were melt-in-your-mouth tender. The short ribs had just the right amount of seasoning, with a smoky, sweet, and savory glaze that paired wonderfully with the vegetables and rice. The sauce mixed into the rice brought everything together, providing a rich, flavorful base. It could have used a bit more gochujang to add more flavor. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated take on the traditional dish. It was presented beautifully in a hot bowl with a generous portion which I could not finish.

General Tso with Beef

The crispy General Tso with Beef was a nice take on the standard chicken dish served in Chinese restaurants. The beef was perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside while tender on the inside. The sauce was a tad too sweet for my liking but had the right balance of heat. It was addictive and paired wonderfully with the crunchy beef. If you enjoy General Tso’s chicken, this beef version is a must-try!

Prior to departing, we did get a glimpse of the entertaining hibachi service with flashes of fire and juggling of spatulas. I would recommend this for a fun date night experience or for a family with teens. Bear in mind, the prices for the hibachi act range between $44 for chicken to $78 for lamb chops, so it could get pricy for a large family.

Another non-traditional menu offering is the 14-course omakase, featuring Grade A fish on Tuesday to Thursday nights. I would have loved to experience this, but at the cost of $145, I will wait for a day that I do not eat breakfast or lunch prior.  

Whether you’re in the mood for traditional sushi, something different like the bibimbap, or a comforting ramen bowl, there’s something for everyone to try here. The quality of ingredients and attention to detail make this a great spot for both casual and more adventurous diners alike. Don’t be hesitant to ask for more sauce on the side, as the servers will be happy to comply. If you’re in the Aventura area, Street Hibachi is definitely worth checking out!