Niño Gordo & Dekotora The Hottest Food & Drink Double Feature - Asian Street Food, Craft Cocktails, Sushi & Vibes-For-Days All Under One Roof In The Heart Of Wynwood

Before even crossing the threshold, Niño Gordo exudes a bold, playful sense of mystery and excitement; starting with a front door that’s cheekily blended within a massive graffiti mural – by Argentine artist Ever Siempre – that spans the exterior, hinting to guests that they’re about to embark on fully immersive dining experience with much to discover within. The surprise and delight of the concept’s creative and rebellious spirit truly shines once inside where every room has its own uniqueness and personality. Guests enter through the Red Room, a neon-hued dreamscape illuminated by the warm glow of crimson lanterns suspended from the ceiling, anchored by playful wallpaper and whimsical aquarium installations. To the left, a lively diner-style counter at which guests literally sit before Niño’s colorful kitchen crew. To the right and behind a sliding door, the Gold Room, a bedazzling jewel box of a room combining polished floor-to-ceiling mirrors and gold framework that can double as a private dining space for up to 40. Through its unapologetically maximalist design, Niño Gordo is an otherworldly collision of whimsy and wonder worth discovering.

In sync with the bold authenticity of the restaurant’s design and ambience, Niño Gordo’s culinary offerings are just as vibrant and dynamic. Thoughtfully curated by chefs Pedro Peña and Germán Sitz, the menu blends innovation and tradition to deliver dishes that celebrate Miami’s diverse cultural landscape while honoring classic Southeast Asian flavors and techniques. By design, the menu is structured to take diners on a tantalizing culinary journey through an eclectic lineup of plates designed to be shared. Be it diners’ choice or with careful guidance by one of Nino’s talented waitstaff, no two meals are meant to be the same – the only throughline being one helluva good time.

The palate party gets started with lighter fare such as Hamachi with bell pepper, enoki, cucumber and nori; Cauliflower Karaage prepared with grapes, cashews and fresh herbs; and Tuna Tataki with egg yolk, wasabi and shiso. Following starting plates, but prior to mains, enjoy items including Dumplings filled with shrimp, pork and kimchi, served in a corn-cheddar cream curry; Udon with tom kha kai, mussels, bacon and ginger; and Vegetarian Udon in spinach cream with wakame, black tofu and wasabi peanuts. For entrees, savory signatures include the best-selling, fan favorite Katsu-Sando featuring pork belly, cabbage, tonkatsu and Japanese mayo on fluffy Shokupan bread; Duck prepared Peking-style with cucumber, daikon, carrot, Bok choy, hoisin and peanuts; Spicy Fried Rice with Key West shrimp, squid, bacon and edamame; and Ribeye served with rice, wakame, lettuce and Ssam. Make sure to save room for dessert as the Miso Ginger Flan and Mango Rice with passion fruit and Thai basil make for the perfect sweet finish.

Behind the bar, the concept’s energetic beverage program perfectly complements the culinary offerings with an innovative lineup of handcrafted libations, plus a curated selection of sake, wine and beer. Inspired by Asian flavors, signature cocktails include Radiant Drift – Oka Japanese Vodka, Chinola Mango, Falernum, toasted rice, cinnamon and lime; Mezzi Calpico – Los Javis Mezcal, Lustau Fino Sherry, Calpico, lemongrass and grapefruit soda; Red Bean Old Fashioned – Akashi Ume Whisky, Old Forester Bourbon, Averna, red bean demerara and tobacco bitters; and Yuzu Kosho Margarita – JC Tradicional Blanco, Grand Marnier, St George Basil Eau de Vie, Yuzu Kosho agave, lime juice and Gochugaru salt.

As if Niño Gordo’s playful energy and vibrant offerings weren’t already reason enough to visit, the restaurant is giving guests another reason to pull up a seat at the counter with the recent rollout of its new “Happiness for All” Happy Hour, offered exclusively at the kitchen counter Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30PM to 7PM. Kick back and let the good times roll with specially priced libations including $12 cocktails like the Passionfruit Daiquiri – Flor de Caña Blanco Rum, passionfruit and lime; and Mezcalita – 400 Conejos Mezcal, lime and salt; $5 Singa Lager and $10 wine-by-the-glass. Guests can also enjoy a selection of flavorful plates including the Hamachi, Tuna Tataki, Cauliflower Karaage and Mushrooms for $12 each.

But the Wynwood destination wouldn’t be a true double feature without the second piece to the theatrical puzzle. Enter Dekotora, the uncanny sushi bar and speakeasy that’s sneakily hidden by an entrance masquerading as a faux cigarette machine. Inspired, both in name and design, by old-school dekotora trucks with interiors that were transformed into works of art on wheels, Dekotora boasts an identity, menu and atmosphere to call its own, and serves as both an authentic standalone dining experience, as well as the dynamic partner to Niño Gordo that is as ideal for pre-dinner bites and cocktails as it is for a nightcap.

Here, a Japanese-inspired menu features a selection delectable crudos such as Hokkaido Scallop with kiwi cilantro and jalapeño, and Hamachi with hearts of palm and kombu; makis including Spicy Tuna with cucumber and sesame seeds, and Snow Crab with cucumber, yuzu, salmon and season; plus, fresh sashimi and nigiris, and several chef selects including chef’s Hand Roll of the Day and Chirashi. Dekotora’s dazzle and delight continues with a playful bar program of exquisitely crafted cocktails and zero-proof libations, plus a selection of sake, wine and beer. Signature cocktail highlights include the Neon Skyline – Shiso infused Gran Centenario, Mujen Shochu, Midori and citrus; Turbo Mirage – Planteray Pineapple, Flor de Caña 12yr Rum, matcha, pandan and coconut; Norita – Nori Infused Vodka, Clement Banana, Kentaro Sake, honey ginger gomme and lime; and The Luckiest Rabbit – Mijenta Blanco, 400 Conejos Mezcal, Falernum, lemon and togarashi.

Niño Gordo and Dekotora are located at 112 Northwest 28th Street, Miami, Florida 33127. Niño Gordo is open for dinner on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Happy Hour is served Wednesday to Sunday (at the kitchen counter only) from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Dekotora is open Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.: reservations only. For more information, visit: www.niniogordo.us; Telephone: (786) 889‑8083. Follow on Instagram: @xniniogordomiax | @xdekotorabarx