The number of Hispanic/Latino immigrants in Miami is significant. However, there wasn’t much Latin cuisine on the kosher market in Miami. Enter Hari Benzaquen. Hari is a born and raised Hispanic Sephardic Venezuelan with an impressive background as a chef (he studied at Le Cordon Bleu). Due to his background and passion for cooking, Hari decided to introduce Miami’s Jewish population to the cuisine of his upbringing. Hari opened Azumare in December 2022. He hired Chef Jose Chang to help him bring his vision to life. Jose’s family has been involved in kitchens for generations, and his Chinese/Venezuelan roots have been integral in capturing the flavors of those cultures for Azumare. Azumare is a fine-dining Latin fusion restaurant.

Located across the street from Slate Apartments in Hallandale, Florida, Azumare is housed in the lobby of The Knights Inn; it is, however, independent of The Knights Inn. A large majority of the dishes at Azumare are fish dishes because of their Asian and Peruvian influences. That’s where the name Azumare comes from: Mar means sea in Spanish, and Azul means blue. Together, Azumare denotes the blue sea. (On top of that, Asumare (with an s) is slang in Peru for the words “ah, su madre” and is used to express surprise or “wow.”) The color scheme includes different tones of blue, sand, and ivory, the beach, sand, and sea colors.

The most popular appetizer is the ceviche, which comes in three varieties: classic, seas bass, and trio. The Classic Ceviche includes fresh Grouper, red onion, and cilantro with a traditional lemon sauce called Leche de Tigre. The Sea Bass Ceviche has fresh bass, red onion, sweet peppers, cilantro, chili peppers (aji Amarillo), and lemon sauce. Finally, the Trio ceviche includes both varieties in rocoto lemon sauce.

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For the main course, people seem to like the Lomo Saltado, a center-cut 8oz stir-fried slice with red onion, tomatoes, sweet peppers, French fries, fresh cilantro, and white rice. Another great choice is the Parguito Frito (fried red snapper). Popular grill items include the Tomahawk (32oz Rib eye with a bone), Pollo en Brasa (1/2 roasted chicken), and the lamb chops rack.

Diners can’t go wrong picking something from the sushi bar; every item on the sushi menu is a crowd favorite.

To wet your whistle, there’s a variety of juices, sodas, and beers. Try the unique Banana Tempura with ice cream or the Oreo Roll for dessert.

Azumare does private events (on-site or off-site), catering, takeout, and delivery through apps such as Ubereats and Postmates. They also work with a sister party rental company in Florida (Party depot) that allows them to make unique packages to cater for any event or special occasion.

For Latino and Asian cuisine, look no further than Azumare. You will be surprised and positively wowed.