UDON, Spain’s leading chain of Asian restaurants and a favorite local newcomer in South Florida, will unveil a full-service concept with a central cocktail bar this fall at Dadeland Mall. The restaurant will serve a menu of signature noodle dishes and Asian-inspired tapas that blend tradition, innovation, and flavor.
Driven by UDON’s January 2025 debut at Aventura Malli in North Miami, the brand is building on its success with the upcoming Dadeland opening, further cementing the internationally renowned brand’s momentum in South Florida.
Noodles are at the heart of UDON’s menu, inspired by centuries-old Japanese noodle bar traditions and reimagined with modern flavor combinations and a deep commitment to sustainability. Featuring udon, ramen, and soba, the restaurant will serve lunch and dinner daily with dishes that highlight the versatility of traditional Asian noodles.
Culinary Director Alberto Gómez, who has overseen recipe development for the brand since 2012, crafts original recipes that blend authenticity with creativity, relying on fresh, often organic and locally sourced ingredients that are cooked to order. Through a partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture’s “Fresh From Florida” program, the restaurant highlights produce from local farms, reinforcing UDON’s commitment to sustainability and fresh flavor.
Signature noodle dishes include Corral Chicken Yakisoba with stir-fried vegetables and crisp cornflake-crusted chicken, steaming bowls of Miso Ramen with marinated pork and soft-boiled egg, and the spicy Kimchi Chicken Udon prepared with bok choy, wild asparagus, and breaded chicken.
Izakayas, UDON’s Asian-style tapas, encourage sharing with pork or vegetable gyozas, pillowy Pork Buns, and Tiger Shrimp Tempura among the favorites. Guests can also delve into rice bowls and explore Noodle Rolls, UDON’s inventive take on sushi where handmade noodles replace rice in made-to-order combinations such as the Salmon Roll with salmon, avocado, mango, cream cheese, and teriyaki sauce. Vegan and vegetarian selections are available throughout the menu, ensuring there are options for each guest.
The new 3,543-square-foot space seats 120 diners, with 85 in the dining room and 35 at cocktail bar, where guests can unwind with a selection of sake, beer, kombucha, and tea. A dramatic LED screen anchors the bar, mirrored finishes reflect the cocktail action, and the open kitchen adds to the room’s energy with a live cooking scene. Designed for versatility, the dining room offers high tables near the bar, plush banquettes, and spacious booths of various sizes and configurations. Wooden shutters frame the façade, while burgundy ceilings, dark wood slats, and textured gray finishes create a warm yet modern atmosphere inside.
“I am delighted to be residing in Miami during this pivotal phase of our U.S. expansion,” said Jordi Vidal, co-founder of UDON. “This city boasts a dynamic culinary landscape, and I am eager to introduce our distinctive interpretation of Asian cuisine to the community. Our new location at Dadeland Mall will embody our unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, and I look forward to welcoming guests to experience the UDON brand firsthand.”
Photo Courtesy of UDON Asian Food