Toku, by Poll Restaurants, has opened in the Aventura Mall offering modern Asian cuisine, an expansive cocktail program and a moody yet inviting ambiance. In 2007, brothers Gillis and George Poll opened Toku at Americana Manhasset in Long Island. With a portfolio of successful steakhouse, seafood and Italian concepts, the Poll brothers decided to try something new with Asian fare. The restaurant was an instant hit for its modern, Asian dishes, cocktails and immaculate build-out. With the recently opened Aventura Mall location, South Florida residents can now enjoy Toku’s sought-after dining experience.

“South Florida is a unique culinary destination, with restaurants that bring together the best in flavors from a variety of cultures,” shares Gillis and George Poll, owners of Toku. “Toku’s immersive ambiance and straightforward menu are designed for any occasion, making Aventura Mall a natural choice for our second location. We are delighted to introduce our artfully-crafted dining experience to residents, visitors and mall goers alike.”

Toku’s sleek and stylish vibe has made it a Long Island mainstay - the 14,000-square-foot Aventura location incorporates design elements from the New York location, while bringing in South Florida touches. Created by Rockwell Group, with input from the Poll brothers, Toku’s immersive interior is based on a 19th Century Japanese home, and the restaurant’s cozy ambiance is brought into the 21st Century with ultra-modern elements and sleek lighting.

Upon entry, guests can enjoy the 53-seat bar area, with an illuminated bar surface, dark wood accents and a large mural by local artist Krave depicting a Chinese dragon. Heading into the main dining room, which seats 166, a large stone Buddha overlooks the space, filled with plush banquettes for luxurious seating. Here, guests can enjoy views of the open kitchen and sushi bar while they dine. Guests that wish to dine al fresco can head to Toku’s expansive 190-seat covered outdoor patio. Art by Fin Dac, whose striking work can be found across Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, greets guests as they enter Toku’s private dining room, perfect for gatherings of all types, which can accommodate 14 and offers access to the patio area for large parties.

Toku’s cuisine combines ingredients and cooking techniques from across the globe, with predominantly Japanese and Chinese influences, with touches of Thai and Vietnamese flavors. The expansive menu features classic Asian fare, with sophisticated meat and seafood selections. Toku’s designed-for-sharing dishes offer something for every palate, with highlights including Miso Black Cod, Roasted Lobster, Sesame Crusted Tuna, Wagyu Steak Frites and Peking Duck, as well as a variety of rice and noodle dishes, and dozens of finely-crafted sushi and maki options to choose from.

Toku’s sleek and intimate bar sets the scene for enjoying its must-try beverage offerings. Guests can sip on libations from the restaurant’s wide variety of cocktails, sakes, Japanese whiskies, wines and beers. Unique craft cocktails include the Chili Passion Martini, Fig Martini, Mandarin Mojito, and the Toku-Gria, an Asian-inspired twist on classic sangria with sake, plum wine, ginger and fruit.

Offering lunch and dinner, Toku will be open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. The restaurant is located in Aventura Mall at 19575 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 1109.

Images via Toku