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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Tampa's best

Unique Japanese food

Japanese dishes that break away from the standard menu rotation without feeling like a forced gimmick.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
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Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi restaurant with bohemian ambiance and artistic presentation. Atmosphere stays intimate and welcoming, perfect for quiet nights or casual outings. Sushi is consistently fresh and flavorful, served with live chef preparation and complemented by great music.

Sushi here is fresh and creative with a great variety of options. The quality stands out as delicious and consistently impressive.

Chef Daniel creates dishes with a unique twist that lifts every bite. Sushi rolls offer a variety of flavors, fresh and flavorful, while the Oreo roll dessert stands out as rich and unique.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best I've ever had."

"I thought the sushi here was the best I've ever had."

"The sushi rolls here are really unique and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The restaurant has just received its liquor license, offering a selection of drinks.

3

Parking is available in the plaza, but it can get crowded during dinner hours.

02
Nori Nori Craft Handrolls image 1

Open kitchen with chefs crafting hand rolls creates an engaging dining experience. Warm tones and a playful neon sign set a cozy, stylish atmosphere with a calm and quiet vibe. Seating includes counter spots and tables, making it intimate and inviting.

Sushi features fresh fish and perfectly seasoned rice that tastes just like in Japan. Unique items like torched salmon donburi and crispy rice hand rolls stand out with consistent quality and flavor.

Hand rolls feature unique flavor and texture combinations that stand out. The menu offers several distinctive options, including a refreshingly unique wakame salad.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the sushi and crispy rice."

"The salmon crudo here is unbelievably fresh."

"The hand rolls here are unique, with amazing flavor and texture combinations."

Good to know

1

The restaurant gets busy around 6 PM, especially on weekends.

2

Parking can be difficult; street parking is available but may require some searching.

3

The classic set of four rolls costs $21, offering good value for quality sushi.

03
Kiwa Asian Kitchen Sushi, Korean, Bar & Boba image 1

Modern dining room combines cozy color scheme with comfortable seating and thoughtful decor to create a relaxing yet lively atmosphere. The vibe stays welcoming and chill, suitable for families and small groups. Sushi stands out as a highlight, praised for quality and presentation.

Sushi stands out with unique flavors and great presentation. The rock n roll sushi and volcano roll receive strong praise for taste and quality.

Flavors stand out with unique sushi rolls and dishes not found elsewhere. Crab rangoons mix imitation and real crab and come out fried perfectly.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food here to be amazing and very fresh."

"The Kalbi short ribs were outstanding, especially the mashed potatoes."

"The sushi flavors here are unique and really good."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult when nearby restaurants are busy.

2

The restaurant is open late for dinner service.

3

Happy hour features BOGO sake, making it a great time to visit.

04
Sushi Sake Tampa image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers an elegant, spacious setting with modern decor and traditional Japanese floor seating. Live guitar music creates a lively atmosphere that suits families and couples alike. Several Instagram-worthy neon signs and cozy private rooms add unique charm.

Sushi stands out with amazing freshness and exquisite flavors. The menu includes perfectly crafted cocktails, appetizers, and desserts that complement the sushi well.

Fresh, flavorful dishes stand out with a unique twist, like the lobster cooked in a special way and the crab rangoon that tastes unlike any other. The atmosphere also feels unique and special, adding to the overall experience.

People are saying

"Danny's Japanese Food service was so attentive and joyful."

"The salmon sashimi is the freshest, most tender sushi I've ever had."

"The staff here go above and beyond with caring service."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6 PM, Monday through Friday, with 50% off appetizers.

2

Wednesday nights are ladies night with special cocktails available.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during happy hour; arrive early for seating.

05
Koya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small setting with an eight-seat curved bar creates an intimate atmosphere where guests watch chefs' precise artistry up close. Warm lighting and natural wood counters add understated grace and refined simplicity. Modern, melodic music fills the room softly, supporting a serene and focused dining experience.

Omakase here delivers an intimate and elevated sushi experience with perfectly seasoned Koshihikari rice and fresh wasabi. Each piece, like the Hokkaido scallop with yuzu and Maldon salt, shows traditional Edomae sushi honored with subtle innovations.

Offers a unique dining experience with wine and sake pairings that highlight unique flavors in the cuisine.

People are saying

"The food here is pristine quality and thoughtfully prepared."

"The dining experience here is truly unique and memorable."

"I experienced an intimate, elevated omakase, a true celebration of sushi craft."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited seating; check the website for availability.

2

Expect to spend around $300 per person for a meal without alcohol.

3

The liquor pairing can add an additional $380 to your total bill.

06
Kinjo image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with intimate atmosphere blends Japanese and Italian cuisine in an upscale yet welcoming setting. The vibe stays relaxed and lively, especially at the counter where interaction with kitchen staff adds to the experience. Exceptional handmade bread and pasta highlight the menu's unique fusion.

Bolognese here blends ramen-style pasta with Japanese curry powder and Parmesan, creating a dish rich in flavor. Sushi also mixes with Italian elements, showing a unique fusion approach.

Dishes offer a unique fusion with inventive, thoughtful flavors. Chefs create fresh, inviting plates that deliver a true culinary experience.

People are saying

"The Tasting Menu offered a creative Italian-Japanese fusion."

"The food here is a unique blend of innovative flavors and perfect layers."

"The bolognese pasta had a depth of flavor from Japanese curry."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Parking is easy, but be aware it shares a lot with other businesses.

3

Kinjo offers a unique Japanese and Italian fusion dining experience.

07
SUSHARK image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant with intimate, quaint decor and a chic, wabi-sabi atmosphere. The vibe stays relaxed and fun with excellent music that can be customized. Known for exceptional sushi featuring unique flavors like banana and passion fruit.

Sushi here stands out for its amazing taste and quality that rivals high-end spots but costs less. Unique flavors like banana and passion fruit add a fresh twist to the menu.

Unique flavors like passion fruit and crunchy almonds stand out in dishes such as the Almond Crunch Roll. Presentation includes distinctive dishware and food boxes, paired with an atmosphere featuring thoughtful lighting and functional furniture.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best I ever had."

"I thought the Japanese food here was the best I ever had."

"The rolls here have unique flavors and textures, like passion fruit and crunchy almonds."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

2

Expect a 30-45 minute wait for to-go orders during peak hours.

3

Ladies night features special offers on select items.

08
Izakaya Tori image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small space with authentic Japanese decor and traditional seating creates a cozy, immersive atmosphere. Music features genuine Japanese tunes, enhancing the vibe. The setting encourages sharing small plates and street food in a relaxed, intimate environment.

Sushi and sashimi stand out with exceptional freshness and quality. Tonkotsu ramen and miso soup show deep, rich flavors that highlight authentic Japanese cooking.

Unique dishes like Tako Yaki, spicy conch sushi, and crab rangoon with a shiso leaf stand out. Skewers come in a distinctive style, and the atmosphere feels like stepping outside the usual scene.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"The sushi here is so fresh and fabulous."

"The unique crab rangoon with shiso leaf is a must-try."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, so arrive early or consider using Uber.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Happy hour runs daily from 5 to 7 pm with discounted drinks and snacks.

09
Temak house Tampa image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere with beautiful decor featuring unique fish lights and comfortable seating. The vibe is warm and welcoming, creating a pleasant dining experience. Sushi stands out as fresh and highly praised, complemented by distinctive dishes and drinks.

Offers an all-you-can-eat sushi experience with a wide sashimi selection. The sushi quality and taste stand out as excellent compared to local spots.

Several dishes feature unique flavors and combinations not found elsewhere. Desserts stand out as freshly made and absolutely divine. Sushi includes options like rice-free varieties with a Brazilian twist.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and amazing."

"The all-you-can-eat Japanese food here is a great value."

"The sushi here has unique flavors and fresh, generous portions of fish."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat sushi option costs around $50 per person.

2

Happy hour offers various discounts on drinks and appetizers.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak dining hours.

10
Ajisai 3 image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant combines spacious, blue-lit interior with LED walls and wildlife-themed projections creating a vibrant, club-like atmosphere. EDM instrumental music plays through a jukebox system where diners can select songs. The place draws a lively crowd enjoying fresh sushi and hot sake in a fun, inviting setting.

Offers an all-you-can-eat sushi menu with a variety of fresh sashimi and sushi options. The lunch specials deliver high-quality sushi and hibachi that stand out in the area.

Many food choices come with unique qualities. The place features a modern atmosphere with monitor walls and includes ramen in the all-you-can-eat sushi offering.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and always fresh."

"I thought the sushi here was the best I'd ever tried."

"I found the all-you-can-eat sushi here to be unique and impressive."

Good to know

1

Ajisai 3 offers free dinner and a small cake on your birthday.

2

Ladies receive a free glass of wine from Monday to Thursday.

3

Birthday guests enjoy half off all-you-can-eat meals.

11
Kōsen image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Sleek design and ambient lighting create an intimate, elegant space with Asian influence. The atmosphere balances high-end service with a welcoming, laid-back vibe, allowing easy conversation and interaction with chefs. Guests experience a detailed, artful culinary journey in a relaxed setting.

A 20-course omakase offers a unique and exclusive dining experience. Chef Andrew crafts an exceptional sequence of dishes that stand out in the local scene.

Food arrives as pieces of art, making each dish visually unique. Non-alcoholic drink pairings add an interesting twist that complements the meal for a unique experience.

People are saying

"The omakase Japanese food here exceeded all my expectations."

"The food here is amazing, with every dish tasting better than the last."

"The food here is unique, served like pieces of art."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance for the omakase experience.

2

Expect to pay around $800 for two people for the full omakase experience.

3

The restaurant has a strict dress code; business casual attire is recommended.

12
Daiso - Japanese Household Goods image 1
Asian household goods store

Bright, organized space filled with unique Japanese home goods and affordable snacks creates a lively, treasure-hunt atmosphere. Shoppers find a wide range of clever daily necessities and distinctive trinkets not commonly available elsewhere. The store feels clean, accessible, and offers a genuine slice of Japanese culture.

Several selections of Japanese instant udon and ramen soups come in authentic packaged bowls. The variety includes different ramen types, seasoning, and snacks that reflect authentic flavors.

Items include unique gadgets, creative Japanese home goods, and distinctive seasonings and candies. The store offers products not found elsewhere, blending art supplies with unusual home goods.

People are saying

"It's so Kid Friendly with tons of cute trinkets and snacks."

"I found unique Japanese home goods, snacks, and drinks here."

"I found all kinds of Japanese food, like ramen and snacks."

Good to know

1

They do not offer refunds and do not provide free bags for purchases.

2

As of 8/30/25, they started offering plastic bags for carrying purchases.

3

Daiso is wheelchair accessible for easy navigation.

13
LaMeiZi Hot Pot & BBQ 辣妹子火锅烧烤 image 1

Asian restaurant offers sunken hot pot tables and an island buffet for self-selection of ingredients. Spacious layout includes private rooms and a smoke machine to remove BBQ odors. Atmosphere is beautiful and relaxing with clean, welcoming decor and koi fish wall art.

A wide buffet offers fresh ingredients like lamb, beef, chicken, seafood, tofu, and veggies. Cooked dishes include sushi and chicken wings that stand out for quality.

Combining hotpot and Korean BBQ creates a unique, interactive dining experience. The menu includes uncommon items like black tripe and beef throat, with options to cook BBQ meats in butter sauce at the table.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese food here has a huge variety for hot pot and BBQ."

"It's a unique interactive dining experience with hot pot and BBQ."

Good to know

1

Karaoke starts at 9pm on weekends, perfect for a fun night out.

2

Birthday meals are free, making it a great spot for celebrations.

3

Hotpot costs $35 per person during lunch, including a drink.

14
Talkin' Tacos Temple Terrace image 1

Black lights and glowing tables with mandala designs create a vibrant, fun atmosphere. Neon signs and handmade art murals add unique visual appeal. Music plays a key role, enhancing the welcoming, family-friendly vibe.

Ramen stands out with Total Basil Ramen packed with flavor and a tomato ramen bowl that adds a unique twist. The menu also features birria tacos alongside classic Japanese dishes.

Bold, fresh flavors define the halal menu, paired with a modern decor featuring colorful touches. This spot offers a unique dining experience unlike typical options.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the food; it was delicious and came out hot."

"The menu here is unique, packed with creative takes on classic dishes."

"The ramen here is excellent, a chef's kiss."

Good to know

1

Orders can only be placed via the vending machine.

2

The restaurant offers express dining with order at a kiosk and food brought out to me.

3

They have great deals for Taco Tuesdays with special pricing on all tacos.

15
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Conveyor belt sushi and a robot delivering drinks create a high-tech dining experience with a lively, fast-paced atmosphere. Interactive ordering via touch screens and TVs at each table adds to the engaging, playful vibe. The place attracts families and those seeking fresh, quality sushi in a casual setting.

Fresh sushi arrives on a conveyor belt, letting you pick dishes you might not order otherwise. The sushi rice is seasoned well, and the nigiri and rolls use quality ingredients without cheap fillers.

A revolving sushi conveyor belt creates a fun and unique dining experience. The menu offers a variety of unique cuts of fish and shellfish not commonly found elsewhere.

People are saying

"The revolving sushi bar and robot waiter are so fun!"

"The revolving belt for Japanese food is so fun and a great way to try new things."

"It's a fun and unique dining experience."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 2-3 hours during peak hours due to high demand.

2

Plates cost approximately $3.55 each, with smaller tapa-sized portions.

3

You can play a gacha-style game after collecting 15 plates.

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Jekyll image 1
Lounge

Speakeasy-style lounge with a hidden entrance behind a bakery creates a secret, exclusive vibe. Dark, moody design and themed decoration set a beautifully crafted atmosphere. Cocktails come with intricate presentations and storytelling, while music stays on point throughout.

Sushi rolls stand out with incredible flavor and solid quality. Staff rely on Sesame for rolling, which keeps the sushi consistent.

Cocktails like Lost in Translation and White Rabbit offer unique, delicious flavors. The atmosphere blends elegance with intrigue for a one-of-a-kind experience.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative, flavorful, and presented with real flair."

"It's a unique speakeasy with a hidden entrance through a coffee shop."

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi, was incredible."

Good to know

1

You must make a reservation to sit down with your party at Jekyll.

2

Expect high prices for drinks and limited food options.

3

An event may require you to leave if you are not part of it.

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