Updated Feb. 2024
Who doesn’t love a good roll? We’ve made a list of the 7 amazing sushi spots in Tampa you need to try. Have you ever gone to an Asian or sushi restaurant and was totally disappointed? We’re always looking for the trendiest places to eat in Tampa and fresh sushi is some of the tastiest meals you can have.
We’re not talking your average California roll either. Although that’s what you’ll find on every sushi happy-hour menu. We expanded our search to include places with an extra flair to their menu. First, we looked at the highest rated sushi restaurants on Yelp, and then added a few of our own favorites as well as a few from Tampa Magazines Best Sushi Restaurants of 2024. One honorary mention that didn’t make our list is Saki Endless Sushi and Hibachi restaurant. They have two locations, one in Clearwater and one in Carrollwood/Tampa area. They have an all you can eat lunch special for $20 that is just too good to pass up on.
What makes a good sushi roll?
Cooking is always a little subjective and completely depends on your taste buds. YOu might just think sushi is rolled-up fish and rice, but that’s not all. The art of rolling sushi is difficult to master but easy to mess up. Learning the art of sushi making can take decades and often comes down to technique as well as the temperature of the ingredients.
According to RB Sushi, the perfect roll depends on a few key factors. The rice should always be room temperature and should never fall apart as you eat it. Next up, the fish. The fish should always be firm with a shiny look and should never be wet or greasy. Some restaurants don’t use the highest quality fish, but that is essential in making each roll so that it can be eaten raw.
These places are great if you’re going with a group of friends, a hot date, or just want to treat yourself to a nice lunch. Bring on the spicy mayo and eel sauce!
Here are 6 amazing sushi spots in Tampa you need to try
Ebisu Sushi Shack
The reviews for this place on Yelp are great and people love the vintage vibe the restaurant gives. One of the most popular rolls on their menu is called the “Orange Sunrise” made with Spicy Yellow Tail & Cucumber Roll, Topped with Salmon, Lemon & Roe, Finished with Ponzu Sauce.
(Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Lifetime)
Izakaya Tori
We’ve actually ever been here but the reviews on Yelp really make us want to try it out! We looked at their menu and think the Passionate Salmon Roll sounds so good! Izakaya Tori is a runner up in Tampa Magazine’s Best Sushi Restaurants in 2024.
(Photo by Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images)
Kelp Sushi
Kelp Sushi is a hidden gem located in Town n’ Country. It used to be called Origami Sushi but it looks like it has taken new ownership with Kelp. We went there the other day for Happy Hour and they have an awesome deal. They were the #1 winner in Tampa Magazine’s best Sushi Restaurants for 2024.
BBGI
BluWave Sushi
This place is a small, hole in the wall restaurant but the quality will blow you away. The service here is awesome and their specialty rolls are top notch. We recommend trying the Tsunami Roll or the Scallop Bomb Roll.
Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Katsuya)
