A question which is becoming more frequent from guests of Eiko’s Beach House is where can you find the very best sushi/sashimi around Treasure Island? It seems that sushi is as American as apple pie! You can find it at most grocery stores and even at gas stations.
However, Eiko coming from Japan can be very picky when choosing where she will have her sushi. It is not only the freshness of the fish but the taste and texture of the rice which makes the perfect sushi. The following are some of our local and not so local favourites.
SoHo Sushi
If you happen to be in Tampa or do not mind travelling 45 minutes or more by car across Tampa Bay, then we have the perfect place for you. SoHo Sushi, located at 3218 W. Kennedy Blvd is a slice of sushi heaven.
When going here we recommend reservations and also suggest you arrive a little early as parking can be tricky. However, the travel time is worth it as you will be seated quickly and in for a treat. When you order your platters whether from a special or a la carte, the first thing is the gorgeous way the sushi is presented. While you may not be able to judge a book by its cover, you get a great idea that you will be pleasantly pleased after feasting your eyes on your tailor made sushi platter.
The nigiri rolls do not disappoint and we always order the scallop sushi which is bursting with freshness and flavour. We also recommend the tuna nacho which is teaming with flavour.
Did I say the cocktails are delicious and you will not get sticker shock at the end of your meal. If you listen to your fellow dinners you will notice this is a local Tampa destination so you will be with good company. SoHo Sushi is arguably the best sushi in the area.
Matoi Sushi
Matoi Sushi at 602 N. Dale Mabry Hwy is another Tampa sushi “hangout”. While this restaurant is Japanese/Korean we truly enjoy the sushi here. A rare treat is the uni (sea urchin). Uni is on many sushi menus; however, rarely is this dish in stock.
At Matoi it always seems to be available and it is treat to taste this traditional Japanese delicacy. Also, we enjoy the fresh blue fin tuna which again brings back memories of late nights at sushi bars in Ginza and Roppongi in Tokyo. We like the hot sake which is also available and is you are into fusion Japanese/Mexican look no further than the tempura Mexican roll.
This restaurant like SoHo is just under an hours drive from Eiko’s Beach House but worth the drive in our opinion.
Island Way Grill
A little closer to Eiko’s Beach House in Clearwater Beach is the Island Way Grill, 20 Island Way, Clearwater. It is located near the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Now as you enter the Island Way Grill you would be excused thinking this is a great steakhouse and/or sea food grill. You are correct! However, it also has a second to none sushi bar! Check it out.
While the sushi and sashimi platters which include tuna, salmon, etc are fresh and worth a try, be adventurous and try the unagi (eel) or if it is on the menu, I dare you to order the uni (sea urchin). While you will be very pleasantly surprised with the sushi and sashimi, you can change directions for your main course and get some terrific, perfectly prepared steak and delectable seafood from the extensive menu. The Island Way Grill is roughly a 30 minute drive up Gulf Blvd.
The Blue Fugu
Less than 10 minutes south of Eiko’s Beach House is The Blue Fugu. This gem has a few nice things going for it. If you are a Sake connoisseur, this establishment has over 30 different sake’s to choose from. Whether you like it hot, warm or cold….this is the place for you. The sushi bar has a wide variety of fresh seafood.
All have been delicious but our all time favorites are the O Toro (fatty tuna) and Hamachi (Yellow Tail). If you go try these, you will not regret it! The Teppan Yaki which includes grilled fresh fish and Japanese style steak are a perfect way to compliment the sushi starters. The Blue Fugu can be missed from Gulf Blvd so look for the Public Dolphin Village Shopping Center.
Thai-Am #2
Thai-Am #2 is located at 13037 Gulf Blvd Madeira Beach, this is only a 5 minute walk from Eiko’s Beach House across the bridge to John Pass Village. We like the Nigiri at this location and enjoy the White Tuna ( Escola), Eel (Unagi) and Yellowtail (Hamachi) .
The house specialty rolls, like the Rock and Roll with shrimp tempura, baked eel, smoked salmon, eel sauce and spicy mayo is delicious. After a sushi appetiser we enjoy the tasty Thai noodles and vegetables. However, being situated in Johns Pass Village, it is an easy walk to the Boardwalk where you can continue your leisurely pursuit of tropical drinks, cold beer, rock and roll or if you are with the children ice cream and fudge.
Basil Leaf Thai & Sushi Bar
A new entry to our list, the Basil Leaf Thai & Sushi Bar combine two of our favorite cuisines and brings them together masterfully. Their special sushi rolls are to die for and we particularly love the Magic Dragon roll. But in all honesty, all the sushi on their menu is great and we try something new every time we go there.
If you need particular menu recommendations, go for one of their signature rolls!
Pete Sushi & Poke
Pete Sushi & Poke has quickly risen the ranks to become one of our go to sushi destinations. Unlike some of the others on this list, Pete Sushi & Poke keep things simple and allow their skills to do the talking. With 18 years of experience, they know their way around a sushi knife and the food is wonderfully fresh and beautifully delivered.
Summary
Whether you stroll back to your home away from home on the gulf of Mexico from Thai-Am#2 or drive back from one of the other sushi restaurants mentioned above you may be in the mood for a sip of cool whine, why not sake, and enjoy a relaxing time in the hot tub. After soothing your aching feet, take a gentle swim in your private heated swimming pool before dreaming about your next day in paradise. Sayonara!
