First time I did hibachi and it was awesome. Others in my group had done it before and said this one was the best. Food was really well done!
(5)
Franz W.
We're big fans of hibachi-style eateries and JoTo is our GoTo on SK! The food is always excellent and the service is really spectacular. We had a great chef and he made our experience wonderful. We always hit JoTo when on SK...wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place to anyone.
(5)
Thomas C.
I took my mom here for Mother's Day and It was awesome we had filet on hibachi grill five stars for great food and service
(5)
Diana P.
Great sushi, friendly staff and the food here is fresh. Prices aren't too bad either. They have cooking tables on one side and regular booth and table seating on the other. We liked that nothing was overly salty (eg miso soup) nor did the specialty rolls have too much sauce. Much of it was even beautifully displayed near the rolls. Great touch! Volcano roll is amazing but hot so be prepared!
(4)
Paige P.
Called to make a reservation, owner answered. Was very rude. No way in hell spending my money here.
(1)
robert s.
So my girlfriend and I are visiting Siesta Key and we get a hankering for sushi. I realize that this is a Steakhouse but they have a sushi bar. Now the only thing I care about when being served raw fish is a crazy attention to cleanliness. Cause it's raw fish. So when I sat down at the counter I noticed the counters weren't clean. Not a good sign and then I looked at the counter display cases and they were dusty all the way around. The cooking area wasn't spotless either. So I turned to my girlfriend and said 'I don't want to eat here.' And we left. I'm sure plenty of folks have had fine meals here. And for certain there aren't any other places on Siesta Key for sushi. But I'd rather drive into sarasota and find a clean kitchen to eat from.
(1)
Jack S.
One of the best meals we ate in Siesta Key. The table-side Hibachi dinner was all we could have hoped for--with no idea this place even existed at the beach!. Our chef had plenty of personality, was entertaining and the food was first rate! A great value & possibly a hidden gem in Siesta Key. A Must Do!
(5)
Tina O.
Great food and friendly staff. Went there for my daughters birthday and they really made it special!
(5)
Ellen H.
This place would get five stars except the restaurant website is deceptive. There are TWO Jo-To's, and the one NOT on Siesta Key has a full bar. We arrived at the one ON Siesta Key thinking it was the one with the full bar and were disappointed that was not the case. Wine was okay, but not what we were hoping for. Food, however, was spectacular. We sat at our own hibachi grill and his teriyaki and my sushi were both delectable. I devoured my whole plate and most of the gyoza appetizer we ordered. Little weird to have a kitchen sink in the dining room of the restaurant, but I'll let that go... Definitely great sushi and hibachi.
(4)
Debbie F.
Great sushi at reasonable prices, but lackluster atmosphere. The place smells a bit of cigarette smoke :/
(4)
Diana C.
We chose Sushi. Sushi master guy was very friendly and nice*^^* His sushi was better than we can have in Hawaii!! AND cheaper*^^* lol We definitely go back there on our next trip to Sarasota!
(5)
Jon V.
A nice little hibachi grill. Excellent food and service. Sushi appetizers were very good. Makes me want to come back and only get the sushi.
(4)
Thomas M.
It was a really nice dinner and you should definitely take a seat at the grill area. The food was really good and our cook was nice and funny. It's a bit pricy but worth the cooking experience.
(5)
Randy W.
Siesta Key's Teppanyaki is pretty good and Sai, our chef was funny. The food and service was great; solid 4.5 stars! Will be back for another fun future group dinner.
(4)
Liz D.
I love my Sexy Roll. Joto is the best. I have not found a better sushi experience in Sarasota and have tried almost all of them. I would like to be able to recommend every roll...but I can't seem to ever steer away from that Sexy Roll! And it's too large to try something else with it. Everyone that works there is so friendly, and they really make you feel special. They remember everyone, what they like, what they're all about. ..and they go out of their way to give you a great experience..and so it is.
(5)
Adam C.
Salad and soup were average for japanese steakhouse, maybe a little better than average. Surprisingly good sushi sk roll and Philly roll were good enough to go back again for before we left. Overall it was good and better than most japanese steakhouses, good enough locals eat there. Hooked on shrimp sauce which is as good as any i have had anywhere. We went twice and the grill was better than table for sure
(3)
Raquel L.
Food was wonderful, the habachi chef was hilarious and a great cook. The only trouble is that they have three teppan tables and one chef, so you will wait a long time for your food. Very similar to a Benihana experience, just a funnier and more enjoyable chef, and again, a longer wait.
(4)
Steve G.
What a nice break from all the cheesy joints down in Siesta Village! This place is spotlessly clean and the food is fresh and tasy. Service is very nice and the people are very friendly... The miso soup and ginger dressing house salad are spot on and the sashimi was very good. Some of the best salmon sashimi we've ever had. The tempura roll was delicious as well. We didn't try the teppanaki, but a steady stream of customers headed to that side of the restaurant tells me it's also popular. TIP: The ladies bathroom was spotless, too -- my wife says.
(4)
Michael C.
We first visited Jo-To in 2006. It seems to have aged a bit as it looks more dated and in need of a update. This is a Benihana cook at your table type place and the only negative I'll mention is that our table had a hint of a dirty grease trap type smell. We ate here on a Sunday night and perhaps they had a busy weekend - not sure. My wife had Salmon and I had Filet of Beer and Chicken - both we're excellent. Meals start off with soup (good but the broth had more grease bubbles than I prefer) and a great salad with a Thousand Island style ginger infused dressing. All meals also include a cooked shrimp appetizer, rice (fried on the table or brought out steamed if you prefer), zucchini and mushrooms as well as tea. Good drink menu and nice selection of beers. Two caveats - a 16% gratuity is included on ALL bills and - I recommend checking your bills for errors. NOTE - I JUST REALIZED I POSTED THIS REVIEW TO THE WRONG JO-TO - This review pertains the the Jo-To on Tamiami- 41. Don't know how to remove and repost - sorry.
(4)
Lisa J.
Wine selection was marginal but the sushi was amazing. We at here my first night in Siesta Keys. Asked the sushi roller for some suggestions and he recommended the volcano...amazing!! There was a long line waiting to be seated when we left and this was at about 8:30 pm on a Sunday.
(4)
AL K.
Service was mega slow.main entree didn't arrive till 45 mins after.My companion was already done eating when my order arrived. Mediocre menu and food is so so. Ordered their special written on the board but had to complain about it bec it didn't seem like it was freshly cooked, tasted cold and rubbery. The sushi chef was fast and efficient somehow made up for the rest of the dinner service. Needs improvement on service.
(2)
Frank C.
This review is for the fine sushi. Have been quite a few times and the sushi here is as good or superior to any place I have been. The quality and presentation is expertly done. One reason is the portion of the rice, much less than other places, a small amount, perfectly cooked topped by the most beautiful slice of fish. The entire sushi menu is expertly done. The things I have ordered from the kitchen have been very good, never disappointed. Have not yet been to the steak house, which is well seperated.
(4)
Tim T.
been coming here for years. The SUSHI ROCKS!! I lived close to here and we came alot, I live in Chicago now, but go home alot. Its always my first dinner stop for dinner. The staff is amazing, they always welcome you back, even if its been awhile. The sushi is the best I have had. If you have not gone, you need to go soon.
(5)
Emily G.
I have been here several times for birthday parties and such. The first time you see something like this, it is allot of fun but they do the same thing every time. So by the 3rd time I was there, I felt like I could do the entire show myself. Food is great and the service is great. I've never had a bad experience here. Only issue is that it is really tight and hard for a person with a wheelchair to get around.
(5)
Ray J.
This was our second visit to Jo-To. We saved it for our last night, since we love the food, the service, and everything about this place. Gyoza is excellent, the best miso soup I've ever had, and friendly owners and wait staff. Just do it!
(5)
Jin K.
One of the restaurants that I tried at the Siesta Key area. I think the menu was fairly diverse, and the quality of the food was great. The sushi price is pretty average I would say, but some things on the main menu like tepanyaki and teriyaki stuff is really expensive and have very small portions for that price. I'd say go for sushi all the way. My experience was overall good, except the food comes out bit slower than I would like it to come out.
(4)
Sara K.
This place was definitely great. Went here with a friend for a good sushi time, and that was fulfilled. We each tried new things and I still can't get the massive volcano roll that she got out of my head! It was so tasty with so many different flavors. Great place to go if you're in the area, friendly staff and great service. They also have cooked food hibachi style if you're into that. Haven't personally tried it but if it's anything like their sushi then it's gotta be good.
(4)
Moraima D.
We found this place thanks to Yelp while on vacation in Sarasota. This place was really good. It's very casual and relax. We were helped right away. The booths are really private with a screen in between each so you don't see the people sitting next to you. The service is super fast you put down one plate, they'll take it and bring you the next, no waiting... I like that. We had for appetizers the chicken tempura which was really good because that breading is so thin and the chicken inside was moist and delicious, the sauce for those was also very good. Also the mini chicken kabobs (can't remember their name) were very good, but the sauce was a little on the salty side for me. The vegetable egg rolls soooo good, although my husband didn't love them, don't know why, the sauce for those yum! delicious. For dinner my husband had the chicken teriyaki and I had the shrimp teriyaki and everything was very good, only that the sauce again was a little too salty for me, but luckily they don't drenched the shrimp on it. They put the sauce on the plate and then the shrimp on top. For dessert we had the green tea tiramisu and it was surprisingly delicious with a hint of what I believe is brandy, and it's made only there by the host (maybe owner). She was very excited to let us know and we weren't disappointed. The only thing and the reason why I don't give it 4 stars is because I'm a pretty healthy eater and there is no way to make your meal healthier there. Wish they had at least brown rice ;-)
(3)
Talia T.
If I could I would give them 0 stars bc this was the worst service and management I've ever experienced. I grew up in the restaurant business and this place is horrible. Who charges for refills on sodas and does not tell you prior to ordering or even after the 2nd refill?!!?? Service was horrible. Waitress did not even check on us or refill our waters which were free. What a surprise! I did not leave a tip. They said some very rude things to a child. I will never return again. I do not recommend this place to anybody.
(1)
Kathy P.
We decided to come to Jo-To after a Long day at the beach. This was the best decision we ever made.This restaurant is a sushi bar and hibachi. We chose sushi and I'm glad we made the right choice. Sushi was spectAcular here! We had Toro and it was extremely fresh. My sister ordered the spicy salmon roll and some other roll with salmon, tuna, cream cheese and jalapeño inside topped with tempura crunch. I ordered a spicy tuna roll and salmon egg nigiri. My child ordered salmon sashimi and a Philly roll. Everything was good. We were very content with the sushi. If you are getting apps there, I do recommend getting beef tataki. The beef is seared lightly, so it is raw, with a ponzu sauce. The service was okay- our food came out pretty fast so that made up for the okay service. There was a lady there, which I assume is the owner of the restaurant, that was very nice to us. She was very attentive to my daughter, which is a plus, and she also suggested apps and rolls for us. Kudos to her for helping out. You don't go to many restaurants now a day and expect the owner to help the servers with their tables. The only one thing I did not like was the smell in their restroom. It smelled like sewage. They really need to fix that issue. We will def be back the next time we are visiting Siesta Key!!
(4)
Nyssa M.
What a fun experience! I've been to sushi houses like this before but this one was one of the best in terms of service, food, entertainment, and affordability. I sat at the grill for this meal, but also took the opportunity to order off of their sushi menu. Sushi: generous portions, the price is average, but the fish was fresh and presented nicely. Off the grill: the chef was very entertaining and didn't make the meal uncomfortable at all. I know they go through the same motions for every table (the onion volcano, the shrimp tails, the line/ring of fire, etc.) but it didn't make it any less entertaining. The portions were generous. You get fried rice (not just regular rice), hibachi shrimp, vegetables, salad (delicious salad dressing) & miso soup, included with whichever meat you order, and trust me you will be full! The dipping sauces are OK, but nothing special. I found that most people in our group didn't even use them.
(4)
Sandy S.
One of the things I look forward to every winter (besides the actual physical act of getting out of Chicago in January) to head south for the opera festival in Sarasota is dinner at Jo-To's. Me and my housemates make this our first dinner together, and our last. Many visits in-between, too, happen spontaneously, and are always worth the walk down to the village from wherever we happen to be staying. The sushi is always excellent. The wasabi mussels appetizer.... is .... sooo... .good. As of now they're only open for dinner. Haven't tried the teppanyaki (did I spell that right?) side of the restaurant, but hear that's fun too. Warning: can get crowded during spring break/high season (late Feb- March)! Come early or plan to wait a while for a table. Not that it's not worth it - I'm just sayin'. :)
(5)
Robert H.
Took my family there during the holidays! The kids had a blast and the chef was very personable and funny. He knew everyone's names and even got the kids to eat their veggies. Those who ordered sushi enjoyed it. The food cooked at the table was excellent.
(4)
Ralph Q.
Good Teppan in a small beach town. Food was very good and tasty. Plenty of food. You will not leave hungry! The seafood was very fresh. The only suggestion is don't order water to drink....it tasted horrible! The good news is that they have a very good drink selection! Enjoy!
(4)
beryl l.
Hands down, best sushi & habachi restaurant in Sarasota. I've been taking family & friends to this joint for years. Best unagi, best seared tuna, great specials on the weekends and If you're trying that habachi and you get Volcano Joe as your chef, you'll most likely be treated to free sake bombs during dinner.
(5)
Mimi C.
Decent food, but not amazing & only moderately entertaining. Their rainbow maki was good. Also tried from the hibachi grill - NY strip, shrimp & chicken. Note, the "Jo-To Steak" on their menu is just a double serving of the NY strip. All tasty but not the best I've tried.
(3)
Genna H.
The only thing that was good about this place was the food. I know that is why we go to a restaurant but every thing else was terrible. You walked in and the carpet was gross. They only serve wine. They would not sit the party until every person was there and on a saturday night it was hard to find parking and there is no parking for the restaurant. As we paid, I did not know they did not accept american express and that was all I had with me, I gave it to them and they came back asking me for another form of payment. I did not not have another and she asked if I can ask someone to pay for me. We asked them to run it anyway because they are cheap and didn't want the extra cost. She again asked if someone could pay for me. My friend who paid for me paid her bill and mine in cash and did not return with change. She had to go there and ask. I found this very unprofessional. I will NOT be returning nor would I recommend this place because the service was not great. As you walked to the bathroom you saw old and moldy fridges with who knows what inside.
(1)
Doug N.
Great food. Good service. Walking distance to Siesta Key beach. One of the best restaurants in the village.
(4)
Beth F.
What would've been a five-star review has to be lowered after my meal tonight. Let me tell you what I remember of Jo-To's from my childhood: A flaming tower of onion Shrimps wiggling their tails at you and then being flipped into a chef's hat. Really good mushroom broth soup and "yum yum" sauce. Never being able to finish that full plate of food. Only getting to go there on special occasions since it's a bit on the pricey side. None of that has really changed. You still get a massive plate of food which fills you to bursting. You still get the little show from the chef while he is cooking your meals, he is funny and nice. But good Lord does the food have to fly at us? We were barely done with our soup before the chef came in and started cooking our meal. It was all moving so quickly I really didn't feel like I could enjoy everything. Other than that it was great - the quality of food is excellent and the service is excellent as well. I was even brought a free dessert because it was my birthday - the hostess (possibly owner?) had made it herself -- a take on a tiramisu with green tea. Nice, light and refreshing, I hope she puts in on the full time menu.
(4)
Anika M.
Oh how I love JoTo! My friends and I used to come here often, and we would always sit at the Teppanyaki table and eat until we were about to pop. The miso soup and salad is always a favorite. I always ordered the shrimp and steak and my favorite part was the yum yum sauce (the white one) I think it's some kinda spicy mayo concoction. Whatever it is, it's amazing!! The chefs always put on an entertaining little show with the food, and were always very accommodating. Man, I miss this place.
(5)
S B.
Have only gone there for the Teppanyaki, but have been pleased everytime! The food is yum and the atmosphere is nice. The chefs are very charming and personable. The cooking style is entertaining-- typical hibachi style-- flames, things flying, knife tricks, etc. Price is very reasonable compared to other similar local restaurants. The only downside is being sat at a random table when you're not with a large enough group to fill up a table of your own.
(3)
Mark K.
Could not be happier with this wonderful restaurant. Had their broiled Chilean Sea Bass along with chicken dumplings. Fantastic tastes and presentation! Our friends had the Sushi and also the Sashimi and they loved it! Beautiful service and friendly waitresses!
(5)
Jeb B.
Fantastic food and service. Sushi was incredibly fresh. Didn't try the steakhouse side. Our sushi chef took great care of us and served me the best sea urchin I've ever had.
(5)
Presley A.
Simply put, Outstanding, in a very unexpected setting. Down here on business in Sarasota proper, my colleague and I decided to check out Siesta Keys, the famed Gulf Coast stretch of powder white sand beach off the mainland of Sarasota. It was all that plus warm Gulf waters but the area itself is just ordinary American tourist trap. Every restaurant a burger/beer joint with a Jimmy Buffet sounding musician wailing away, plus sports on every screen. And ice cream joints. My colleague was especially not into it, so we held out until we ran into a Japanese restaurant, nestled incongruously amongst the expanse of Beach Bum Dining. It was very nearly empty, which gave me pause, but we decided to go for it. In this heat and humidity, huge Beef or Fried plus Beer sounded awful so the prospect of some lighter fish fare appealed. We sat, and ordered some Sake. They did not have the one my colleague wanted, which caused the owner, Ayako, to come out to chat with us about alternatives. After some small talk, she decided she liked us and said, "Ignore the menu, I'm going to serve you a real Japanese meal". We went for it. And it was sublime. Grilled Shrimps in Egg Yolk Sauce, Fried Tofu in Ponzu Sauce (yeah, fried, but tofu, you know?), pan roasted calamari cubes - totally not rubbery, laced with pepper and accompanied by a garlic mayo dip, a hunk of Japanese style Sea Bass glazed with a sweet but charred glaze, and a Hamachi fish, roasted and seasoned, from what remained after the sushi bits had been removed - sounds questionable, I know, but it was unbelievably crispy and tender and flavorful. And the Sake was not too shabby either. We thoroughly loved this place and I recommend it to one and all.
(4)
Derik KaBreena P.
Family and I showed up for a late night dinner and the staff was more than hospitable the two hour late arrival. The teppanyaki chef was pretty funny and put on a good show. When he started to grill her shrimp in butter, my wife told him of her dairy allergy and he said it was no problem. Without any fuss, he put her shrimp on my plate and brought her out some fresh ingredients to cook with no butter. (This was a rare show of hospitality ) The food was excellent! Fresh ingredients, good service, and a great atmosphere. This fine Japanese restaurant is a must during your stay at Siesta Key.
(4)
Ian R.
Was very please to see they take reservations! Food was excellent. Wish they served lo mein instead of sprouts. Our cook was funny and definitely entertained us. Sushi was good too! Will be back next year!
(4)
Ho L.
A pretty standard teppanyaki experience: friendly chef, good service, average food. The show had the typical tricks, with only a few mistakes here and there. The food was good, but not outstanding. The restaurant itself was nicely decorated and clean. We did not try the sushi, so I cannot comment on that.
(3)
Maria J.
Great service. The hibachi grill chef was entertaining and friendly. Atmosphere was relaxing with beautiful paintings surrounding the room where hibachi was done. Good food. Large portions. Scallops cooked to perfection! I don't like sushi but it certainly looked fabulous and those with me who did have it LOVED it. I would definitely return!
(5)
Katie F.
Hidden among the tons of storefronts on the village strip, Jo To is the place to go for good sushi! I had been craving RAW seafood in Siesta (plenty of places to grab some fried), and decided to have a Hibachi dinner date with my boyfriend here one night on vacation. We were able to sit by the Hibachi grill AND order sushi, which was great! The Hibachi chef was entertaining and talented, we had a great time watching him and chatting with the couple next to us. We got there at the right time so we didn't have to wait long for him to start cooking, but I could see how you might have to wait a bit for your Teppan Yaki. I suggest starting out with some sushi while you wait, and to munch on your soup/salad combo that comes with it! Our server kept refilling our "Japanese Water" (what he called it... hilarious!) and was very attentive even though there was so much going on. The sushi was great! It was super fresh, with thick cuts of fish, and the selection was amazing. The hibachi was great as well, and again, had such a good selection. We split both and ate under our stomachs almost burst. It was so satisfying! Only complaint was that it was a bit pricey, but that's what is expected when you're eating in the village.
(5)
Paul M.
The sushi is excellent, the atmosphere is comfortable, the staff is friendly and conversational, and the prices are quite reasonable (especially by Massachusetts standards). We had a terrific experience at Jo To and will without doubt return should we get back to Siesta Key. My one and only complaint is that we discovered this jewel so late in our vacation. Also, try the green tea tiramisu. I had my doubts but it was surprisingly good.
(5)
Michele E.
Tried six different rolls and they were all fabulous. They are quick, and offer great service. Wish I would have been more hungry to do a full meal here but just grabbed six rolls for our party of six to try. Next time in Siesta Key making this place a priority for a dinner one night. Only downfall is there is no outdoor seating its all indoor. Lots of locals seem to frequent this place as well! Must try! Probably one of the better restaurants we were to is Siesta Key! Only wish they opened before 5:00pm so we could grab lunch when in the village!
(5)
Jesse P.
Sushi so fresh because they literally make it while you watch. Staff- super friendly and very chatty. A great conversation and you feel more like family than customers. Don't order off the menu- there is this curry chicken dish that is like none other. So delicious it makes your head spin!! This is a new staple restaurant for each time I come down here.
(5)
Rachel M.
Excellent sushi, high quality fish with great presentation. Dining area was casual with a nice atmosphere. Service was well paced.
(5)
PJ W.
Jo To is a hidden gem on Siesta Key. My wife and I ate there twice during our last stay in the sarasota area. The sushi is always really fresh and the staff is friendly and courteous. I thought the price would be more expensive for the quality we received but I was pleasantly surprised when I got the bill. We will for sure continue to go back to Jo To.
(5)
Bobby F.
Had a great dinner at Jo To earlier this evening. We started with Japanese mackerel sushi, which was served in a very traditional Japanese style where everything on the plate was edible including the head and body of the fish. The fish was excellent as was the sushi rice. It came with 4 pieces of nigiri plus sashimi. I've spent a fair amount of time in Japan and this dish was as close to being in Tokyo as I've tasted recently. Definitely order this if it is available. It's not cheap but totally worth worth it. We had a bunch of other sushi, all of which was good. The uni was fresh and well prepared. We has a special blue crab nigiri which was also good and the salmon, tuna, and yellowtail were tasty, too. Ama Ebi was delicious with cooked heads, of course, and I also really liked the conch, which I'd never had. Jo To is a really good sushi bar. The staff was very friendly and I had a nice conversation with the owner who is from Osaka. After a week of grouper and shrimp in Sarasota, we were craving sushi and Jo To really delivered.
(5)
Shea M.
This is literally some of the best sushi you will ever have. I can't speak to the hibachi, never done it, but the sushi---amazing. Tonight we had cobia sashimi topped with radish and onion, then had one of their specialty rolls (Baja roll), a rainbow roll and Arizona roll. Baja roll was our absolute favorite as I LOVE cilantro (could eat the stuff straight) and it was perfectly wrapped in with some tuna and salmon topped with some black and white sesame seeds. Their green tea tiramisu is also incredible!! We get it every time. We've never been disappointed here! Three rolls and a dessert is usually the perfect amount for me and my husband. You have to look closely, as their restaurant is along a strip and slightly hard to miss as you're driving by!
(5)
Marshall A.
Sushi was excellent, service was excellent and the hibachi chef was great funny and pleasant
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Justin J.
First time I did hibachi and it was awesome. Others in my group had done it before and said this one was the best. Food was really well done!
(5)Franz W.
We're big fans of hibachi-style eateries and JoTo is our GoTo on SK! The food is always excellent and the service is really spectacular. We had a great chef and he made our experience wonderful. We always hit JoTo when on SK...wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Thomas C.
I took my mom here for Mother's Day and It was awesome we had filet on hibachi grill five stars for great food and service
(5)Diana P.
Great sushi, friendly staff and the food here is fresh. Prices aren't too bad either. They have cooking tables on one side and regular booth and table seating on the other. We liked that nothing was overly salty (eg miso soup) nor did the specialty rolls have too much sauce. Much of it was even beautifully displayed near the rolls. Great touch! Volcano roll is amazing but hot so be prepared!
(4)Paige P.
Called to make a reservation, owner answered. Was very rude. No way in hell spending my money here.
(1)robert s.
So my girlfriend and I are visiting Siesta Key and we get a hankering for sushi. I realize that this is a Steakhouse but they have a sushi bar. Now the only thing I care about when being served raw fish is a crazy attention to cleanliness. Cause it's raw fish. So when I sat down at the counter I noticed the counters weren't clean. Not a good sign and then I looked at the counter display cases and they were dusty all the way around. The cooking area wasn't spotless either. So I turned to my girlfriend and said 'I don't want to eat here.' And we left. I'm sure plenty of folks have had fine meals here. And for certain there aren't any other places on Siesta Key for sushi. But I'd rather drive into sarasota and find a clean kitchen to eat from.
(1)Jack S.
One of the best meals we ate in Siesta Key. The table-side Hibachi dinner was all we could have hoped for--with no idea this place even existed at the beach!. Our chef had plenty of personality, was entertaining and the food was first rate! A great value & possibly a hidden gem in Siesta Key. A Must Do!
(5)Tina O.
Great food and friendly staff. Went there for my daughters birthday and they really made it special!
(5)Ellen H.
This place would get five stars except the restaurant website is deceptive. There are TWO Jo-To's, and the one NOT on Siesta Key has a full bar. We arrived at the one ON Siesta Key thinking it was the one with the full bar and were disappointed that was not the case. Wine was okay, but not what we were hoping for. Food, however, was spectacular. We sat at our own hibachi grill and his teriyaki and my sushi were both delectable. I devoured my whole plate and most of the gyoza appetizer we ordered. Little weird to have a kitchen sink in the dining room of the restaurant, but I'll let that go... Definitely great sushi and hibachi.
(4)Debbie F.
Great sushi at reasonable prices, but lackluster atmosphere. The place smells a bit of cigarette smoke :/
(4)Diana C.
We chose Sushi. Sushi master guy was very friendly and nice*^^* His sushi was better than we can have in Hawaii!! AND cheaper*^^* lol We definitely go back there on our next trip to Sarasota!
(5)Jon V.
A nice little hibachi grill. Excellent food and service. Sushi appetizers were very good. Makes me want to come back and only get the sushi.
(4)Thomas M.
It was a really nice dinner and you should definitely take a seat at the grill area. The food was really good and our cook was nice and funny. It's a bit pricy but worth the cooking experience.
(5)Randy W.
Siesta Key's Teppanyaki is pretty good and Sai, our chef was funny. The food and service was great; solid 4.5 stars! Will be back for another fun future group dinner.
(4)Liz D.
I love my Sexy Roll. Joto is the best. I have not found a better sushi experience in Sarasota and have tried almost all of them. I would like to be able to recommend every roll...but I can't seem to ever steer away from that Sexy Roll! And it's too large to try something else with it. Everyone that works there is so friendly, and they really make you feel special. They remember everyone, what they like, what they're all about. ..and they go out of their way to give you a great experience..and so it is.
(5)Adam C.
Salad and soup were average for japanese steakhouse, maybe a little better than average. Surprisingly good sushi sk roll and Philly roll were good enough to go back again for before we left. Overall it was good and better than most japanese steakhouses, good enough locals eat there. Hooked on shrimp sauce which is as good as any i have had anywhere. We went twice and the grill was better than table for sure
(3)Raquel L.
Food was wonderful, the habachi chef was hilarious and a great cook. The only trouble is that they have three teppan tables and one chef, so you will wait a long time for your food. Very similar to a Benihana experience, just a funnier and more enjoyable chef, and again, a longer wait.
(4)Steve G.
What a nice break from all the cheesy joints down in Siesta Village! This place is spotlessly clean and the food is fresh and tasy. Service is very nice and the people are very friendly... The miso soup and ginger dressing house salad are spot on and the sashimi was very good. Some of the best salmon sashimi we've ever had. The tempura roll was delicious as well. We didn't try the teppanaki, but a steady stream of customers headed to that side of the restaurant tells me it's also popular. TIP: The ladies bathroom was spotless, too -- my wife says.
(4)Michael C.
We first visited Jo-To in 2006. It seems to have aged a bit as it looks more dated and in need of a update. This is a Benihana cook at your table type place and the only negative I'll mention is that our table had a hint of a dirty grease trap type smell. We ate here on a Sunday night and perhaps they had a busy weekend - not sure. My wife had Salmon and I had Filet of Beer and Chicken - both we're excellent. Meals start off with soup (good but the broth had more grease bubbles than I prefer) and a great salad with a Thousand Island style ginger infused dressing. All meals also include a cooked shrimp appetizer, rice (fried on the table or brought out steamed if you prefer), zucchini and mushrooms as well as tea. Good drink menu and nice selection of beers. Two caveats - a 16% gratuity is included on ALL bills and - I recommend checking your bills for errors. NOTE - I JUST REALIZED I POSTED THIS REVIEW TO THE WRONG JO-TO - This review pertains the the Jo-To on Tamiami- 41. Don't know how to remove and repost - sorry.
(4)Lisa J.
Wine selection was marginal but the sushi was amazing. We at here my first night in Siesta Keys. Asked the sushi roller for some suggestions and he recommended the volcano...amazing!! There was a long line waiting to be seated when we left and this was at about 8:30 pm on a Sunday.
(4)AL K.
Service was mega slow.main entree didn't arrive till 45 mins after.My companion was already done eating when my order arrived. Mediocre menu and food is so so. Ordered their special written on the board but had to complain about it bec it didn't seem like it was freshly cooked, tasted cold and rubbery. The sushi chef was fast and efficient somehow made up for the rest of the dinner service. Needs improvement on service.
(2)Frank C.
This review is for the fine sushi. Have been quite a few times and the sushi here is as good or superior to any place I have been. The quality and presentation is expertly done. One reason is the portion of the rice, much less than other places, a small amount, perfectly cooked topped by the most beautiful slice of fish. The entire sushi menu is expertly done. The things I have ordered from the kitchen have been very good, never disappointed. Have not yet been to the steak house, which is well seperated.
(4)Tim T.
been coming here for years. The SUSHI ROCKS!! I lived close to here and we came alot, I live in Chicago now, but go home alot. Its always my first dinner stop for dinner. The staff is amazing, they always welcome you back, even if its been awhile. The sushi is the best I have had. If you have not gone, you need to go soon.
(5)Emily G.
I have been here several times for birthday parties and such. The first time you see something like this, it is allot of fun but they do the same thing every time. So by the 3rd time I was there, I felt like I could do the entire show myself. Food is great and the service is great. I've never had a bad experience here. Only issue is that it is really tight and hard for a person with a wheelchair to get around.
(5)Ray J.
This was our second visit to Jo-To. We saved it for our last night, since we love the food, the service, and everything about this place. Gyoza is excellent, the best miso soup I've ever had, and friendly owners and wait staff. Just do it!
(5)Jin K.
One of the restaurants that I tried at the Siesta Key area. I think the menu was fairly diverse, and the quality of the food was great. The sushi price is pretty average I would say, but some things on the main menu like tepanyaki and teriyaki stuff is really expensive and have very small portions for that price. I'd say go for sushi all the way. My experience was overall good, except the food comes out bit slower than I would like it to come out.
(4)Sara K.
This place was definitely great. Went here with a friend for a good sushi time, and that was fulfilled. We each tried new things and I still can't get the massive volcano roll that she got out of my head! It was so tasty with so many different flavors. Great place to go if you're in the area, friendly staff and great service. They also have cooked food hibachi style if you're into that. Haven't personally tried it but if it's anything like their sushi then it's gotta be good.
(4)Moraima D.
We found this place thanks to Yelp while on vacation in Sarasota. This place was really good. It's very casual and relax. We were helped right away. The booths are really private with a screen in between each so you don't see the people sitting next to you. The service is super fast you put down one plate, they'll take it and bring you the next, no waiting... I like that. We had for appetizers the chicken tempura which was really good because that breading is so thin and the chicken inside was moist and delicious, the sauce for those was also very good. Also the mini chicken kabobs (can't remember their name) were very good, but the sauce was a little on the salty side for me. The vegetable egg rolls soooo good, although my husband didn't love them, don't know why, the sauce for those yum! delicious. For dinner my husband had the chicken teriyaki and I had the shrimp teriyaki and everything was very good, only that the sauce again was a little too salty for me, but luckily they don't drenched the shrimp on it. They put the sauce on the plate and then the shrimp on top. For dessert we had the green tea tiramisu and it was surprisingly delicious with a hint of what I believe is brandy, and it's made only there by the host (maybe owner). She was very excited to let us know and we weren't disappointed. The only thing and the reason why I don't give it 4 stars is because I'm a pretty healthy eater and there is no way to make your meal healthier there. Wish they had at least brown rice ;-)
(3)Talia T.
If I could I would give them 0 stars bc this was the worst service and management I've ever experienced. I grew up in the restaurant business and this place is horrible. Who charges for refills on sodas and does not tell you prior to ordering or even after the 2nd refill?!!?? Service was horrible. Waitress did not even check on us or refill our waters which were free. What a surprise! I did not leave a tip. They said some very rude things to a child. I will never return again. I do not recommend this place to anybody.
(1)Kathy P.
We decided to come to Jo-To after a Long day at the beach. This was the best decision we ever made.This restaurant is a sushi bar and hibachi. We chose sushi and I'm glad we made the right choice. Sushi was spectAcular here! We had Toro and it was extremely fresh. My sister ordered the spicy salmon roll and some other roll with salmon, tuna, cream cheese and jalapeño inside topped with tempura crunch. I ordered a spicy tuna roll and salmon egg nigiri. My child ordered salmon sashimi and a Philly roll. Everything was good. We were very content with the sushi. If you are getting apps there, I do recommend getting beef tataki. The beef is seared lightly, so it is raw, with a ponzu sauce. The service was okay- our food came out pretty fast so that made up for the okay service. There was a lady there, which I assume is the owner of the restaurant, that was very nice to us. She was very attentive to my daughter, which is a plus, and she also suggested apps and rolls for us. Kudos to her for helping out. You don't go to many restaurants now a day and expect the owner to help the servers with their tables. The only one thing I did not like was the smell in their restroom. It smelled like sewage. They really need to fix that issue. We will def be back the next time we are visiting Siesta Key!!
(4)Nyssa M.
What a fun experience! I've been to sushi houses like this before but this one was one of the best in terms of service, food, entertainment, and affordability. I sat at the grill for this meal, but also took the opportunity to order off of their sushi menu. Sushi: generous portions, the price is average, but the fish was fresh and presented nicely. Off the grill: the chef was very entertaining and didn't make the meal uncomfortable at all. I know they go through the same motions for every table (the onion volcano, the shrimp tails, the line/ring of fire, etc.) but it didn't make it any less entertaining. The portions were generous. You get fried rice (not just regular rice), hibachi shrimp, vegetables, salad (delicious salad dressing) & miso soup, included with whichever meat you order, and trust me you will be full! The dipping sauces are OK, but nothing special. I found that most people in our group didn't even use them.
(4)Sandy S.
One of the things I look forward to every winter (besides the actual physical act of getting out of Chicago in January) to head south for the opera festival in Sarasota is dinner at Jo-To's. Me and my housemates make this our first dinner together, and our last. Many visits in-between, too, happen spontaneously, and are always worth the walk down to the village from wherever we happen to be staying. The sushi is always excellent. The wasabi mussels appetizer.... is .... sooo... .good. As of now they're only open for dinner. Haven't tried the teppanyaki (did I spell that right?) side of the restaurant, but hear that's fun too. Warning: can get crowded during spring break/high season (late Feb- March)! Come early or plan to wait a while for a table. Not that it's not worth it - I'm just sayin'. :)
(5)Robert H.
Took my family there during the holidays! The kids had a blast and the chef was very personable and funny. He knew everyone's names and even got the kids to eat their veggies. Those who ordered sushi enjoyed it. The food cooked at the table was excellent.
(4)Ralph Q.
Good Teppan in a small beach town. Food was very good and tasty. Plenty of food. You will not leave hungry! The seafood was very fresh. The only suggestion is don't order water to drink....it tasted horrible! The good news is that they have a very good drink selection! Enjoy!
(4)beryl l.
Hands down, best sushi & habachi restaurant in Sarasota. I've been taking family & friends to this joint for years. Best unagi, best seared tuna, great specials on the weekends and If you're trying that habachi and you get Volcano Joe as your chef, you'll most likely be treated to free sake bombs during dinner.
(5)Mimi C.
Decent food, but not amazing & only moderately entertaining. Their rainbow maki was good. Also tried from the hibachi grill - NY strip, shrimp & chicken. Note, the "Jo-To Steak" on their menu is just a double serving of the NY strip. All tasty but not the best I've tried.
(3)Genna H.
The only thing that was good about this place was the food. I know that is why we go to a restaurant but every thing else was terrible. You walked in and the carpet was gross. They only serve wine. They would not sit the party until every person was there and on a saturday night it was hard to find parking and there is no parking for the restaurant. As we paid, I did not know they did not accept american express and that was all I had with me, I gave it to them and they came back asking me for another form of payment. I did not not have another and she asked if I can ask someone to pay for me. We asked them to run it anyway because they are cheap and didn't want the extra cost. She again asked if someone could pay for me. My friend who paid for me paid her bill and mine in cash and did not return with change. She had to go there and ask. I found this very unprofessional. I will NOT be returning nor would I recommend this place because the service was not great. As you walked to the bathroom you saw old and moldy fridges with who knows what inside.
(1)Doug N.
Great food. Good service. Walking distance to Siesta Key beach. One of the best restaurants in the village.
(4)Beth F.
What would've been a five-star review has to be lowered after my meal tonight. Let me tell you what I remember of Jo-To's from my childhood: A flaming tower of onion Shrimps wiggling their tails at you and then being flipped into a chef's hat. Really good mushroom broth soup and "yum yum" sauce. Never being able to finish that full plate of food. Only getting to go there on special occasions since it's a bit on the pricey side. None of that has really changed. You still get a massive plate of food which fills you to bursting. You still get the little show from the chef while he is cooking your meals, he is funny and nice. But good Lord does the food have to fly at us? We were barely done with our soup before the chef came in and started cooking our meal. It was all moving so quickly I really didn't feel like I could enjoy everything. Other than that it was great - the quality of food is excellent and the service is excellent as well. I was even brought a free dessert because it was my birthday - the hostess (possibly owner?) had made it herself -- a take on a tiramisu with green tea. Nice, light and refreshing, I hope she puts in on the full time menu.
(4)Anika M.
Oh how I love JoTo! My friends and I used to come here often, and we would always sit at the Teppanyaki table and eat until we were about to pop. The miso soup and salad is always a favorite. I always ordered the shrimp and steak and my favorite part was the yum yum sauce (the white one) I think it's some kinda spicy mayo concoction. Whatever it is, it's amazing!! The chefs always put on an entertaining little show with the food, and were always very accommodating. Man, I miss this place.
(5)S B.
Have only gone there for the Teppanyaki, but have been pleased everytime! The food is yum and the atmosphere is nice. The chefs are very charming and personable. The cooking style is entertaining-- typical hibachi style-- flames, things flying, knife tricks, etc. Price is very reasonable compared to other similar local restaurants. The only downside is being sat at a random table when you're not with a large enough group to fill up a table of your own.
(3)Mark K.
Could not be happier with this wonderful restaurant. Had their broiled Chilean Sea Bass along with chicken dumplings. Fantastic tastes and presentation! Our friends had the Sushi and also the Sashimi and they loved it! Beautiful service and friendly waitresses!
(5)Jeb B.
Fantastic food and service. Sushi was incredibly fresh. Didn't try the steakhouse side. Our sushi chef took great care of us and served me the best sea urchin I've ever had.
(5)Presley A.
Simply put, Outstanding, in a very unexpected setting. Down here on business in Sarasota proper, my colleague and I decided to check out Siesta Keys, the famed Gulf Coast stretch of powder white sand beach off the mainland of Sarasota. It was all that plus warm Gulf waters but the area itself is just ordinary American tourist trap. Every restaurant a burger/beer joint with a Jimmy Buffet sounding musician wailing away, plus sports on every screen. And ice cream joints. My colleague was especially not into it, so we held out until we ran into a Japanese restaurant, nestled incongruously amongst the expanse of Beach Bum Dining. It was very nearly empty, which gave me pause, but we decided to go for it. In this heat and humidity, huge Beef or Fried plus Beer sounded awful so the prospect of some lighter fish fare appealed. We sat, and ordered some Sake. They did not have the one my colleague wanted, which caused the owner, Ayako, to come out to chat with us about alternatives. After some small talk, she decided she liked us and said, "Ignore the menu, I'm going to serve you a real Japanese meal". We went for it. And it was sublime. Grilled Shrimps in Egg Yolk Sauce, Fried Tofu in Ponzu Sauce (yeah, fried, but tofu, you know?), pan roasted calamari cubes - totally not rubbery, laced with pepper and accompanied by a garlic mayo dip, a hunk of Japanese style Sea Bass glazed with a sweet but charred glaze, and a Hamachi fish, roasted and seasoned, from what remained after the sushi bits had been removed - sounds questionable, I know, but it was unbelievably crispy and tender and flavorful. And the Sake was not too shabby either. We thoroughly loved this place and I recommend it to one and all.
(4)Derik KaBreena P.
Family and I showed up for a late night dinner and the staff was more than hospitable the two hour late arrival. The teppanyaki chef was pretty funny and put on a good show. When he started to grill her shrimp in butter, my wife told him of her dairy allergy and he said it was no problem. Without any fuss, he put her shrimp on my plate and brought her out some fresh ingredients to cook with no butter. (This was a rare show of hospitality ) The food was excellent! Fresh ingredients, good service, and a great atmosphere. This fine Japanese restaurant is a must during your stay at Siesta Key.
(4)Ian R.
Was very please to see they take reservations! Food was excellent. Wish they served lo mein instead of sprouts. Our cook was funny and definitely entertained us. Sushi was good too! Will be back next year!
(4)Ho L.
A pretty standard teppanyaki experience: friendly chef, good service, average food. The show had the typical tricks, with only a few mistakes here and there. The food was good, but not outstanding. The restaurant itself was nicely decorated and clean. We did not try the sushi, so I cannot comment on that.
(3)Maria J.
Great service. The hibachi grill chef was entertaining and friendly. Atmosphere was relaxing with beautiful paintings surrounding the room where hibachi was done. Good food. Large portions. Scallops cooked to perfection! I don't like sushi but it certainly looked fabulous and those with me who did have it LOVED it. I would definitely return!
(5)Katie F.
Hidden among the tons of storefronts on the village strip, Jo To is the place to go for good sushi! I had been craving RAW seafood in Siesta (plenty of places to grab some fried), and decided to have a Hibachi dinner date with my boyfriend here one night on vacation. We were able to sit by the Hibachi grill AND order sushi, which was great! The Hibachi chef was entertaining and talented, we had a great time watching him and chatting with the couple next to us. We got there at the right time so we didn't have to wait long for him to start cooking, but I could see how you might have to wait a bit for your Teppan Yaki. I suggest starting out with some sushi while you wait, and to munch on your soup/salad combo that comes with it! Our server kept refilling our "Japanese Water" (what he called it... hilarious!) and was very attentive even though there was so much going on. The sushi was great! It was super fresh, with thick cuts of fish, and the selection was amazing. The hibachi was great as well, and again, had such a good selection. We split both and ate under our stomachs almost burst. It was so satisfying! Only complaint was that it was a bit pricey, but that's what is expected when you're eating in the village.
(5)Paul M.
The sushi is excellent, the atmosphere is comfortable, the staff is friendly and conversational, and the prices are quite reasonable (especially by Massachusetts standards). We had a terrific experience at Jo To and will without doubt return should we get back to Siesta Key. My one and only complaint is that we discovered this jewel so late in our vacation. Also, try the green tea tiramisu. I had my doubts but it was surprisingly good.
(5)Michele E.
Tried six different rolls and they were all fabulous. They are quick, and offer great service. Wish I would have been more hungry to do a full meal here but just grabbed six rolls for our party of six to try. Next time in Siesta Key making this place a priority for a dinner one night. Only downfall is there is no outdoor seating its all indoor. Lots of locals seem to frequent this place as well! Must try! Probably one of the better restaurants we were to is Siesta Key! Only wish they opened before 5:00pm so we could grab lunch when in the village!
(5)Jesse P.
Sushi so fresh because they literally make it while you watch. Staff- super friendly and very chatty. A great conversation and you feel more like family than customers. Don't order off the menu- there is this curry chicken dish that is like none other. So delicious it makes your head spin!! This is a new staple restaurant for each time I come down here.
(5)Rachel M.
Excellent sushi, high quality fish with great presentation. Dining area was casual with a nice atmosphere. Service was well paced.
(5)PJ W.
Jo To is a hidden gem on Siesta Key. My wife and I ate there twice during our last stay in the sarasota area. The sushi is always really fresh and the staff is friendly and courteous. I thought the price would be more expensive for the quality we received but I was pleasantly surprised when I got the bill. We will for sure continue to go back to Jo To.
(5)Bobby F.
Had a great dinner at Jo To earlier this evening. We started with Japanese mackerel sushi, which was served in a very traditional Japanese style where everything on the plate was edible including the head and body of the fish. The fish was excellent as was the sushi rice. It came with 4 pieces of nigiri plus sashimi. I've spent a fair amount of time in Japan and this dish was as close to being in Tokyo as I've tasted recently. Definitely order this if it is available. It's not cheap but totally worth worth it. We had a bunch of other sushi, all of which was good. The uni was fresh and well prepared. We has a special blue crab nigiri which was also good and the salmon, tuna, and yellowtail were tasty, too. Ama Ebi was delicious with cooked heads, of course, and I also really liked the conch, which I'd never had. Jo To is a really good sushi bar. The staff was very friendly and I had a nice conversation with the owner who is from Osaka. After a week of grouper and shrimp in Sarasota, we were craving sushi and Jo To really delivered.
(5)Shea M.
This is literally some of the best sushi you will ever have. I can't speak to the hibachi, never done it, but the sushi---amazing. Tonight we had cobia sashimi topped with radish and onion, then had one of their specialty rolls (Baja roll), a rainbow roll and Arizona roll. Baja roll was our absolute favorite as I LOVE cilantro (could eat the stuff straight) and it was perfectly wrapped in with some tuna and salmon topped with some black and white sesame seeds. Their green tea tiramisu is also incredible!! We get it every time. We've never been disappointed here! Three rolls and a dessert is usually the perfect amount for me and my husband. You have to look closely, as their restaurant is along a strip and slightly hard to miss as you're driving by!
(5)Marshall A.
Sushi was excellent, service was excellent and the hibachi chef was great funny and pleasant
(5)