Kazu's 2.0 is in an amazing location, in the Gulf Gate district in the center of South Sarasota's small nightlife scene. They are open until midnight on most nights. The inside is decorated with a modern city feel. We were really happy because instead of the usual Beatles music that blasted at the old location, the new location had some not-too-loud hip-hop for a much younger feel. There are a few happy hours to choose from... But, the one that I am most familiar with is the nightly limited menu Happy Hour from 10:00PM to midnight! Sushi rolls are $4-5 and drafts are around $3. This is a limited menu, so don't expect anything fancy. Just their best dishes made affordable and served best with spirits. I was shocked when we received the check, because the food was so inexpensive! What a great value for the quality of the fish. There are a few interesting "house drinks" to choose from, like; Coconut Lemongrass Nigori Sake, Tropical Sake Sangria, and Sake Ice Cream Floats. Kazusan is Japanese, and there are other Japanese sushi chefs on site that maintain very high quality ingredients and standards. They even have a version of takoyaki! Also, the house-made chips with wasabi ranch are extremely addictive. Our waiter was really friendly and attentive, even able to split up the check for us to accommodate our requests. The staff also has a great knowledge of all of the beers offered, even the alcohol content. They even accept Amex, which is hard to find sometimes (for me). I recommend definitely trying this place out for a late night food option, and much better than going to the local pancake house for the same amount of money. You will definitely not feel like you are in Sarasota anymore.
(4)
Todd S.
This is the best sushi in Sarasota! Kazu is a gem and a jazz from time to time Kazu's offers live jazz which is always excellent. Kazu's has a very good beer selection and a fantastic selection of sake! Eat here!
(5)
Lindsey G.
These people know how to do sushi right! The rolls are always interesting and delicious. They have a really great drink selection as well. The atmosphere is contemporary and hip, but casual. Friendly and helpful staff. This is the perfect place for a date night.
(5)
Caitlyn A.
Great sushi selection with truly amazing beer selection, both on tap and bottled. Service was attentive but not hovering, and the ambiance is laid back and funky. A great option in the Gulf Gate area!
(4)
JEREMY G.
Kazus is my new favorite sushi spot in Sarasota. There is a certain of element of fusion going on here that brings about a punk vibe mixed with craft beer love. The sushi was awesome and the eclectic mix of drinks made for a great night out. Our bartender was also very knowledgable and quite the conversationalist. We spent almost three hours trying new foods and drinks, and went home as happy as could be.
(5)
Caron S.
Cool atmosphere. Nice that they do a happy hour and late night happy hour. Wasn't overly impressed with any of the sushi (I think Saga off US41 is much better and Pacific Rim off of Hillview) -- we ordered five different rolls to share. A few just didn't have much taste and were heavy on rice. The house salad with ginger was very good and unlike most Japanese/sushi spots, used a mix of good lettuces instead of boring iceberg. The ginger dressing was solid. Service was good -- friendly, helpful and attentive.
(3)
Mitch D.
My favorite sushi place, for the price, in Sarasota I've had. Very laid back with friendly service. Good size craft beer collection. Coconut shrimp is the jam.
(4)
Allyson L.
This place has a great sushi for a great price. We ordered the caliente roll, KFC roll, pipeline roll, and spicy salmon roll. All were delicious. Located in gulf gate you wouldn't think to pop in but is worth the stop.
(5)
Daniel B.
Lovely little place with good sushi, great service, excellent groovy music and a fresh techy interior. Happy hour is reasonably priced, will come again.
(4)
Jo Ann B.
Always so consistent. The specials and special rolls are the inspired creations of the day, but don't let that detract you from selecting your favorites from their far-reaching menu. So many personal favorites include the Ninja roll, the miso gumbo soup (special), and the Zen roll (just plain Zen!) When the cobia are running, anything they preoare is fantastic! This is a place that knows sushi (Japanese owners) and knows how to make both locals and tourists enjoy it in a comfortable atmosphere. Check out Tues night jazz from 7:30pm. Another Gulf Gate hidden gem!
(5)
Justin T.
Amazing!!! Prices are the best!!! Great sushi love the crab lagoon sushi!!! Great service!!!! Awesome draft beer selections! Try the sake float doble shot!!! The best ever!!!
(5)
Kristen V.
Just ate here and this place is awesome. The Caribbean roll is DELICIOUS. Clean, modern atmosphere. Don't let gulf gate deter you from eating here!
(5)
C K.
Have now eaten there at regular times, and that's good, too! Took a Japanese person who says they're very "authentic" and would go back.
(4)
Cole F.
Went in for the Tuesday late night happy hour, and was delighted that they had live jazz to go with their specials! And not some grad student with a Casio either, I mean a real deal, bona fide jazz 3 piece! Not only was it the best sushi I've had in town, but also the best jazz I've heard in town! I wish I didn't work nights or I'd be here every Tuesday! Highly recommend!
(5)
Lisa M.
This place was so good!! We are here on vacation from Las Vegas and wanted sushi for our date night. We thought being in the gulf we would have a plethora of restaurants to choose from. Boy were we wrong. We looked at yelp for help and thought we found one so we went. Nope epic fail. Only had 10-12 rolls. We are use to 20-30 different speciality rolls besides your basics. Then we went to a high dollar one but again only 10-12 rolls so we walked across the street to check out Kazu's 2.0. So happy we did!! Amazing service! Very yummy very fresh sushi!! We will go back next time we are in town!! If you are looking for sushi in Siesta Key/Sarasota...this is the place to go!!
(5)
Rob B.
I reviewed Kazu 1.0...the rice was always undercooked and the quality of the sushi was not as good as J-Pan (Vizen is like Formula One class sushi and set's the benchmark for SRQ). Sooooooooo...we finally ventured out and tried the 2.0....and guess what...the rice is still undercooked. We had an assortment of rolls and I ordered a hamachi. Had some good sake. Nothing special. It would be nice if this restaurant could focus on the sushi. Seems like it's a bar/asian fusion/sake joint and the sushi takes the back burner. Also, I think the quality of the fish was ok...again, not to J-Pan's standards. I tried to talk with the staff to see if they were foodies and I was trying to find out why the rice is always somewhat under cooked. Unfortunately, they were very busy and had little time for chit-chat. One thing I appreciate about both J-Pan (and Vizen) is that the owner is also the Sushi Chef and they enjoy discussing food and are easily approachable if there are any problems (which never happens at J-pan or Vizen) Sushi leaves little room for mediocrity...it is the "Food of Truth"...I think Kazu's 2.0 can do better...
(2)
Roy H.
Great sushi, great craft beer and great service! Enough said. Only drawback is that it is in Gulf Gate and the dining room is very small.
(5)
D G.
My favorite sushi spot in Sarasota. They combine Japanese gastro-pub style with delicious sushi. So you get fresh sushi and regional craft beers. The prices are very reasonable and in everyone's budget. The 10pm happy hour is a deal and a treat in a town where everything decent closes at 9pm. I think the waiter Nimo (sp?) is the best asset they have. We have always enjoyed ourselves and anyone who has tagged along wants to come back. The takoyaki is a must have.
(4)
doug w.
Our new goto japanese restaurant in Sarasota. Vizen is good but pricey...Kazu is good and resonable. (both in gulfgate). The fish is excellent with very nice presentation. I almost always have sashimi with 5 choices (about $25) and some saki. If you want good sushi or sashimi and you aren't sucken in by the all you can eat menu at ichiban, this is well worth trying.
(4)
Christina W.
We are big sushi fans and come from a major city with lots of sushi options. We were so happy to find this place! Both the sushi and main menu have excellent choices. We've tried most all the rolls and most were fantastic. Their Japanese nachos are amazing (in the appetizers) We usually do take out, but its a nice little place with good service and good food
(4)
Pam A.
Happy hour deals are awesome. Great service. All the rolls are exceptional. Leave some room or dessert, the red bean strawberry mochis are yummy! If you order sashimi the portions are large, about the size of two bites.
(5)
Stacy R.
My family and i came here for dinner right before happy hour started, the service was excellent ( we had nimo), atmosphere was nice and clean & contemperary. Food was very fresh!
(5)
Camille P.
Perfectly mellow spot for a beer and sushi. Ambience is dark and soothing for a quiet night out. Eclectic and fun music mix and the service is wonderful. Bonsai and Mandala roll are excellent. I would also recommend the fish and chips which are delicately fried in rice oil giving it a light crisp taste. Buffalo chicken empanadas with wasabi ranch were a great starter with Asahi , which they have on draft! This is def one of the best places in the Southgate area. Enjoy!
(4)
Robyn F.
Kazu's 2.0 is just as delicious as the original with some added perks! They have late night hours and a happy hour that's probably the best in the city with quality beers served at just $3 a glass! Their sushi specials are fantastic as well- with spicy tuna and other treats for just $5! They also have takoyaki! The staff is friendly and service is fantastic. I love going here Friday nights after a long day of work to relax with sushi and brew.
(5)
Jay L.
Very rude on the phone when trying to do takeout, then told by an employee that my business does not matter because they are doing very well
(1)
Joe M.
Very fresh sushi, had only intended on getting a couple happy hour rolls and ended up ordering two rolls, then two nigiri, then for more nigiri. The salmon was extremely fresh and melted in your mouth. The size of the nigiri was also quite large, especially compared to some of the other places in Sarasota. They also have great beer on tap and everyone was very friendly. Well definitely be back for more.
(5)
M. A.
Great service. Casual atmosphere. Tried both the sushi and sashimi, and both were great. Our favorite rolls were the Tampa Roll and the Pipeline Roll. Definitely worth a visit.
(4)
Maggie L.
SO GOOD. I live downtown so I am hardly ever in Gulf Gate, but when I am I make sure to stop here for lunch. This sushi is perfect. Great prices with a versatile menu. The branding is very well designed and the ambience is trendy and comfortable. I wish I could eat here more often!
(5)
Cassie D.
Awesome last minute find! One of the few places that stays open past 10pm in this area and I was very glad they did. Ordered from the late night menu and couldn't believe how reasonably priced and delicious the food was. Dragon rice was an interesting twist on fried rice and a good app if you are starving. We tried a selection of 6 rolls between us and all were fantastic. Also highly recommend the house salad and shrimp dumplings. The saki sangria was homemade and out of this world- a definitely try! If you are in the siesta key area in the evening and want some great sushi, this is your place!
(5)
Lauren J.
Kazu has been one of my husband's and my go-to places for a date night. We have never had less than an impeccable meal. The servers are very familiar with both the dinner and drink menu and are always willing to give suggestions based on what you're looking for. On top of that, they are quick and extremely friendly. Inside, the restaurant feels like a hip space strait out of San Francisco or Manhatten, but less crowded. It's great to see a place that's not covered with Florida beach kitch. The food is never less than amazing. Tonight my husband and I tried the Pipeline roll for the first time. It was mellow and delicious. We also went for the Gunba roll, which is more or less tuna with tuna with deliciousness. We also went back to an oldie but goodie, Hurricane Dino. If you're looking for something different, try the Mandala roll. It's one of the best rolls I've ever had. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this is a great place to chill out and have a brew and a roll. It won't break the bank and it's impossible to have a less - then - stellar meal here.
(5)
Jim R.
By far our favorite sushi restaurant in Sarasota. The sushi is top notch, and the beer selection is amazing. The "japas" (Japanese appetizers) are also really great. My favorite is the tuna nachos. Make sure you go on Tuesday nights for the live jazz by Kazu himself and his trio!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner, Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Sat Coat Check : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Coty S.
Kazu's 2.0 is in an amazing location, in the Gulf Gate district in the center of South Sarasota's small nightlife scene. They are open until midnight on most nights. The inside is decorated with a modern city feel. We were really happy because instead of the usual Beatles music that blasted at the old location, the new location had some not-too-loud hip-hop for a much younger feel. There are a few happy hours to choose from... But, the one that I am most familiar with is the nightly limited menu Happy Hour from 10:00PM to midnight! Sushi rolls are $4-5 and drafts are around $3. This is a limited menu, so don't expect anything fancy. Just their best dishes made affordable and served best with spirits. I was shocked when we received the check, because the food was so inexpensive! What a great value for the quality of the fish. There are a few interesting "house drinks" to choose from, like; Coconut Lemongrass Nigori Sake, Tropical Sake Sangria, and Sake Ice Cream Floats. Kazusan is Japanese, and there are other Japanese sushi chefs on site that maintain very high quality ingredients and standards. They even have a version of takoyaki! Also, the house-made chips with wasabi ranch are extremely addictive. Our waiter was really friendly and attentive, even able to split up the check for us to accommodate our requests. The staff also has a great knowledge of all of the beers offered, even the alcohol content. They even accept Amex, which is hard to find sometimes (for me). I recommend definitely trying this place out for a late night food option, and much better than going to the local pancake house for the same amount of money. You will definitely not feel like you are in Sarasota anymore.
(4)Todd S.
This is the best sushi in Sarasota! Kazu is a gem and a jazz from time to time Kazu's offers live jazz which is always excellent. Kazu's has a very good beer selection and a fantastic selection of sake! Eat here!
(5)Lindsey G.
These people know how to do sushi right! The rolls are always interesting and delicious. They have a really great drink selection as well. The atmosphere is contemporary and hip, but casual. Friendly and helpful staff. This is the perfect place for a date night.
(5)Caitlyn A.
Great sushi selection with truly amazing beer selection, both on tap and bottled. Service was attentive but not hovering, and the ambiance is laid back and funky. A great option in the Gulf Gate area!
(4)JEREMY G.
Kazus is my new favorite sushi spot in Sarasota. There is a certain of element of fusion going on here that brings about a punk vibe mixed with craft beer love. The sushi was awesome and the eclectic mix of drinks made for a great night out. Our bartender was also very knowledgable and quite the conversationalist. We spent almost three hours trying new foods and drinks, and went home as happy as could be.
(5)Caron S.
Cool atmosphere. Nice that they do a happy hour and late night happy hour. Wasn't overly impressed with any of the sushi (I think Saga off US41 is much better and Pacific Rim off of Hillview) -- we ordered five different rolls to share. A few just didn't have much taste and were heavy on rice. The house salad with ginger was very good and unlike most Japanese/sushi spots, used a mix of good lettuces instead of boring iceberg. The ginger dressing was solid. Service was good -- friendly, helpful and attentive.
(3)Mitch D.
My favorite sushi place, for the price, in Sarasota I've had. Very laid back with friendly service. Good size craft beer collection. Coconut shrimp is the jam.
(4)Allyson L.
This place has a great sushi for a great price. We ordered the caliente roll, KFC roll, pipeline roll, and spicy salmon roll. All were delicious. Located in gulf gate you wouldn't think to pop in but is worth the stop.
(5)Daniel B.
Lovely little place with good sushi, great service, excellent groovy music and a fresh techy interior. Happy hour is reasonably priced, will come again.
(4)Jo Ann B.
Always so consistent. The specials and special rolls are the inspired creations of the day, but don't let that detract you from selecting your favorites from their far-reaching menu. So many personal favorites include the Ninja roll, the miso gumbo soup (special), and the Zen roll (just plain Zen!) When the cobia are running, anything they preoare is fantastic! This is a place that knows sushi (Japanese owners) and knows how to make both locals and tourists enjoy it in a comfortable atmosphere. Check out Tues night jazz from 7:30pm. Another Gulf Gate hidden gem!
(5)Justin T.
Amazing!!! Prices are the best!!! Great sushi love the crab lagoon sushi!!! Great service!!!! Awesome draft beer selections! Try the sake float doble shot!!! The best ever!!!
(5)Kristen V.
Just ate here and this place is awesome. The Caribbean roll is DELICIOUS. Clean, modern atmosphere. Don't let gulf gate deter you from eating here!
(5)C K.
Have now eaten there at regular times, and that's good, too! Took a Japanese person who says they're very "authentic" and would go back.
(4)Cole F.
Went in for the Tuesday late night happy hour, and was delighted that they had live jazz to go with their specials! And not some grad student with a Casio either, I mean a real deal, bona fide jazz 3 piece! Not only was it the best sushi I've had in town, but also the best jazz I've heard in town! I wish I didn't work nights or I'd be here every Tuesday! Highly recommend!
(5)Lisa M.
This place was so good!! We are here on vacation from Las Vegas and wanted sushi for our date night. We thought being in the gulf we would have a plethora of restaurants to choose from. Boy were we wrong. We looked at yelp for help and thought we found one so we went. Nope epic fail. Only had 10-12 rolls. We are use to 20-30 different speciality rolls besides your basics. Then we went to a high dollar one but again only 10-12 rolls so we walked across the street to check out Kazu's 2.0. So happy we did!! Amazing service! Very yummy very fresh sushi!! We will go back next time we are in town!! If you are looking for sushi in Siesta Key/Sarasota...this is the place to go!!
(5)Rob B.
I reviewed Kazu 1.0...the rice was always undercooked and the quality of the sushi was not as good as J-Pan (Vizen is like Formula One class sushi and set's the benchmark for SRQ). Sooooooooo...we finally ventured out and tried the 2.0....and guess what...the rice is still undercooked. We had an assortment of rolls and I ordered a hamachi. Had some good sake. Nothing special. It would be nice if this restaurant could focus on the sushi. Seems like it's a bar/asian fusion/sake joint and the sushi takes the back burner. Also, I think the quality of the fish was ok...again, not to J-Pan's standards. I tried to talk with the staff to see if they were foodies and I was trying to find out why the rice is always somewhat under cooked. Unfortunately, they were very busy and had little time for chit-chat. One thing I appreciate about both J-Pan (and Vizen) is that the owner is also the Sushi Chef and they enjoy discussing food and are easily approachable if there are any problems (which never happens at J-pan or Vizen) Sushi leaves little room for mediocrity...it is the "Food of Truth"...I think Kazu's 2.0 can do better...
(2)Roy H.
Great sushi, great craft beer and great service! Enough said. Only drawback is that it is in Gulf Gate and the dining room is very small.
(5)D G.
My favorite sushi spot in Sarasota. They combine Japanese gastro-pub style with delicious sushi. So you get fresh sushi and regional craft beers. The prices are very reasonable and in everyone's budget. The 10pm happy hour is a deal and a treat in a town where everything decent closes at 9pm. I think the waiter Nimo (sp?) is the best asset they have. We have always enjoyed ourselves and anyone who has tagged along wants to come back. The takoyaki is a must have.
(4)doug w.
Our new goto japanese restaurant in Sarasota. Vizen is good but pricey...Kazu is good and resonable. (both in gulfgate). The fish is excellent with very nice presentation. I almost always have sashimi with 5 choices (about $25) and some saki. If you want good sushi or sashimi and you aren't sucken in by the all you can eat menu at ichiban, this is well worth trying.
(4)Christina W.
We are big sushi fans and come from a major city with lots of sushi options. We were so happy to find this place! Both the sushi and main menu have excellent choices. We've tried most all the rolls and most were fantastic. Their Japanese nachos are amazing (in the appetizers) We usually do take out, but its a nice little place with good service and good food
(4)Pam A.
Happy hour deals are awesome. Great service. All the rolls are exceptional. Leave some room or dessert, the red bean strawberry mochis are yummy! If you order sashimi the portions are large, about the size of two bites.
(5)Stacy R.
My family and i came here for dinner right before happy hour started, the service was excellent ( we had nimo), atmosphere was nice and clean & contemperary. Food was very fresh!
(5)Camille P.
Perfectly mellow spot for a beer and sushi. Ambience is dark and soothing for a quiet night out. Eclectic and fun music mix and the service is wonderful. Bonsai and Mandala roll are excellent. I would also recommend the fish and chips which are delicately fried in rice oil giving it a light crisp taste. Buffalo chicken empanadas with wasabi ranch were a great starter with Asahi , which they have on draft! This is def one of the best places in the Southgate area. Enjoy!
(4)Robyn F.
Kazu's 2.0 is just as delicious as the original with some added perks! They have late night hours and a happy hour that's probably the best in the city with quality beers served at just $3 a glass! Their sushi specials are fantastic as well- with spicy tuna and other treats for just $5! They also have takoyaki! The staff is friendly and service is fantastic. I love going here Friday nights after a long day of work to relax with sushi and brew.
(5)Jay L.
Very rude on the phone when trying to do takeout, then told by an employee that my business does not matter because they are doing very well
(1)Joe M.
Very fresh sushi, had only intended on getting a couple happy hour rolls and ended up ordering two rolls, then two nigiri, then for more nigiri. The salmon was extremely fresh and melted in your mouth. The size of the nigiri was also quite large, especially compared to some of the other places in Sarasota. They also have great beer on tap and everyone was very friendly. Well definitely be back for more.
(5)M. A.
Great service. Casual atmosphere. Tried both the sushi and sashimi, and both were great. Our favorite rolls were the Tampa Roll and the Pipeline Roll. Definitely worth a visit.
(4)Maggie L.
SO GOOD. I live downtown so I am hardly ever in Gulf Gate, but when I am I make sure to stop here for lunch. This sushi is perfect. Great prices with a versatile menu. The branding is very well designed and the ambience is trendy and comfortable. I wish I could eat here more often!
(5)Cassie D.
Awesome last minute find! One of the few places that stays open past 10pm in this area and I was very glad they did. Ordered from the late night menu and couldn't believe how reasonably priced and delicious the food was. Dragon rice was an interesting twist on fried rice and a good app if you are starving. We tried a selection of 6 rolls between us and all were fantastic. Also highly recommend the house salad and shrimp dumplings. The saki sangria was homemade and out of this world- a definitely try! If you are in the siesta key area in the evening and want some great sushi, this is your place!
(5)Lauren J.
Kazu has been one of my husband's and my go-to places for a date night. We have never had less than an impeccable meal. The servers are very familiar with both the dinner and drink menu and are always willing to give suggestions based on what you're looking for. On top of that, they are quick and extremely friendly. Inside, the restaurant feels like a hip space strait out of San Francisco or Manhatten, but less crowded. It's great to see a place that's not covered with Florida beach kitch. The food is never less than amazing. Tonight my husband and I tried the Pipeline roll for the first time. It was mellow and delicious. We also went for the Gunba roll, which is more or less tuna with tuna with deliciousness. We also went back to an oldie but goodie, Hurricane Dino. If you're looking for something different, try the Mandala roll. It's one of the best rolls I've ever had. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this is a great place to chill out and have a brew and a roll. It won't break the bank and it's impossible to have a less - then - stellar meal here.
(5)Jim R.
By far our favorite sushi restaurant in Sarasota. The sushi is top notch, and the beer selection is amazing. The "japas" (Japanese appetizers) are also really great. My favorite is the tuna nachos. Make sure you go on Tuesday nights for the live jazz by Kazu himself and his trio!
(5)