VIZEN Japanese Cuisine
6559 Gateway Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34231
VIZEN Japanese Cuisine Menu
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Address :
6559 Gateway Ave
Sarasota, FL, 34231 - Phone (941) 926-0830
- Website https://www.vizen-sarasota.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic, Classy
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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TopCat W.
Who would have thought finding great sushi place in Sarasota. We always start with an order of the fantastic Gyoza, followed by lots of fresh sashimi and nigiri that are written on the blackboard. Then we always get another order of the Gyoza to end the meal instead of dessert. The service is great too! Highly recommend this place.
(5)Diana P.
Very fresh sushi, friendly staff, unique specialty rolls. The reason I couldn't go for a 5 star on this place was for two reasons. 1. there was a piece of hair in one of my sushi rolls and I told our waiter. She said the manager would give us $2 off. Yes, you read right, $2 she offered me. 2nd reason this place doesn't get a 5 is because we ordered california rolls and they came out tiny and with imitation crab meat in them. It just didn't seem fit to the rest of our AMAZING meal. I'd definitely recommend this place, despite my slightly negative experience. Overall, if you want fresh sushi with unique options, come by and give it a try.
(4)Jerry G.
Best Sushi in Town
(5)J M.
Okay, this is the best sushi and sashimi I've had in 10 years...since I lived in NYC. I've eaten in nearly every highly touted sushi restaurant in Tampa Bay over the last 7 years and this is clearly the best. World-class uni, toro, hamachi, etc. and beautiful presentation. Extremely creative, exciting and delicious appetizers - the grilled cobia and eggplant appetizer is one of the best things I have ever tasted. Even the dessert - the custard was amazing. My wife gave the chef a standing ovation.
(5)Nicki C.
This has to be the best Japanese Restaurant in Sarasota. I've never been disappointed in the selections or the presentation. They always have a great list of specials. The food is gourmet quality and a very nice atmosphere.
(5)Dichosa M.
Watch out! Has enforced dress code. Drove quite a ways and was turned away for wearing work uniform. (Came from work on week day) Won't make the effort to try again.
(1)Derek D.
Best Japansese/sushi restaurant in Sarasota. Odd location in a strip mall, but once you walk in you are treated to excellent service and fantastic sushi. Take a look at the blackboard to see what the specials are and what is fresh. Recommend the gyozas, smoked scallop sushi, and the tuna & salmon burst.
(5)Josh G.
Delicious, Fresh, daily special fish, a sushi fans sushi place. Rolls are rolls but for fresh sushi or sashimi this is the kind of place your looking for.
(5)Rob B.
Best sushi in Sarasota (and the Gulf Coast)! Matsu is the best chef (all cuisine) in Sarasota! The quality of the fish and overall mastery of the art of sushi equals to the best sushi places I've eaten in LA, NYC and even Tokyo. The only meal I've eaten in Sarasota that's better is Mason Blanche and that is the most expensive restaurant in SRQ.
(5)Rick G.
Great fish, better price! Trendy decor.
(5)Sylvia S.
One of the nicest sushi restaurants in the area with upscale service. The menu was inventive and the atmosphere of the place very cool and trendy.
(4)S L.
For sushi in Sarasota, it's limiting. But I found Vizen to be a pretty good place for sushi. Everything tasted fresh the appetizers were great and the prices were pretty decent. The inside is cozy but classier looking. Compared to other places in town like PacRim and The drunken poet, this place is a much better choice for sushi.
(4)Nibbler D.
*World class* Japanese traditional and fusion cuisine. If that's what you're seeking, this long review is worth a read. I've enjoyed Japanese food since 1972, but in 40 years of dining I can only compare Vizen to a handful of restaurants I've experienced in Tokyo, Bangkok, New York, Los Angeles and the Philadelphia area. It is that perfect and authentic, and because of that I'll start this review by saying...this place is not for everyone. Vizen is not for people seeking an "all-you-can-eat sushi buffet for $25 per person," nor for folks who grab a Publix or Whole Foods California roll for lunch and think they are "eating Japanese." I eat those things too but this is on another level. CHEF/OWNER - Clearly the meticulous Japanese owner/chef is the creative force behind everything in his restaurant: the decor, service, cleanliness, quality of the ingredients and, above all, the quality and creativity of the food. This is an artistic and sensual experience as much as a culinary one. I sadly note that most Japanese restaurants now are operated by Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean and Thai owners. Many do a fine job but there is a huge difference between their interpretation of Japanese food and culture and the real deal. ATMOSPHERE - Decor is austere, dignified and very Japanese. Dark wood and beige walls make this a very relaxing place. We ate as a couple, and despite there being three large parties of 6, 8 and 10 people at other tables we enjoyed our intimate meal at a corner table. We were seated promptly at 6PM on a Friday without a reservation, but clearly we were early. I recommend making reservations. MENU - Daily specials are listed on two large chalk boards with the choices changing daily based on fresh fish and ingredients the owner procures. There are traditional items on a printed menu (which also appears to update regularly) including many types of Japanese rolls. There's a nice range of raw sushi and sashimi items, but there are also plenty of cooked items for those who don't like the raw stuff. Any gourmet will be happy here. SERVICE and PRESENTATION - Absolutely wonderful! Two Japanese waitresses and one western waitress provided attentive, friendly, prompt service in true Japanese style. Also for larger tables I saw something I've only seen in the most expensive restaurants: synchronized presentation of entrees and dishes with all three servers working together. At Tru in Chicago they make a big fuss over this...and dinner for 4 can easily cost over $1000. The service is equally good, and more charming, here at Vizen. And the food is better. FOOD - Everyone has their own tastes. Our dishes were all, literally, among the best we've had: wakame salad, squid salad, Trico lobster roll, spicy tuna roll, ebi, uni, a sashimi appetizer (magoru, hamachi, sake salmon) and toro tuna that was rich perfection. All were served artistically with special dishes. Truly Japanese! DRINKS - We started with green tea, served in heavy Japanese cups. But it was the hot sake that really impressed us. It was served in a small artistic clay jug with matching cups, all clearly handmade. The saki was sweet and wonderful...a big improvement from the Gekkeikan sake (or cheaper) that is the standard pour in most places. DESSERT - The chef's homemade frozen custard is *astounding*...rich and not overly sweet.. We had green tea flavor but will try chocolate, café au lait or crème brûlée on future visits. His custard rivals that at Sweetberries (also just around the corner). COST - Our bill was $105 before tip, an exceptional value for this level of cuisine and service. We can't wait to visit again. Special thanks to the owner for sharing his culinary art with us, and to our primary server Yoko. PS - This is the second time that Sarasota's Gulfgate area has amazed us. A little more than a year ago, we was delighted by Puccini's Cucina Amore...a hidden gourmet eatery in a strip mall around the corner that would be right at home in Manhattan. Vizen is an equally astounding opportunity to visit another culinary world without getting on an airplane.
(5)Carmen F.
Very flavorful and fresh. The volcano crab roll was delicious and unique. Everything was pleasing to the eye and pallet.
(4)Jen B.
Even for a very picky, experienced sushi eater, this is the absolute best not just in sarasota, but the best i've had anywhere. Creativity, freshness, quality, service-- all unparalleled. Even when comparing places in San Fran & Boston. GO.
(5)Jacqueline L.
The sushi here is super fresh. However, it's a little pricey. There's a "smart casual" dress code but I'm not sure if it's enforced. You might feel like you should when you step inside though, it's very quiet and it's a little swanky. The miso soup and house salad are affordable, yet small. The grilled sea bass appetizer was amazing (about 2 bites). The sushi menu is respectable, nothing crazy and adventurous. The quality and presentation is really lovely. The service is very professional. I would go here again for a celebration to spoil myself, but as far as sushi goes in Sarasota (price and quality, Kazu's takes the cake.
(4)Hank M.
Best sushi ever! My wife and I have been going here for years. The presentation is always excellent and the fish is always fresh. We haven't been to Japan yet, but this is the best sushi we have had in the united states - definitely the best in Sarasota. We really like all of the apps and all of the special rolls on the chalk board. In addition, the chef is always posting new specials on the board which are always excellent. Don't forget to get a frozen custard desert either... it's amazing!
(5)T S.
A rather different kind of sushi experience, no visible case full of fish, no sushi chef working in view behind that case. Had many sushi and sashimi items and while they were good, they did not blow me away as I expect to happen with super sushi. Several items were outstanding: slightly smoked scallop, ginger salmon entree, fresh uni. My ultimate measure is my interest in returning to a restaurant, and I do not think I would to this one.
(4)Chris C.
It is definitely the best sushi around. It tops any place we know in Tampa. The location is not easy to find unless you know the area, but the waitstaff and food are excellent and at less than Big City prices. I hope Vizen continues to be a part of Sarasota for many years to come.
(5)Riley R.
Ate dinner last night with my husband. We were greeted and seated immediately with no reservation. We tried their "special rolls" and their regular selection of typical sushi rolls. Both delicious. The service during our entire experience was wonderful! We will return!
(4)Jane M.
This place was great! We came here because of the overwhelmingly high ratings on Yelp! We were not dissapointed. The food was really tasty. We had several rolls, and a couple sushi pieces, and miso soup. The staff was so friendly and they even brought me a little bin for my purse so it wasn't on the ground. I've been told that in Asian cultures it's bad luck to put your purse on the ground. You can bet if I am ever back in Sarasota that I will come back. The area getting to this place looks a little sketchy because it is near a bunch of local bars, but after you enter the door it is much nicer inside.
(5)Marsha Z.
We went to Vizen because of the excellent ratings. The ambience was like a morgue, the food just okay, and waaay over priced. The customer service from the wait staff was good, but the sushi chef didn't even look up when we walked in, let alone greeting us. There was no one else in the place when we arrived. The wine is overpriced and a short pour (4 oz of Merlot for $8.50, really?), the sushi rolls were mushy and underwhelming, and we paid over $40 for a glass of wine, one saki, and two sushi rolls. The rolls were small, flavorless, and the tuna tasted old. We will not be going back and do not recommend it.
(1)Christina W.
I took my daugher out for a special evening. we both love sushi and there are few good places in srq. vizen is an upscale sit down restaurant in an unlikley location in a strip mall. the service was traditional, in a good way -- attentive and respectful. the menu was limited but very creative. we had the scallop sashimi which was out of this world, and several special rolls. the price was on the high side, but we'll definately be back when we want a nice meal.
(4)Robyn F.
The absolute best sushi experience I've ever had, and far and away the best in Sarasota. The quality of their fish is unsurpassed, and the staff is both speedy and friendly. I went here for Valentine's day and they even treated me and my date with a special chocolate dessert for the occasion! Their uni and smoked scallops were a particular treat. Dress up and go out to have some of the best sushi of your life at Vizen!
(5)Joe R.
Best Japanese restaurant in Florida By far. No one serve this quality of preparation with all the details on the plate. Every time is a feast
(5)Leticia B.
This is the most beautiful and delicious sushi we have ever had . We had the Black Jack, S.A.Y. and Spider rolls... ALL excellent. The soy mousse and soy jelly were creative and delicious and just added to the beauty of the dishes. And to top it off the staff is excellent. So happy we discovered this place, we will be back again this week! Vizen is a must if you are in the Siesta Key/ Sarasota area!
(5)Katie B.
My family and I have visited Siesta Key each February for the past 5 years. We always make a point of dining at Vizen. The food is extraordinarily delicious! We learned tonight that Vizen (roughly translated) means beautiful plate. They certainly take that to heart! Everything is beautifully presented! We had the Special Jewel, and it was almost too pretty to eat. We loved all of the plates we ordered, especially Black Jack. The service is wonderful too. The waitstaff are very friendly and attentive. They are also knowledgeable and helped my mother choose gluten free dishes. As we left, my husband said that Vizen is his favorite restaurant, and my sons said they felt like they were in heaven!
(5)Connie L.
Absolutely excellent. Hot humid outside, lovely cool serene light jazz infused perfection. I had tender octopus app and spider roll washed down with a kirin. Left full with $23 bill. Delightful.
(5)Harry L.
I've heard a lot of great things about Vizen over the years so I finally decided to go last week. My party of 4 arrived at 7:30 on a Wednesday and there were only about 2 other tables there. We sat down and got our drinks pretty promptly, but then our waitress literally disappeared for 20 minutes. A table that arrived 15 minutes after us managed to get their food and drinks before our waitress even arrived to take our order. I'd understand if they were busy or if it was a Friday night, but we were one of the only 3 tables in the restaurant at the time, so it was pretty inexcusable service. Once we finally were served I ordered the cobia tataki that everyone on yelp has posted about, as well as their famous smoked scallop and some nigiri ikura. The cobia tataki was average, honestly. The fish was fresh but a few of the cuts were poorly done. It looked pretty but it felt like there was way too much going on. It had about 7-8 ingredients on the plate for a dish that is normally very simple. It was ok, but I wouldn't order it again. The smoked scallop however was quite delicious. It's a pretty hefty piece of scallop that had just a slight hint of smokiness, definitely worthy of the hype. The ikura was pretty standard fare. Overall the food was slightly above average, but not something I would rave about. I would definitely return for the smoked scallop though. Hopefully the service is better the next time.
(3)Dott F.
So glad that I listened to other Yelper reviews and tried Vizen. It is out of the way enough that a tourist like me would not find it. My husband and I had a delightful meal there. The best sushi we have had anywhere. Beautifully presented and attentive service. My husband loved the Ahi tuna special. He had not one, not two but three orders of it tonight. It now will become his favorite sushi of all time. We also had the custard dessert that was fabulous as well. Will be looking forward to our next visit to Sarasota.
(5)Mika B.
The best Sushi in town. Server are very knowledgeable. They'll explained all deferent kind of fish on our plate. They are very fresh and so beautiful!! Love the way to make perfection about Sushi.
(5)Stephanie B.
Came here with high expectations based on previous reviews. I should have been tipped off by their "no children" policy and dress code requirements divulged when telephoning our reservation. Upon arrival into a bleak room, the waitress literally ordered the women in our party to deposit their handbags into an orange plastic basket on the floor. I could only surmise that they were concerned a strap or buckle might damage the back of the chair. We tried to order wine and were refused because one of our party - well over age- did not have her ID. Sometimes you just get a sense that you and a restaurant are not a match-- and this was certainly the case here, so we left. For me, a friendly and welcoming host trumps any feats of culinary accomplishment.
(1)Miri H.
Fabulous! Top-notch service, calm environment, amazing sushi and enough on the menu to please a non-sushi eating husband (who very much enjoyed his seafood tempura and plans to try the ginger chicken next time around). We'll be back for more!
(5)Tammi D.
It's hard to review this place, because there were things I loved and things that really bothered me. We were greeted warmly and sat quickly. The place was not busy at all for a Friday night at 7. I decided to order a tuna and salmon burst appetizer, which was very very good and unique, but a bit salty. I then ordered the sashimi platter, and it came beautifully presented. The sashimi was fantastic, however I always use spicy mayo and extra wasabi. Asked for both, and was told there was a $1.50 charge for the mayo. The extra wasabi request was ignored. I asked again, and the waitress brought a thimble sized portion to the table. Prices are a little high, food was very very good, but I was definitely turned off by the extra charge. I've never been charged for that, and I've been to a lot of sushi restaurants. The quality of the fish would bring me back though.
(3)Kaye S.
We had an interesting experience. We tried some new sushi. The owner and server were very pleasant and helpful.
(4)Sarah W.
Delicious! My husband and I tried Vizen for the first time last weekend. We did not think great sushi existed in Sarasota... Until we tried Vizen. The sushi was not only fresh and high quality, but the presentation was gorgeous. The service was the best I've had in Sarasota and possibly ever. The waitresses made us feel spoiled by their attentiveness. We will be back!
(4)K L.
Food is really good and fresh. Atmosphere, presentation, and service is awesome!!! But portion is really small and pricy! $6 for 2 pieces of sushi, $16 for an appetizer, I am from NYC, Morimoto's price is similar.
(3)Amy T.
Came here based on the excellent reviews and definitely worth our visit. There are many sushi places we visited throughout the States but Vizen is by far the best one we had and above par than most of the sushi places I visited in Japan too. The waitress is Japanese and I think she is one of the owner too. Very polite and patiently explained each dish ( what is made out of, how to eat etc.) as she presented each one to our table. What sets apart from them to the rest is the quality and home made sauce. The sauce comes with each dish is particularly unique and taste really good. Unagi(cooked eel) sushi melt in our mouth and is a must if you are unagi lover. The price is on the high side if you compare with most of other places but very reasonable if you compare with Nobu or some other popular places in NY. Will visit again before we leave and will be on our list when we come to Siesta Key next time.
(5)Sal M.
This is a hidden gem. Not particularly attractive from the outside, we decided to try it based on its positive reviews. Everything on the menu, and the blackboard, which shows it's daily specials, were wonderful. We particularly enjoyed both the smoked and fresh scallop, salmon and tuna burst, cobia tataki and the uni dish which was served with a quail egg. I'm hungry for more just thinking about it. Will definitely go back again, and again. Also, the servers were extremely professional and gracious.
(5)C K.
Very nice! Came in a party of four and all enjoyed. The seared beef was wonderful. They had a nice sake list and the orange buckets were not offensive to any of us - so many dishes on the table made it seem sensible. They seem to have dialed back the dress code, not that I would have minded. The waitress was really one of all time best waitstaff ever. Definitely suggest for a refined evening.
(5)Jonathan T.
What a fun night had by all! We had a variety of options off of the menu. (The menu changes frequently, and its written on the wall.) You have to make reservations to sit in the main dinning room, else you will stuck in the first room. The seating is very limited. The service and food are A Plus though. We had a blast! Super fresh fish/sushi.
(5)Yasuko T.
This is one of the best Sushi restaurant I have been in the south east. Who knew? In Sarasota, FL where culinary experience is rather less satisfying. I live in ATL where there are ample of dining options and have had heard time finding good place to eat when visiting Sarasota. Now I have found Vizen that my vacation to Sarasota will be much more exciting. The chef, I heard from the waitress, worked for a very prestigious sushi bar in Ginza (a district in Tokyo where only the best of the best can survive). His presentation and execution is artful in visual and flavor. I ordered couple different sashimi and rolls and they were served with special sauces with multi cultural influences. Everything was served with sophistication. The service was on point also; warm yet incredibly professional. It made me feel like I was back home in Japan. I was so impressed with my experience that I sent them a card. They were THAT good.
(5)Marika L.
Without question, Vizen is the best place for sushi in Sarasota. They only serve dinner, but the experience is well worth it. They are a small establishment, good for intimate conversation or for taking someone out on a date. The ambience of the restaurant is romantic and quiet: soft jazz music playing in the background. Five tables plus a sushi bar. I could definitely tell it was a Japanese-owned establishment based on the minimalistic decor and the feeling of zen right as I walked in. Service was great: The two waitresses for the entire restaurant were attentive, informative of their sushi, and had the perfect "melt-into-the-background" service that made the dining experience even better. Sushi: their presentation is simple and beautiful. The chef definitely highlights the freshness of his ingredients. His technique of rolling is sophisticated as a sushi chef; for the four rolls that we ordered, all were tightly bound and easy to pick up. They have a selection of traditional rolls and sashimi, along with a blackboard menu of their specials for the day. (Try the smoked scallops; you will NOT regret this!) Their rolls were fantastic, while keeping to the traditional by using only fish and vegetables; they don't have fare like cream cheese or chili peppers, etc.. Summary? Please, just try Vizen.
(4)Brian D.
This place was HIGHLY recommended by Yelp. But I can tell you that I had dinner their with my wife for my birthday. I have had sushi that is just as fresh and delicious for half the price other places in Sarasota...and I do eat sushi quite a bit. In fact the restaurant called "Thailand" has GREAT sushi at a much lower price, and the chef will actually speak to you :). The smoked scallop dish which was raved about was WAY smokey, and had become a little rubbery. The uni was delicious. The maki rolls were quite unique. I am not saying the place was bad...it wasn't but way over priced for what they have compared to other restaurants. The atmosphere is quite urban, you would think you were in NYC. This was a nice change of pace for Sarasota. The chef was experienced and spoke briefly to a group in the restaurant. I will probably not eat here again, but more due to price/quality versus some other places in Sarasota.
(2)beryl l.
Simply enough, Sarasota's BEST sushi! Read the other reviews and try it out yourself.
(5)Patty M.
VIZEN IS AS GOOD AS GOOD AS IT GETS. This is the only truly authentic Japanese Sushi Restaurant in all of Sarasota. Matsu and Mariko are artists in creating exquisite, delectable Sushi and Sashimi using the highest quality seafood. Their menu includes other choices as well for those who might prefer other Japanese dishes. A must on the menu, are their lightly pan fried dumplings or GYOZA. They are by far the best I've ever had. I Having spent a great deal of time in Tokyo I can truly say Vizen is equal to the best! A MUST!
(5)Dean M.
Having been fortunate to have lived in Japan for many years it is great to have a restaurant of such quality. The sushi in terms of quality and presentation is excellent. Try all of the Sushi, but start with the gyoza, incredible. Vizen is the only Japanese restaurant in Sarasota that that should be chosen. Vizen is outstanding.
(5)Coty S.
Ahhhhh Vizen! Vizen was recommended by a friend of ours, and after reading the reviews we had to try it. When you first enter, there are some strict dress code signs posted by the entrance. The main one being "Dress Code Smart Casual." What is smart casual anyways? The dining areas are comprised of two large rooms. The first room is the entrance room, that has four tables available for seating, this is the room you will end up with if you do not have a reservation. The second room is divided by a large wall from the first room, which houses the sushi bar and menu board. The décor is very minimal and classy, like their website. We just went there last night around 6:45 PM on a Saturday night. We definitely recommend making a reservation on the weekend, otherwise you will end up like us sitting in the second room not being able to see the sushi chef or the specials board. Just call even when you are on the way there to let them know you are coming. I recommend only ordering most of your items from the menu board, since they are chef's recommendations and the freshest items available. See the photos for an accurate depiction of the board and prices. There are cooked and raw items to choose from. Just a note that they put a huge gob of wasabi underneath the fish on the nigiri, more than I have ever had before. Trust me, it was a lot, I am a wasabi eater and usually use the whole serving in my sauce, but this was a bit much. So when you get a blast of flame shooting out your nose, don't say I did not warn you. I now wish that we ordered the sashimi rather than the Nigiri because of this, and also because of the massive three bite size of the fish placed on top of the rice. There is absolutely no way to eat the Nigiri in one bite here, I do not care how rude it is not to do so. However, after all of this their raw fish is very fresh and of excellent quality as other reviewers have posted. We ordered the Ceviche, which was very sour but delicious. The lobster salad roll was amazing and came with 4 different dipping sauces, one of them being blue cheese which was a great combination. The special Smoked Scallop was amazing! The lobster roll was enough to be an entire meal. I also tried the Volcano Roll off of the sushi menu, but it was nothing compared to the Lobster Roll on special. We also ordered Eel Nigiri and were charged for it, but it never arrived. I just noticed on my receipt, but was too caught up in the moment when we were there to notice, so be careful. The dessert! I am obessed with custard and crème brulee. So when I noted that they have green tea custard, I was definitely going to get me some. It was fabulous, to die for, definitely check it out. The service was amazing. Your server was always watching you to make sure that you were pleased and to offer tips on how to eat the special dishes. They were very respectful and happy to help with anything, dinner for two was $115.00 with tip. I feel honored to have a gem like Vizen in my area, and you should be too. We will definitely be returning in the future, just being more careful to receive what we order and to check under the fish for hidden presents.
(5)Kim K.
A little divey but very nice sushi, great staff, good prices, and very clean.
(3)Felipe G.
I absolutely love sushi and my first visit to Vizen instantly puts it my top 3 list for best ever sushi dining experiences. I feel happy to have gone and greatly appreciative for Yelp to point me in their direction I must admit that I'm also tad bit sad because they aren't exactly close to home. Lately, I have been finding myself visiting Sarasota for business, and while I have had many great meals at local places like Libby's, Selva Grill, and Roy's- without a doubt the stand out meal in my mind remains my visit to Vizen. Everything was absolutely incredible as they hit the nail on the head in every category one could hope for in a Japanese sushi restaurant. The fish was super fresh allowing you to taste ever nuance and flavor, the presentation was artful and immaculate, and the special Trico lobster roll really stole the show with the lobster salad being perfectly complimented with a combination of sauces, and a great surprise ingredient-- pistachios! The subtle genius of that roll alone spoke volumes to me. These sushi chefs love what they are doing as one doesn't just come up with that great tasting roll overnight. It had to be a labor of love. So often it feels like sushi places make up rolls as they go along and interject too many sauces and ingredients. This was an example of restrained sophistication where everything works in harmony and reminded me of why I love sushi so much in the first place. All the individual Nigiri pieces I ordered were fantastic as well. The salmon, Spanish mackerel, eel, and white tuna were all as good as I have ever tasted elsewhere. One added bonus was a smoked scallop special which provided a great aroma the instant the dish was brought out. They both smelled and tasted of subtlety sweet wood chips, and along with the lobster roll were another unexpected but delicious surprise. I cannot recommended this place enough, I've already shared my story to several work associates who live in the area urging them to go try it out. I know if Vizen was right down the street from me I would quickly become a regular it is simply that good. So to put it simply... words like terrific, excellent, wonderful, and amazing are all apt adjectives to describe Vizen and you really should check it out.
(5)Svitlana M.
Co-worker recommended this place. What to say - overpriced for the quality and service: fish was not fresh, and service was so slow despite that there were only a couple tables taken when we were there. Go to J-pan for much better experience and prices.
(2)John S.
Every so often, I develop a favorite restaurant after only one visit. It's a once in a blue moon kind of thing, because a place needs to do everything right - service, food, ambiance, value, creativity, quality. It is one of life's great surprises when I walk into such a "one and favorite" kind of place, since you never really see it coming. Vizen, in Sarasota, gave me such a surprise. I was absolutely, totally and completely impressed with Vizen, and will be coming back every time I head down. The sushi was inventive, beautifully presented and delicious. It was served by a friendly and accessible waitstaff. The ambiance was muted but classy. The value was fantastic. The quality was off the charts. I'd stack Vizen's offerings against any sushi I've had in Boston or New York. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. They did everything right. I certainly hope the locals understand what kind of gem they have. Good sushi is so hard to find, and Vizen goes top shelf without breaking a sweat. It's an instant favorite.
(5)CJ P.
We came to Vizen as guests of our Sarasota friends, and left huge fans! My partner is a fan of Japanese food, I had no good experiences until Vizen. Located in a dingy strip mall, stepping inside takes you to a different, peaceful world. The food was beautifully prepared and presented. Starting safe, I had the seafood miso. SO GOOD!!! Next course, I had the fried oysters and scallops, while everyone else went for the sashimi and a seafood cerviche. As my partner raved, she insisted that I give the cerviche a try. I took the smallest of bites, and the world unfolded. I've never tasted such complexity; crisp, citrusy, ig felt like every taste bud was greeted. Our server brought out a dish compliments of Matsu, the chef/owner. He has awakened my curiosity. As I saw our table's popped-out eye glances after taking a taste, I had to try whatever it was. What I thought was the most tender pork tenderloin in a mild citrus juice, was in fact, cobia sashimi. 20 years of bad NYC Japanese food experiences were wiped away instantly. While I will probably remain cautious of Japanese food offerings in other places, I totally submit myself to the cuisine of Vizen. MoreLemonsPlease.com
(5)Aaron N.
Without question the best sushi in sarasota, and some of the best I have had in the US. There is one sushi chef/owner. He is a master, the sushi is fresh and original and he has been preparing the sushi every time we have gone (which is probably why it is only open for dinner), so the quality is extremely consistent. The specials are teh way to go. The Horse Mackarel is tender and delicious, though it is not always available. Anything that is different tends to be excellent. Some have complained about the dress requirements, but my feeling is the chef takes pride in his food, and wants to have it eaten in a respectful environment. We should honor that or go elsewhere.
(5)Aaron N.
Ok so My fellow chef colleague and I are in Sarasota on business a couple of days ago. We are from San Francisco, have been fine dining professional chefs for 20 years, own very successful seafood restaurants in San Francisco. Not to boast here, just laying the groundwork for credibility. We had been traveling all day, and thought it would be nice to have a lighter meal, so we thought, let's check out if there are any decent sushi joints in town. We look to yelp and read the reviews and look at the pix of Vizen and the 4 1/2 starts and think, "this is the place". We call and make a reservation for the bar. (all quality sushi experiences by 2 or fewer people should occur at the bar) We arrive a little early and there are two tables sat, one six top and one deuce and the 6-8 seat bar is empty. We mention that we have a reservation and the server says, I don't see it. The other server walks over and apologizes for "not putting it in the book" No biggie. We take a seat at the bar, which strangely sits way below the level of the chef, making it very difficult to see the fish in the case. What fish we could see though was scattered around sloppily and the big hunk of tuna that was most prevalent. had that rainbow hue of being old. The server comes over and hands us check off sheets for sushi and a menu. Not a great sign, as I want to order fish from the sushi chef not the server, but again, no biggie. Their were 6 interesting sake bottles lined up along the back of the bar, so we think maybe a little sake is in order. We ask for a list, but the server says, sorry no list. Uh, I can't really read Japanese, so I ask if she can make any recs. She says they are dryest to sweetest from right to left. OK no biggie, lets go second from the right. At this point, the sushi chef has never said hello or even looked us in the eye. We ask the server if the chef can do Omakase and the server says that we need to order that 24 hours in advance. OK, no biggie, please just see if the chef can recommend what he thinks is good. She replys with "the chef can't do this, but I'll ask him" The chef is standing 3 feet away from us listening to the whole conversation and makes no response. Everyone disappears and then we're sitting there patiently. After 10 minutes the chef comes back out. Still no eye contact. I say hello, how are you. He grunts and says nothing. After 5 minutes he disappears and then we are just sitting there for another 10 minutes with Radio silence. (also no sake ever served) Needless to say, we left, 30 minutes of life wasted. Got a beer at the dive bar down the block and drove downtown to some friendly Thai run sushi roll place. The food there was OK, but the friendliness of the staff made a it a great refuge. I highly recommend not patronizing this business. They are not on the customer's side. They should read Danny Meyer's book "Setting the Table" and learn something about hospitality.
(1)Sara S.
A+++++++. I moved to Sarasota from DC and have been on a mission to find a decent sushi place and after trying the limited sushi places in the area, Vizen Sushi surpasses my expectations. It's an amazingly fresh, flavorful, and beautiful dining experience. The owner/chef creates unique rolls and sushi entrees. I've been to many sushi restaurants and never experienced soy sauce mousse on top of sushi. The lobster pistachio roll was out of this world. The salmon sushi (only $5!) was melt in your mouth good. The delightful service, presentation of the food and the decor of the restaurant complete this special dining experience.
(5)Zaw W.
I would agree with other reviewers saying that Vizen is a gem in Sarasota. The decor is minimalistic and not distracting from the food. We started with tempura shrimp and fried oysters and scallops. The tempura shimp was subpar. The shrimp was overcooked, almost rubbery and the coating was not as tasty as other restaurants. My favorites in sarasota for tempra shrimp is Kazu's and the now closed Raw Bar. The fried scallops were great however. It was a textbook example of fried items done right. The panko breading was perfect and light. I didn't try any of the rolls except for the negitoro which did not disappoint. We ordered most of the sushi specials on the menu and each was delicious. I especially liked the snapper and yellowtail. I was disappointed to find that they did not have horse mackerel or live shrimp. That gives me an excuse for another trip. One thing I must commend Vizen is how much attention they pay to the timing of dishes. You don't get two plates coming out at once nor do you wait too long between dishes. The flow is just perfect. Overall the meal was a great experience and I enjoyed every item except for the tempura shrimp. I do wish they had more kitchen items as there was not that many. For kitchen items I would not recommend this place but if you want a good variety of sushi, there's no better option in the area.
(5)Maria H.
The ambience is great, the food is fresh & tasty, and the customer service is top notch.
(5)Joseph M.
At the risk of repeating what others here have written, the restaurant is unique in Sarasota for its "authentic" Japanese feel with minimalist decor. Unfortunately, however, it is also minimalist in its serving size, especially at the prices they charge. We left there wondering whether we had gotten all the servings we had ordered because we were still hungry. The service was good but a bit overbearing. I think I'll go back to any of the several other excellent Sarasota sushi offerings, have a broader menu offering, pay less and leave satiated.
(2)Dave H.
A little pricey, but the sushi and meal presentation was awesome. Service was terrific as well.
(4)Lisa B.
I love this place! You can dress up or go casual. Great place for dates but also just dinner. The place is very elegant and modern. Romantic and dimly lit and also a small enough place to afford you some privacy/ intimacy. I found the regularly priced (common) sushi like the Philly roll to be just as tasty as the fancy rolls which were double in price. The presentation of the food was beautiful, and the chefs were Japanese. Everyone was nice, and the prices were the same as other ordinary sushi joints, but this place was definitely far from ordinary. If I lived in the area, I would come by at least once a month..
(5)David T.
All the great reviews are right on the money. Outstanding food. Very fresh, well prepared and nicely presented. The dining is small although this was not a big deal. We came during off season which is probably why we were seated right away. Very friendly service.
(4)Lizzy M.
Ok, so after seeing the raving reviews on this place, my friend and I decided to go and check it out while visiting Sarasota from Boston. We cannot rate the food because we never got as far to even trying it.... So,we walk into the place, EMPTY (mind you it is 6:30pm weekend night) and the hostess walks over timidly, and stares at us and then closes in on my friend, staring, not uttering a single word. She then asks with a disgusted look on her face "Are those GYM PANTS?!?!" They were black stretchy pants PAIRED with patent leather flats and a cute sweater, yet she had to nerve to ASK THAT?! She then goes "Oh, we have a DRESS CODE" and sniffed her little nose in the air. A) We looked nothing like we just came from the gym B) In this economy, how can a place REJECT paying customers, especially when they seem to not be getting ANY business C) She asked the sushi chef if my friends pants were "ok." after he said they were fine, she said we could sit Well, we didn't sit down, we left after such a bizarre situation. The story was ridiculous and we have told all the people who vacation at the Siesta Key resort we come to every year,. Needless to say, by spread of word, people are being warned to stay away, as we had the whole pool area laughing in hysterics over this story. Sorry Vizen, no matter how good your sushi may be, we would never give you our service.
(1)Max P.
Absolutely amazing sushi! It was super fresh and they make it look like artwork! I will definitely go back with my girlfriend! Staff is soooo friendly too.
(5)IJules D.
On our last visit last night,,,,,love, love, love, how the servers will tell you, do not dip in soy sauce!! No need for it!!
(5)Emily S.
If you love true sushi/sashimi this place is as good as it gets in Florida! I'm not a big fan of Florida sushi restaurants typically as it is very difficult to find high quality fish. My husband & I regularly travel to Seattle and are able to have the really good sushi/sashimi but we live here in Florida so we are not able to travel to the opposite side of the country as often as we'd like. We regularly make the trip down from St. Petersburg to Vizen just to get our fill of the chef's specials. We only order off the blackboard the ceviche & tuna salmon burst being our favorite appetizers. The snapper & cobia are fantastic & the toro melts in your mouth. The smoked scallop is one of my husband's favorites. The people on here who complain about the price obviously don't appreciate the high quality of fish they are receiving. I would never go here and simply order the "spicy tuna roll" or the "california roll" you can get at any place selling standard sushi. The staff is great and very friendly. Highly recommend this place!
(5)Wayne K.
Simply the best Japanese restaurant I have ever been to, and this is an ethnicity that is loaded with great restaurants. The specials were numerous and inventive. The ingredients were the freshest and of the highest quality. All of the fish had distinctively different flavors. The service was prompt and attentive. The serving of sake was generous. The room was tastefully decorated and roomy. Don't be put off by the store front. This is truly a special experience.
(5)Mamei S.
Vizen sushi is definitely a hidden gem in Sarasota. Its small and cute, would be good for dates! I love the mood lighting, and the square decor - very Asian + modern at the same time. MIso soup looked steaming hot, and I hear it was pretty good. The house salad was served with this fishy sauce, which was pretty tasty and apt for a sushi restaurant (unlike what I had come to expect from sushi restaurants, but delicious nonetheless). We ordered the California roll, Spider Roll, Rainbow Roll, another one I can't remember, and the seared tuna. Now the rolls here were pretty good - you could tell the fish was very fresh. However, the presentation of these were absolutely beautiful! (Photos to come) The seared tuna came with this beautiful sauce that had multiple flavors (my personal opinion is that it could have been seared for a tad bit longer), from sweet to spicy. The rainbow roll is the only rainbow roll where I have seen salmon, tuna, and avocade beautifully "rainbowed" into each piece - usually they're spread out through the whole roll. I'd definitely come back if I were in Sarasota and craving sushi!
(4)Liz W.
This place is very good and the atmosphere is cute and quaint. A little pricey, but good. Service was very friendly. There is a dress code...so know that before going.
(3)Julian G.
Went here twice to make sure that the first time was not a fluke (I know bad sushi pun) :D But, the Sushi hear is amazing. 1. Always artistically served to your table. VERY COOL PRESENTATIONS. 2. Timed perfectly for each dish to arrive at your table (They dont throw all your food at you at once - Its a nice touch). 3. Very nice staff. 4. Nice assortment of spicy sauces that accompany each dish (Type of spice and flavor sauce depends on fish ordered). 5. The most important - Very Fresh, Very Delicious Sushi. Best place I have had in Florida so far. I am going to go off and try the sushi at the poets corner in downtown Sarasota. I heard they had good sushi too.
(5)Dominic S.
Based upon a review in Sarasota Magazine, we decided to give this restaurant a try. We were seated at a table that was essentially in the lobby so incoming diners were standing next to our table and even knocking into our chairs. The service was not only slow but disinterested too. Our server came to the table only for the absolute necessities and was not friendly. I wanted to order a glass of wine with my meal but never saw the server again after she dropped off the food. After eating, our dirty plates were left on the table; they were still there when we left the place. We had to wait almost half an hour after asking for the check. As a former restaurant manager I am always sensitive to how busy a restaurant or server may be and am pretty much always happy to ignore any small problems. I also customarily tip 20-30%, service has to be really bad to earn less than 20% but this place got a 10% that night. I don't believe I've ever done that before. The only reason I still give two stars is that the food was okay and the decor is lovely. We frequently dine at sushi restaurants in town and there are several with better food and better service. We won't be returning.
(2)Jessi D.
I have been frequenting the Sarasota area for about a year now, and Vizen is by far the best sushi I have found in the area. Both the sushi offerings and sushi itself are phenomenal. Very unique sushi options and artistic presentations. My fiance and I go to Vizen often on the weekends, some of our favorite options are: -Trico Roll (Lobster salad, avocado, and pistachios) -Black Jack Roll (Calimari and squid ink) -Rainbow Roll -Shrimp Shumai They also have a few sake options and saketinis. On weekends the same sushi chefs are always present behind the sushi bar, which makes for consistent sushi, and they often converse with the regulars. The servers are also very attentive and the sushi rolls are served as they are ready, which is a nice way to enjoy multiple rolls. I cannot recommend this place enough, it is always a great treat! The only draw back I can think of is its location. The parking lot is very cramped, and most of its neighbors are noisy dive bars.
(5)John T.
It was the best sushi I've ever had. Believe it or not, better than the stuff I've had in Seattle and San Francisco.
(5)Kent K.
Having lived in Osaka for a little over a year, it is difficult for me to get too enthusiastic about sushi in the United States. Sure it's a healthy option and regardless it's always tasty. But there is sushi and then there is mastery on a plate crafted of small pieces of fish atop carefully seasoned steamed rice. The good stuff is so filled with nuance and flavor that you are immediately disarmed with it's power. Rarely have I found the good stuff in this country. So, clearly, I was shocked to have found Vizen behind the Gulf Gate Pavilion on Sarasota's own restaurant row: Superior Ave. This is the best sushi I've had since Japan, hands down. My recommendation would be to go to your local Publix or any of the other local sushi bars and order a couple pieces of tuna sushi....wrap them up in a napkin and bring them to Vizen. Order tuna from their master and sit back and wait. When it arrives put your piece under the light next to what has just been served to you and notice the drama unfold. Vizen's tuna is lustrous, it is red.....not pink, not a shade of red, but almost crimson, like the color of the stars in this yelp review. It glistens and the architecture is solid, almost one piece construction. This is the mark of a true expert. (Did you know sushi chefs must apprentice for 10 years in Japan before getting the title?) Apart from quality of ingredients and expert preparation, this place stands apart for it's ability to innovate. No cream cheese combo rolls please. There is real blue crab roll. Expertly done lobster roll......a great challenge to the finest NE lobster rolls and much healthier thanks to the nori..... I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. If you want to celebrate seafood, then there is no finer place in Sarasota than Vizen. It is a temple worshipping the bounties of the world's waters.
(5)Brian M.
Took other yelpers advice and made a reservation for two at the sushi bar and everything worked out perfectly! All the sushi rolls were extremely fresh and delicious! I suggest the fresh salmon sushi and their specialty Trico roll which is lobster salad with pistachio nuts....insane how good that roll is!
(5)Kelly W.
i was in town visiting my gf and after seeing raving reviews about this place, we both decided to give it a try. the exterior of this restaurant was deceiving. if it wasn't for the big red sign displaying VIZEN JAPANESE we would have probably missed it. once we walked in, we noticed that every table was filled. we probably should have made a reservation, but the friendly hostess was nice enough to give us the next available table, which took less than 10 minutes. we ordered: hot sake, sushi platter (10 pieces of assorted sushi), spicy tuna roll and mexican roll. the sashimi was pretty fresh, but couple of the pieces we got were super veiny. the spicy tuna was WAY TOO SPICY for my gf, so i volunteered myself to take the heat (mostly because it was delicious). we then finished off the meal with the green tea and cafe au lait cold custards, which was quite different and good. restaurant is operated by japanese natives, which normally means excellent service. the food was not the best i've had, but it's definitely not bad. i look forward to giving this place a second try when i'm in town again.
(3)mike g.
back again for a second time. Really great sushi, sashimi. Service and the courses came out in perfect order, never feeling rushed between the plates. The difficulty of the specials on the wall are still present but its small enough place that it doesn't look to awkward getting up to look at the menu. The sushi chefs can also smile once in a while...Otherwise this place is still GREAT.
(5)Jonathan W.
One of the best Sushi places I have been, and I have lived in LA, SF and NYC. Very nice place. Great food, Great presentation.
(5)Erica P.
Unbelievable experience. My husband and I are both sushi buffs and agree this is the best. The small size of the restaurant makes it personal, as well as, the owners wife was the one waiting on us. The attention to detail and use of such fresh fish made Vizen a stand out in both our eyes. Will be back.
(5)Dann H.
We went back here a couple of weeks ago, and after seeing that they offer a omakase with some advance notice, went for that. They had $75, $100 and $125/person options for this chef's tasting. We went for the $75 and it was wonderful. We ended up with around 9 courses, including desert. Most of the dishes could have been ordered from the specials board, but there were at least 2 that weren't offered elsewhere, and they all fit very well together. All in all a wonderful experience.
(5)doug w.
If you're from out of town, visiting Sarasota, this is a very good sushi restaurant with a creative menu and fresh fish. The prices, however, are quite high for Sarasota. Depending on your point of view, service is either delightfully slow or it's so slow that you must share each dish with your dining companions. Forget any concept of eating different dishes/rolls/sushi together. Sake is available but unless you want house sake, you'll pay $17 and up which, again, is high for Sarasota. If I was on a date, trying to impress a business acquainence or on an expense account, I'd go back but just for a good sushi dinner, I'd go elsewhere.
(3)Ingrid G.
Thank you Kent K! Hands down one of the BEST dining experiences I have had. The location is a bit out of the way (about 20 minutes drive from "downtown" Sarasota) the decor is dark and minimalist, and the music was pleasing--not that annoying elevator-electro music they tend to play in most places in the city. If you know what is good for you, please skip the rolls, they are really good but where it's AT is the sushi. (Though the Jewel roll was beautiful...) Rolls are for amateurs only. Go directly to the sushi, which is the freshest and most artfully prepared I have had aside from one or two of the top places in Chicago. Also, our check (80.00 for two people, with two designer rolls, 8 pieces of sushi, appetizers and 3 cold saki's) almost made us fall over--well, that and the cold saki. I usually don't say things like run, don't walk. But run, don't walk to Vizen.
(5)Ethan H.
This place is truly a gem. I have eaten Japanese food throughout Japan and the US....this is the real deal. The fish is very fresh and the food is prepared with great care and it is tasty and the presentation is great. Their cold house sake is good. Its a great dining experience- go here!
(5)RD E.
fresh, authentic sushi...will go back
(4)