Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge
14913 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33613
Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge Menu
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Address :
14913 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa, FL, 33613 - Phone (813) 977-1062
- Website https://www.takarasushitampa.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 3:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Valet
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Christopher M.
After I found sushi, many of my reviews were 5-stars. It's wasn't that the place where 5-stars, it was because I like sushi a lot. A LOT. Now that I've got some sushi places under my belt, I would have to say this place gets the coveted 5-stars. It's the best sushi place I've been to. Every roll we got was amazing: shrimp tempura, grouper tempura (aka Tampa roll), and a Crunch Florida (which is salmon and tuna with cream cheese with crispy wonton on top.) We also got the sake infused shots (via checking in) I got Fuji Apple, and coming from someone who doesn't like sake I can really get behind this drink. It tasted really good. Also they had the best tasting ginger salad. I am glad I don't go to USF, because I would be here way too much spending all my financial aid.
(5)Andy D.
I gotta tell ya', I don't know what the hype is all about. I think it is actually very busy due the all the USF students. My buddy and I ate here and were not blown away at all. We found the presentation on point; while the flavor was bland and identical to all mediocre sushi joints. The service was good. The sake was pretty good also, oh, and the prices are good. Stop by if you are in the area for sure. It is a decent sushi place, but don't go there if you are looking for the next level.
(3)Jacob M.
You have to check in at this place cause the free apple flavored saki is like liquid jolly rancher. I had the white fish sashimi, spider roll, dynamite mussels, spicy conch sashimi (definitely go spicy on the conch, don't be a wimp), crunchy Florida, Tiger eye roll, and the banana bomb for dessert. The spicy conch had me wanting more because of the spicy sweet combo and the tiger eye was my least favorite cause it just didn't measure up taste wise compared to the other things we got. If I go again while I am in town I will definitely get the dynamite mussels again for an app and lots of that spicy conch!
(4)Kait A.
THIS PLACE HAS A SECRET VEGETARIAN MENU! First all of, they lose a star because I came here three times for their avocado tofu salad without being informed that they have a COMPLETELY VEGETARIAN MENU. Why keep this a secret? How cruel. Vegetarians would go crazy for this place if they only knew about the offerings. The vegetarian menu includes about six unique vegetarian sushi options. I tried the Mango Tango without cream cheese and it was DELICIOUS! I will be heading back to try them all. Takara has a few really delicious vegetarian offerings on their regular menu as well, including vegetable tempura, which I love. My meat-eating partner has no complaints about the meat & fish sushi offerings, he always wants to come here, especially since they offer a USF discount and some happy hour DEALS. The only other negative besides allowing me to visit without handing me their amazing vegetarian menu is that their drink menu isn't spectacular. I assumed they were beer/wine only and I do love a cocktail with my sushi. But THEN, as I was leaving this restaurant, I saw people with what looked like martinis on their table. MARTINIS? Am I out of the loop again? I will find out and report back. When I taste all the crazy awesome veggie sushis and sample whatever drinks they're hiding from me, perhaps it will earn a five star review, but right now, I'm feeling like I have to sit at the little kids table while everyone else is getting the all star treatment.
(4)Haley B.
Sushi is one of my all time favorite lunchtime meals! It's filling but light at the same time so dinner is not spoiled. Anywho this place has a badass lunch special! You can select two rolls from their lunch menu for 10 and change. I ordered two tampa rolls and a ginger salad, yum! Ginger dressing is one thing I critique and this one has a lovely crisp recipethe waitress told me they make it in house which of course the truth is in the taste and she was not lying. Both of my rolls came out promptly and I infamously inhaled them because they were that good. Service was fast, friendly, and attentive. This place earns all 5 stars from my visit and I can't wait to come back and dive into other parts of their menu.
(5)Shoba R.
This is one of my favorite places to go for sushi when I am in the USF area during lunch time. I think the $10 lunch special is a pretty sweet deal. My favorite rolls on the lunch menu are the firecracker roll and the spicy tuna crunch. You also get the choice of a soup or salad. The food comes out super fast which is also nice. :)
(5)Eli J.
This place is the best, it's my go to date night sushi place and you will not be disappointed. We always get green apple sake shots and calamari. They have great deals including a amazing happy hour with $5 sushi and $2 domestic beers. It's easy to miss but I wouldn't pass this place up.
(5)Rachel M.
Takara Thursday Sushi Night with a dozen Yelp buds can be quite interesting to say the least. Could it possibly be the free sake that we all got for checking in through our Yelp app? Nah, it for a shot glass size of it. It was so good & definitely worth it. There are three flavors - Fuji Apple, Lychee, and Peach. If we drank that all night, that truly would have been craziness. Thursday & Saturday night are date night specials. $6 & $8 rolls, specials on bento boxes and ramen soup. Here are some of the favorites: Volcano Roll Torched Salmon Roll Crunchy Florida Roll Crunchy Rainbow Roll XXX Roll Bulgogi Jap Chae Chicken Katsu Bento Boxes Some of the not so favorites were: Ceviche Ramen The not so faves were not bad whatsoever, just not the faves. Make sure you end your meal with the banana bomb. It is truly da BOMB!!!!!!! There's a special menu that they give you to mark what you would like to order. Make sure to look at Yelp pictures. There are so many of them to assist you with what looks good to order. The service was great especially because yet again my server had to answer my million questions, and did a great job. We also met the owner of Takara and she was so nice and welcoming too. We got pretty loud and silly, and good thing they were fine with that. Check out the Good Luck cat on the table when you walk in or you leave. It's called a maneki-neko or beckoning cat, happy cat, or money cat. We had it in our group picture and it truly did what it was suppose to do. It gave us luck and made us happy, laughing out of our face Takara sushi lovers. Come here and experience it for yourself. Great service, great food, and great environment. Pet friendly too with two outside tables if you would like that which I definitely do. Note: Parking can be a pain in the butt. Just be patient, and you will find it.
(5)Joel H.
After my first visit to Takara I compared their sushi to the random musings of two bit, cut rate, out-of-work actor Jean-Claude Van Damme. My main problem with it was that it had great vegetarian appetizers but the meat free sushi was pretty lackluster. After that visit, Takara responded and said they would be creating a new menu completely made up of vegetarian sushi. I've now been back to Takara three or four times to try out that vegetarian menu and, I must say, this place is a two bit actor no more. The vegetarian sushi Takara rolled out (pun intended) features many unique and creative flavor combinations. They're the kind of combinations I haven't seen at any other sushi restaurant. Pairings such as asparagus, cucumber, avocado, red pepper & carrot or sprouts, mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, and red pepper or mango, tempura sweet potato, asparagus, cucumber, seaweed salad and cream cheese or inari, avocado, cucumber, daikon, and tempura banana or....well, you probably get the point. These rolls are clearly ready for full on Hollywood super star treatment. I've sampled the mango tango roll, Buddha delight and garden. I still have the Funky Monkey (tempura banana, what!) on my list. But my favorite roll from their vegetarian menu (aside from the Tempura Sweet Potato which is always my favorite wherever I go) is the Tempura Vegetable Roll. I know, I know. Boring you say. Everyone does tempura vegetable sushi. But Takara does it different. They don't just tempura the veggies. They make the sushi and then tempura the entire thing. Rice and all. This roll is the kind of thing that inspires people to dream and become more than what they've ever been previously. This is the type of roll that warrants its own menu that you have to specifically ask for. This roll is king. Takara listened to my complaints to veggie up the vegetarian menu (beef up just doesn't seem to fit). They went big with it. The new menu doesn't just meet expectations, it exceeds them. That's what it means to be a five star business.
(5)Lori K.
Found this place through Yelp, thanks to all those who convinced me to check it out through your reviews and photos. Seems that the Jabadahut and Torched Salmon Roll are their signature dishes or at least Yelp'ers' favorites. Funny thing, I saw many pics of Torched Salmon Roll on here and the jalapeño was the main reason why I wanted to check it out. When they brought it out, it looked different and the jalapeños were missing, turned out they made a mistake. I would've never known if I had not seen the pictures and so glad I noticed, thanks to Yelp! Definitely worth it, doesn't disappoint!
(4)Bob B.
I am by no means an expert on sushi, but I recognize tasty food when it hits my belly. The two dishes I sampled were both fresh and tasty and the presentation was nice also. Betty and I shared the Jabadahut Roll and the Torched Salmon Roll. The big winner was the Jabadahut; Tempura grouper, avocado, red onion, cucumber & crab salad, rolled in seaweed & rice, topped with tuna, served with tempura scallops & crab salad with eel sauce, yum yum sauce & spicy sweet chili sauce. The Torched Salmon; Tempura shrimp, crab delight, avocado & cucumber, rolled in seaweed & rice, topped with torched salmon, tempura jalapeno, served with eel sauce & spicy mayo. The salmon had such a delicate and soft mouthfeel. Service was attentive and we will definitely be back. I hope they stay open because it really is a nice sushi option in this area.
(5)Boon C.
I like the mixture of this restaurant. I have been here several time and they have not disappoint me. The service is great and the owner of the restaurant paid attention to the customer. She get in sushi wrap if they are behind. She gets to the front serving the table if they need help in this area. I like mom and pop shop like this and the yelper need to support them to stay alive. This is a restaurant that is great for vegan or regular eater customer. Most of of the people don't know there is a vegetarian menu. You have to ask for the vege menu that not shown often. In the vege menu they have a roll call the funky monkey roll. It is a bit sweet and go well spicy tuna roll. It neutralizes the spiciness. What is actually the Funky Monkey Roll?? This is a vegan dish and they are pretty good. It is Inari (sweet tofu skin), avocado, cucumber, daikon, and tempura banana, rolled in seaweed and rice, topped with mango and avocado. These are complicated combination and they are working well with each material. I always use the spicy tuna roll as a judgment for the sushi chef skill. Some sushi chef likes to add chop of cucumber in the roll. This is incorrect and it is occupied the actual tuna space and reduce the amount of tuna provided. The correct way is to dice the tuna not ground and then add quail egg. Then add sesame oil, spicy chili, a bit salt and roll with the sushi rice. This roll not requires and soy sauce or wasabi and it is good enough to eat as it is. This restaurant did it A+. I have order the Japanese Ramen with pork belly. They did not make me jump out the seat but is good enough to enjoy. Today I have order the Chashu Pork Belly Ramen - Served with chashu pork belly, pork pot stickers, boiled eggs, corn, scallions, naruto (pink spiral fish cake) and menma (pickled bamboo shoots) We have close our lunch with a desert is big enough to share for 4 people. It is the Banana Bomb - Tempura fried banana & dark chocolate wrapped in spring roll skin served with vanilla ice cream & assorted sauces. The display is a wow factor and it also taste like a wow factor. Love it. Thursday and Saturday night have dates night special. Please check their web site. If you check in with Yelp, you get a free shot of sake. The best is the sake came with flavor. I like the Fuji Apple flavor.
(5)Anna P.
I found this restaurant thanks to Yelp and so glad I did. I haven't dined inside the restaurant since I always order my food to go. Every time I call and place my order for pick up they are always nice and helpful. My order is always ready at the time given and always right. They also write the name of the rolls you order on the box so you are not guessing which roll is which. Some of my favorite rolls: Jabadahut Torched Salmon roll Japanese Bagel roll Crunchy FL roll. I try to order something different every time and I have never been disappointed. The rolls always taste fresh and delicious. This is definitely my family and I go to place for delicious sushi and maybe one day we will dine in instead of ordering to-go.
(5)Fong L.
Very cool free sake shot with yelp check-in. The lychee is too sweet for me. If I return, I'd try apple. I ordered torched salmon and torched halibut. There were more pieces than i could finish. Tasted pretty good. The shrimp and veggie tempura basket is a great share but I at it solo. There were a few unique rolls. Not bad at all for your basic fish sushi place.
(5)Larry C.
I've seen a lot of my friends posting some yummy pictures from this restaurant so I really wanted to give it a try. What really drew us here was the sushi and their presentations on the plate. Very impressive and kudos to the chef! As each sushi order came out of the kitchen, each dish looked like its own work of art. It seems that sushi can be made by just about anyone now a days (heck they even sell it at Walmart!) but what sets another apart is presentation, presentation, presentation! I enjoyed seeing how they smeared the sauces and sprinkled the flaking's across each plate to make every dish look colorful and appetizing. Aside from looking nice, the High Sea Roll we ordered tasted very good along with the fresh tasting fish. The spicy tuna bowl we ordered was amazing. For this dish alone i would def come back for more! it had a nice mix of greens, tuna & mangos and the sesame sauce they used was so good. a great healthy option for those calorie counter consumers! I wanted to try the ramen as well but wasn't too sure which one to order. Our server Tracey helped us out so much by giving us her dish recommendation and we very much appreciated that as busy as the place was that night, she was always very attentive to our table (Thank you!). We finally decided on the Chashu Pork Belly Ramen ($15) & it did not disappoint. The broth was good and the noodles tasted fresh. The ramen bowl was served with a large portion and was even big enough to share it evenly with the GF for us to get full for the night. We also ordered 2 hot bottles house of sake which was a nice complement to our meal The interior of the place looked very modern and almost ikea-like with a Japanese twist to it. We noticed that there were many USF students enjoying their meals, as the modern look to the place added to its appeal of being a cool college restaurant hangout as well. If your in the mood for Sushi, hurry on down, check this place out & enjoy the works of edible art!
(5)Robyn M.
So it's Thursday night and I'm on a group yelp date! Yaaaay! Meeting my mentor, Rachel, who crowned me ELITE! Plus all the other fabulous fun yelpers I mentioned in my check in here. I loved the free yelp check in sake shot...I think it was peach or pear or fuji apple?!?!? Oops ...whatever it was, it was good. The ceviche appetizer is ok...not bad...not great....just better apps to try next time. Lesson 1. Lesson 2. If it's hot when u walk in then it only gets warmer after the sake shot so speak up and ask for the a/c to be turned down a couple notches!! The volcano sushi roll was DEEEELISHHHH! Not as huge n messy n overwhelming as it is in lots of other sushi serving places. My husband's noodle dish had microscopic pieces of beef if any.....where's the beef???!!! So, needless to say he left hungry and a Lil disappointed with the food, but not the company he was in thank goodness. I just should've ordered for him so I take part of the blame. When asked what he thought otherwise of the dish he said, " It might taste good for somebody who likes it." Need I Say More After That Morsel Of brilliance?!?!?
(3)Chau V.
This is one of my favorite places to go for sushi in the USF area. The fish is always so fresh. Thursday nights are a great night to go because it's date night and there's a separate menu. select appetizers are only 5 dollars and rolls are 6 and 8 dollars. The selection of sushi is very well picked. The crab rangoons and the ceviche are a must try.
(5)Diana C.
Well,... I don't know what happened but ...we reserved quite a few seats for dinner on a Saturday... Our group got here at 7 pm, it's now 8:52, and we are still missing food. The food was very very slowly brought out 1-2 entrees at a time. (So only 12 people have gotten food out of like 40...) I understand it's a big group, but we reserved very far in advance? Wouldn't it be a good idea to staff the kitchen for preparation...? The poor waiters don't know how to help 40 starving people because the kitchen is backed up. The food itself was pretty good, though a little pricey. Just wish it didn't take 40 minutes per person... I've never waited so long for food before. I would have walked out if it weren't for the event...
(1)Shannon H.
I have been to Takara many times, mainly because of its location. It is also a good place for students. The prices can get a little high though, if you are on a budget, but they have typical sushi prices. The interior is very nice, with booths, tables, and a high-top. I have never had a wait time, and the service is always good. They have the usual sashimi and sushi options, as well as a few Ramen bowls, which are good.
(3)Thuy L.
Favorite sushi spot around USF, not to mention they offer a student discount. I remember the hours being a little weird so you might want to check before coming. I feel like this place is a bit underrated because it's slow when I come in. Don't let that stop you, their sushi is amazing! Their appetizers are pretty good too. My favorites are the jabadahut and torched salmon roll. They do offer a happy hour, I want to say 5-7 on weekdays (double check though).
(5)Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because this was some solid sushi action! --- --- --- Full disclosure: this was a business meeting, which always lends to foodiness taking a back seat to the important discussion at hand. I ordered the Jabadahut and the Tempura Grouper roll, and both were super. The other person in my party added a couple rolls to our order, but I never actually caught the names of them, but they were solid as well. I also ordered the crab rangoon, because not only do I love crab rangoon, but it was mentioned as a highlight amongst the Yelp reviews. This is probably the main reason my review is 4 stars instead of 5. Maybe I'm just be spoiled from the perfection of Samurai Blue's crab rangoon? I felt that they lacked a bit in size, as well the oozing sensation of cream cheese in the middle. But overall, I really liked Takara, and would definitely rate it a Top 5 sushi joint in TB!
(4)Justin D.
Always great service and even greater food here. Never fails to leave me fulfilled. There are also Thursday date night specials! Just happened to find out while coming in randomly for a Thursday night date.
(5)Veronica M.
Ate here for the first time and ordered a Tempura Bagel Roll, a Torched Salmon Roll, and a Crunchy Florida Roll. All 3 were amazing. Paid about 30 bucks for the 3, so pretty average prices for specialty rolls. Will definitely be back to get these again as well as others that I hadn't tried yet
(5)Tai K.
The sushi was only adequate; not sure what all the hype and good reviews are about. Tuna was translucent, chewy, and a bit slimy- all signs that it is a lower grade of tuna. Sashimi dinner had way too much mysterious white fish which was fishy. The pork ramen was disappointing as the broth was weak and insufficient for the amount of noodles. Pork was bland. Loved the bamboo shoots. The tempura appetizer was too greasy! I had to mop it up with a napkin to eat it. What a shame because the selection was enticing: asparagus, mushrooms, carrots, sweet potatoes, shrimp. Salad and dressing were good but this is not enough to bring us back. There are better options in the area.
(3)Sundi P.
Nice place, the people were great and the sushi is excellent. We had the spicy tuna rolls, volcano roll, house ginger salad and miso soup. Yummy!!
(5)Loretta Z.
I am giving this place 4 stars for the crab rangoon alone. So. Very. Yummy. The cream cheese mix is not overpowering. The rangoons are lightly fried and were floating in a sweet chili sauce that was scrumptious. I got the Jabadahut Roll based on other Yelpers reviews. it was eh. I don't think I will get that roll again but am totally willing to go back to try a different sushi roll. The place was not crowded at all during a weekday lunch.
(4)Kyle W.
Love love loved it! When we went it was almost empty but that didn't take away from our experience. We ordered the calamari, caterpillar sushi roll and the Floridian sushi roll, and to say the least we were not disappointed. We had great, fast service, and the waiter was so nice! After our meal, we opted for the fried cheese cake even though our bellies were stuffed, we couldn't get enough of this place! Even though the prices were a little on the high side they do have a happy hour which has great drink specials and 5$ sushi rolls! That's pretty hard to beat. They also have a paper menu that you can order off of so that you know exactly what you are getting, for what price, and the chefs know what you want for sure, too. No more botched orders! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Victoria B.
I wish I'd known about this place a long time ago. I live withing walking distance of a bomb sushi joint and have only been once?! The restaurant has a really nice atmosphere and the employees were polite. They have student specials as well! The sushi was delicious. My only complaint are their hours. They close at 3 and reopen later in the day, which leaves me sushi - less for a few hours. This place is worth a try, don't let the rinky dink outer plaza turn you away.
(5)Bean H.
I will go back to this place even if only for the desserts! The service was good, atmosphere and decor was nice... I had an appetizer and pork belly soup which were both good... But nothing topped the Banana Bomb dessert I got! I couldn't help but to take a picture of it :) It was crispy and creamy at the same time and the presentation was beautiful. Just delicious! I'll be back to try the tempura banana split on the menu as soon as I get the opportunity. ;)
(5)Krizza G.
The torched salmon roll is to die for, as is the tempura ice cream. Check the website for daily specials. They offer 15% (20% on Mondays and Tuesdays) discount for USF students when you show them your ID. Sauces are $0.50 extra.
(5)Ashley F.
The food was great and the $1 sake shots were pretty good too. Go for happy hour, you won't regret it.
(5)Christy T.
Came here on a really spontaneous whim (a few hours after we had our massive dinner) since we heard about their Date Night Specials (DNS). Come on now, who doesn't get excited for $1 Nigiri/Sashimi lol. Their DNS is every Thursday from 7pm - 9pm and every Saturday from 7pm - 10pm which consist of: $1 Nigiri or Sashimi (selected fish) $2 Handrolls $3 Sushi Tacos $5 Appetizers $8 Specialty Rolls $12 Sake Flights the fiance and I got 3 salmon sashimi, 3 octopus sashimi, 3 yellowtail sashimi, 2 ikura nigiri, and a spicy salmon and yellowtail handroll to share. Overall, it is decently good. Each slice was cut thin with care. The fish wasn't mediocre or was the best slices of fish I have tasted in my life, but the quality is good enough for when the fiance and I don't want to splurge on our normal sushi outing in tampa we could go here instead. Other than sushi, they also have a few korean dishes, and ramen!
(4)Jenny C.
We came for their date night specials on Saturday (also available on Thursdays). They have $1 nigiri/sashimi, $2 handrolls, $5 appetizers, $8 special rolls and also the sushi tacos which were $2-$3 I believe. I really liked the hand rolls! The nigiri were really fresh. We got the chicken tatsu-age app. Interesting texture and flavor but too small for us to want to get again. Vegetable tempura pieces are huge! Boyfriend got the bul go gi dinner but he said it wasn't worth the price. The flavor was lacking (needs more sauce) but it was a huge portion. My favorite things were the mackerel nigiri, spicy conch nigiri, and spicy salmon handroll.
(4)David H.
The fiancee and I came in for a quick sampling. We had dinner a few hours prior to coming here, but decided to come out for some sashimi when we heard about their date night special. The Date Night Special is on Thursdays 7pm-9pm and Saturdays 7pm-10pm. Main attraction of the date night specials is the $1 Nigiri or Sashimi and $2 Handrolls. Selections are decent. If you're the adventurous type and enjoy the good things in life... you will be disappointed as I was when I found out they don't have ikura (salmon roe) on the date night special menu. Other than that the standard types of fish can be found on the $1 menu. Would be willing to come back again for a full meal and to try their pork belly ramen. Hopefully it is legit ramen..
(4)Papi R.
One of the best sushi in town!!..very fresh and clean...awesome service ...i go there once a week at least..i ll recommend it to everyone .you gotta try it if u like sushi like I do.
(5)Melissa M.
They have a great happy hour menu from Monday- Friday 5pm-7pm. They have $2 and $5 appetizers. I got the garlic edamame and the calamari. So delicious! They also have $5 sushi rolls which was also delicious. I will be coming back! :)
(5)Botir R.
oh maaaaan this spot is the best im from fort myers this is my 2 visit here. best of the best sushi!!! order monster and everything else is good!!!
(5)Pamela R.
Great sushi and fast, friendly service!
(5)Stephanie C.
I've been coming to Takara since it opened. They always take great care of me and the dishes are excellent and inventive. In my opinion, Takara is the best sushi place in the New Tampa area and one of Tampa's best sushi restaurants in general.
(5)Shell L.
I had the Jabadahut Roll and it was absolutely amazing. I've tried a few sushi spots in the Tampa area and I must say so far this is my new sushi spot.
(4)Christopher S.
We were visiting Tampa for the Renaissance Festival and wanted something different and local. Takara Sushi definitely fits the bill. Had the ceviche is fantastic. We had 2 Rolls the Dragon Roll and the Torched Salmon Roll. Both were great ! Had a Sake Sangria that were very tasty. Not many Asian places have good Desserts. Had the Banana bomb and we wanted to lick the plate lol. We will return !!!
(5)Natasha B.
Where can I begin. I stumbled upon this spot while surfing google for a sushi restaurant in the area. Boy, was I in luck. It is an all-around great restaurant. The crab rangoons are EVERYTHING. Probably the best that I've had. But let's get right to my favorite item on the menu---the Jabada Hut Roll. Made with tempura grouper, avocado, red onion, cucumber and crab salad, rolled in seaweed and rice, topped with tuna, served with tempura scallops and crab salad with eel sauce, yum yum sauce, spicy sweet chili sauce and scallion. Geesh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. There is one slight deviation from this for me. Instead of tuna--I get smoked torched salmon. It is a masterpiece. Takara Sushi should certainly consider renaming this role in my honor. No but seriously, everything on the menu is delish. Right down to their sake martinis. You can thank me later.
(5)Tiffany B.
I'm addicted to this damn place. I've been 4 times in the last two weeks! Great atmosphere. Friendly and attentive waitresses. Awesome prices. Amazing food! The ginger salad is the perfect size to whet your appetite & the dressing is delicious! The pork dumplings are so perfectly soft, flavorful, and pillowy, and the sweet soy they serve it with, yum! I just want to drown those dumplings in it. On our first visit my husband got the Chicken Bul Go Gee of which I had a bite (or 3). The portion is MASSIVE and it is loaded with flavor! I've never had Korean food, but if this is any indication of what it's like, I'm a fan! Their sushi is AMAZING! The fish is so so fresh and tasty! You can tell they buy quality fish because it literally melts in your mouth. The Crunchy Florida Roll and the Alaska Rolls are my favorite. I always order my sauce on the side though, so i'm not sure if they over sauce it or not, which is pretty common at sushi joints. Takara & Yoshi Cafe are officially tied for my favorite sushi joint- though this is more a dinner spot and Yoshi is a lunch break staple. Try it & I'm sure you'll be addicted, too!
(5)Huong P.
Didn't understand what the craze was all about. If you're stuck in the USF area, okay fine, but the rolls we ordered were small and overpriced. Rice was stiff. And to boot, the waiter had his finger in my water when served to me. Overall, I would just use the money I'd spend here on their sushi for gas to then go to another sushi restaurant in a different area.
(1)Denise M.
Start with the starters! You can order the the usual Asian appetizers which are very tasty such as Crab Rangoon and Pork Pot Stickers, but go for the Sushi Tacos.which definitely offers flavors outside the Bento box. The Dynamite Mussels and Crab Cakes provide a sneak peek into all the new tasty delights Takara has to offer, but the Ceviche served with cilantro and lime juice is a must! With each platter, Takara successfully demonstrates the art of sushi should be - beautiful, colorful and as vibrant as the flavors. For sushi, I usually stick with the Spicy Tuna and Mexican rolls, but upon my last visit, I sampled Takara's sashimi and some of its unusual sushi rolls such as the Green Lantern, Red Dragon and the Tempura Bagel Roll. All were equally delicious! From the bar, the sake sangria and the saketini wash down all the sushi nicely. Takara is a hidden gem!
(5)Mike L.
Thank goodness for Yelp. I found this spot nearby my hotel and boy was it spot on. I actually had two orders of Crab Rangoon and would have eaten the dish too if the waitress didn't stop me. The cream cheese and crab filling were having my mouth doing sexy time! Next, me had the Jabadahut roll. Uh, yea, more please. I felt like Han Solo being released from his frozen ice chamber after eating this, I was ecstatic! Off the beaten path, but man give this place a try, it won't disappoint. Also, a free saki shot for checking in!
(5)Natalia P.
We were in Tampa for the weekend and found this great Sushi place through all the great reviews on Yelp. The restaurant is nicely decorated and the service was great. If you check-in they give you a free Sake. The food was excellent and the prices are great.... We had the crab cake to start and ordered an extra one because it was that good. We were in a group of 8 and all of us were very happy with our selections. Highly recommended!!
(5)Sarah B.
This place definitely lived up to the hype and I was completely shocked it wasn't jammed packed. The rolls were very fresh and reasonably priced. I tried the jabadahut and crunchy Florida roll...both were awesome. Although I wish this place was closer I will definitely be back! I've heard they have an amazing happy hour with fantastic prices..check this place out!
(5)Jamie G.
Went with a work crew, everyone agreed outstanding. Nice decor, good music..... great fish! Japanese Yellowtail, Monster Roll, Sesame Tuna, scallop, and everything we ate was great! Saketini s tasted great as well.... good wine list.. Wish I found this place sooner on my trip to Tampa!
(5)Dena P.
Beautiful environment. Beautiful food. Beautiful me!? Cool new place near usf that serves up amazingly presentable dishes from sushi to hot meals. I enjoyed some dishes here but I wouldn't say I'm absolutely amazed. The food to me is lacking but I admire how much effort the staff puts into making each dish presentable. The interior is dark and modern. It brings comfort in a fun way. There's a large area to sit by the bar and plenty to dining room. I really love the avocado and tofu salad, it's refreshing yet creamy. The spicy sashimi salad is also good but the sauce is a bit on the thicker side for me. The plus is that there's plenty of fish! I wasn't a big fan on the sushi but I will have to come back to try it again. It comes down to stars? I feel bad to give such little stars when everyone is rating them so highly. I give them a big hand for the effort and how presentable the dishes are but in taste I don't think it was amazing. In the end I wish I could add half a star but I can't. So I'll try this place again and when that time comes this will stay where it is now.
(3)Ami K.
This is our usual date place. The sushi and the appetizers are yummy -- my husband and I can't really complain. Some of the drinks are creative, like the sake-sangria thing. My husband also liked the pork belly ramen, but we can't justify spending that much on ramen.
(5)Henry D.
The food was amazing! Crab cake, sushi tacos, sushi rolls! Great value on Saturday date night specials.
(5)Krupa B.
Loved it!! By far the best vegetarian sushi i have had! And i have had sushi in ny, la and a couple more places as well. Definitely a new local favorite of mine :)
(5)Laura K.
Can't complain about their date night specials, various great options for a less expensive sushi night.
(4)Dave F.
Not sure how this place is rated so high. The only reason I gave it a 2 star is the service was great. That's where it stops. Food is mediocre at best and NOT traditional teppanyaki or hibachi. It's an onion and red pepper salad with some protein on top. The sushi is about the same as good gas station sushi or Publix. WAY overpriced for the quality and portions. Too many other quality places within a couple miles. Will not be back.
(2)KyungAh L.
I have been here multiple times and they have yet to fail me! Their sashimi (especially Salmon) is so good and always served in thick big slices. Their spicy tuna roll is actually kind of spicy, which was surprising. Their hand-maki rolls are good and their volcano roll was delicious. But, I really like how their sashimi portion is actually served in a good thick cut and their rolls aren't all just RICE. It actually has substance!
(5)Janine C.
It is ok I had better service was good and it is walking distance for me. It is on the pricey side for the quality of food.
(3)Steve E.
My girlfriend and I were in the mood for a nice sushi dinner, so we decided to follow the advice from some of my favorite Yelpers & bloggers and give Takara Sushi a try. The restaurant is located in a strip mall along Bruce B. Downs Blvd, north of USF and Bearss Avenue. Takara can be found in the same shopping center as Acropolis Greek Taverna and Mr. Dunderback's. Even though the parking lot was slammed with cars we managed to find a space and then sashayed into Takara. The restaurant is very clean and sleek with modernistic decorations to compliment their Japanese fusion menu. We sat at a booth across from the sushi bar so that I could watch the chefs while we enjoyed our meal. The first thing I noticed was that these guys were busy, and that is always a great sign in a sushi restaurant. They were slicing, dicing, and artfully decorating plate after plate, as well as dozens of to-go containers. Britt and I started with Torched Hamachi which was thinly sliced Yellowtail, topped with Cajun Aioli, torched and served with jalapeño ponzu sauce over a bed of shredded radish. YUM! The people at the table next to us ordered Garlic Edamame, and let's just say that the entire restaurant could smell the garlic. The steamed soybeans looked delicious, but the garlic sauce was not designed for date night. From there we ordered a combination of sashimi (for me), and some really creative sushi rolls to share. We had the highly-recommended Torched Salmon Roll which was made with Tempura shrimp, crab delight, avocado & cucumber, rolled in seaweed & rice, topped with torched salmon, tempura jalapeno, served with eel sauce & spicy mayo. Another YUM! Just for laughs (and because we loved the name) we order the Jabadahut Roll which turned out to be Tempura grouper, avocado, red onion, cucumber, crab salad, rolled in seaweed & rice, topped with tuna, served with tempura scallops & crab salad with eel sauce, yum yum sauce & sweet chili sauce. For $16 this thing was pricey, but it was extremely delicious, and HUGE!!!!! For those who like the kick of wasabi, let me recommend a little hidden gem called Wasabi Tobiko sashimi. Wasabi tobiko is flying fish roe caviar which has been infused in a wasabi brine, and then is served inside of a hollowed-out section of cucumber. Once the fish roe hits your tongue, your entire mouth explodes with the zing of wasabi, and you're left with smoke coming out of your ears. It'll cure whatever is ailing you!!! We liked Takara, and will be back soon.
(4)William J.
Our first time here, the inside is decorated very nice, the food is fresh and tastes great!
(5)Donna C.
The food was fresh and delicious. You can taste the freshness and quality of fish. Presentation and speed of food were amazing, I didn't wait long to receive my order (Perhaps 5-10min). Service was excellent as well. One thing that I didn't like was fish was sliced too thin that I couldn't enjoy the full flavor. But overall it was great place at good price.
(4)Amy J.
Great sushi and appetizers. They also have really good happy hour specials. We've been here a couple times and the food had always been fresh and good.
(4)Christina F.
Great find, thanks Yelp! For the prices at happy hour (many rolls, even fancy ones are $5) I didn't expect much in the way of quality. I was pleasantly surprised. This location is pretty near to USF and a great early dinner option in the area.
(4)Stephen B.
I'm giving Takara four stars for now, only because I have not tried their sushi yet. However the bento boxes and ramen are great. I'll definitely be back!
(4)Katy S.
So, last night I started getting this craving for sushi. I tend to crave Asian food on Sundays, naturally, as a lot of Asian restaurants aren't open on Sunday. I looked up my favorite sushi joint and saw that it was closed...bummer. That's when I took to Yelp and Creative Loafing Deals to see if I could find an alternative. Yum town 2013. We popped in around 7 pm and there was no one there. We handed her our Creative Loafing coupon and started perusing the menu. I wanted to try just about everything but we settled on 4 rolls and some dumplings. I gotta say, this is going to be a new go to spot for me. Not only was Takara a really clean, nice atmosphere, but the food was incredible. All 4 of our rolls were so fresh and delicious and they came out quickly. I will be back for happy hour, as I was impressed to see that they offer $2 beers, $3 wines, and $5 rolls.
(5)Raye S.
I've been to a few places around USF, and there's a reason I only go here now. Nothing tastes bad, though the fish taco wasn't my favorite. We love the torched hamachi roll, and the nigiri made my husband like nigiri when he didn't before. The specials are pretty awesome and they do have a loyalty card program. It can be as expensive or budget-priced as you make it.
(5)Mary J.
Love this jewel box of a restaurant for more reasons than simply because the sushi was delicious. The distinctive interior includes pops of color, stylish light fixtures and a selection of seats that includes booths, high tops and chairs at the counter, right where you can watch the sushi chefs work their magic. The menu offers an impressive selection of sushi, sashimi, specialty rolls, salads and starters that include pot stickers to tempura vegetables. And, for any non-sushi fans, the house specialties include steak, sea bass, Korean barbecue and a spicy chicken. The service on my visit was flawless. The young lady was attentive, helpful, pleasant and never rushed us even though we lingered for hours. One of the standouts of the meal, which was an overall standout, was a crazy good dessert called Mochi Ice Cream. I selected green tea ice cream to accompany the Japanese rice cake. Not knowing what to expect, I was delighted when the first bite revealed a spongy, almost marshmallow-like confection that paired well the the green tea-flavored ice cream. This is a destination dining experience for most. You may not have many other reasons to be in the area. The restaurant is in a corner spot in a retail center to it is easy to spot from the road. The parking lot was crowded and there did not seem to be very many obvious options for parking once it is maxed out.
(4)Christina J.
We went here based on the high reviews, and wasn't impressed!! Thanks, guys!!! Seriously, even though we were there for their happy hour, our bill was so high and barely got any food. We literally went somewhere else to eat afterwards b/c we were still hungry. I would not go back again nor would I rec. to someone! There are too many other great options in this plaza to eat at and be satisfied! #Sorrynotsorry
(2)Kevin F.
I don't think it's possible *not* to order the Jabadahut Roll when you're here... lol. I mean, it just comes with so darn much stuff piled in/on it. Additionally, I like the Tempura Sweet Potato Roll for its simplicity and the Mexican Roll because, well, I'm a creature of habit and just tend to order it whenever I am at a sushi place :) But they are all great here. Also, for those of you who use the Foursquare app on your phone, they have a check-in special for a free shot of flavored sake. It's not much, but I like free stuff :)
(4)Nikki S.
Happy hour M-F 5-7 including food = sweetness. I was in town on business and turned to my trusty Yelp to find a local sushi place. The positive reviews on Takara were spot on. I had to get plain rolls due to me being pregnant but they were excellent and I know sushi. My server was attentive and very well versed in the menu. Next time I am in the Tampa area I will be planning a revisit.
(5)Jen P.
This is a good sushi place near the USF area. They have Usf discounts with proof of your USF ID and specials for date nights. I personally enjoy their mochi and the monster roll.
(3)Amanda G.
This is a small cute little sushi place, however, the prices are a high for what you get. The rolls are pretty small and not that flavorful in my opinion. I may or may not go back because the food is just meh. It didn't have that "wow" factor.
(3)Nikki A.
This is my favorite kind of sushi place. It is aesthetically pleasing, the staff is friendly, the drinks are tasty, and the food is a step above. The ceviche was the freshest white fish with the requisite lime juice and some fresh veggies. I loved the way it was served (flat on a plate, easy to eat with the chopsticks) and the flavors were incredible. All of the rolls we tried were delicious and presented beautifully. The Rangoon should now be available on the regular menu; it was the best I have ever had. Takara just shot to the top of my sushi restaurant list.
(4)Leonne D.
Takara sushi has AMAZING food and a friendly service staff who are open and very nice. The atmosphere is very nice and comfortable. It was well worth the repeat trip! Perfect for a date night as well :-) two thumbs up!
(5)Ilana M.
Seriously some of the best sushi I've had. I've already been here a few times and they have been consistently awesome with service, taste, and presentation. They have $5 sushi roll happy hour as well! Definitely give this place a try. You might be hooked after your first visit. I just hope that they do ok with this location. From what I understand, the past few businesses in this spot have not done too well.
(5)A. L.
The best of the best vegetarian and vegan options!
(4)D G.
This place is fantastic. I usually order take-out, but it has a great atmosphere inside for dining in. The food is wonderful and the staff is always kind. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone!
(5)Amber M.
Best sushi I've ever had! Happy hour mon-fri 5-7 for $5 rolls! Rolls come with 8 pieces. And the rolls aren't just the cheapest ones they have. They have some rolls that are normally $8-9 on the happy hour menu. I got the eel roll, tempura shrimp, Florida roll, and sesame tuna. All excellent. Also give a USF discount but that doesn't apply to happy hour.
(5)Jason C.
Great place to go for happy hour. I think their sushi appetizer is an especially good deal. Their sesame tuna roll was a bit smaller than I thought it would be. I would keep good track of their happy hour dishes, as they can quickly pile up both in your belly and on your bill.
(4)Manal H.
Wow! By far the best sushi and calamari I've ever had!!!! And prices for date night (Thur & Sat 7-9 pm) are unbeatable! The crunchy rainbow and XXX were my fav!
(5)Larissa S.
I don't want to say I am a sushi snob... but I am a sushi snob. The only reasons this place is rated so high are: 1. It's in north Tampa 2. Nothing is in north Tampa 3. It's by a University full of kids struggling for a decent meal (thank you for the picture of your California roll) I have to give it to them for trying. The decor of the place is cute(word to describe a dressed up ugly girl). Makes for a good date for an early 20 something. It is still in a plaza with a Papa Johns and a Land and Sea, so not a very nice welcome. My server knew next to nothing about sushi. When I asked what was good, he went through the best sellers, which in this area, I had no interest in. When I told him I wanted something fresh, nothing cooked, something where the taste wasn't going to be masked by spicy mayo or eel sauce, he had little to no suggestions. We started with the calamari. It was not real calamari (lots of restaurants do this). It was also undercooked and extremely chewy. They did get the eda mame right. I wanted yellow tail, which they do not have. The tuna was mediocre. You could see they don't flip it often/ order fresh often. The salmon was decent. I won't go back.
(2)Jennifer C.
This place was pretty good and they have allot of sushi to choose from, both raw & cooked. they also have happy hour specials. We ordered 5 rolls, salad and a chickens stir fry which only came to $60.
(5)Jenny H.
Takara Sushi is as good as it gets. The menu is creative and the food is so fresh. Good for kids too! We love Takara!
(5)M H.
In the last 3-4 years, this particular space in this plaza has changed almost half a dozen times (interchanging between Asian and Mexican cuisine). Naturally, I'm inclined to have presumptions, but we tried Takara, because, well, it's new and we like to support the locals (and continue supporting them if they're good). We've been back twice in two weeks. They seem like a fusion of Korean and sushi. We've only tried sushi. And it's been stellar. Spicy mayo is actually spicy. The sashimi appetizer ($9.00) is a great stater while you wait for the rest of your meal. Fresh, thick cuts of fish. The Crunchy Florida is delicious. Friendly customer service. Clean space. Modern feel. Good ambience. Cozy.
(4)Aleema A.
I went here for the first time about a month ago. While I enjoyed the sushi, I can't say it was anything phenomenal. Out of all the places in Tampa, it's not my favorite, but if I'm ever over by the USF area, I would def stop and grab some food there.
(3)Katie F.
Best sushi, crab cakes, prices, and friendly staff around!!!! I LOVE this place. BEST sushi place in Tampa BY far.
(5)Laur H.
Just moved to Tampa, and looking for a new sushi place. We had high standards, but this place was great! Sushi was made fast, and nice presentation. My boyfriend and I ordered the XXX roll, volcano roll, crunchy spicy tuna, and crunchy florida roll. On Thursdays 7-9pm, and Saturday 7-10pm is "Date Night" with a list of specials. Our rolls ranged from 6-8 dollars. The baked salmon on top of the Volcano roll was amazing! My boyfriend could not stop raving about it. Overall, we loved all of our rolls, and would definitely come back!
(5)June B.
Went here on a Tuesday night. Not sure what day they get their fish delivery, but I'm going to assume it isn't Tuesday. To be fair, I spent 15 years in the San Francisco bay area, so my standards for sushi are pretty high. However, I've had some decent sushi since I've been in Tampa (at Ai I and Sushi Cafe), so I know it's possible. This place failed to meet my minimum standards for a place I would return to. I ordered the rainbow roll and the chirashi bowl. At first, I was very pleased: the rainbow roll was quite good. However, when I got to the yellowtail in the chirashi bowl, it started to go downhill. It was definitely not fresh: it tasted very fishy and had a rainbow-y sheen to it. This, in and of itself, would not have meant I wouldn't come back. I don't order yellowtail very often, so I could just skip it in future orders. What killed it was the imitation crab (krab): it, too, was not fresh, very fishy. Krab is the single easiest thing to "keep" good. It's pre-cooked, and is completely edible even after being frozen. This stuff was awful. I don't know how on earth the krab in the rainbow roll was fine, while the krab on the chirashi bowl was awful, but that's the way it was. I guess it's possible I just didn't notice because there was so little krab in the rainbow roll, but I suspect it's more a quality-control issue. In any case, I decided that, if they can't do quality control on the single easiest ingredient, they don't deserve my future business. Especially considering the prices. My bill was about $40 - a quality price for what was, in the end, a cheap sushi place. I will not be back. If you decide to go here, just pay attention to what you're eating. If it smells, tastes, or looks "off", don't eat it.
(2)Anne D.
Always tasty. The house ginger salad is a great bargain for the incredible taste and freshness. We like date nite for value - especially calamari. Pot stickers, and crab Ragoon appetizers and hand heads. Service is good.
(4)Kim O.
Finally tried a new sushi place in the area and it was really good. We got a free sake shot since we checked in with yelp which was cool. Started with the crab Rangoon. It was delicious. Very savory, but it is a very small appetizer, so be warned. The nigiri we ordered was super fresh and comes with 2 pieces to an order. We had to try the jabadahut because our server told us it was their signature roll. It was great! There is so much going on inside the roll and then it has huge pieces of fresh tuna in the outside. Pretty outstanding. It looks like we will be splitting our time between Takara and sushi cafe from now on.
(4)Amy Z.
Hunter at the sushi bar will make you a delicious meal! I also tried the lychee sake, which I never would have unless it was recommended, but it was great. Very sweet, but delicious (and free with a Yelp check in).
(5)Blaire O.
It's unassuming exterior might lead you to turn a blind eye to its Japanese majesty, but beneath a generally unremarkable exterior, lies a new Tampa great, Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge. It's calm, soothing atmosphere is in stark contrast to the busy North Tampa strip that it calls home (the same strip where you can find Tampa classics Mr. Dunderbak's and Acropolis). Takaru stands out as a retreat from these more chaotic dining experiences. A place where the sake glass overfloweth, and the sushi rolls will impress you with both the freshness of the seafood and a balanced mix of innovative and classic combinations. Countless, delicious options provide you with an opportunity to surprise your palate with each visit. And what's more, they are now hosting a ladies night, with drink and sushi specials to help get you ready for the weekend without dipping too deep into your restaurant budget. Indeed, Takara knows how to treat the ladies. It's Ladies Night menu launched just last Thursday, and I can say with confidence, it should be a major contender for your next thank-god-it's-almost-Friday outing. A few friends and I were asked to join Takaru for a preview, and we were happy to oblige. I am here to report an experience rich with delicious food, amazing sake, attentive staff, and a lovely atmosphere. I trust that this amazing experience is not limited to the token group of bloggers, and luckily, you'll have a chance to let me know by participating in a $25 giveaway! However, before we can get to the giveaway details, it is only fair that I brag about the copious amounts of seafood and sake I consumed to bring you this post. Hell, that's my job... hobbie... shameless indulgence. Starters: Delicious, pungent Garlic Edamame. It's ladies night, so it's okay to have extremely potent garlic breath. I mean, what are friends, if they don't love you despite your ability to kill the whole cast of Twilight with one yawn? Yummy Chicken Tatsu-age. These little crispy bites of chicken will please the pickiest of eaters. I mean, we all love 'Stacy', but honestly, she needs to expand her palate. Of course, she may be upset when the rest of the table eats all of her appetizer. These little nibbles are addictive. Pork Pot Stickers are a classic done-well at Takaru. They are a wonderful way to fill the every growing need for pork as a part of every meal. Thank you, bacon and pork belly fo leading the way. Kani Su is a lighter starter with a delicate mix of crab, scallions, and sesame seeds among thin ringlets of cucumber salad. We pleasantly devoured this crisp, flavorful salad. Our Sake pairing for this course was the bubbly Ozeki Hana Awaka sparkling sake. This is a wonderful choice for a effervescent start to your meal, and perfect for those of you that aren't prolific sake drinkers. Its sweet and fruity flavors are sure to please. We were also treated to a house infused sake shot of choice, with flavors like white peach, lychee, and strawberry tempting each of us. Main: The Sushi Tacos we were treated to were so fresh and delicious. The crisp housemade taco shells and Asian mango salsa were wonderful representatives of how malleable the Japanese tradition can be to other food genres. Choose from Spicy Tuna, Crab, and Tempura Grouper (photos via Takara). These babies do not disappoint, unlike your nagging husband who can't keep his underwear off the floor. A little ladies night therapy... Another form of therapy, unfiltered Shirakawago Nigori sake. This creamy alcohol will definitely heighten your senses, and possibly make you say things you shouldn't in front of your ladies friends. Who cares! It's almost Friday! Of course, you probably wouldn't be here if you weren't on the prowl for some delicious sushi goodness. Takaru is here for you, ladies. All of the rolls were delicious, but I think I am going to have to play favorites with the DJ Roll and Crazy Tako Roll. So bleeping yummy.
(4)Blake M.
I still eat here almost once a week for lunch. A few weeks ago I called in an order for pick up. The woman on the phone (I'm pretty sure she's the owner) asked if I had heard about their new crab rangoon. I said I had, but I'm a vegetarian. When I arrived at the restaurant to pick up my order she had circled every vegetarian option on the menu. I'm a sucker for that sort of attention to detail. Oh, and the food is still great.
(5)Ryan S.
Sushi? On a Sunday? Sold! We enjoyed the food, ambience, and staff. The fish was fresh and delicious. Next time, I'm hitting this place up for happy hour... $5.00 rolls and $2.00 domestic beers till 7:00 pm. I am very happy I gave this place a shot.
(4)Devon M.
Bought three rolls for $5, and they were all quite bland and tasteless. The rice was not fresh and the servings were small. I finished the three rolls and still wanted more. I'm going to give Takara the benefit of the doubt and rate it as 3 stars, because I'm assuming the specialty rolls are better.
(3)Amy V.
Loving Lutz living, so many close options for restaurants. Very good and very bad all at the same time. Parking here is rough on nights and weekends. This little strip mall has everything - Jersey Mikes, Mr. Dunderback's, and Acropolis. ***20% for USF students*** Does my ID from 2008 still count? Don't answer that. I've gotten takeout every time. The order is always ready, always fresh, and always right. There are 15 min. only parking spots right out front, which is nice. - Salmon roll: so used to inside out rolls that this one looked different. Tasted fresh, so simple. Seaweed wrap, rice, and salmon. Perfect. - Spicy crunchy tuna roll: my favorite go-to roll. This one is good. Definitely a little spicy, could be a little crunchier. - Alaska roll: this thing is huge. So many toppings - escolar, smelt roe, scallion, eel sauce, spicy sauce and yum yum sauce. Nice! - Tempura bagel roll: smoked salmon and cream cheese were made for each other. So good. Light batter. Decent prices, $5-$10+. Although this isn't my favorite Tampa sushi place, as they may boast, it is a close enough favorite to visit often.
(4)Lizzy V.
Was in the mood for sushi, so checked this place out. There were two other people when I went so the service was super fast which is always a plus! My waiter was super nice and very helpful. I ordered the crab rangoons for my appetizer and the Philadelphia Roll for my meal - with a side of spicy mayo. Both were delicious! Went during happy hour (5pm - 7pm) so appetizers were only $2 and rolls were $5. Can't beat that! The inside decorations are really nice and its such a relaxing atmosphere. Will be coming back! :)
(4)Laura V.
Great service. Sushi presentation was beautiful! Sushi was fresh and great tasting. We'll be back!
(4)Brian D.
I just came back 2 months later and not only did my husband agree this was the best sushi he ever had, but they remembered my food allergy! Most impressive! I tried the new crab rangoon appetizer, which had a super crispy outside and delicate, soft center. The white peach infused saki was light and not too sweet. I had the jabadahut roll for dinner, which is almost like 2 meals because the sushi is topped with so many yummy scallops.
(5)Ashley P.
Really enjoyed this place. Went for the lunch special around 2:45 (they close for lunch at 3) and they were happy to accommodate us. I got the tuna roll and the vegetable roll. Both were lovely. Price was great, food was great, will probably come back here for their date night specials!
(4)Amber S.
Takara is one of my favorite sushi places! My boyfriend and I have been coming here regularly for quite some time now, and I couldn't imagine getting my sushi anywhere else. The food is delicious (try the Jabadahut Roll it's amazing!!) and the staff is wonderful. The owners are always there and super friendly! Love this place!
(5)Ryan R.
The sushi isn't too bad. I've been here a couple times and it's been different each time. My first time the sushi was okay and the service was a little slow but other times after that the service was good and the sushi was really good. I do like there special of dollar sake shots.
(3)Matthew P.
Great sushi here, very fresh, great staff, friendly and genuine! Pricing pretty darn good! Only draw back closed on Mondays & for some reason darnit I always want sushi on Mondays lol!
(5)James I.
The food was very creative for a sushi restaurant. The surf and turf roll used beef in a roll, which was very cool. In addition, Takara had the best spicy tuna roll I've ever had;it was actually spicy!. I liked the dim lighting and orange interior. It was trendy yet comfortable. Service was spot on and efficient. My only nitpick is difficult to find parking on peak weekend times due to the congested strip mall which also includes Dunderbak's and Acropolis, but that's not Takara's fault. Plus, it's only .75 mile from my house!
(4)Shane B.
Absolutely the best in New Tampa. We used to frequent Bonsai and Ichiban, but the sushi and sashimi here are awesome and the sashimi cuts are not skimpy. The atmosphere is nice with booths and tables and a waiting area with sofa's and comfortable chairs along with a TV. Staff are always friendly and the service is typically quicker than most sushi restaurants. Parking can be tough to find on the weekends in this shopping center but that doesn't discourage us from driving around until we find a spot open up. Even better, Toast Wine Café next door is a great way to wrap up an evening.
(5)Adam A.
Mostly been here to pick up takeout. The sushi is usually over-sauced and the combinations make it difficult to pick up the individual flavors. For the best sushi in Tampa try Kaisen Sushi.
(2)Steph G.
You want fresh? THIS is the place to go. Try the crab rangoon, spicey yellow tail and the sweet potato roll. DELISH! Friendly staff, casual atmosphere, beautiful decor, and freshest sushi in town.
(5)Adrienne P.
We've been here about 6-7 times now and have never been disappointed. Favorites so far have been the torched hamachi and tuna tatami appetizers, naruto, DJ, torched salmon, white dragon, and crunchy Florida rolls.
(5)Tierra Z.
This is my favorite sushi spot in Tampa the food is delicious and it's never to crowded.
(5)Leslie F.
Just a couple of weeks ago, I had the ultimate sushi privilege bestowed to me when I was invited to a generous ten course tasting at the brand new, Takara Sushi and Sake Lounge in New Tampa. Having visited this swanky spot once before, I knew I was in for a lovely evening of excellent Japanese seafood and sushi. Upon entering the building located in a busy plaza off of Bruce B. Downs Blvd., I was reminded of the hip ambiance that would likely enchant the eyes of the young and the older. An industrial exposed ceiling with Japanese style lanterns hanging low, the dimly lit dining room also features vibrant red accents throughout. Aesthetically appealing is quite the understatement. Once I sat down to a table of twelve, I was in anticipation mode for the first course to sit before me. And then...I waited no more- White Fish Ceviche came shiny and bright with a citrus zing. The fish, insanely fresh, was flawlessly cooked in the tangy lime juices and complemented with a kick from cilantro, red onion and pepper. Having only eaten ceviche in Spanish restaurants, this was a wonderful first impression to the Japanese rendition of one of my most-loved dishes. Let it be known. I detest tofu. There, I said it. I love numerous dishes in which it is often served but I always, without fail, toss it to the side. Takara changed me-if only temporarily; they changed me. Avocado and Tofu Salad was colorful with its perfectly ripe tomatoes thrown in the mix. Colorful and surprisingly, extremely tasty. With a honey miso dressing liberally drizzled on top, I couldn't say no to the sweetly dressed white blocks of soy. Ah, another unusual suspect at a sushi restaurant- a Jumbo Lump Crab Cake was now presented before my palate. If you've read recent reviews you know I've had a streak of luck with impeccable crab cakes. I hate to say it...but I ran out of luck this evening. Though very flavorful with a nice, crunchy panko crust and mustard aioli drizzle, this cake did not boast near enough crab. Yet, I am quite the crab cake critic. Hooray! The spicy tuna bowl, I mean, spoon, had arrived! A lover of sushi-grade tuna and anything spicy, I knew this dish would be rather splendid. Spicy tuna, mango, avocado, smelt roe and scallions came carefully piled high on a spoon. With one large and luscious chomp, I was in seafood splendor. The sweet mango contrasted so heavenly with the fiery tuna and creamy, mild avocado. This tasting was so divine, I recently went back to Takara and ordered the full plate. Verdict: A spectacular creation indeed. Dynamite mussels were delivered next. The name was well suited; for these little ocean dwellers were as delicious as they were pretty. Baked with mayo, scallions, smelt roe and wasabi, there was a world of bold flavors in just one big bite. Possibly my least favorite shellfish (side note: I love all shellfish), this was my favorite way I've ever eaten the gleaming black sea suckers. I was beginning to wonder how much more I could ingest. Before I could doubt my consumption abilities any longer, a cocktail of Sambuca shrimp was served. Tender shrimp tossed in a red curry coconut milk and prepared with fennel, shallots and red pepper, this dazzling tasting was screaming with fun on the tongue. Without further a due, a massive plate of sushi was sparkling with vibrant colors and sheens. I simply did not know where to begin. Because all of these sushi rolls were absolutely, breath taking, fantastic, I will give you a brief rundown from the lavish spread. The unsurpassed roll of the night would definitely be the Torched Salmon Roll made with Tempura shrimp, crab delight, avocado & cucumber, rolled in seaweed & rice, topped with torched salmon, tempura jalapeno, served with eel sauce & spicy mayo. They had me at Tempura Jalapeño. Takara Sushi had me in awe from beginning to end. I walked into the eatery believing I would only be tasting an array of sushi rolls. Having the opportunity to try out many of their non-sushi selections made for a rich and diverse smorgasbord of treats. This is a joint I have already re-visited and will continue frequenting for as long as I reside in Tampa. They surpassed my expectations (with stiff competition down the street, mind you) with both their bar none service and fabulous fare. Impressed? Oh, yes. **For the extended review, go to: leslie-floyd.com/2013/04…
(5)Ken D.
This place was absolutely amazing. The ambiance really set an intimate and romantic mood. Our server was not only knowledgeable and attentive, but extremely friendly as well. Finally , the food was also nicely prepared and tasted great! The absolute stand out was the green lantern roll! I would recommend this restaurant to anyone in a heartbeat!
(5)Catherine C.
Very good sushi place. Everything we ordered was interesting and tasty. Nice presentation of the food. Nice cocktails. The interior design is nice and relaxing. Just a nice experience.
(4)Robin T.
Came back a second time for dinner not during happy hour. Checked in on foursquare and got a free shot infused flavored sake that they infuse themselves at the restaurant. These were very fruity and sweet. Specialty rolls were very affordable -- around $10-12 for most of them. Again was very pleased with the quality of the sushi! Highly recommend the Surf and Turf roll!
(4)Samantha B.
Takara was simply amazing! The Torched Salmon was by far the best. I would recommend this for anyone, sushi lover or not. Our server, Chris was so pleasant and knew exactly what he was talking about when asked questions about the menu. I advise someone to try the fried cheesecake. Chris almost had me convinced that I would have an orgasm in my mouth...Unfortunately, our diets didn't permit.
(5)Britt M.
So mediocre and too expensive for what you get. You're better off going to publix and getting sushi there.
(2)Clara C.
A new trendy restaurant! Decor is modern with a lounge, bar and dinning area. The menu has a variety of sashimi, sushi and hot items. I had the ceviche, sunomono salad, crab cake, white dragon roll, spicy salmon roll, spicy tuna roll and naruto roll. Sushi was fresh and acidity in the ceviche and sunomono salad was well balanced. The plating designs with wasabi and hot sauce were impressive and fun. Service was excellent and fluid. Server was friendly and was able to explain the menu. Will definitely come back again.
(5)Susie F.
We went there last Friday Surprise was slow , There were only 2 tables and nobody in the sushi bar that's why make me wonder why take so long for our service, We wait for 35 mins for only 4 rolls, We have the spicy tuna roll , Does not taste fresh tuna, Like publix frozen tuna, Their rolls were very bland, But the picture look very beautiful But for the price and quality of the fish will not go back
(1)Darrell W.
Everything was so good. The atmosphere is friendly and the staff is excellent. My wife and I have been here twice now. Each time we had several different rolls followed by the Banana Bomb for dessert. The rolls are some of the best we have had! Give the restaurant a try and you will come back like we did.
(5)Matt S.
Stopped by the new Takara sushi restaurant tonight to give it a try. I liked the old Mexican place that used to be there, so I was slightly skeptical...However, it was frickin' fantastic! Never have I been to a sushi place that made rolls with such huge pieces of fish! Plus, it was happy hour. Usually sushi places really skimp on happy hour...Takara most certainly didn't. We got a Florida Roll, Japanese Bagel, and a Firecracker Roll, and each one was delicious! The edemame (spelling?) was great too...it had a nice garlic punch to it...something I wasn't expecting. Overall, now I am now really glad the restaurant changed. I will definitely be returning!
(5)