Koya is an intimate 8 seat tasting menu only experience by Noble Rice. Our tasting menu is a focus on superior ingredients. In the Japanese culture, the peak season of a particular ingredient is called its shun (旬) and the shun of many ingredients are passionately anticipated each year. At Koya, you can expect to experience the concept of shun as our ever changing hyper seasonal and thematic menu will continue honoring tradition while showcasing new techniques. The tasting bar at Koya is like a stage, where every element of design is meant to highlight the theatre of the tasting experience.
S E
You will definitely like everything they serve. Extremely well thought through and definitely tasted to perfection.
You may not like what they charge (rather steep for what they serve). I didn’t like the oversell of extras after the $500 per person fee plus drinks plus tax and tip. My friend said I am hungry at the end and they do not have anything extra to serve even if you are willing to pay.
… moreHoward Moore
Nestled in Tampa Bay, Koya stands as a culinary jewel, offering an intimate and elevated omakase experience. The setting is a serene, immaculate space centered around an eight-seat curved bar, where every guest has a front-row view of the chefs’ precise artistry. It’s both a captivating performance and a gastronomic journey.
The team of four chefs honors traditional Edomae sushi while introducing subtle, exciting innovations. Each piece is a revelation, from a sublime Hokkaido scallop adorned with yuzu and Maldon salt to perfectly seasoned Koshihikari rice and vibrant notes of fresh wasabi and ponzu nikiri. The pacing, the presentation, and the personal interaction all contribute to a truly special evening.
For sushi purists and adventurous epicures alike, Koya delivers a memorable, high-end dining experience where meticulous skill meets creative inspiration. It is not just a meal, but a celebration of the craft.
… moregabriel kelly
Intimate, fun, outstanding service, mind bending takes and outstandingly fresh fish course. Please forgive my reduction to absurdity: The chicken soup was a standout, the Steak and Cheese Sandwich was amazing.
To be clear, this was not exactly chicken soup or a steak sandwich, but highly elevated and eminently playful. I was absolutely blown away by the citrus and vanilla Mezcal foam caviar dish. Never had such a bold and eclectic combination worked so incredibly well together.
Top notch.
… moreAshley Marie
We came here with friends and had a phenomenal experience. It’s a splurge, but the food is top quality, and you can really feel the passion behind each dish. There was an high level of quality even in the small details. Every bite stood out in a different way, and the service couldn’t have been better. Chef Eric and his team are knowledgeable yet friendly and warm. We reached out ahead of time to see if they could accommodate a nut allergy and they went above and beyond to do so.
The drink list was extensive and we ordered a bottle of sake that we thoroughly enjoyed. I would highly recommend Koya to everyone and can’t wait to return.
… moreBrad S
We were finally able to make a reservation at Koya and it was worth the wait. It is expensive but I don’t regret it one bit. Koya is a unique dining experience unlike anything else. You are presented with edible art, the flavors are intricate and refined. The service and atmosphere is perfectly crafted, you feel as though you’re dining with close friends. If you appreciate culinary excellence Koya needs to be on your bucket list, it will not disappoint.
… moreChris Mitchell
What an amazing experience! The small setting of 8 guests, the attention to detail, the careful and continuous service throughout the tasting testing, the descriptions of each bite, the thought and pristine quality of food….I could go and and on! I’m so grateful that my husband and I could experience this night together. Thank you to the incredible chefs and staff at Koya!
… moreEddie Grimes – Super Agent
Koya is an experience not to be missed. The food is a fencing match of flavor and creativity. I would compare the passion that Chef Eric and his team bring to the culinary space to that of Steve Irwin and the way his eyes would light up while talking about wildlife conservation. The minute you walk into the guest dining area, you are wrapped in the warmth of welcoming intimacy as the team greats you by name and gently guides you to your carefully selected seat. Through basic observation, you can tell the Chef purposely designed the space to make the guests the focus of the evening. This is clearly shown in how the illumination in the room is focus on the guest seats in comparison to the rest of the space. The contrast of the natural wood counters against the shadowy background provides an understated grace and refined simplicity without the pretentious nature occasionally found in fine dining. The music is modern, melodic, and upbeat. It aptly fills the room without being overbearing so that conversation can be had at soft levels. The cleanliness of the restaurant is crisp from front entry to rear restroom.
With that being said, the food is the star of the show. Simply put, it is an eye opening and daring journey. Chef Eric takes you through his mind as he lays his very thoughts on the plate in front of you. Each course is assembled with intent and purpose. The dishes expose the guests to gastronomical revelations that will leave you wanting more and forcing you to ask questions like; “What kind of madman created this and how/where do I get more of it?” Chef Eric has a story to tell, and each dish is an enthralling chapter of a book you never want to end. There is a sense of tradition and innovation that accentuates the culinary bravery that is Chef Eric and his team of exceptionally talented and personable chefs. My single, solitary negative is that I can never eat enough.
… moreRobert
Awesome, Awesome place! I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone who’s looking for something to really get you excited about food again. Staff paid great attention to detail and knew exactly what they were talking about when it came to the products they were serving and the steps it took to get to the plate infront of you. Check out the website, reservation only
… moreHelen Chang
The food was so pleasant, knife skill was impressive, and the purified watermelon was great!! Most importantly the alcohol selection was amazing. The sparkling sake was soooo good and got to try Krug for my bd!!
… moreAlex Divinsky
Listen. Koya has a Michelin Star (and they absolutely deserve it) so you don’t need me to tell you how incredible the food is. But let’s talk about the atmosphere and the service.
Koya seats 8, maybe 9. This is an intimate affair. Every chef is incredibly knowledgeable about every dish, every ingredient, and every sake. The presentation is impeccable. Every dish is absolutely perfect. Not just the taste, but the presentation, the texture, the descriptions, and the drink pairings.
Don’t treat your time at Koya like a regular meal. Treat it like an experience. Because that’s what it is. And it’s worth every penny.
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