Japanese chain destination known for sushi & tableside grilling in a stylish space.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 13499 S Cleveland Ave Suite 231, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Phone: (239) 344-0037
Website: https://www.darumarestaurant.com/
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Ft. Myers – DaRuMa Restaurant
… at our either our fabulous bar, piano bar, or sushi lounge. Get in Touch. 239-344-0037. Address. 13499 S Cleveland Ave Suite 231. Fort Myers, FL 33907. Open …
DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Lounge
DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Lounge has been serving Southwest Florida the best, most authentic, Japanese cuisine. Come in today!
Daruma Fort Myers – Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Lounge
. $$$. . Closed now. . 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, FL, United States, 33907. Links. . darumarestaurant.com. Services. . Specialties. Dine-in · …
Reviews
Cortney Stone
We went to DaRuMa for a family member’s birthday, and while we were surprised to learn ahead of time that they no longer allow outside cakes or cupcakes (which felt a bit unreasonable), we went with their in-house birthday option. It was about $15 and came with an individual cake and ice cream, a paper chef’s hat, and a photo, which at least made the celebration feel special.
We absolutely love hibachi and have tried places all over, and this is by far our favorite. They have the best meats, the best sauces, and the best chefs—consistently great quality and a fun experience every time. We really hope they open another Naples location again; we used to go there often and miss having it close by.
My meal came to about $68 including tip. I ordered the NY strip and shrimp combo with fried rice, and it was delicious. The hibachi dinners also come with soup, salad, and a shrimp appetizer, which makes it a great value overall. We made a reservation in advance and recommend you do so as well. We made a reservation in advance and definitely recommend doing the same. This time of year is still pretty manageable for dining out, but between January and April you’ll definitely want to book ahead.
… moreWe absolutely love hibachi and have tried places all over, and this is by far our favorite. They have the best meats, the best sauces, and the best chefs—consistently great quality and a fun experience every time. We really hope they open another Naples location again; we used to go there often and miss having it close by.
My meal came to about $68 including tip. I ordered the NY strip and shrimp combo with fried rice, and it was delicious. The hibachi dinners also come with soup, salad, and a shrimp appetizer, which makes it a great value overall. We made a reservation in advance and recommend you do so as well. We made a reservation in advance and definitely recommend doing the same. This time of year is still pretty manageable for dining out, but between January and April you’ll definitely want to book ahead.
Lisa Koutny
We had dinner tonight and absolutely loved it! The food was delicious, the atmosphere was great, but the main reason I’m writing this review is because I just want to complement our hibachi chef James aka white rice! He was absolutely incredible. There were two little girls dining at our table and he was so kind, interactive, funny, and truly made their night, I just know it. As a mom myself, I know how much it means to kids when they have such a fun experience. One of them even said she wants to come back for her birthday so he can be the chef. Please give him all the compliments and truly let him know how wonderful he is, he is a gem!
… moreAna Rivera
My husband and I went to Daruma in Ft. Myers, for sushi, we are sushi lovers, and I loved the sushi and sashimi boat in addition to the Pink lady roll, my favorite! 4 starts because in my opinion, the place needs a little tender loving care: they need to clean the front door handles to carpets, to entry area. When they brought the plates and silverware, one of the plates was dirty and one of the forks was dirty as well. Our server was super fast in getting us clean silverware when pointed it out. The sushi was really good and fresh, and I mentioned, the pink lady roll is amazingly good and the Kani Su roll super yummy. Our Drinks were very good too. We ordered the Pear martini and the Lemon Drop Martini, both were very, very good. Recommend for Sushi!
… moreDarren Simpson
Tonight was supposed to be a special celebration for my wife’s birthday, and DaRuMa managed to ruin the entire experience from the moment we walked in.
We had a 7:30pm reservation for a party of 7, yet when we arrived, the hostesses sat the wrong party at our table. No apology, no explanation — we only found out after asking why we were still waiting. I even reminded them it was my wife’s birthday, which they clearly didn’t care about.
They told us about their $13.75 birthday special that included a hat, lava cake, a song, and a photo. I agreed immediately. We also had two children with us (9 and 3) who were excited for the experience. They never received hats, and when my 9‑year‑old politely asked the chef, he told him to “go ask the hostesses.” After waiting 30 minutes, my son asked the hostess and she told him “No, it’s only for birthdays.” Completely dismissive. I went up myself and reminded her again that it was my wife’s birthday, and she said, “Sorry, that comes at the end.” The lack of common sense and customer service was unbelievable.
Then came the chef — easily the worst hibachi chef we’ve ever had. No interaction, no personality, no tricks, no effort. He barely spoke. Meanwhile, the chefs at the tables next to us were doing full performances, cracking jokes, and celebrating birthdays with their guests. Our table got none of that.
After dinner, we sat for another 10 minutes with no dessert, no cake, no acknowledgment. I had to go back to the hostess stand again to ask what was going on. Not once did anyone offer to get a manager or address the issues. Eventually they brought out the cake — while my wife’s sister was in the bathroom — and took a photo of us **without our full party party present. It felt rushed, careless, and completely unprofessional. To top it off, the bill came to over $420 for what was honestly the worst birthday experience we’ve ever had. DaRuMa failed at every level: service, communication, hospitality, and basic respect for their guests. I would never recommend this restaurant for any special occasion, and we will never return.
… moreWe had a 7:30pm reservation for a party of 7, yet when we arrived, the hostesses sat the wrong party at our table. No apology, no explanation — we only found out after asking why we were still waiting. I even reminded them it was my wife’s birthday, which they clearly didn’t care about.
They told us about their $13.75 birthday special that included a hat, lava cake, a song, and a photo. I agreed immediately. We also had two children with us (9 and 3) who were excited for the experience. They never received hats, and when my 9‑year‑old politely asked the chef, he told him to “go ask the hostesses.” After waiting 30 minutes, my son asked the hostess and she told him “No, it’s only for birthdays.” Completely dismissive. I went up myself and reminded her again that it was my wife’s birthday, and she said, “Sorry, that comes at the end.” The lack of common sense and customer service was unbelievable.
Then came the chef — easily the worst hibachi chef we’ve ever had. No interaction, no personality, no tricks, no effort. He barely spoke. Meanwhile, the chefs at the tables next to us were doing full performances, cracking jokes, and celebrating birthdays with their guests. Our table got none of that.
After dinner, we sat for another 10 minutes with no dessert, no cake, no acknowledgment. I had to go back to the hostess stand again to ask what was going on. Not once did anyone offer to get a manager or address the issues. Eventually they brought out the cake — while my wife’s sister was in the bathroom — and took a photo of us **without our full party party present. It felt rushed, careless, and completely unprofessional. To top it off, the bill came to over $420 for what was honestly the worst birthday experience we’ve ever had. DaRuMa failed at every level: service, communication, hospitality, and basic respect for their guests. I would never recommend this restaurant for any special occasion, and we will never return.
George Oberdorster
One of the worst dining experiences I’ve had at DaRuMa in over 30 years
I worked for the Chang family back in the early 90s, and I can honestly say Mr. Chang would be turning in his grave if he saw how his restaurants are being run today. We went to the Fort Myers location last night for my daughter’s 18th birthday with a party of 8, and it was a complete disappointment from start to finish.
First, they asked about allergies — I have a shellfish allergy. The protocol has always been to either cook my food early on the grill with the rice, or flip the order so mine is done last. I signed the waiver as required, but the chef ignored this and immediately threw shrimp across the grill, which meant my food had to be taken to the back. Anyone who has been here before knows it’s never the same.
Our server, Alex, was mediocre at best (5/10). I asked for two waters to avoid waiting on refills since I was the DD, yet still had to wait. We ordered an appetizer (Negamaki) that came out barely cooked and flavorless.
The chef — who I rate a 1 out of 10 — was a total disaster. He wore a childish Batman bandana, barely spoke, offered no energy, and made zero effort to interact with our table. The entire point of going to a Teppanyaki restaurant is the fun, engaging experience with the chef — instead, ours had the personality of a rock and couldn’t even cook properly. My steak and tuna were ordered medium rare but came back well done and medium well. Completely ruined. Everything tasted bland — honestly, Chipotle has more flavor.
What sealed the deal for me was my daughter. This was her 18th birthday, and without knowing my frustrations she said: “I’m good never coming back, the food wasn’t that good and I didn’t like the chef.” When a kid says that about what should be a fun, memorable night, you know the experience was awful.
To top it off, I noticed they’ve now lowered the threshold for automatically added gratuity down to parties of 4. Back in 1993, it was 17% for parties of 8. It later became 20% (fair), then 7 people, then 6, then 5… and now 4. At this point, is service really so bad you have to force people to tip? That’s not only a red flag, but borderline illegal unless a customer specifically agrees to it.
I spent 23 years in the restaurant industry, and I’m someone who tips big (20–100% depending on service and occasion). But last night was hands down one of the worst experiences I’ve had at any restaurant — especially one that used to stand for quality.
I’ll be reaching out directly to Tony Chang to let him know just how far this location has fallen. Until then, I’d strongly recommend spending your money elsewhere.
… moreI worked for the Chang family back in the early 90s, and I can honestly say Mr. Chang would be turning in his grave if he saw how his restaurants are being run today. We went to the Fort Myers location last night for my daughter’s 18th birthday with a party of 8, and it was a complete disappointment from start to finish.
First, they asked about allergies — I have a shellfish allergy. The protocol has always been to either cook my food early on the grill with the rice, or flip the order so mine is done last. I signed the waiver as required, but the chef ignored this and immediately threw shrimp across the grill, which meant my food had to be taken to the back. Anyone who has been here before knows it’s never the same.
Our server, Alex, was mediocre at best (5/10). I asked for two waters to avoid waiting on refills since I was the DD, yet still had to wait. We ordered an appetizer (Negamaki) that came out barely cooked and flavorless.
The chef — who I rate a 1 out of 10 — was a total disaster. He wore a childish Batman bandana, barely spoke, offered no energy, and made zero effort to interact with our table. The entire point of going to a Teppanyaki restaurant is the fun, engaging experience with the chef — instead, ours had the personality of a rock and couldn’t even cook properly. My steak and tuna were ordered medium rare but came back well done and medium well. Completely ruined. Everything tasted bland — honestly, Chipotle has more flavor.
What sealed the deal for me was my daughter. This was her 18th birthday, and without knowing my frustrations she said: “I’m good never coming back, the food wasn’t that good and I didn’t like the chef.” When a kid says that about what should be a fun, memorable night, you know the experience was awful.
To top it off, I noticed they’ve now lowered the threshold for automatically added gratuity down to parties of 4. Back in 1993, it was 17% for parties of 8. It later became 20% (fair), then 7 people, then 6, then 5… and now 4. At this point, is service really so bad you have to force people to tip? That’s not only a red flag, but borderline illegal unless a customer specifically agrees to it.
I spent 23 years in the restaurant industry, and I’m someone who tips big (20–100% depending on service and occasion). But last night was hands down one of the worst experiences I’ve had at any restaurant — especially one that used to stand for quality.
I’ll be reaching out directly to Tony Chang to let him know just how far this location has fallen. Until then, I’d strongly recommend spending your money elsewhere.
Tye
Visited this location a handful of times, hibachi only, and every time the food is perfect. The service is great. Atmosphere is great. Only thing I’d suggest is to tell the host at check in if you prefer to be seated at one of the sunken hibachi tables where you have to slide seat to seat until you get to your seat, or a regular table with pull up chairs, makes a huge difference for comfort!
… moreMartha Hartsfield
Such an amazing experience! Our hibachi chef, “White Rice”, was absolutely incredible. He was hilarious, engaging, and had us laughing the entire time. On top of being entertaining, he was also extremely skilled and made the experience unforgettable. The food was great, and the overall atmosphere of the restaurant was really nice. One of the most fun hibachi dinners we’ve ever had.
… moreAmy Catena
I had family visiting from out of town and brought them to DaRuma. Genesis was our waitress and she was amazing! She even brought my dad every hot sauce they had! The food and service was great, and they can’t stop raving about how beautifully the food was presented.
Pro tip: we sat in the dining area and bypassed the packed lobby where everyone was waiting for a hibachi table.
… morePro tip: we sat in the dining area and bypassed the packed lobby where everyone was waiting for a hibachi table.
Stephanie Cusick
We come ever New Years Eve and this was my sons girlfriend first experience at hibachi and the chef (White Rice) made it very entertaining for all. He was friendly, engaging, funny and very skilled. It was nice cause he also included my 87 year old mother she loved it. The food was cooked perfectly. We definitely will go back and ask for him.
… moreJames Perez
Good Hibachi. The service stsff were attentive and quick. The chef was Entertaining. He was funny, did a great routine and engaged everyone at the table in the show.
The only downside – Is the steamed rice in the room with us? was it the friends we made along the way? Because I ordered steamed rice and apparently I guess that means no rice. It was a little bit of a letdown but not enough to ruin the night.
Price was a little on the more expensive side for the amount of meat we did get but for the experience, its alright.
… moreThe only downside – Is the steamed rice in the room with us? was it the friends we made along the way? Because I ordered steamed rice and apparently I guess that means no rice. It was a little bit of a letdown but not enough to ruin the night.
Price was a little on the more expensive side for the amount of meat we did get but for the experience, its alright.