jr merritt
This review is for the Lakewood Ranch location.
The downtown Sarasota location closed months ago.
Tsunami in Lakewood Ranch delivers consistently good sushi — clean cuts, fresh fish, and polished presentation — but what elevates the experience is how intentionally everything is put together beyond the plate.
While most of the dining room is traditional table seating, the experience itself is bar-led. The bar program and staff knowledge noticeably shape how the menu is meant to be enjoyed. Bartenders ask the right questions, offer thoughtful sake recommendations, and can explain styles and pairings in a way that actually makes sense with the food. If you want that level of guidance, sitting at the bar is where Tsunami really clicks. We’ve had David as a bartender several times and have appreciated his recommendations. If you haven’t been in a while, the chairs have improved from when they first opened.
Yes, it’s on the pricier side — but you’re paying for service, atmosphere, and cohesion, not just raw fish. The decor is immersive and detailed, and even small touches (lighting, design elements, bathrooms) feel considered rather than incidental.
For anyone interested in the bar program, sake selections, and atmosphere details, I documented a longer, field-style review on The Stray Gourmet.
This isn’t a quick sushi stop or a bargain play. It’s a place for date nights, lingering over drinks, and enjoying a well-run program where the staff clearly knows their craft.
… moreMark Kauffman
First time here but with a large group and we tried a great variety of selections. Everything was fresh. The miso soup was nicely concentrated, not watery like many I’ve tried. Shrimp were large and tender,. The General Tso’s were meaty, not over breaded, and tangy, more sweet than spicy. They’ve won several local awards in the last few years. Well deserved. A definite must to visit.
… moreSeth Cooper
I came in today looking to redeem a bad sushi experience from another place, and Tsunami absolutely nailed it. The sushi was fresh, clean, and perfectly balanced no drowning in sauces or deep-fried crumbs, just high-quality fish prepared with real skill. I didn’t even need soy sauce, which says everything about the quality here.
I also told the bartender “dealer’s choice, just make it bourbon,” and he created one of the best cocktails I’ve had in a long time a custom blend of bourbon, cognac, orange bitters, and an orange twist. Perfectly balanced, aromatic, and clearly crafted with care. The mint and peach julep was equally fantastic.
Between the food, the drinks, and the attention to detail, this place genuinely impressed me. If you want sushi and cocktails made by people who actually care about what they’re doing, Tsunami is absolutely worth the visit.
… moreRachel Judy
Samantha was our waitress and she was absolutely amazing!! Very sweet and attentive! She was able to give great recommendations for sushi rolls or my husband and I! Super clean restaurant and great staff in general! Would highly recommend!
… moreLisa Shepard
Everything is AMAZING! Huge menu selection. Love all of their sushi rolls. Excellent fish, beef, chicken and vegetarian options. All of the servers are excellent and the owner is very personable! Fantastic mixed drinks as well! Highly recommend, the best sushi around!
… moreSasha Baskakova
beautiful rolls and wide variety of dishes to choose from! the fish is very fresh and flavorful. i would highly recommend coming here for a date night or special occasion! ^^
… moreNeGoshen Family
Kids love their Chicken Katsu. Wife enjoyed the filet and shrimp hibachi and I like their dynamite fried shrimp with spicy sauce. The ambiance was very nice and the service was excellent
… moreAndrei Galitcin
From the very first moment at Tsunami Sushi, Cocktails & Grill, our experience was excellent. We tried sushi, soup, and meat dishes, and every single item was delicious. The food tasted very fresh, and everything was prepared surprisingly fast.
The team at Tsunami Sushi, Cocktails & Grill provided great service — attentive, friendly, and professional. The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming, which makes this place perfect for dinner with family or friends.
In summary, fresh food, quick preparation, and wonderful flavors made our visit memorable.
I highly recommend Tsunami Sushi, Cocktails & Grill to everyone!
… moreRay Rodriguez
Stopped in for dinner with two other couples. We had a reservation. The food was quite good, my wife and I shared an entree of yakisoba noodles with crispy tofu (delicious, but maybe a bit small), Origami and Hot Mama sushi ( although we had ordered Bahama, $10 cheaper but didn’t know until bill game). Sushi was excellent, fresh and presented nicely. We also had Japanese beer. Everything was a little pricey but all in all a great experience. Recommended!
… moreZhanna Conner
DO NOT COME HERE! WORST SERVICE EVER! We had Jay as our server and he was absolutely horrible. We came in right before lunch was over and was aware and ordered everything as soon as he came over. If it was that big of an issue don’t seat us. We would have gladly went somewhere else. Mind you the last seating on the door says 2:15 NOT LAST CALL. Despite this we ordered immediately because we did not want to be a pain. He took 12 minutes to grab drinks our apps came first. His persona made me lose my appetite completely. He should find a job where speaking to people isn’t required. Then told me I couldn’t get the drink I ordered because the bar is closed, despite me ordering before everything was closed. Mind you I work in the restaurant industry and typically if someone is just making last call we give them some grace because I want to make more money so does the company and also you want to leave ur guest happy! NOT HERE AND NOT WITH JAY! We had to ask for a busser to grab us the waters we asked for. We told them their sprite needed a new soda bib, never brought us a fresh sprite. Asked to speak to a manager, yet the manager never came to the table. Tells you a lot about how they care about their guests experiences. Not sure why they couldn’t have made the sangria. Instead people laughing. I have never not tipped but after a thumbs up was given by my server I was in disbelief. Asked for boxes for our entrees, as in plural, and brought back one singular box. Never coming here again. Telling everyone how horrible it is. DO NOT COME HERE.
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