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The Star Thai and Sushi


935 N Beneva Rd. Sarasota, FL 34232
(941) 706-3848
Lunch 11AM to 3PM - Dinner 4:30 to 10PM
Closed Sundays

The former owners of Pad Thai have really moved up several notches with this new venture. This restaurant is beautifully appointed (ask about their designer). It's got such a groovy atmosphere but none of the humble family style service is lost in the mix.

The new menu is great, the have added a Japanese chef in the kitchen to do some really home style Japanese food like Chicken Katsu Curry served over a bed of Japanese rice. You can still find their famous Mango Sticky Rice, just don't over do dinner so you can fit it in. They also have a wonderful sushi bar as you walk in, you could even make a quick stop for just a couple of pieces they way the have it set up.

Price wise they are a little higher than they used to be but their portion sizes are great and the atmosphere is fantastic. I think you will really enjoy this stylish, relaxing restaurant.




Joto Steakhouse, Siesta Key


5218 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Key, FL 34242
(941) 346-8366
7 Days a Week, Dinner Only 5PM to 11PM
Reservations for Cooking Tables Only


Joto Siesta-Key, (there are a few Joto’s) I am really only familiar with the Siesta Key location. Owned an operated by native Japanese, you can enjoy Japanese Teppan-Yaki style meals (cooking tables) but also some very traditional Japanese dishes. While the Teppan is very entertaining (if you have kids ask for the “Volcano” at the Teppan) the sushi and cooked dishes are refined.

With so many of the Japanese Restaurants in Sarasota focusing on Sushi and “Nuevo Japanese” cuisine, Joto’s ala cart menu is full of traditional meals that you would be hard pressed to find anyplace south of Atlanta. You could make a meal of a combination of appetizers, some of which are unique to Joto. The service is fantastic, it is a real dining treat, of all the Japanese restaurants in Sarasota it is probably the one I have been to the most because it has those recipes that I really crave from home. It is appropriate for both families and a couple can find a romantic corner to knoodle in. General Manager Ayako will make sure that you are well taken care of and comfortable.

Recommended Dishes:
Sea Bass with Miso Glaze
Yellow Tail Cheek
Spicy Tuna California Roll
Cooking Tables




Utamaro


1900 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 366-0095
Monday through Friday Open for Lunch and Dinner
Saturday Dinner Only
Closed Sundays


Utamaro is located in Sarasota’s lively downtown area. This is a real sushi restaurant with an at home feel, owned and operated by a Japanese family – the owner is a true sushi chef and while he makes all those trendy American rolls he takes greatest pride in the traditional so it’s well worth it to get their Sushi Special.

The atmosphere is lively, a lot of chit/chat from the staff. You really feel like you are in some mom/pop place in Japan (I know, been there) at the same time great servce, mom and pop in Japan isn’t like mom and pop anywhere else. The sushi menu is the same for both lunch and dinner but hey they are open at lunch which many restaurants in Sarasota are not!

Recommended Dishes:
Chef’s Choice Platter
Alaskan Roll with Oyster




Bangkok Restaurant


4791 Swift Rd. Sarasota, FL
(941) 922-0703
Call for Hours of Operation


Bangkok Restaurant offers authentic Thai cuisine that features culinary choices of each region of Thailand. Voted “Best of the Best” by Sarasota Magazine and “Reader’s Choice” by the Sarasota Herald Tribune. The menu features authentic Thai dishes including soups, curries, marinated and grilled meats, and fresh fish and seafood.

Open for lunch this is the kind of place you could go with your girlfriend and split a wonderful pot dish for under $10.00, you will have wonderful service and be in an atmosphere that will just take you away. They must be all related because it is rarely outside of Iceland that you see such a collection of beautiful people both men and women. I’m not sure if it’s their demeanor or what but eating here will put a smile on your face. This was a completely satisfying experience for everyone in my family.

Recommended Dishes:
Pineapple Fried Rice
Whole Crispy Fish with Chili Sauce
Pot of Tom Yum (Hot Sour Soup)




The Drunken Poet Thai Bistro and Sushi Bar


1572 Main St. Sarasota, FL
(941) 955-8404
Call for hours of Operation

Located in downtown Sarasota, The Drunken Poet was the winner of “Best of Downtown 2007” and nominated by the Sarasota Herald Tribune for “Best Sushi 2008”. This colorful restaurant offers innovative Japanese and Thai cuisine and sushi in a bright, cheerful atmosphere. The staff gives you the feel that you are in sort of funky beach town bistro and you have lucked out - you will feel that your meal was worth the wait once you savor their variety of delicious soups, unique entrées, and original sushi rolls. While this restaurant keeps it’s regular hours, you will be pleasantly surprised to find it occasionally open late, really late – like 2AM?? And yes they are in Sarasota!! Owner operated, Oi is so personable, this place is almost a hangout.

Recommended Dishes:
I love the Thai Red Curry with the Thai Eggplants, it’s spicy & wonderful
Sexy Roll
Mango Sticky Rice




Vizen


6559 Gateway Ave. Sarasota, FL
(941) 926-0830
Call for Hours of Operation

Vizen serves fresh sushi and fine Japanese cuisine in a modern Japanese minimalist yet elegant atmosphere. Owner, sushi chef Matsu is the creative mastermind of this menu and he executes with great care and attention. This was a wonderful experience and while I have not been back in a year (it’s a little out of my radar) the news I continue to hear from friends and other people in the business is that it is consistently superb. The location is a real “locals” area.

There are several bars and restaurants within walking distance but it really caters to people who live full-time in Sarasota, you could say that it’s sort of the locals downtown. You could have a drink around the corner and then head over for sushi or once you have eaten your meal you could walk down the street and listen to some great Irish music at the Red Rover.

Recommended Dishes:
Ask Matsu what he recommends for that evening.