Izakaya Tori

Great food and drinks with super friendly service. There was a bit of a wait to get our table and food, but once everything came out, it was absolutely worth it. The place is very popular, so I recommend calling ahead for reservations. Overall, a really solid spot—definitely worth checking out!

HIGHLY recommend the creamy kimchi shrimp and udon dish. The flavors will melt in your mouth. We got the chicken karrage which was very juicy and the agedashi tofu which was amazing. We also got the mushroom side dish which also tasted great. The Izakaya roll was good too and if you want a little extra kick I would ask for it to be torched a little more. The volcano roll was also ordered but it was just regular for me. The ambience was great and you will love how when you walk in you’ll feel like you’re in Japan.

We were only around for a few days, and we were so lucky to find this place. We got a table right away, and it was already getting packed. It took a bit to order, but the food came out pretty fast. The food was really good, the prices were alright, and the atmosphere was great.

We have been eating here for 30 years. It’s gone through some ups and downs but the current iteration is very good. Nice service and atmosphere. I don’t like that you can’t interact with the sushi chef directly. A lot of sushi places are like that now. I still recommend Izakaya though. It’s our regular go to for traditional sushi.

The food and service here were amazing. Ivan, our server immediately greeted us with a smile and had wonderful suggestions/recommendations on food as it was our first time. The ambiance was very warm and in line with traditional Japanese Izakaya's. Wonderful place. The matcha Creme brûlée was to die for!

We order every week, this time we ate at the restaurant. It is delicious. Always order Yellow tail carpaccio- Spicy Tuna Salad- dancing crab roll- shrimp fried rice and the fries are to die for.

Went there for take out because I didn’t have time to dine in but I loved the vibe in the restaurant. Someone mentioned don’t judge the outside from the inside and that couldn’t be any closer to the truth! The food was really good and tasted authentic I had sushi one day and another day I had the curry stew and the takoyaki. My favorite was the eel roll and the takoyaki hut everything was yummy. 😋

This was our first time visiting. We were celebrating our 14th anniversary. We ordered a dragon roll and some nigiri sushi. We had the yellow tail, tuna and escolar. All three were seared to perfection and well presented.

The food was amazing here! I went with my mother and every dish that was given was delicious. The curry that I had was amazing, and even the green tea tiramisu that I was initially wary of was great. The service was friendly, timely, and attentive. It's got a good vibe, and it feels pretty comfortable to be in. It's one of my favorite places and if you get the chance to go it could be yours too!

Cute and intimate authentic feeling Japanese restaurant! The best sushi I have had in quite some time. Services was fast and friendly.

I'd been wanting to visit this place for a while since I know it's the sister restaurant of Tori Bar on Kennedy and I finally made it during my trip to Tampa! We ordered a few of their special sushi rolls and they were all amazing. It came with the miso soup was super tasty, and we ordered the mango sake (my favorite) was perfect to drink something good. The Volcano Roll was definitely the best, full of flavor and just delicious. We also tried the green tea crème brûlée as dessert and it was good. The service was great and the staff were really nice. The place itself is beautiful, small but cozy and it really gives you that Tokyo vibe. Definitely one of my favorite sushi spots in Tampa!

Wow, I love Izakaya Tori! Genuinely, this is one of my favorite spots in the Tampa Bay Area, the vibe is amazing- the exterior is a little unassuming, but when you walk in- it's such a vibe! the Japanese hideaway energy is fun, eclectic and dynamic, I was totally transported, which added to the experience. The food. OMG. We started with the garlic bok choy- it was garlicky, leafy and crunchy. Then, I had karaage and smoked salmon nigiri as my entree. The karaage was fried to perfection and the sauce was zesty, lemony and succulent. The smoked salmon nigiri was super fresh. I am a dessert enthusiast and the matcha tiramisu at Izakaya Tori might be one of the best desserts I have ever had. The cream was fresh and the cake was spongy, herbal and decadent. Our waiter was super kind, attentive and made sure our water's were filled- couldn't ask for any better. I can't recommend Izakaya Tori enough, SO good.

Really good food and awesome atmosphere. I highly recommend folks to check this out if you can. Sat at the bar and the service was on point.

Wow this place is so amazing I can't wait to be back. Portions are large and their flavors pack a good punch, you won't leave unsatisfied. I had their Japanese bowl that was very flavorful but not over the top. I would highly recommend you try a variety of menu items. Parking is tricky, as you should ideally park across the street at the gym. This place is full so get there early. There's a lot of Japanese decorations inside from anime to more traditional items. They also pack tables a little closer inside so you may be nearer to the table next to you, but it's not uncomfortable. We will be returning.

Everything is delicious! Service can be a little slow at times, however it's just because they stay super busy. I've yet to try anything I didn't love! And the restaurant itself is rock and roll themed, super fun. I try to go here with the family every time I come back home!

My boyfriend took me here and it is absolutely a hidden gem! It has been on my list for a while and was excited to finally try it. We went on a Friday night and waited 15 minutes, which was not bad at all compared to a lot of places that have an hour wait. The inside is very cute and intimate. I loved that you share tables with other guests and that chopsticks are the default utensil choice! We ordered the Shiso Rangoons that were phenomenal! These were so different from any Rangoon I have ever had and they are a must try. We shared two sushi rolls - the dancing crab and the yummy roll. We both liked them, but preferred the dancing crab and will definitely get that next time. House sake was also great and I had a lychee cocktail that was also delicious. Love this place and how affordable it is for great sushi!!

This was my first time here and I ordered a small dish to go. I will definitely be back to enjoy a meal inside this restaurant-and know to expect small and tight parking spaces! The food is got was good- it was a sushi roll so difficult to mess up. I want to come back and try some of their other dishes but revisit mostly just for the ambiance. The place is cute and quirky, small and cozy and the customer service lady at the front register was so sweet and personable.

The food here was good. I had the ramen and I've had much better, but it was good. The pork and chicken thigh skewers were VERY good. The main reasons this place loses stars for me is the ramen it's being OK and the tightness of the space. Getting around is tight. Seating areas are tight. Not intimate, no breathing room. I'm more likely to grab carry-out from here in the future than eating in ever again.

Such a delightful restaurant with a delightful staff! I love the hustle and bustle of this establishment. I ordered several rolls which included their classic dragon roll. It was delicious and I wouldn't skip a beat in returning to order it again! The staff recommended their eel roll which I loved because of the slight sweet yet tangy eel sauce. Their eel sauce is purchased from another small business that specializes in the sale of rare seafood and sauces and honestly, I could tell by the quality of the sauce. The restaurant is a bit tight but it allows for you to get to know your neighbors due to the close proximity you are between the person next to you. They had all sorts of flags and art all over their ceilings and walls so it gave the restaurant a unique artistic flare. There was plenty of parking outside in their open lot. My meal was appropriately $25 which wasn't bad for 2 large rolls and a drink.

Izakaya is probably our most frequented restaurant and there is not a bad dish on the menu! Favorite roll- Izakaya special roll. The salmon is like BUTTER. Incredible quality and the flambé on top adds the perfect smokiness to the Japanese mayo and eel sauce. We've had other rolls that are also great quality! Appetizers: The tako yaki is delicious and flavorful. Karage is done well and comes with a great sauce. The mentaiko fries are a good portion for a great price and very flavorful for fries. The salmon carpaccio is a favorite- again, like butter and garnish complements it perfectly. Entrees: The kimchi cream udon is unique, rich, and delicious. The dry mix noodles is also great in terms of flavor! If you appreciate good fish, the collar is so tender, delicious, not fishy at all. The skewers are very fun and good bang for your buck! The eggplant with a miso butter sauce is outstanding. Lamb lollipop with a mint sauce is also phenomenal. We have tried the matcha crème brûlée and that is just okay. Wouldn't get it again. Service is fantastic. Food always comes out so quickly! The restaurant also has great ambiance and the interior is done very nicely!

I've been wanting to try Izakaya Tori for a while now and I finally tried it for dinner. Atmosphere: Don't let the outside of the building fool you, Izakaya Tori makes you feel like you're in another world. It's quaintly decorated on the inside. You can tell the focus is food and fast service when you arrive. The place has NO windows so don't be shocked when you exit the building and are blinded by the sunlight going to your car. Parking: I usually don't write about parking, but it's definitely a good thing to know about for this restaurant. It's located in a shopping mall with a SMALL parking lot, the earlier in the day you get there the easier it is to find parking. We were very lucky and found a spot right away, I saw people parking on the side street to eat here. Bathrooms: I didn't visit them, but they looked like single stall bathrooms. Service: Our service was quick and tentative. Everyone was so nice and professional. I always love to ask the servers for their favorite dishes and were pleased with the recommendations. Food: The food was unique and good. For an appetizer, we tried their 'Tako Yaki' which was a dumpling filled with octopus. That was my favorite thing I ate the entire night. It was so good and flavorful. It was perfectly fried and didn't feel greasy. We also tried the 'Shiso Rangoon' which was some sort of leaf stuffed with crab Rangoon and then fried. I was very confused by the dish and amazing you can stuff a leaf! It was good and definitely unique. For my entree, I tried their 'Tonkotsu Ramen' which was ok, it wasn't as good as I'd hope. We were there at happy hour so they had some specials during that time. I'd love to come back and try their sushi, lots of their options were good. Overall, we enjoyed our food and will be back to try more of the menu. This place was busy and I can see why it's been in Tampa for so long. TIP: on a Friday night arrive at 5/5:30 to avoid the rush of people! Instagram: living.with.reg

Great local spot for small bites and sushi. The restaurant is decorated like a Japanese bar with lots of signs and mask on the wall giving it an authentic feel. Everything we tried was excellent. Flavorful and just the right amount food. All the servers were awesome and attentive. A big special Thanks to Lena for making our night!

So very good. Beautiful interior and ambience. Quick, efficient, and polite service. Food was fantastic. Try the beef curry. Skewers were juicy. Miso soup: yes. [Love to you, Japan.]

Came back here to say that the Izakaya Special roll is an absolute delight. It was fresh and delicious. As always, the service was friendly and quick. We got seated right away for a Tuesday night dinner, and luckily, we were able to find parking pretty easily. I still love this place so much! 10/10 recommend for a fun girls night or date night.

If you're looking for authentic Japanese comfort food in Tampa, Izakaya Tori is a hidden gem you don't want to miss. From the cozy ambiance to the incredibly flavorful dishes, everything about this place feels thoughtfully curated and genuinely satisfying. What really made my experience stand out, though, was the amazing service -- Lily and Daniel were both exceptional. Lily was incredibly kind and attentive, offering great recommendations and making sure we were taken care of the entire time. Daniel brought such a great energy to the table -- friendly and genuinely welcoming. You could tell both of them really cared about making the experience special. The food was just as impressive. The yakitori skewers were grilled to perfection, the udon was rich and flavorful, and every bite felt like it came straight out of a Tokyo backstreet izakaya. It's rare to find a spot that nails both quality and authenticity like this. The otoro sashimi was also incredible. Definitely coming back -- and if you get Lily or Daniel as your servers, you're in for an even better treat!

Ahh the hype ain't worth it here South Tampa. While I appreciate the traditional Japanese style seating, I can't say the food wowed me. The Food: Takoyaki- Fresh, hot, tastes like it should, topped with bonito flakes Chirashi Appetizer- I like the spicy mayo imitation crab mixture in the middle, minus the octopus... it was chewy Fantasy Roll- The taro chips were enticing, but not the chunky tuna mixture on top of the roll. Perhaps a smaller portion or a different presentation There were a few other rolls and I can't remember the names, but they were average. We asked our server for his recommendations, but it seems like he's not a fan of imitation crab or spicy mayo rolls. Perhaps we should have asked for "best seller" suggestions. I'm not sure if it's me or after Covid, but I found it weird the server didn't pour our water for us. Other than that, service is good. Reservations highly recommended and only available for parties or 6 or more. They don't take reservations for parties less than 6 people. The wait for a table on a Friday night is about 30 minutes-1 hour. PS- Parking is very limited!

This place is one of my go-to spots for date nights! It's a charming, beautifully decorated little restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. No matter the day of the week, it's always busy--which speaks volumes about how great it is. The food is hands down the highlight here--everything is absolutely delicious and never disappoints. Despite the constant crowd, the service remains solid, which is impressive. If you're looking for a cute spot with amazing food, I highly recommend it!

Overall: I went here on a Tuesday night. I sat at the sushi bar after a short wait. The food was all very good and an even better value. I wish the sushi bar was more interesting to watch, but still a good place to get a good and cheap meal. Food: 4 Service: 3 Value: 4 Atmosphere: 3 Food: The food was all very tasty even if some of their cooking methods seemed suspicious (automatic sushi rice machine and toaster ovens). I got the spicy tuna and California rolls, both of which came in large portions. I thought the meat skewers were the best part of the meal. The pork belly was good, but the chicken thigh was exceptional. I wish I had ordered several more. The pork belly donburri was probably the least exciting part of the meal - too little pork and the bok choy wasn't separated and difficult to eat. Service: Service was just ok. The host staff tried to tell me there was a 20-25 minute wait time, even though I was the only person waiting, the first person on the waiting list, and there were open tables. I was actually seated in 3 minutes. My waiter was friendly, but seemed like he had a separate area to cover besides the bar, so sometimes it took him a while to swing by my spot. Value: Each of the skewers was ~$4, the sushi rolls were `~$8, and the larger dishes were $15-20. Portion sizes were good and I left full. My food subtotal was $42 - not bad for as much as I got. Atmosphere: I sat at the sushi bar. This area was right next to the fake traditional seats - special seats that look like you're seated on pillows on the ground, complete with a shoes-off requirement. The sushi chefs themselves are also interesting to watch. They have a machine that prepares the sushi rice and nori for them - they only fill them and roll them. I saw them cooking with toaster ovens and blow torches, but never anything I'd consider a typical kitchen appliance. It was quite a sight.

THEEEE SPOTTTT IN TAMPA!!! GAAAAAAAHHHLLEEEEEEE--I'm literally slapping my knee just thinking about this place. Vibes? Immaculate. Service? Incredible. Speed? LIGHTNING. Food? ...BRUUUHHHHHH. "Delicious" doesn't even cut it. I had to bust out a whole new word: Ambrosial. That's right--this place is heaven on a plate. I've come here with family, friends, even solo--and every single time it's just bomb. I could go on and on, but honestly... I'll save you some time so you can just get in the car and come experience it yourself.

DELICIOUS! We had the mentaiko fries (can't go wrong with this), kimchi cream udon (super umami and creamy with kimchi flavor infused), and the eel, pork belly, and chicken thigh skewers. All were cooked to perfection. I loveee how soft yet crisp the chicken thigh was. We came right when they opened on a Saturday. We received our food alarmingly fast, like 5 minutes after we ordered kind of fast. Service was quick, but come early to find the parking as it is VERY limited. Ambience is classic izakaya style.

Best Japanese food I've had since I moved to Florida. Came on a Friday night, and was seated surprisingly fast. Highlights were the eel skewers, the shishito skewers, and the eggplant skewers. You know it's going to be good when the table next to you is Japanese grannies.

Skewers were excellent!! Our eyes were definitely bigger than our stomachs and we ordered too much but everything was very good.

I used to come here when it was Yoko's, and had seen that it changed names, but never tried it. My brother-in-law said that they went last night and it was some of the best sushi he ever had, so we had to try it. My husband and I were able to sit at the sushi bar with no problem, served water immediately, and then they took our drink order and any food we wanted to start with. We started with the Honor roll- scallops and tuna- wow - very delicious!! We also Gyoza- which was very tasty and crispy as well. We usually over order because we love sushi, so we were both trying to hold back. We ended up ordering the double tuna roll and a spicy scallop hand roll. (I was so excited to try everything, that I forgot to take pictures of our second round). Everything was so fresh and full of flavor. I can't wait to go back and order different items to try next time. My husband ordered a Kirin draft and I had a Kirin light bottle. They were both so cold- that's a huge plus!! Towards the end of our meal, we decided to get one Kirin light to split. That was a great way to end our meal. We have eaten at their sister restaurant- Tori Bar Tampa several times, and I didn't realize until last night that they were associated. Both places have their own personality and are both very delectable. Definitely recommend both of them.

I drove past this restaurant for like 2 years on my way to work and have had it on my "Tampa spots to try" Yelp list for just as long. I read the reviews and when we were talking about where we wanted to go for dinner for our anniversary I picked Izakaya Tori. I am so glad I did. We planned to get there close to opening so wait time would be lower and we arrived about 15 min after opening. Parking was a little tough but we finally got spot (typica for south Tampa spots tbh) - we were greeted instantly upon entering and the decor is so great. It def creates the atmosphere and is warm and welcoming. Water arrived immediately and our waitress arrived within seconds after the water. She was welcoming and friendly and offered the happy hour appetizer list as we were looking over the different options. We chose the Mentaiko fries and Shrimp Tempura - the fries were perfectly cooked and the sauce is fantastic. Great flavor! The tempura was lightly cooked and good as well. For dinner I picked a spicy tuna hand roll and the Izukaya special roll - my husband got a double tuna roll and two skewers (chicken thigh and lamb) - everything came out quickly and had great flavors, and nice presentation. The service was attentive but respectful. We really enjoyed our dinner and we will definitely be returning and bringing some friends to enjoy it with!

Trendy vibes at this izakaya! There were so many options for dishes including skewers, sushi, noodles like udon, and ramen. Was not that much of a fan of the ramen, or the crab special kani that was included in one of the sushi set combos. The kimchi cream udon was SO good! So creamy and delicious, especially with pork belly! Servers were helpful for recommending options. There's a bar and alcoholic drinks available. They also had really tempting dessert options.

We went during happy hour - some appetizers are half off and we are an order to share bunch. Everything we got was hot and fresh. My friend's sushi was delicious , he got a few rolls, I got a bowl and it also was very well balanced. The service was great, super attentive and everything moved pretty quickly given it was a busy night. Japanese style seating and traditional as well. The tables are a little smaller so think ahead on group size, but definitely worth trying.

Classic case of not knowing where to eat, looking at Yelp, and finding a hidden gem. The high reviews don't even begin to hint at how great this place is. You transform from a typical strip mall to a vibrant and buzzing authentic restaurant. Skewers, sushi, everything was amazing. Can't wait to return and try more. As a young Buc I know describes it, this place is "gas."

Awesome ramen and service was fantastic! One of our favorites! Edamame was cooked perfectly and also the gyoza! Looking forward to next time!

One of my favorite places in Tampa. The service is always incredible, the food is even more incredible and the atmosphere is just super fun! Izakaya is late nite food bites in Japan and this place really gives you the feel of an authentic izakaya. I highly recommend visiting. No reservations can be made unless you are a party of 6 or more. Highlights on the menu, the Japanese curry, creamy kimchi udon and the Rangoon's. So many other wonderful items to choose as well.

The food and service here were amazing. Ivan, our server immediately greeted us with a smile and had wonderful suggestions/recommendations on food as it was our first time. The ambiance was very warm and in line with traditional Japanese Izakaya's. Wonderful place. The matcha Creme brûlée was to die for!

Fish didnt taste fresh. Was popping inside so might have just been because takeout. Also could have just been what I ordered and might be better known for the skewers/rice dishes.

I have been here a few times and they never disappoint! The food is always so delicious! The servers was quick and friendly and the vibes is perfectly aligned with the cuisine. The little skewers are soooooo good! But my favorite is the udon noodles, never misses

I'm so glad i found this spot. The food was amazing, and the environment can't be compared to any other Japanese restaurants in the area. Also, the service is really good.

Came here for a quick bite, service was really friendly and quick. We had a table of four and were sat down immediately. They were pretty busy too so i was pleased our food came out so quickly and tasted fresh. They played good music and the restaurant was clean as well. Would recommend!

delicious food, stellar service, and a really cool vibe inside. it's small but feels cozy and cool, and if there's a long wait, you can grab a drink from the bar to add to your tab and hang around inside or out front. this is the most authentic ramen spot i've found in the tampa bay area and i literally cannot wait to come back. it's a bit spendy but the portions are big and it's just so tasty! chewy noodles, warming and flavorful broth, and plentiful toppings: the perfect ramen bowl. this immediately became one of my favorite places down here. try it!!!

Came here on a Tuesday night around 7:30 with my coworker and it was packed but we were able to get two seats at the sushi bar! We got 3 rolls the double tuna, the izakaya roll, and the volcano roll! All were fresh and delicious! We get sushi everytime we visit tampa for work and this place did no disappoint! It was a cute hole in the wall Japanese vibe inside!

Food is always amazing but parking is difficult! Small lots in front and back, try to arrive early

I had business in Tampa and drove 4 hours. Before my meeting went out of my way to go to Izakaya Tori based on the high reviews. Unfortunately, my experience was not as great as Yelp showed. The service was great and I thought the staff were awesome. Only con was the nigiri. It was not good at all... the mackerel actually had a little vinegar taste to it which I didn't like. Not sure if it was intentional or not but it was a no. The other dish I got was delicious but just didn't justify the $17 price. The ambiance seemed great for an izakaya. Id want to try this place again for the Izakaya. I feel that is what makes the place and not Nigiri. Will be back due to the kind staff

Great services and excellent quality foods all around . The Tokyo ambiance was great to see. The freshness of the sushi were amazing. Will be back soon.

A little south Tampa hidden gem! Had a great experience here and was able to get seated quickly despite it being a little busy. We split bottle of sake, fries, and sushi. Everything was delicious and reasonably priced!

Great food and atmosphere. Loved the open concept so you got to see the fresh seafood being made. Gets very busy, so I recommend making reservations ahead of time.

We went there on a Saturday night and got right in at the bar. Excellent service, Lily was a great server just totally friendly and I love the skewers. Specifically the eggplant with miso sauce is a two thumbs up proposition. Highly recommend.

What a wonderful time we had at Izakaya Tori!! Two of my friends introduced our whole group to this new place and we loved it. The food was amazing, each one of the plates, the restaurant is really beautiful decorated and the service was 10/10. The sake was my favorite part of course, was delicious and the Seafood Ceviche was EVERYTHING! Definitely the highlight of the night. I would love to come back soon of course!

I ordered Togo this afternoon. One spicy edamame, sashimi lunch, and black dragon roll. It was great, but has no pictures. Not really pay attention to the environment, but friendly staff at front. Was trying to eat at night today, but was too late.

Firstly - I tend not to believe many of the reviews of places in Florida, just my own experience. Too many comments on lack of quantity vs speaking of quality, or 'it's so authentic!' When they talk about a dragon roll, or other such nonsense. Food was spot on. Mentaiko fries very similar flavor profile to Fukuoka. Obviously US fries themselves are different, hence a little acceptable change. Yakitori was well seasoned and not overdone. We got pork belly, chicken thigh, chicken breast and veggies (eggplant, corn, shishito) Kaarage, garlicky bok choi were also spot on in preparation, and slightly Americanized flavor. Good sake offerings. (Dassai 45 never fails to please an American audience.) Service was attentive and pleasant. We did order other items and a server who knows their business might have staggered it a bit more, but good effort. Had all the elements an American Izakaya tends to have for decor - random Japanese porcelain signage (of weird origin- beware of bears, company names) and of course plenty of sake company banners and Japanese vintage nostalgia. Parking sucks, and all the neighborhood businesses know Tori will be busy, and tow cars. Uber is a better choice. Gave them 5 stars as for what they set out to do - they do it well.

The food was so fresh and the service was super welcoming. The environment made you feel like you were somewhere metropolitan, somewhere other than in Tampa. I can't wait to go back. I can't say it enough, I wish we had more places like this in Trinity. I totally get why this place made it to @yelptampabay Top 100. The vibe is great, and the Gyudon was savory-super fresh- a warm HUG kind of tasty. Delicious!

Went in on a Friday night staff was very nice. Got seated at the bar and got the edamame nice size for a few people. My order was a Izakaya roll and salmon avocado roll both were tasty and fresh. The place was busy and had a line by the time I left. I would go back no issues.