Samurai Blue Sushi & Sake Bar

1600 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States

Samurai Blue Sushi & Sake Bar
About This Sushi Bar

Extensive roster of sushi & modern Japanese dishes served till late in a spacious, urban setting.

Sushi Reviews
Sushi Experience №1

Worst service I experienced in a long time. We ordered drinks and they never came after ask them over three times. We ended up canceling our drink order because we all were done eating our meals and still never received our drinks. But worst than that is our server and the whole staff look pissed and had horrible attitudes. Every time we ask for something they acted like we were bothering them. I guess that’s what you get when there is gratuity all ready add regardless on the service. We will not be recommending or return to this place.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №2

Awesome place! Very trendy and classy. High vaulted ceilings in a remodeled historic Ybor building. Right in the middle of Ybor City. MAKE SURE you go upstairs to find it. Came here for dinner on a Thursday night and hardly anyone there. Atmosphere super relaxed. Our waitress gave us a 5 star restaurant service! Hamachi options available which is rare for a sushi spot on top of that it extremely fresh! The entire experience was exceptional! Thank you!

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №3

Everything was excellent and quick!

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №4

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №5

Great experience. Service was great and the food was awesome

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №6

Great place. Highly recommend.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №7

Excellent food with an ample amount of choices.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №8

I don't even want to write a review because I'm worried other people will go there and then I'll have a harder time eating there because I'll have to share it with all of you. Lol. Sushi was excellent, and I can be a tough judge.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №9

The food is delicious here even tho a little bit pricey I say it’s worth it. The service was descent and the food came out within a reasonable amount of time. I’ll visit again.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №10

This sushi spot is gonna be a go to when I come back to Tampa. The food was amazing, really good quality for a really good price. James was great too. Definitely recommend if it’s your first time here in Tampa!

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №11

After placing an Uber Eats order, I called for clarification on a price adjustment, as Uber Eats doesn’t clearly explain such changes. That is all. Simple. It was like a $1-2 difference but I just wanted to know! Since the adjustment came from the restaurant, I assumed they could provide this information. Instead, I spoke with a woman named (Sue, if I’m not mistaken) who seemed to be having a particularly rough night. She was curt, rude, and uncooperative—quick to dismiss my question with, “Well, I don’t work for Uber Eats, so I wouldn’t know.”, this 2 minute interaction told me all I needed to know about this place. I’m frankly upset I didn’t spend my money elsewhere tonight. Steer clear of Sue and this establishment who lacks basic the basic respect for paying customers, app or not. Plenty of other sushi spots in Tampa, my order missed the mark this time.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №12

Delicious!! Always amazing

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №13

Awesome sushi and great service!

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №14

This place is so good. I mean look at that plating Breh. 😩🤤

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №15

Wow. They have some of the freshest tuna that I’ve ever had besides being in Japan. The quality of the fish is amazing and the rolls are perfect size with the perfect proportions. Also their housemaid ginger dressing is perfectly balanced, and by no means average .. Will definetly Come back here.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №16

Nice atmosphere, small, fresh food.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №17

I love theses guys and you can catch here here waaay too often. I'm obsessed with their tuna tataki and love to order the Tuna Summer of Love and an Eel roll. Many of their other dishes are fantastic too.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №18

Sushi dinner was not good. Rice was falling apart on the nigiri. Some of the fish was chewy. Fish quality was ok. Mackerel was not even sliced properly.

Service wasn’t great. Unfriendly chefs at the sushi bar. Server was pushing to close the check the minute I was done with my food and hovering even though I ordered over $45 of food for one person.

Makimono Tokyo roll was too big to eat in one bite and then impossible to enjoy because it would fall apart if you took bites out of it.

Just wanted a decent sushi meal, but I guess not.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №19

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №20

The food was great and the drinks were even better, the service was great as well.
Would recommend the spicy tuna roll and the geisha roll

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №21

This is my favorite restaurant in Ybor, but they took off the best item from the menu which is the tempura udon bowl 😭 please add it back.

Update : still haven’t added it back :(

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №22

Beautiful restaurant, the Sushi was delicious

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №23

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №24

My husband and I are spending the weekend in Tampa as a little staycation. Today for dinner I wanted sushi and he found a place close to the hotel, so of course I was down.

This turned out to be some of the best sushi he or I have ever had, and he lived in Japan for several years!

I had the rainbow roll and Mexican roll, Brian had a tuna hand roll a specialty roll that was fresh tuna on deep fried rice (not fried rice, but white rice deep fried with tuna on top).

We sat at the sushi bar and had the best time with the sushi chef. Also, our server James was incredibly attentive and kind.

This place is a jem!!!

Everything was amazing!!! We will definitely be back, we only live a couple of hours away!

Best sushi in Tampa Florida, hands down.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №25

I’d give this place 10 stars if I could. Born and raised in Tampa and currently live in Austin and EVERY TIME I visit I HAVE to come here. Tuna Summer of Love, Blue Moon Roll, Volcano Roll - ALL MUST HAVES. I cannot rave about this place enough.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №26

It should have negative stars for the horrible service and awful food. The owner Yung Kim and staff are inconsiderate and run an awful business. The establishment is not clean or up to standards. The sushi gives people food poisoning. This place should be ashamed.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №27

While still in our booth and eating, a person in our group became violently ill. So ill they passed out while in the restroom. The staff got upset at us when we asked them to call 911 & even more upset when they found out it was severe food poisoning stating it wasn't from their sushi (whose else?)They refused to block off the one restroom so of course people were trying to be nosy & go in.
The manager had no sympathy, he was just mad we were interrupting the other customers (as if we chose for this to happen). The owners didn't care either.

Never going back

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №28

Y’all don’t walk, RUN! This place was sooo good & so fresh I loved it 🔥🔥🔥

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №29

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №30

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №31

Holy Cow this place is exquisite for the price. seriously blown away by the flavor and presentation that goes into it.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №32

Fresh sushi plus ambiance and outstanding service, great place for a date night!

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №33

My husband got severe food poisoning from this restaurant. Not only was the staff completely unhelpful. I have tried to reach out to the owners as well and no response. This ordeal left me with unnecessary hospital bills, and the owners can't even call back. I would never recommend this place. All the family I was with with absolutely be leaving reviews as well.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №34

If you want great service please visit the Dale Mabry Location. We are regulars at that location.

One evening we decided to visit the Ybor location and that was the last time we would be visiting. When we got to the restaurant the hostess was rude and non welcoming. She had asked if our party of 4 preferred to sit at the bar or at one of the open 4 top tables. We had said a table would be preferable and asked if we could sit at one of the open tables that wasn’t directly in front of the door.

Not only did she not say anything (after I asked her if that was okay). She heavily sighed and walked away to move some of the menus around then gestured us to sit down.

That really just set the tone for the rest of the dining experience and we honestly should have just left after her interaction.

The frustration from the hostess must have been translated (or gossiped) to the waitress because she was short with us and just had a very condescending tone when speaking to us.

Even though the tip was not warranted the waitress was tipped 20% on both checks for the evening.

Of course the food was absolutely delicious that is why we visit on a weekly basis at the Carrollwood location. We had higher expectations for this location.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №35

Food was delicious. Would be nice to have more of a show from the sushi chefs. Portion sizes for the entrees were very light. More rice and less protein. But the quality and taste of food was really good. Spent $100 on dinner for 2 with tip

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №36

NINE DOLLARS for an avocado roll! Insane. On the Nigiri/Sashimi section of the sushi menu, they have “Avocado” listed for about $5 each. Our server was adamant that this was the cost of ONLY avocado laid on top of rice (like traditional Nigiri), or ONLY avocado on a plate with nothing else (like traditional Sashimi). She dug her heels in that an “Avocado Roll” was not something they offer, and ordering one means taking a “Veggie Roll” and removing every other vegetable ingredient except the avocado from it. I’ve never been to a sushi restaurant without Avocado Rolls standard on the menu. And I’ve certainly never paid $9 for Avocado Rolls outside of Vegas or NYC. Robbery.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №37

So sad when I found they close 2-5

Food is great. Service was fantastic. Always a good time when I come here

So good. I ordered many things and they were all great. Especially the cheesecake.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №38

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №39

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №40

Located upstairs in the center of Ybor's Centro. Great friendly staff and absolutely awesome Sushi! Everything was so fresh and delicious. Only "complaint" which its honestly no big deal but we asked if the Chef would just create us whatever he wanted and we were told they don't do that. Fairly decent amount of seating, but if you like sushi you are going to love Samurai Blue. Side note: Awesome selection of Sake!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №41

Excellent sushi!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №42

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №43

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №44

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №45

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №46

Went yesterday for the first time. We ordered chicken thigh karaage, Tampa Roll, Hawaiian roll, tempura lobster roll, red devil roll(definitely the winner!). Everything was so good.

Thank you Grabriel for the conversation and recommendations of your favorite rolls while you made them.

Service was quick and the inside of the restaurant is beautiful.

Going back very soon!!

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №47

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №48

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №49

Tonight was probably the worst service we ever experienced at this establishment. We come here often and absolutely love the sushi and respect the chefs that have been there for a very long time. Food is always amazing and have never had a complaint about that. But tonight the service was terrible. We were greeted and no booths were available so we sat at the sushi bar. We sat there for a while, and finally the lady that told us we could sit where there was a napkin came over and got our drink orders, just two sodas. We waited for maybe 1-3 minutes, and then another server comes over and asked what we wanted to drink. We let her know that we had just told the other lady but we can order with her. She rolled her eyes and a let me check came out of her mouth, and then we waited for maybe a good 10 minutes before the first woman came back with our drinks. We gave her the order, and thought our salads would come out shortly, and they just never arrived. The couple that came in in front of us had sat ate and paid before we even got our food. We received our rolls from the sushi chef and she never came back to check on us or ask for refills at all. Not sure what was going on this night but your servers were not happy to be there.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №50

I drive from Anna Maria Island to come here! It’s my favorite sushi place.

They have amazing sushi so fresh! The sushi chef’s and waitress have been very friendly

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №51

Really cool building and the sushi was amazing. I have a gluten allergy and was able to get GLUTEN FREE soy sauce. They also were able to make some tempura rolls just normal so that they were gluten free.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №52

Delicioso!!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №53

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this sushi restaurant, and let me tell you, it was a truly delightful experience from start to finish.

First off, I have to give a shoutout to the staff – they were absolutely fantastic. Not only were they quick to tend to our table, but they were also incredibly knowledgeable and helpful with their suggestions. It's always a plus when the staff can enhance your dining experience with their expertise.

One of the highlights of this restaurant is the sushi bar. Sitting there, watching the skilled chefs work their magic, added an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal. It's always fun to see your food being prepared right in front of you.

And speaking of the food, the sushi options here are out of this world. From classic rolls to creative specials, there's something to please every palate. Each bite was a burst of flavor and freshness that left me craving more.

But it's not just about the sushi – the drink options are equally impressive. The beautiful bar adds to the aesthetic of the restaurant, and the selection of drinks is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of tastes.

Overall, the vibe and aesthetic of this place are spot on. It's the perfect combination of cozy and chic, making it a great spot for date night or catching up with friends.

In summary, if you're a sushi lover looking for a top-notch dining experience, look no further than this restaurant. With its stellar service, amazing sushi options, and beautiful atmosphere, it's sure to become a favorite spot in no time.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №54

The service is atrocious but we enjoyed the food. The lady severs were rude and had horrible attidues. I've had better customer service at the Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №55

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №56

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №57

Great food, and speedy takeout service.

One really helpful improvement would be the ability to place an order online.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №58

Desagradable!!! Maltrato hacia los clientes como hacia los drivers

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №59

It was Cold out side when we showed door was unlocked so I walk in and they kick me out told me to wait until 5:00pm the time was 4:55 when I walk in side note the waitress was not very attentive

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №60

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №61

Had an absolutely delicious dinner with friends here tonight. The sushi all tasted very fresh, and was played beautifully. For as fancy as everything looked the prices are very reasonable with most specialty rolls being between $12-$15. I also had miso soup which was an average sized portion and very good as well! I ordered the red devil roll, volcano roll, and the osake hako-sushi. I tried a piece of my friends yin yang roll and it was superb.

Highly recommend.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №62

Amazing, unexpected surprise for dinner. Definitely willing to make the trip from SPB over to Ybor again in the future. BF raved about the blue crab rangoon. Tuna was super fresh. Prices were great.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №63

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №64

I’ve given this place another try. Last few times I was there it had awful service and the food would take forever. The feeling was snobbish and I didn’t like it. Specially the staff attitude. I had such bad experiences that I thought I would never go back. Specially because I consider the food to be overpriced. However, it seems they have changed management, this time the server was extremely nice, our Dishes were good and the experience was overall better. I still think this place is overpriced but the sushi is good. Nice for a date night.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №65

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №66

Really good
It's on the second floor c210 and well worth it

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №67

Best Sushi in Tampa

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №68

El lugar me encantó La comida súper deliciosa y la atención muy buena además. El postre espectacular!!!!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №69

Love this place. Great sushi 🍣.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №70

Well, the building is nice. That's all. Poor service, attitudes etc reflect leadership. In this situation, I blame the manager. Instead of nipping the behavior in the bud. Obviously has been going on for awhile. Owner, check your managers.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №71

Samurai is my favorite place for sushi, the selection is always so fresh and carefully crafted. 10000/10!!!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №72

Service was a little slow but the food made up for it!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №73

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №74

Some really unique menu items. The staff was quick, efficient, and pleasant. The restaurant felt a little cramped, and I felt like I was going to get hit in the head several times because it was busy and tight corners.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №75

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №76

On the pricey side, but it's worth it!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №77

Service was quick, but food quality and server response was subpar.

Went at 9pm on a Sunday, very slow. Had hot sake and Sashimi Don as I wanted a sushi meal.

The hot sake tasted like a watery version of Gekkeikan. The sashimi was thinner than most places I've been and for $30 I only got 8-9 pieces of actual sashimi, as the bowl came with cooked egg and cooked shrimp in place of sashimi. Had to ask for ginger and wasabi, and was given unreasonably large portion of both. Sushi rice had too much vinegar in it.

Told server I was disappointed I bought sashimi don and it came with cooked items in place of raw fish, nothing was done.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №78

Awesome as usual...

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №79

Good food,good service.
Sushi 🍣 fresh

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №80

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №81

Food and ambience were good. Service was awful. Server was inattentive even though the place was empty, didn’t return with requested items, brought beer and had to be asked for a glass. I won’t be back.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №82

Awesome

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №83

Inventive rolls and a super cool space!
On the second floor

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №84

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №85

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №86

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №87

Atmosphere was great, the sushi didn’t have a great taste and our server asked us to do everything for him and kept on interrupting to say “are you done with your trash? Can you pass it to me?” But he could have easily reached and not interrupted. I also don’t like ordering from the sheets, if I have a server I’d like to use them. I found the sheet to place my order on confusing because it was “the menu” but it didn’t have everything I wanted to order

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №88

What I got was actually really good. Which was the Salmon. I can’t speak for the other dishes but I came in with low expectations. It’s a little pricey but what isn’t these days. I’d come back.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №89

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №90

Husband and I ordered take out from here. The hot food was ice cold and soggy and the sushi was just not good. I didn’t even eat 2/3’s of mine. Never trying this place again.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №91

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №92

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №93

I’ve been coming here for years and years. I bring my family and I bring my friends. Everyone’s love it. All the times I’ve been here I’ve NEVER had my order wrong or the food be bad, truly. This is my top tier sushi joint for pinellas Hillsborough area. 🤩

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №94

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №95

Quality seems to have gone down over the years. Just tried it again and the conch was chewy and the shrimp tasted off. Tuna was still good.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №96

My family’s favorite sushi restaurant for years now. Both locations are fantastic!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №97

This place is the perfect date night spot. The atmosphere is amazing and the sushi is even better. The crab rangoons and the Eel roll are some of my personal favorites.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №98

Was in a large party with kids and our waiter was amazing and sushi was delicious! Absolutely recommend.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №99

Great space, theatrical

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №100

Let me start by saying the food and atmosphere were both quite nice. However we had absolutely abhorrent service from Andrea W. Possibly the worst I've ever experienced. She never gave us all of our drinks, and the ones we did recieve weren't correct. She proceeded to get our food orders wrong, then stated we were making false claims about what we ordered. While this is going on she spills a drink all over my mother's phone and clothes. She says "oh I'll go get you some napkins." She never returned with anything to clean up the spill. Meanwhile my mother's phone was having problems from being covered in the spilled drink. Manager came by later to help with our orders being incorrect only to tell us that the incorrect food they had given us had to be taken back even though THEY had put them in to go boxes and tied them up for us to take. They left us with the choice of no food, or paying double for the wrong food we hadn't ordered.
A shame really because the food is good. If only the management and servers weren't a bunch of clowns.
I would give them a 0/5 if I could.
Never going to visit again.
Have pictures of some of the leftover food I guess.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №101

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №102

The spontaneous combustion sushi was the best sushi I've ever had

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №103

I used to always come to this place with my parents, and the food and atmosphere always bring back good memories. Whenever I think of sushi, Samurai Blues "Blue moon Roll" comes into mind first. Try their fried cheesecake too, it's delicious!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №104

My fav sushi in all Tampa, I love that they’re open until late most days, the service is always good when we go (even though we order more on uberests because it’s sometimes more convenient because our schedules). Overall one of my favorite restaurants!!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №105

I’ve ate here many times, always had a good experience. Tonight was just absolutely terrible. Took the server 20 minutes to come to the table… in a restaurant with only 4 other parties and multiple servers. Doesn’t greet us or anything just “what do you want to drink”. Ordered food I’ve gotten many times before. 3 pieces into one roll it was slightly off, the next one tasted as if I bit into a rotting fish out of a dumpster. Told the server of the issue.. she just takes the plate and doesn’t acknowledge my complaint in the slightest. Comes back with our check which was incorrect the first time around. I have no problem paying for the food, just the fact she didn’t even offer to remedy the situation shows that she is unfit for her position and should seek employment that does not require dealing with the public.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №106

The food here was amazing I loved the Mexican and tampa roll along with the blue moon roll. The mayo in the Mexican really went along well with the sesame flavor. The tempura appetizer was also just so good the only let down was the sauce that came with it, it was just dirty water. The fried cheesecake was one of the best desserts I have ever had as a foodie and I can't wait to come back next time I visit.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №107

Great ambience... but this used to be one of the best places for sushi in Tampa... its lost some of that magic.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №108

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №109

Great at plating their dishes. The ahi tuna was insane!!!!!!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №110

Always a pleasure 15yrs of eating here and it never gets old

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №111

The food is great, the service is great, the room is crowded and loud (old building, terrible acoustics)

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №112

The atmosphere was great. It was neat to look around at the architecture. Our server did not know the history of the building but it was still a great experience even without knowing the history. Food was good. Good prices. Good spot for a date night.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №113

THE STAFF IS THE RUDEST I'VE EVER CAME ACROSS, FROM THE CLEAN UP LIL FAT GIRL TO THE SUSHI CHEF
WHAT I DON'T GET IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO COMMUNICATE & LISTEN TO CUSTOMERS WANTING TO DINE IN THE ESTABLISHMENT THAT YOU CHOSE TO WORK IN YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR LIFE & WORK FROM HOME BEING THAT YOU CLEARLY CANT OPERATE WITH HUMANS
SO THANKS FOR THIS EXPERIENCE I'LL BE SURE TO LET MY LONG LIST OF DEAR FRIENDS KNOW WHERE NOT TO GO & WHAT IS HIRED HERE
THANK U

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №114

Worst experience!!! And I only walked in to get greeted by NASTY FEMALE WAITRESS THAT PICKS UP DIRTY DISHES FOR A LIVING! Beyond RUDE EMPLOYEES! Do not SPEND MONEY HERE !!!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №115

I ordered food through UberEats for delivery to my hotel. This was the sloppiest take-out order I have ever received. The main dish ($20 Ramen) was not included in the delivery, and the sashimi and rolls included were inedible, dropped haphazardly in styrofoam trays looking as if it were scooped off day-old trays from the back of a refrigerator. Disgusting. This was clearly not a delivery problem, it was a restaurant problem. When we called the manager, he was courteous enough but simply said “You are right that your food is inedible but there is nothing I can do. Contact UberEats.”

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №116

Muy bueno y buenas atenciones

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №117

I enjoyed my meal so much I only remembered to take a picture of the corn. Great flavor and the miso was wonderful.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №118

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №119

Fantastic sushi! We love this place. You can't go wrong with this restaurant!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №120

Best place ive had in tampa for sushi

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №121

Wow this is one of the best sushi places I’ve been in tampa, I will DEFINITELY be going again!!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №122

fun spot to eat in ybor. certainly not the best sushi around but rolls are tasty enough.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №123

Incredible sushi is an understatement. This place absolutely lives up to its reputation. Thank Gosh my coworker recommended it this evening.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №124

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №125

Excelente en todo !!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №126

My spicy tuna roll could not have been smaller and not spicy at all. Pricey for what I got. Chef’s choice was just okay, hit or miss. Service was very good.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №127

Great place for date night good selection of drinks and food

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №128

I knew I wanted sushi for the evening, I just didn't know who had the best to offer. Samurai Blue gave me personalized sushi bar attention & service. The food was so awesome! I watched the chef add a big a** fried crab to my roll, and I knew I found the best 👌🏾

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №129

The dumplings were frozen! Everyone at the table found at least 2 of their dumplings with the center cold or frozen. Fish was mushy in the sushi and rice was undercooked.
We’ve been here before so this is very much disappointing, something has changed at this place for the worse.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №130

Solidly good sushi with a great selection of sashimi that you normally don't find at standard sushi spots.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №131

Hands down best Sushi in Tampa and quite possibly best I've ever had period. I eat here 2-3 times a week, def always fresh and amazing, love the Tuna Tataki, Rainbow Roll, Florida Roll and the grilled Furikake Salmon...

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №132

It was over an hour wait, but we did go on a Friday evening when Ybor is typically busy and with a large party of 8. They were very accommodating and we were very patient. When we got to sit down, the server was very attentive the entire time of dinner. The sushi tasted very fresh. I always say if I can't eat the raw tuna from my rainbow roll and enjoy it, then that's bad sushi. But if I enjoy it, the sushi is fresh, clean and delicious! This place was absolutely delicious! Even the tempura ice cream was amazing!! I have no idea how they did it, but it is amazing. Highly recommend!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №133

I love Brandon he took excellent care of us I wanted hot sake but I didn't like it to much when I say he went above and beyond for me to have a better drink baby I was in love got a better drink and the food was not only eye appealing but it was delicious 10/10 for me yall have to go here not only for the food but the experience.....
P.s he gave me free sake to take home 💗💗

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №134

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №135

First time trying sushi and I'm hooked. If this is what this cuisine is all about then this is the place to go.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №136

I'm from Japan and was looking for nice Sushi restaurant. Service was good. They had authentic menu but the quality was not great at all. Sushi rice was too sticky that you don't even see the shape of rice and put too much sweet vinegar in rice, Karaage (Fried chicken) batter was American (not Japanese way) and chicken wasn't jucy, quality of the fresh fish was questionable, and portion was very little for the price.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №137

I loved the ramen. The sushi rolls were made fresh and were delicious. Crab Rangoon was so good.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №138

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №139

YOU HAVE GOT TO TRY THE KANI SUSHI TACOS. I'm gonna be thinking about this everyday now...

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №140

Not sure why this rated 4.2 my experience was very nice. Easy 5 stars for me.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №141

I'm pretty shocked this place is rated 4.2, I've eaten at way worse sushi places that were rated 4.5+

Crab rangoons- to die for.
Sangria- delicious
Sushi rolls were gorgeous to look at, delicious, and unique. Not to mention the space is gorgeous and waitstaff is friendly! Fast service too! I'll be back for sure.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №142

Bonito lugar

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №143

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №144

Such a quiet and peaceful ambiance
Perfect flavors

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №145

Beautiful architecture and good sushi. Service was great as there were not many people dining around 5pm on a Friday

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №146

Hands down the best sushi in town for the price. Great location for date night or need to take a client, love the rustic look and feel. Service staff is nice and professional.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №147

Perfect atmosphere for Ybor City. Classy, yet casual. Majestic, yet simple. Food and service excellent. The Sunomono Salad had a wonderful flavor with nice textures as well. This is a winning cucumber seafood salad. And the sashimi was perfect. The garlic tuna and mackerel both had the texture and flavor profile and freshness to rival anywhere else in town. This place is worth a try to see if it becomes part of your regular Ybor City rotation.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №148

Awesome service, great recommendations, nice casual atmosphere. Great location, a lot to do in the area.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №149

Fantastic

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №150

The service and food was delicious will visit again very soon.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №151

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №152

L food

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №153

Delicious rolls, miso soup, green tea. Fast and nice service. Also the loft style of the restaurant is lovely. Highly recommend this place!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №154

Atmosphere beats service but still the best sushi in Ybor.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №155

Editing review from a couple years ago: we had an amazing sushi dinner. Absolutely delicious & wonderful service. We called ahead for a reservation & had no problems. Sushi was heaven! I recommend paying to pay in the Ybor Garage--its easy & not too expensive. Thanks Samurai Blue for a fantastic dinner out!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №156

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №157

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №158

Alittle on the pricey side, however worth it.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №159

Our waitress was also our hostess... she was fabulous. Unfortunately, I do not recall a name. I'm so bad with names. Props to her and multi-tasking.

We got the Hamachi Fresh roll & a few others, but the Hamachi Fresh roll was the stand out. It had so many layers of flavor. The salty, the spicy, the citrus... just beautiful notes. My taste buds were surprised and happy. Will return just for this dish.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №160

Staff is amazing the building is beautiful and the foods amazing

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №161

Not sure how this place has a rating over 4. Some of the maki rolls served in a pool of soy sauce, pretty much gives no control over that flavor. The rice absorbed too much soy for my taste and ruined one of my rolls. No ginger served at all, and the wasabi is plated as a garnish?

The worst part ... printed tickets were getting soggy on top of our prepared dishes as they were waiting for service; The tickets were absolutely smeared and saturated in sauce, which has to border on a health code violation? Mostly, it showed a clear lack of pride as it ruined the plating. I really couldn't believe how poorly this place was operating, it was kinda entertaining in a way.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №162

terrible service, manager was incredibly rude. samurai blue these nuts

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №163

I can't wait to see their spot reopen after the remodeling because the spot downstairs was great I can only imagine it's going to be amazing.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №164

Great service and food.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №165

We were hoping that a move to a more foot traffic yet smaller space would improve whatever had caused the decline of the food in this place over the years. We were wrong. Walk a couple of blocks over Sushi House, its not great either but much better than what Samurai Blue has become.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №166

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №167

I feel like the sushi was lazily put together. There’s NO way this should have been $31.00. I was looking for a good sushi place in Tampa and decided to try this place because of the reviews - and I am definitely let down. They barely covered the roll in shrimp, and the conch bake was chewy in the volcano roll. Really wish I had a different experience, tbh. The ingredients tasted fresh, but again, I feel like it was just lazily executed.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №168

Quick for lunch rush and great service.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №169

Best sushi spot in the area! Highly recommend

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №170

Good sushi, good vibes, good speed!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №171

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №172

We went to explore the historic Ybor city and came across this restaurant. The wait wasn’t long. The food was great. Our waiter was great, polite and professional, provided amazing service. The place itself was nice, tall ceiling, brick walls and very nice ambiance. We will definitely try again when in the area.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №173

Overpriced for the quantity. They blame Uber eats for missing food items on the delivery. Food was good but out on getting a refund for the missing items. Poor experience.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №174

The service gets 4 stars only because the wait was insane. But that is only because it's so good they are slammed constantly. The atmosphere gets 4 because they are in temporary spot. Their original restaurant is getting renovations done.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №175

Not good quality sushi. I would not recommend it.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №176

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №177

The food we got through takeout was horrible. I got 2 orders of crab rangoons and both were super soggy, mushy and undercooked. We got 3 sushi orders and the rice was mushy and tasted artificial and bad. We paid extra for eel sauce and it was super thick and tasted like plastic. I wish i was joking. My husband and I couldn't eat it and felt sick all night.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №178

Don’t order the special - teriyaki chicken hard and dry. Just fyi

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №179

Gabriel and Brandon were amazing. I’ve always loved samurai blue.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №180

Super disappointed. was eventually greeted at the door with an annoyed hostess in filthy clothes carrying a spray bottle and cleaning rags. Guess we interrupted her chores.
Worse, sushi sucked. It started out great with an amazing crab rangoon app, but the Wednesday 5 dollar sushi special at publix is better tasting and much cheaper than their sushi rolls. Not good.
Great location and atmosphere, though. I expected better, though.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №181

Good sushi but atmosphere and wait time could be improved.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №182

This restaurant is in a temporary location the main building is under renovations. It's primarily a cafeteria setting food was good service was good but when you go here you'll have to look on the other side of the courtyard where the temporary location is

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №183

Delicious

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №184

First time and this is great! I ordered the poke bowl.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №185

Horrible service.. the woman hosting at the bar tonight 12/22 @ 5:00pm was very rude to my daughter's who are children. The tables outside were dirty and unsanitary. Chairs were dirty, I wouldn't recommend.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №186

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №187

HOW is this establishment still open?! The lack of cleanliness and smell when you enter should have said it all. When I ordered pork dumplings they were ice cold. Additionally, the sushi we ordered was drowned in sauce. If you enjoy sushi at all, I really do not recommend this. Overall it was a terrible experience.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №188

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №189

The best I've had

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №190

Food was great, attentative server, cool atmosphere. Love the old brick buildings.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №191

Amazing food and really cool vibe. Definitely feels like walking into a legit sushi shack in Japan!!!!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №192

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №193

Horribly disappointed with the quality and quantity of my to go order. The chicken was so burnt and was a very tiny portion

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №194

Good service

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №195

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №196

After 12 years, this is still my favorite sushi in Tampa! There may be a wait, but it's worth it.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №197

Some of the best sushi in town.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №198

To be honest, mainly the reason for my 1 star review is regarding an incident which should not have occurred in the first place, but was left abandoned without resolution after serveral calls made and speaking to Lila (not sure if thats her name, but she usually works the night shift after 4pm to close) the closing manager which was rude to me during every single call.

I was charged an extra meal on my card and I noticed a few days later when I checked my bank statement, so I called the restaurant. I was then told to wait until the charge posted to resolve with a refund. When it finally posted and I was charged for BOTH, I called back and the manager told me I needed to send proof to her, so I did. I sent a screenshot of the charge to her personal email which she provided to me, which has her name and picture, and I believe is not a store email, and had me send it there. I sent and waited, with no response. I called back a week later after no response, to a very dismissive and rude manager telling me she hadn't seen my email yet and it needed to be send to merchant services. I asked if she had sent it, and she proceeded to continuously dodge my question saying I should call my bank and have them dispute the charge, and I qoute she said "at this point shes doing me a favor". After telling me she would fix it in the first place. When really, this should not have happened in the first place. Our waiter Brandon seemed nice but if he or someone else made a mistake when putting in my order and charged my card twice, the restaurant clearly made the mistake, and it should be fixed by the restaurant. I was charged extra for something I did not consume. Finally after another week and a half I called back and she said it had been sent to merchant services. My visit was about a month ago....and I haven't gotten any refund, only dealt with a rude manager. That makes me feel uncomfortable to even call to speak to her to ask about my money which is rightfully mine.

As far the restaurant and food, the place is nice and looks clean. You expect to be blown away when you enter, but the food could honestly be alot better. The food was overpriced and quite small and bland for what we expected and what we are used to. Our bill was nearly $70 for two rolls of sushi, a ginger salad and two rounds of $5 car bombs. (Not including the incorrect extra charge) The rolls are small and barley have any fish in them compared to other restaurants, the lack of fish and surplus of rice made them taste bland. Ive had much better sushi at Sushi Sake or even Publix!!! Neither I or anyone in my party were satisfied with our meals or the experience. But honestly, that's the least of any concern. I can deal with those things, not theft.

Beware if you choose to dine here and check your bank statements afterwards. If possible use cash. These people are not the most honest and will not be helpful with a resolution but be rude as if the mistake is yours & they're doing you a favor, and then they will steal your money. Or maybe its just the manager I dealt with thats this way (I don't know the owners). Unfortunately I'll never know, as I will not be going back.

My advice, don't take the gamble and use cash to protect yourself.

Or go somewhere else for better Sushi. The rolls were quite small, barely have any fish in them, and are expensive.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №199

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №200

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Details
  • 14 sushi photos
  • 200 sushi reviews
  • 4.2 Sushi Rating
  • Reservations: +1 813-242-6688
  • Menu Website: http://samuraiblue.com/
  • Sushi Address: 1600 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States
  • Sushi Map: 27.960863, -82.44184779999999
Specialties
  • Sushi restaurant
  • Restaurant
Sushi Hours
  • Sunday: 5–11 PM
  • Monday: 11:30 AM–2 PM–5–11 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM–2 PM–5–11 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM–2 PM–5 PM–12 AM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM–2 PM–5 PM–12 AM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM–2 PM–5 PM–1 AM
  • Saturday: 5 PM–1 AM
Service options
  • Delivery: Available
  • Takeaway: Available
  • Dine-in: Available
Highlights
  • Fast service: Available
  • Great tea selection: Available
Popular for
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Solo dining: Available
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Available
Offerings
  • Alcohol: Available
  • Beer: Available
  • Cocktails: Available
  • Happy-hour drinks: Available
  • Healthy options: Available
  • Late-night food: Available
  • Small plates: Available
  • Spirits: Available
  • Wine: Available
Dining options
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Dessert: Available
  • Seating: Available
Amenities
  • Bar on site: Available
  • Toilets: Available
Atmosphere
  • Casual: Available
  • Cosy: Available
  • Historic: Available
  • Romantic: Available
  • Trendy: Available
  • Upmarket: Available
Crowd
  • Groups: Available
  • Tourists: Available
  • University students: Available
Planning
  • Dinner reservations recommended: Available
  • Accepts reservations: Available
Payments
  • Credit cards: Available
  • Debit cards: Available
  • NFC mobile payments: Available
  • Credit cards: Available
Children
  • High chairs: Available
Parking
  • Paid multi-storey car park: Available
  • Paid parking lot: Available
  • Paid street parking: Available
  • Parking: Available