The grand opening of Kura Sushi at Westshore Plaza on October 25 was a momentous occasion for Tampa sushi lovers everywhere. Kura Sushi, renowned for its innovative and interactive dining experience, had a soft opening on October 22, but the grand opening was a true spectacle.
Our first visit was marred by an exceptionally long 125-minute wait, a downside to what was otherwise an eagerly anticipated event. Regrettably, the prolonged wait extended beyond closing time, preventing us from dining at that time. Nevertheless, our persistence paid off when we decided to give it another try, and we were pleasantly surprised to find a shorter wait during our second visit.
One unique aspect of Kura Sushi that I enjoyed is the use of robot servers. These mechanical servers play music while delivering your drinks to the table, adding a fun touch to the dining experience.
When you first arrive at a table at Kura Sushi, you’re presented with a tablet placed above the table, which also serves as the menu. The tablet interface allows you to browse through a wide range of options, including sushi, sides, soup, noodles, and desserts. Once you place your order on the tablet, your food isn’t brought out by a waiter but is delivered to your table via a conveyor belt above the rotating sushi bar.
The centerpiece of the restaurant was undoubtedly the rotating sushi bar, which was right next to our table. This setup allowed us to select our favorite sushi dishes effortlessly. Each plate on the conveyor belt was covered with a clear plastic dome, and as you found a dish you liked, you simply pulled the plate towards you, causing the covering to pop open, revealing the plate beneath. It was like a sushi lover’s dream come true, with endless options passing by for us to explore.
Now, let’s talk about the food. We started our culinary journey with the garlic fried rice, a dish that promised a mouthful of flavors. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The fried rice was good, but something seemed to be missing. The flavor wasn’t as bold and robust as I had hoped for.
Moving on to the sushi, we tried a variety of options. The salmon sushi was fresh and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, as was the sockeye salmon. Both showcased the quality of the fish and the skill in preparation. The seared beef with yakiniku sauce was a flavor explosion. The tender beef, seared to perfection, and the savory yakiniku sauce combined beautifully. Each bite was a savory treat that left me craving for more.
One of the standout items was the tamago sushi. The sweet, delicate omelet was incredibly soft and silky, with a hint of sweetness that balanced the umami of the other dishes. It was a refreshing change of pace from the savory selections.
What had to be my absolute favorite dish was the the umami oil seared beef which definitely made a second appearance on our table, and it was just as delightful as the first time. The meat was perfectly seared, and the umami-rich oil added an extra layer of depth to the flavor profile which made it worth trying again.
The golden crunchy roll was a unique take on sushi. With its crispy exterior and creamy interior, it was a delightful contrast in textures. The roll was a medley of flavors and textures with a satisfying crunch and creamy center. It was a pleasant departure from traditional sushi, and it left a memorable impression.
We also tried the tantanmen, a spicy ramen dish that featured braised pork, boiled egg, green onion, and sesame on a bed of ramen noodles in a spicy miso base soup. The spiciness was just right, providing a pleasant kick without overwhelming the taste. The ramen itself was cooked to perfection, and the combination of flavors in the broth, along with the tender pork and perfectly boiled egg, made for a hearty and satisfying dish. It was delicious, I felt that it lacked a certain authenticity that can be found specialized ramen shop.
My overall experience at Kura Sushi’s grand opening was a tale of two halves. The food, undoubtedly the star of the show, presented a delightful array of flavors and textures, with standout dishes like the seared beef with yakiniku sauce and the golden crunchy roll leaving a lasting impression. Despite the initial service hiccup, the memorable food and captivating dining concepts offered by Kura Sushi make it a worthwhile destination for those willing to embrace the future of sushi dining.
