One of the best parts of vacationing is trying new things in an interesting locale. You can meet fascinating people, see beautiful sights unlike anything at home, and best of all, try some delicious food!

Anna Maria Island, Florida, is known for many things, but the food scene is one of the most beloved aspects of this seaside paradise. 

If you’re on the hunt for sushi on Anna Maria Island, you’re in luck. This area has several killer sushi restaurants that you won’t want to miss. Here’s a quick look into three of the most popular sushi restaurants in and around Anna Maria Island. (Bonus: They’re all just a short drive from our Anna Maria rentals!)

Anna Maria Island Sushi

The Island Ocean Star

When it comes to authentic Japanese cuisine, The Island Ocean Star never disappoints. This Anna Maria staple has been serving locals and travelers for years, and the experience just keeps getting better. The food here is always made with the freshest ingredients possible, guaranteeing that you get a delicious meal every time. 

Start your meal with a crowd-pleasing appetizer like soft shell crab, lemongrass mussels, or tuna panko. You can then move on to classic selections like gyoza, miso soup, edamame, seaweed salad, and more. 

For your entree, the Island Ocean Star Sushi Dinner is one of the most popular options. This platter comes with a California roll and ten pieces of mixed nigiri for a one-of-a-kind dinner every time. They also offer several donburri selections, including tekkadon (tuna and sushi rice), unajyu (eel and sushi rice), and sakedon (salmon and sushi rice). 

Don’t miss the chance to try one of the Signature Rolls on the menu. The Green Caterpillar Roll gets its name from the cucumber and avocado that provide a beautiful green color. The Fire Island roll includes spicy tuna, perfect for those who want an extra kick to their sushi. Other notable options include the Dancing Dragon Roll, the Rainbow Roll, the Melody Roll, and more. 

If there’s someone in your group who doesn’t want sushi, they’ll still find plenty of menu options to choose from. Hibachi dinners are available with shrimp, sesame chicken, filet mignon, and more. The menu also includes curry dishes, yaki soba selections, and tempura entrees. 

You can dine at The Island Ocean Star Tuesday through Sunday from 4 to 9:30 p.m. (Note that this restaurant is closed on Mondays.) You’ll find this eatery at 902 South Bay Boulevard in the City of Anna Maria. 

Tsunami

We couldn’t talk about the best Anna Maria Island sushi restaurants without mentioning Tsunami. You’ll have to make a short drive over the bridge to Sarasota, but the trip is more than worth it! Tsunami presents an upscale sushi experience with a show, as fresh sushi is prepared by the restaurant’s most talented chefs right in front of you. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate!

Classic appetizers will get you started on the right foot; consider options like gyoza, edamame, or the Lotus rangoons with sour sauce. You can select sushi and sashimi options with nearly any seafood, including scallops, tuna, red snapper, yellowtail, and octopus. Other entrees run the gamut from simple chicken teriyaki to sumptuous Mongolian beef. Vegetarians or vegans can enjoy special entree selections like the vegetable tempura or the hijiki salad. 

Tsunami is quite a popular restaurant, particularly during the busy summer months. If you’re planning a trip here, consider booking a reservation. You can reserve accommodations for up to 80 guests up to one month in advance. Guests have the option to reserve the bar, which seats 20 people, or the main dining room, offering room for 80. Simply call Tsunami and ask to speak with the event planning team. 

Tsunami is located at 100 Central Avenue, Suite 1022, in Sarasota. (Look out for a new location opening in nearby Lakewood Ranch soon!). Guests are welcome to enjoy lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or Saturday from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. Dinner hours are Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Note the restaurant is closed daily from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Kojo

Last but not least on our list is Kojo, a unique eatery offering modern Japanese cuisine in a refined and welcoming setting. Since opening its doors in February 2021, this restaurant has become one of the most popular eateries in Sarasota. Natalia and Mark Levey were inspired by their travels around the world and honed that vision into everything Kojo is today. 

At Kojo, you’ll find a modern Asian menu with options for every diner, as well as an extensive cocktail list and a premium sake collection. Menu options may change with the seasons, allowing the team of chefs to utilize the best and freshest local ingredients. Popular staple items on the menu include appetizers like rock shrimp tempura and broiled oysters. 

The sushi menu provides a little something for everyone. Go for a classic California roll or indulge in the Spicy Hamachi Mango. You’ll find nigiri made with bluefin toro, torched salmon, and bluefin tuna, as well as sashimi prepared with hamachi and bluefin tuna. 

Those who want something besides sushi will surely not be disappointed. Sample unique bao buns with ingredients like pulled mushroom barbecue, chashu braised pork, and karaage fried chicken. Wagyu skirt steak and wet-aged grass-fed New York strip are other excellent options for those who want to truly treat themselves. 

You can visit Kojo at 1289 North Palm Avenue in Sarasota. They’re open for dinner service Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 12 midnight. 

Stay with Anna Maria Vacations

Whether you try just one of these spots for Anna Maria Island sushi or you want to sample them all, you’ll want a welcoming place to rest your head afterward. That’s where we come in! Anna Maria Vacations is proud to offer some of the island’s most sought-after vacation properties, offering the perfect marriage of affordability and luxury. 

Our vacation properties can suit groups of all sizes, no matter how long you want to stay in the area. You’ll have access to fully stocked kitchens, high-speed internet, beautiful area views, and so much more. Many of our properties are within walking distance of local attractions, but you also have the option of riding the free Anna Maria Island trolley to access any restaurant, shop, or museum you might be interested in. 

Anna Maria Vacations knows that your trip should be a time of relaxation, which is why we do everything we can to ensure the perfect stay. We’re always available for your questions or concerns and will do everything we can to ensure you’ll never forget your trip to AMI. 

It’s time to treat yourself to the ultimate island vacation. Contact the team at Anna Maria Vacations today to learn more about our rentals and to book your trip!