- December 22, 2024
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Touted as Sarasota’s only Japanese gastropub serving authentic sushi and craft beers, Kazu's 2.0 certainly piqued my interest. What could one expect from a Japanese gastropub? We decided to find out.
Kazu’s Sushi & Asian Bistro, the predecessor restaurant to Kazu’s 2.0, located on Siesta Drive, started serving Japanese cuisine from its Southgate location in 2004. A lifelong musician, Kazu Tsuchiya desired to blend his musical and culinary interests. In December of 2012, Kazu and his wife Akiko opened Kazu’s 2.0 in the Gulf Gate area.
Located in what I call a "Goldilocks” sized building (not too big and not too small), Kazu’s 2.0 décor offers a fusion of styles. With a center-placed sushi bar, black-and-white color scheme and minimalist décor, the Japanese influence is apparent. However, the open-spaced seating, dark colors, accented lighting and the craft beer bar offer a club-like setting where music is part of the experience. Both styles were perfectly balanced, setting the stage for a unique sushi dining experience.
Primarily a sushi bar, Kazu’s 2.0 offers a range of Japanese and non-Japanese tapas, soups, salads, and of course — sushi. For our meals, we sampled the following:
A very interesting and innovative creation. Beautiful presentation and flavor, and the textures were matched perfectly.
A very nice blend of flavors — soft and fresh.
Perhaps one of the most colorful and flavorful rolls on the menu. Freshness and flavor are foremost. A definite winner.
The selection of craft beers at Kazu’s 2.0 is very good, with a staple of standard selections and seasonal specialties. In addition to the craft beers offered, there is also an adequate selection of wine and sake to accompany your meal. We found the wait staff to be very friendly, fast and attentive.
Attention all sushi and craft beer lovers: When I first heard the Japanese gastropub moniker, I was a bit skeptical. Could a sushi and craft beer bar co-exist? Would one style overshadow the other? Kazu Tsuchiya has created a unique balance between both, which places Kazu’s 2.0 in a class by itself.
Kazu’s 2.0: 6566 Gateway Ave. / 922-5459
Hours: Monday through Saturday: 4:30 to 11:45 p.m. Sunday: 4:30 to 9:15 p.m.