By Stephen Rafferty
As we all try to enjoy the summer, it can be a little stifling at times and this can affect our appetite. But we must eat and therefore I’ve always found sushi to be a perfect choice on such days.
BASIL LEAF
Tucked away on Gulf Boulevard, Basil Leaf Sushi has built a reputation as one of St. Pete Beach’s most reliable dining spots. This modest but consistently enjoyable destination offers something different than many beach settings: freshly prepared Japanese food served with consistency and care. It is a spot I’ve both made plans to attend but also popped in when needing something light and fresh on the beachside, and I’ve always left with a great experience.
Presenting a menu that is broad without feeling crowded, Basil Leaf offers sushi and sashimi alongside Japanese favorites and Thai-inspired dishes. Gyoza and seaweed salad make a solid start, but the specialty rolls are the highlight, built with fresh ingredients that let the fish stand out without relying on heavy sauces or gimmicks.
There is plenty for diners who want more than sushi. Teriyaki dishes, curries, and noodle bowls are all well executed, and seafood remains a strength throughout. The food is straightforward, well prepared, and satisfying.
Service is attentive and the staff know the menu well enough to offer useful recommendations. Basil Leaf stands out for quality and consistency. Fresh ingredients, generous portions, and careful preparation make it well worth a visit, whether you are stopping in for the first time or returning for a favorite roll.
UMAMI SUSHI HIBACHI RETAURANT AND BAR
One of my go-to spots for excellent Japanese food, Umami Sushi Hibachi Restaurant and Bar on Tyrone Blvd. is a hidden gem. In a city packed with seafood restaurants, trendy cafés, and international dining options, Umami succeeds by combining fresh sushi, lively hibachi cooking, and warm hospitality under one roof. It is a restaurant that offers both quality and variety without sacrificing either.
Featuring an impressive selection of sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and classic Japanese appetizers along with their hibachi menu, Umami caters to a wide palate but it doesn’t feel too oppressive a task to choose your meal. Crab Rangoon, pork gyoza, and lightly seasoned edamame provide an excellent start, while the signature specialty rolls showcase fresh fish, balanced flavors, and creative presentation.
For those looking beyond sushi, the hibachi entrées are among the restaurant’s greatest strengths. Prepared with flair and precision, the steak, chicken, shrimp, and scallop combinations are generously portioned and served with perfectly cooked vegetables, fried rice, and flavorful sauces. Traditional favorites such as teriyaki, katsu,and noodle dishes ensure there is something for every appetite, making Umami an easy choice for groups with varied tastes.
One aspect of Umami always sticks out whenever I dine there is the speed! Be prepared to have your food arrive in record time without any loss in taste or freshness. It is remarkable and something I look forward to when I need a quick bite in that area of the city. That said, I feel equally at ease relaxing and enjoying the scrumptious food and breezy environment with a large family gathering or a more formal meeting. Whichever is your reason, you are bound to leave satisfied.
ICHIBAN IZAKAYA RESTAURANT
Along with friends and family, I’ve been going to Ichiban Izakaya on 16th St. N for years and simply never been let down. Having built a loyal following as one of St. Petersburg’s most reliable spots for authentic Japanese dining, I recommend it to anyone who wants a tasty meal but might not have the time to go downtown or to the beach. Not only will you get quality food, but the room is small without being cramped, reinforcing that this is a neighborhood locale with all the personal touches that come with it.
Besides exceptional sushi, the menu reflects the variety of Japanese pub-style cuisine. Fresh sashimi and well-prepared nigiri highlight the quality of the seafood, while specialty rolls offer a balanced mix of flavor and texture. Small plates such as yakitori, karaage, gyoza, and takoyaki make sharing easy and give diners a chance to sample a wide range of dishes. It is all fresh, undeniably delectable and can be washed down with the best Thai iced tea in the city.
The hot entrées are just as appealing, with succulent bowls of ramen and udon alongside crisp katsu, grilled seafood, and well-seasoned rice dishes. Portions are satisfying without being extreme, and the kitchen delivers a consistent standard across the menu. Whether ordering a few appetizers or a full meal, diners can expect careful preparation and attention to detail along with excellent service. While not in the most noticeable location, do not sleep on Ichiban if you are near it.