Water

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Innovative sushi for seasoned Tampa diners.. The Scene
Culinary Institute of America graduate Erin Van Zandt has taken South Tampa by storm with rice-paper rolled sushi (no nori) paired with zingy sauces and sizzling side dishes. It's a late-night hang for chiseled physiques and fashionistas. Turquoise walls, psychedelic wood-grain tables and jewel-blue stained glass make the tiny, done-on-the-cheap interior a smashing underwater fantasy.

The Food
It's connected to Ciccio and Tony's next door (same owners), but Water's cuisine is worlds away. Sticky rice bowls come draped with vibrant fish and veggies--unagi, banana and avocado; or tamer tuna sashimi with scallion, jicama, cucumber and spicy Sriracha aioli. For sharing, try Dynamite Crab, rice paper cradling lump crab, seven-spice aioli, Asian pear and mango with sticky rice, all to dunk in brilliant chive puree. Another combo: carrot, cukes, daikon sprouts, mango, pear, mint, fried shallot and spicy Vietnamese dipping sauce dotted with pops of tobiko. Finish with a simple ice cream.

Recommends

palacios

Joined 9 years ago

Cute hole-in-the-wall with great food!. This is a very small place. It is decorated very nicely and with great taste in what seems a small budget. But the place is charming nonetheless. The sushi is truly unique and you're shocked when the bill comes. But the shock is a good one. You'll spend less than you think you will!