Samurai Blue
#1 Dinner-SpotLong-running Ybor sushi spot pairing pristine fish, inventive rolls, and late-night energy—our pick for the neighborhood's best dinner for Japanese and sushi.
813-555-0147 · ★ 4.5 (1,450+) · $$
Samurai Blue anchors Ybor's dinner scene with a sushi program that prizes fish quality over flash and a roll menu that's creative without getting sugary. The room balances date-night lighting with late-night energy, service is quick and knowledgeable about sake, and the kitchen keeps standards tight even on busy weekends. If you want the Tampa classic that still delivers—from clean nigiri to shareable hot plates—this is the confident yes.
Notu is known for picking just the best of every neighborhood. When we picked the best Dinner-Spot in Ybor, we started with the people because people drive every great experience.
Crowd & Vibe
Early tables lean date night and small groups; later it's industry friends and night owls. Staff moves fast, reads pacing well, and will nudge you toward the freshest cuts if you ask. Music keeps a low thrum and the bar works for a quick roll-and-sake if you're pre-show.
- Date-night energy
- Fast, knowledgeable service
- Late-night option
Every business excels at a few things and is merely fine at the rest. For Samurai Blue, we’ve highlighted the offerings it does best—reliable standouts that deliver the most value and consistently great experiences. Use this as your quick guide to what’s worth choosing first.
What to Order
-
Nigiri Flight (Chef's Selection)
A tight progression of the day's best cuts; ask for a clean-to-rich flow.
-
Tuna Tataki
Lightly seared with citrus-soy; a bright start before heavier bites.
-
Signature Samurai Roll
Crunch and heat in balance—no syrupy sauces.
-
Hamachi Jalapeno
Yellowtail, citrus, and a touch of heat—refreshing and shareable.
-
Miso Black Cod
Silky, gently sweet, and great with a mineral sake.
-
Crispy Brussels
Charred edges and umami glaze; a favorite side for the table.
-
Chicken Karaage
Juicy, crunchy, and snackable—comes with a bright dipping sauce.
-
Green Tea Cheesecake
Light, fragrant finish that resets the palate.
There are solid alternatives, too. This quick comparison shows how Samurai Blue stacks up so you can choose confidently.
How Samurai Blue Compares
| Dinner-Spot Options | Samurai Blue | SoHo Sushi | Yoko's Japanese | Kelp Sushi Joint | Ebisu Sushi Shack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fish Quality | ✓ Pristine cuts, clean temperature | Good fish, lively rolls | Neighborhood staple | Solid value | Casual, variable |
| Omakase / Chef's Choice | ✓ Available by request | Not typical | Limited | N/A | Limited |
| Roll Style | ✓ Creative but balanced | American-style, saucy | Classic Tampa rolls | Value-focused | Casual classics |
| Sake & Cocktails | ✓ Deep sake list plus balanced bar | Sake-focused | Beer and sake basics | Beer and wine | Sake basics |
| Atmosphere | ✓ Lively date-night energy | Laid-back neighborhood | Casual counter-service | Value sushi bar | Casual izakaya |
| Average Price Per Person | ✓ $35-$60 | $25-$45 | $20-$35 | $20-$30 | $20-$35 |
Notu is trusted to curate the best businesses in each neighborhood. We use local experts and AI to evaluate the people, the experience, the product or service, and how it compares locally*. Ultimatly, we chose Samurai Blue as the best Dinner-Spot in Ybor for the following reasons:
*Curious about how we choose? See our methodology.
Fish-First Sushi
Clean temperature, proper seasoning, and knife work that lets the fish read—nigiri lands bright, not drowned in sauce.
Creative, Balanced Rolls
Inventive combos with crunch, heat, and citrus that stay light and textural rather than heavy.
Sake & Cocktail Program
Broad sake list with helpful guidance plus balanced cocktails that pair with raw and hot plates.
Explore More Ybor Picks
Discover more local favorites in Ybor. See the full guide.
Start Saving Your Favorite Spots