Epic Asia
A visit to any city reveals the irresistible pull of Asian cuisine. Beyond your go-to Chinese takeout spot there’s a whole new world of options—and they’re not just serving food, they’re serving experiences.
From the sizzling drama of Japanese hibachi to the quiet brilliance of a sushi bar, these restaurants invite us to experience cultures, stories, and traditions with every bite. Whether challenged by the fiery heat of Thai curries or comforted by the crunch of Korean fried chicken, we are drawn to flavors that feel both exciting and familiar. These dishes are bold, vibrant, and bursting with personality, and they remind us that eating is about more than just fueling up. It’s about exploring, celebrating, and finding joy in the little things— like that decadent dish of lobster tempura.
And if you really want to elevate the experience, pair that Asian dish with the right wine. The bold, layered flavors—spicy, sweet, tangy, and umami—seem made to be matched with a great glass. A crisp Viognier cools down the heat of chili-packed curries, while a smooth Pinot Noir brings out the earthy richness of mushroom broth. The magic is in how they balance each other out—highlighting the artistry of both the chef and the vintner.
Cheers! Kanpai! Geonbae! Chon Gâew!
Tsunami
Sam Ray and Jeffrey Karasawa: Name a more iconic duo … we’ll wait. How about Jeffrey Karasawa, Sam Ray, and Jason Klamson? Yes! An iconic TRIO. These three dynamic young restaurateurs have managed to create not one but two (so far) perfectly situated, beautifully appointed, impeccably orchestrated restaurant experiences in Sarasota. The first Tsunami location opened near Five Points Park in Downtown Sarasota in 2016 and the darkly dreamy and vibrant dining room and bar soon became a must-dine hot spot. Now Jason, Jeffrey, and Sam have played it again with their new location in Lakewood Ranch—a lighter, brighter dream of a location with the same vibrance, heart, and excellent food (and cocktails) on offer at the first.
Tsunami, 100 Central Ave, Ste 1022, 941-366-1033; tsunami-sarasota.com
Drunken Poet
We’ve always considered Drunken Poet’s beautiful bohemian dining room to be an extension of our own living room. And by we I mean all of us who have fallen under the Drunken Poet spell. The head magician is owner, Aporni Punyhotra, but we call her “Oy” because we really adore her and her magically comfortable and welcoming oasis on busy Main Street. Drunken Poet does takeout, BiteSquad delivery, and even late-night dining a couple of nights a week. We highly recommend the Shrimp Pad Thai, and don’t sleep on the desserts—we haven’t disliked one yet.
Drunken Poet, 1572 Main St, 941-955-8404; drunkenpoetcafesrq.com
Pacific Rim
The decor at Pacific Rim is dramatic and sophisticated and the vibe is inviting and celebratory. The bartender greets every guest like an old friend and there’s always at least one member of the family—which has owned this Sarasota staple since 1998—walking around the dining room chatting with regulars and welcoming newcomers. Pacific Rim specializes in Japanese/Thai fusion and elegant plates of fresh sushi. The bar is dark and sexy, and the specialty Martinis are always flowing; the Lychee Martini is a local favorite. This beautiful restaurant is a beloved part of the Hillview neighborhood and it’s often the first choice for birthday and anniversary celebrations, not to mention first dates designed to impress. Pacific Rim boasts a varied menu with something for everyone but we’re partial to the Grilled Scallops with Thai curry and coconut milk and the incredible, inventive sushi rolls; the Mt. Everest roll deserves to be summited.
Pacific Rim, 1859 Hillview St, 941-330-8071; pacificrimsrq.com
Kore Steakhouse
Korean cuisine offers a myriad of complex flavors and textures. From pungent kimchi to silky egg souffle to savory japchae to crispy deep-fried squid tentacles. The beauty of a place like Kore is the interactive family-style Korean BBQ concept is presented within the framework of an upscale steakhouse environment. Chef Partner Clark Park makes the kimchi that is an integral part of Korean cuisine and the focus on fresh, scratch-made accompaniments and perfectly marinated proteins is evident in the delighted patrons who quickly become regulars. The steakhouse experience is enhanced by the sleek, modern décor and excellent service. We’d be remiss not to mention that soju (vodka’s Korean counterpart) pairs naturally with this cuisine but the mix of strong and interesting flavors you’ll experience can certainly be enhanced with the right glass of wine.
Kore, 1561 Lakefront Dr, 941-928-5673; koresteakhouse.com
KOJO
Hart Lowry is the culinary director of more than one of our favorite restaurants, including KOJO (Bar Hana, Palm Avenue Deli, and Speaks Clam Bar).
Edible Sarasota: Kojo’s cuisine is described as “Modern Asian.” Do you lean more towards “fusion” or focus on the reimagining of classic dishes?
Hart: Both approaches are a part of our thought process when creating new dishes. Sometimes we have fun with the kitschy aspect of fusion, like our nori tacos. We create essentially a hard-shell taco shell made from seaweed, and the fillings are the same ingredients you would find in a sushi roll. This makes the eating experience fun and different, but at the same time familiar and craveable. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we are endlessly inspired by classic preparations and simply put our twist on it. This is the approach we took with our Spicy Wagyu Noodles, one of our top-selling dishes, which has elements of a Korean japchae but is our spin.
Edible Sarasota: My new dream job is to be the lead taster at KOJO.
KOJO, 1289 N Palm Ave, 941-536-9717; eatkojo.com
HeavenSake
Sake and Asian food are basically a match made in culinary heaven! The smooth, slightly sweet flavor of rice wine pairs perfectly with everything from sushi to spicy stir-fries, enhancing the taste without overpowering it. Plus, there’s just something about sipping on a chilled glass of sake while enjoying your favorite Asian dishes that elevates the whole dining experience.
The brand HeavenSake is two ancient traditions collaborating to create something truly exciting. We’ve got the age-old craft of sake brewing, which has been around for thousands of years, and the centuries-old technique of assemblage used in Champagne making. Fast forward to today, and you’ve got Regis Camus, the former cellar master for Piper-Heidsieck, blending these two worlds to craft a sake that’s nothing short of divine.
So, what’s “assemblage” in simple terms? It’s all about mixing different sakes to find that perfect balance and bring out unique flavors that you wouldn’t taste on their own. This premium sake, brewed across various breweries in Japan, is hitting stores and restaurants nearby and it can also be purchased online. Boasting tasting notes like summer pears, white lily, and pastry, there’s a HeavenSake flavor for everyone—and it’s all-natural, sugar-free, and gluten-free. Kampai!
