Daruma

Probably some of the best food I’ve ever had. Our teppanyaki chef was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and we had tons of fun. All the food was delicious. I ordered steak, which was melt-in-your mouth to die for. We waited about 20 minutes for a group of 5, which wasn’t bad at all. Clean, with a good atmosphere. One of our party members was gluten-free, and while she couldn’t eat the food made in front of us, she was still brought delicious alternatives.

Darumas in Sarasota is an absolute gem that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy ambiance that immediately made me feel at home. The traditional Japanese decor and elegant setting set the perfect tone for an authentic dining experience. The restaurant’s attention to detail and cleanliness were remarkable, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. Now, let’s talk about the food. Wow! The menu at Darumas offers a delightful array of Japanese dishes, each crafted with precision and bursting with flavor. Their sushi selection was a standout, featuring fresh and beautifully presented rolls that were a joy to savor. The melt-in-your-mouth sashimi was equally impressive, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients. I was also delighted by their teppanyaki experience. The skilled chefs put on an entertaining show while preparing the dishes right in front of us. The flavors of the teppanyaki dishes were divine, and the generous portions left us more than satisfied. The service was top-notch throughout the evening. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and happy to provide recommendations based on our preferences. The attention to customer satisfaction was evident in every aspect of our dining experience. The manager came by to check on us, ensuring that everything met our expectations. Darumas is an excellent choice for a special occasion or a memorable night out. The combination of delicious food, exceptional service, and a charming ambiance make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to indulge in the finest Japanese cuisine in Sarasota. Overall, my visit to Darumas was an absolute delight, and I can’t wait to return for another exceptional dining experience.

Love DaRuMa! I've always gone to the Fruitville one usually, but went to this location for once. It is a slightly more welcoming atmosphere than Fruitville. Both are great - this location is just a bit less dark, which is good. (Hopefully this makes sense: Too dark of a restaurant gives off a negative vibe as opposed to the intended formal vibe, and paired with the workers' dark uniforms, it is spooky almost running into them around corners) I wish I remember the names of the male chef and male waiter we had, but both were amazing and made the experience very enjoyable!

Must go. Highly entertaining at the grill. Pricey, but you get what you pay for. I was almost full before the food came with a salad and small appetizer. Great food!! Great entertainment. Never had to ask for a waiter to bring/ takeaway anything. Highly engaging. Must sit at grill. The picture is my main meal which consisted of shrimp, calamari steak and sea scallops and I was partially full when I started to eat. Worth the money. Highly recommend it. Ask for Chef GG. 👨‍🍳

Went here for dinner. Great reception by the host and hostess. The restaurant is pretty clean. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Great ambience. We ordered four shushing rolls. They were prepared very well and they were delicious. Very reasonable priced too. Highly recommend this place for good sushi. We’ll try out the Teppan next time.