Chanko - Tampa

I remember hearing about this new Japanese restaurant a few months back, but I completely forgot until my dog nearly knocked me over with excitement. Since our... read more I remember hearing about this new Japanese restaurant a few months back, but I completely forgot until my dog nearly knocked me over with excitement. Since our Airbnb was only a five-minute walk away, we decided to give it a try, and we adored everything about this unique spot. Although we haven’t been to Japan, the ambiance and concept felt genuinely authentic. You place your order for food and drinks at a kiosk and are called by name when your meal is ready—ideal for those of us who prefer not to have someone linger over our decision-making. The drink menu offered a variety of Japanese options, including beer and wine. We sampled several rice dishes, but I can’t wait to return for the Okonomiyaki. I’ll admit, I went back the next day without the kids—this place is the real deal. Count me as a fan!

We absolutely loved it! The portions were generous and the food was delicious! We had plenty of leftovers that I reheated the next day. The interior of the rest... read more We absolutely loved it! The portions were generous and the food was delicious! We had plenty of leftovers that I reheated the next day. The interior of the restaurant was fantastic, and I really appreciated the Japanese decor. The Okonomiyaki was excellent, and I enjoyed my first taste of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. While I still prefer the Osaka version, I encourage everyone to try Chanko's okonomiyaki—it's like taking a trip to Japan! I rated it 4 out of 5 stars because there seemed to be an issue with the air conditioning where we were seated; it felt quite warm. I appreciate the ambiance as it is, but I think having a bit more interaction would enhance the overall experience.

We really enjoyed our experience at Chop Chop Stop and will definitely return in the future. Ordering was a breeze, and our food was served incredibly fast. The... read more We really enjoyed our experience at Chop Chop Stop and will definitely return in the future. Ordering was a breeze, and our food was served incredibly fast. The portion sizes were generous, and the flavors were fantastic—perfect for a casual dining outing! I would highly recommend it to a friend.

We recently visited a charming little restaurant that we thoroughly enjoyed. The staff was friendly, and the ambiance was warm and welcoming. The place has a un... read more We recently visited a charming little restaurant that we thoroughly enjoyed. The staff was friendly, and the ambiance was warm and welcoming. The place has a unique concept, reminiscent of a traditional diner but with an interesting twist. The fried squid was cooked to perfection, and I really liked the flavorful cabbage slaw. Plus, you can request extra sauce, which was absolutely delicious. Even though we arrived just before closing time, they were very accommodating. They offer a nice selection of sake and drinks, and you place your order at a kiosk. I found the okonomiyaki dish particularly intriguing, as it was served with a crepe. It was quite large and very tasty. I do wish there had been a bit more sauce with the curry, though. I can't wait to go back earlier and try more items from the menu!

A few months ago, I heard about a new Japanese restaurant, but I completely forgot about it until I stumbled upon it while walking my dog. Since our Airbnb was... read more A few months ago, I heard about a new Japanese restaurant, but I completely forgot about it until I stumbled upon it while walking my dog. Since our Airbnb was just a five-minute walk away, we had to give it a try. We absolutely loved everything about this unique spot. While we hadn't seen many places like this during our time in Japan, the way they use the space is a brilliant concept. You place your order for food and drinks at a kiosk, and they call your name when your order is ready. I really appreciated not having someone hovering over me while I made my decisions. They offered a fantastic selection of Japanese beverages, including beer, wine, and sake. We all chose rice dishes, but I’m definitely planning to return for the Okonomiyaki. I’ll admit, with no regrets, that we went back the very next day without the kids! This place is the real deal, and I’m officially a fan.