Kaiko's Sushi Bar and Japanese Restaurant

"Hi, Charlie!" are the first words that leave my mouth when I walk into Kaiko's. Charlie is the main sushi chef, and the main owner of the sushi bar. It is a family- run business, where the only male server, Dan, is Charlie's nephew. Everyone is happy and enjoying working, while the customers are happy and enjoying their food. Every time I go there, all I get is sushi. I have heard that the other foods are good, and I have tried some tempura from the sweet people sitting next to me. They have teriyaki and tempura- if you are feeling adventurous, try the deep fried crickets which are very crunchy. Onto the sushi! The yellow tail, tuna, and quail egg with smelt roe are the best actual sushi/sashimi.The yellow tail is a creamy, smooth fish that does not have any over powering flavors, like the tuna. The tuna is great with soy sauce, because acidity complements it. The quail egg with smelt roe is amazing. When you take it all in one bite, it is like everything explodes: the quail egg pops and oozes, the roe pops a million times (reminding me of popping bubbles as a kid), and the seaweed breaks with a crack, and everything falls apart. There is not only sushi, though. The rolls that I always order is the Haha Special (Tuna, fresh salmon, smelt roe, and scallions), the Scott (Tuna, salmon, yellow tail, avocado, smelt roe, and tempura chips), and if you ask Charlie to surprise you, he will always give you a new roll that you almost always have to say, "Charlie, I think you need to put this roll on the menu." This fish is always fresh, and even though some other places have more variety, the quality of the sushi is always a winner to me.

4.5 out of 5 stars

$$-$$$

The portion is a regular size.

2475 N McMullen Booth Rd
Ste F
Clearwater, FL 33759

(727) 791-6640