Yume Sushi, Sarasota

People keep talking about Yume Sushi. Back in 2009, The Herald Tribune noted the restaurant's "loyal following," and they lauded its sushi for being "consistently excellent." That was high praise, especially considering the restaurant's sushi menu has more than 80 choices for rolls and sashimi—from a tuna-lover roll to the ever-popular lobster roll. The positive reviews weren't a fleeting occurrence, which meant the restaurant would have to hire more tiny captains to pilot its sushi boats. In 2013, Yume was voted one of the best sushi restaurants by Sarasota Magazine, and it took top prize for "Best Local Sushi Sarasota" during The Herald Tribune's Readers' Choice competition in 2014.

The sushi bar has certainly earned its prominent place along a blue-tinted wall within Yume Sushi's dining room. But away from this casual space lies the other side to Yume Sushi's culinary coin. In the kitchen, chefs stir-fry pork loin with fresh ginger and brew tempura udon soup with thick noodles. A selection of hot and cold sakes completes the Japanese dining experience.