O-Ku Tampa to Bring Authentic Japanese Dining Experience to Bayshore Gardens This Spring

O-Ku Tampa opens late spring at 2907 W. Bay to Bay Blvd. in Bayshore Gardens. The Japanese sushi spot announced the opening window this week.

The Indigo Road Hospitality Group runs the restaurant, the same people behind Maru. James Beard Award semifinalists Steve Palmer and Kimball Brienza created it.

"O-Ku celebrates unique ingredients, traditional techniques, and sophisticated presentations through an approachable menu featuring sushi, sashimi, and nigiri alongside contemporary robata-style offerings and savory dishes," the O-Ku team said, according to That's So Tampa.com.

The beverage program includes specialty cocktails, varietally correct wines, and small-production sakes. Food-friendly wines make the cut. International beers are available. Domestic beers join them, along with zero-proof selections.

The Charleston-based hospitality group runs spots across the southeast — Nashville, Charleston, Charlotte, D.C., and Jacksonville Beach. Each one varies. Exact hours differ. Offerings change based on individual chefs and management.

O-Ku serves dinner only. Most spots offer an early sushi happy hour on some weekdays, though. No location mimics its sister restaurants.

The Tampa spot will occupy a renovated space in Bayshore Gardens. It doesn't yet appear on O-Ku's brand-wide reservations list.

Updates about the opening can be found on the O-Ku Tampa website or Instagram account.