Florida’s first Wagamama opens at Water Street Tampa next month

Downtown Tampa’s “live-work-play district” is getting a new and highly-anticipated addition next month.

Wagamama finally celebrates its grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 1050 Water St. in downtown Tampa.

According to a press release, Tampa’s newest restaurant is a “high-energy dining concept inspired by fast-paced Japanese ramen bars that showcases a fresh take on Asian plates”.

Its large fusion menu spans different Asian cultures, largely pulling from Japanese cuisine with a sprinkle of Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Korean influence as well. This “wok-to-table” eatery prides itself on its playful atmosphere, signature craft cocktails and a variety of ramen, noodle dishes, rice bowls and curries.

A few heavy hitters on its menu include its short rib ramen, shrimp yaki soba noodles, chicken teriyaki rice bowls, duck massaman curry and beef brisket banh mi. Wagamama also prides itself on its plant-based and vegan options, which include dishes like barbecue-glazed seitan, spice-rubbed tofu and stir fried soba noodles.

A wide spread of fresh-squeezed juices, beer, wine, sake, and craft cocktails like its Thai chili margarita and Japanese highball accompany its large Asian-inspired food menu.

 Water Street Tampa’s upcoming Wagamama—which translates to “self indulgent” or “naughty child”—will be Florida’s first location, with the next closest restaurant residing in Atlanta. There are other American locations of U.K.-based chain in New York City and Boston.

When the opening of Tampa’s Wagamama was first announced in late 2021, it was initially slated to open by early 2022. A full year after its original debut date, Wagamama will soon join the ranks of other Water Street Tampa hotspots like Noble Rice, Dang Dude and the soon-to-open Boulon Brasserie.

The 4,200-square-foot restaurant will boast an outdoor patio in addition to its large indoor dining room, where guests can choose to sit in private booths or at communal tables.

After next month’s grand opening, Tampa’s newest Asian fusion restaurant will be open  from 11a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

In the meantime, head to wagamama.us to browse its stacked menu (and to get the earliest scoop on when its reservations open.) 

This article appears in Jan 19-25, 2023.