16. Haiku Tampa 808 N Franklin St., Tampa "The ambiance here is stunning--modern, chic, and perfect for a night out. The food is just as impressive, with beautifully presented sushi and flavorful dishes that are fresh and well-balanced. The cocktails are creative and delicious, adding to the overall experience. Service is attentive and friendly, making sure everything is perfect from start to finish. If you're looking for a stylish spot with amazing sushi, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere, this is definitely a must-visit!" - Ashley C. Credit: Courtesy Seven Marketing + PR

16. Haiku Tampa 808 N Franklin St., Tampa “The ambiance here is stunning–modern, chic, and perfect for a night out. The food is just as impressive, with beautifully presented sushi and flavorful dishes that are fresh and well-balanced. The cocktails are creative and delicious, adding to the overall experience. Service is attentive and friendly, making sure everything is perfect from start to finish. If you’re looking for a stylish spot with amazing sushi, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere, this is definitely a must-visit!” – Ashley C. Credit: Courtesy Seven Marketing + PR

After celebrating a Jan. 30 ribbon cutting with Mayor Jane Castor, new downtown Tampa restaurant Haiku is approaching one month in business.

Chef David Reyes created a creative menu focusing on Izakaya-style food. Izakaya is a “type of informal Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and small plates” according to a press release. Think Japanese tapas.

It’s a no-brainer that shareables are the star of the Asian-fusion menu: duck bao buns, hamachi crudo, and tebasaki wings.

But there are plenty of entrees for anyone who’s bad at sharing like pork belly fried rice and umami glazed salmon. Plus various wood fired Yakitori, sushi and market price toro. Legit. 

There’s an impressive bar menu too, with a lychee smoked old fashioned and a stacked sake menu.

The Instagrammable space, filled with lush greenery and neon, is located at 808 N Franklin Street—bottom floor of the Element Apartments. 

Devoted foodies might remember that the space was supposed to open as a different Asian fusion and cocktail bar called Shibui, which was part of a partnership between Nocturnal Hospitality Group and celebrity chef Fabio Viviani’s Viviani Hospitality Group. But then all that Nocturnal Hospitality Group bullshit happened, leading Viviani to the pull out of the partnership and related projects.

A rep for Haiku told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that Haiku has no affiliation or ownership ties with Nocturnal group.

"[Haiku] was bought by new owners: Asad Yusupov and Kevin Stowe, Phoenix Hospitality Group," the rep wrote in an email. "They’re also the new owners of Eden (formerly Franklin Manor) that will be opening at the end of March. Chef Fabio is not involved either."

Haiku’s hours are Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, 4:30 p.m.-11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 4:30 p.m.-midnight. It’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 

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This article appears in Feb 25 – Mar 3, 2021.

Freelance contributor Stephanie Powers started her media career as an Editorial Assistant long ago when the Tampa Bay Times was still called the St. Petersburg Times. After stints in Chicago and Los Angeles,...