Jo-To Japanese Steak House
| Address: | 905 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Brandon, FL 33511, USA |
| Phone: | +1 813-684-0221 |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 4:30–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 8
CA
Carolyn Cline
Jo-To Japanese Steakhouse is by far the best quality for Japanese cuisine in the Tampa Bay area. I have visited Japan 12 times in my life. I have lived and worked in Japan for over 3 years and this restaurant reminds me of my memorable times in Japan. The Fillet Mignon melts in your mouth and the Salmon is actually Wild Salmon from Alaska and not farm-raised Salmon (there is definitely a difference in the taste). The staff and chefs are so down-to-earth that you will enjoy your dining experience that much more. If you are interested in high quality cuisine with exceptional service from the very friendly staff, then Jo-To Japanese Steakhouse on Lithia Road in Brandon Florida is your place to eat. This authentic Japanese cuisine is absolutely delicious and I usually dine here 2-3 times a week. I absolutely love eating out at this restaurant! The new owner, Kevin, has had the restaurant for the past 3 years and he has decorated and updated the restaurant to reflect the true Japanese ambiance. I have been dining here for 14 years and have seen many changes to this restaurant, but the new owner has done a wonderful job by making the atmosphere an authentic Japanese ambiance. And sometimes he even works as a chef, not too many owners have done that, but he is a kind and humble man who enjoys preparing high quality food for his customers. I give this restaurant an A ++, because it is my favorite restaurant in the Tampa Bay area. Sincerely, Carolyn Cline (Miss Florida 1978 and Miss America 1979-2nd runner up.)
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Rebel Yell
Food is not bad but a little overpriced. I do have a few issues though. First of all the hoods over the Hibachi tables were painted and smell of cheap latex paint instead of enamel paint and the smell could put you off if you are sensitive to such things. Also the Chef mixed up our order by mixing my filet and my wifes sirloin together and then just split it up between us. After my wife complained the chef came out and argued with us about it. The professional thing to do would have said Im sorry let me credit your filet order price the $2 or so but he refused. All in all food is OK but there are many better options in the Brandon area. Also they squeezed 8 people into a Hibachi grill booth that should only accommodate 6 people. So it was quite uncomfortable, I just dont like rubbing up against everyone while Im eating. Also they have a Sushi bar but do not have a sushi menu, WTF! They are losing sooo much business on sushi sales. If you want a mediocre Hibachi experience this is the place for you, as for me I will stick with Kobes.
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jimmy paige
I have eaten at jotos for 8 years for birthdays and special events and my sons highschool graduation night . Tom the chef is great we always ask for him. we eat there 6-8 times a year. i cant wait to go. all of the food and sushi and wait staff and bartenders have always been top notch. i have had up too 30 people come and nobody ever complained or mentioned they had even one problem. yes its decor is dated but the FOOD is what we go too for.We have tried others and Damn it made Us really appreciate jotos. We just went 8 of us and everything was just like normal superb. i am 45 and have eaten at many throughout my life in other states. Brandon has a Gem go there and enjoy.spicy tuna rolls and california rolls and the mexician roll were a great addition to our great food. IF YOU DONT LIKE THIS GREAT PLACE TOO EAT HIBACHI STYLE FOOD YOU CANT EVER BE PLEASED OR YOU HAVE MCDONALDS TASTE BUDS AND U MUST HAVE HAD YOUR TASTE BUDS ALTERED. ENJOY THAT FOOD THHERRRRR.
CA
Carlie Thigpenn
Lets me first say that I have been going to jotos for probably 15-20 years. The food is pretty consistent and they have some great staff. The last time we went was last week and we had a chef named Kenny. This was our first time having Kenny as a chef, if we didnt already know and love this restaurant Kenny would have turned us off to it completely. We were there as a family for my younger brothers birthday and Kenny felt the need to tell my boyfriend and I we needed to use condoms while thrusting his hips and mimicking holding a condom in place. I was completely horrified with my mom and brothers there witnessing this and to be honest Kenny didnt cook like the other chefs we have had and the food wasnt up to its usual standard. I know we will go back since we have gone for years and they did its usually great, but we will be sure to request that Kenny not be our chef.
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Scott vosler
I have been going to this restaurant since I was in middle school. After high school I joined the Marine Corps and went off to server. Upon returning JOTOs employeed me for a time while I was in transition. I love this restaurant and all the people in it. I am still trying to convince the owner to update the interior :D but other than that the its an amazing spot. The prices are appropriate for the quality of food that you are getting. The Sushi is excellent and made fresh to order. I highly recommend this location both as a 10 year plus fan of their food and as a service member being that they helped me out when I needed it the most. Much love. This location is a great addition to the community and needs some more attention. Wonderful location.
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Tina Michael
Best Japanese Restaurant I have ever eaten at!! And I have eaten at quite a few. I love the way they cook in front of you and the cooks even entertain you while they are cooking everyones food. The cook always likes to make sure that your visit was worth your time coming. Service has always been top notched. Food has always been great and made the way you have requested with healthy portions. You should never leave hungry. They also have a good dessert selection too, if you have the room for it. Restaurant always looks very clean. Always best to have reservations, especially if you have a good amount of people in your party, since they are always very busy with customers. I would highly recommend this place to go eat at, any time!!!!
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lisa D
HORRIBLE. This place is old and outdated. The staff are from under a rock somewhere it seemed like. We went there for sushi and were led down a dark creepy hallway to a little room in the back of the restaurant where there was not a human in sight. No windows. Nothing to even look at but one guy in a tshirt and hollister jeans on his phone who was supposed to be our sushi chef. The sushi came out EXTREMELY salty and not fresh. I asked the guy making rhe sushi if it waa fresh fish before we ordered and he said yes and slightly chuckled, now i see why. I ended up sending it back and just paying for our drinks, what a horrible experience.
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Marley Tatum Taylor
Got here at 6, am still waiting for my bill 9pm. Sushi was room temperature and all of it was sentirely back , the hot food took 2 hours to come here. Drinks also took and hour, the wait staff is mouthy and rolled their eyes in view of our table. It was our friends birthday, and they came to sing to her, but didnt bring out check for another half hour after that even though we were all watching the whole staff stand at the bar and discuss our table. Hibachi was great however after there was a huge dispute over the bill because they didnt want to comp anything on our meal. Overall poor service. Seems this place is losing its sparkle.
