Twice in a couple of weeks, I’ve had a terrific meal at Zōtō Sushi at UTC – University Town Center Mall – in Lakewood Ranch. Having lived in Japan for four years, I have certain high hopes when I dine at a Japanese restaurant. Zōtō Sushi exceeded my hopes.
I had miso soup, shrimp tempura, and maitake tempura. Maitake is a type of large mushroom.
The shrimp tempura was so terrific the first time I was there that I had to return and have it again. It was equally delightful. It’s the most delicious I’ve ever had. It comes with a wonderful, mouth-watering sauce. The three shrimp were huge. I’d guess they were six to seven inches long. (There are only two in the pic because I had to devour one right away.) $18
There were five very large maitake mushrooms. They came with three spice toppings that one could sprinkle on the mushrooms. I used two. The third was probably a bit fiery. (I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t remember the spice specifics.) I’ve never had maitake. They were incredibly scrumptious. The texture was such that I might have thought they were seafood if I’d been served them without being told what they were. (You will also notice that one mushroom is missing from the pic. Yum!) $16
I normally enjoy miso soup, but I don’t get excited about it. This was WOW! It’s also the best I’ve ever had. $6
The first time I dined there, I had a fruit-flavored sake. It was nice, but I’m not a sake fan. This time, I had an Italian white wine – Allegrini Oasi Mantellini, Lugana DOC, made from Cortese and Turbiana grapes. It’s from the shores of Lake Garda on the Veneto side. It went very nicely with the dishes. (I not only recommend this one, but I love Allegrini’s red wines, such as their Palazzo della Torre Veronese red, which I’ve found at Total Wine, Costco & Norman’s.) $15
My server was Ty. He was super professional.
I plan to return.
The only things that could have improved the experience would have been if it had been in Japan with family and/or friends.
ご馳走様でした (GOCHISÕ SAMA DESHITA = Thanks for the feast – what one says when leaving a Japanese restaurant after a nice meal.)
I think “Zōtō” is probably “贈答,” which means, “exchange of gifts.”