Exterior view of Sushi Rock Grill in St. Pete, FL
Ambiance and Location: A Welcoming Space for Every Occasion
First impressions matter, and Sushi Rock Grill excels in creating a welcoming environment. From the outside, the restaurant presents a clean and inviting facade within a convenient plaza, easily accessible off the Pinellas Bayway and in front of the Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club. Stepping inside, the modern interior is a pleasant surprise, exceeding expectations with its clean lines and comfortable setting. While modestly sized, the dining room feels spacious, accommodating a good number of tables alongside a well-appointed sushi bar.
Comfortable outdoor patio seating at Sushi Rock Grill overlooking the water
Continuing through the interior, you discover an even more appealing feature: an outdoor patio that stretches along the waterfront. On a beautiful day, dining al fresco here is a true treat. The patio buzzes with activity, especially during pleasant evenings, indicating its popularity as a local favorite. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed lunch after a beach day or a delightful dinner away from the crowds, Sushi Rock Grill’s location and ambiance make it an ideal choice.
Interior dining area at Sushi Rock Grill showcasing modern and clean design
A Taste of the Menu: From Refreshing Sake to Tempting Appetizers
To begin our Sushi Rock Grill experience, drinks were a must, especially on a warm afternoon. While wine might typically be the go-to, sake felt like the perfect complement to the Japanese cuisine. The knowledgeable waiter offered excellent suggestions, including some off-menu options, guiding us to a popular, cloudy sake. It proved to be an excellent choice – semi-sweet, incredibly refreshing, and perfectly suited to the weather and the meal ahead.
Chilled Sake served as a perfect accompaniment to sushi dinner
Moving onto appetizers, Edamame was an essential start. The simple yet satisfying dish of steamed soybeans sprinkled with sea salt is a perfect palate opener. Sushi Rock Grill offers both the classic version and a spicy garlic variation, catering to different preferences. The vegetable tempura was another standout appetizer. The light and delicate batter allowed the fresh flavors of the assorted vegetables – zucchini, onion, carrot, broccoli, and asparagus – to shine through. While the portion was generous, cutting some of the larger pieces into more bite-sized portions would enhance the dining experience.
Classic Edamame steamed and seasoned with sea salt
Light and crispy Tempura Vegetables with a variety of fresh produce
Sushi Sensations: Exploring Signature Rolls
No visit to Sushi Rock Grill is complete without indulging in their sushi. The extensive menu boasts a wide array of rolls, from raw and cooked to vegetarian options and unique creations featuring coconut shrimp, snow crab, and lobster. For those finding it hard to choose, the Sushi Jo, a chef’s choice roll with six different pieces of sushi and maki, is an excellent option for sampling a variety.
We opted for two distinct rolls: the Lollipop roll and the Yummy roll. Both were remarkably fresh and flavorful, showcasing the quality of ingredients at Sushi Rock Grill. The Lollipop roll is a visually stunning and refreshing departure from typical sushi rolls. Wrapped in cucumber instead of seaweed, it delivers a crisp, clean bite, encasing tuna, salmon, and yellowtail. Served with ponzu and tobiko, it’s a burst of natural flavors. The cucumber wrap, while unique, does make the roll slightly less structurally sound, requiring a bit more care when eating.
Assortment of sushi rolls including the Lollipop Roll and Yummy Roll with Edamame appetizer
Close-up of Lollipop Roll and Yummy Roll showcasing vibrant colors and fresh ingredients
In contrast, the Yummy roll is a simpler, vegetarian option featuring sweet potato tempura and avocado. Despite its minimal ingredients, it was surprisingly satisfying and easy to eat. It highlights Sushi Rock Grill’s ability to create delicious and well-balanced rolls even with fewer components.
The Yummy Roll, a vegetarian sushi option with tempura sweet potato and avocado
Accompanying the entrees, the house salad with ginger dressing is a classic sushi restaurant staple, and Sushi Rock Grill’s version did not disappoint. The crisp lettuce and bright, zesty ginger dressing provided a refreshing counterpoint to the richer flavors of the sushi and other dishes. Guests can choose between this salad or soup with their entrees, and on a warm evening, the salad was the perfect choice.
Refreshing House Salad with homemade Ginger Dressing
Beyond Sushi: Exploring Noodles and Fried Rice
While sushi is a major draw, Sushi Rock Grill’s menu extends far beyond, offering a variety of non-sushi dishes. Curries, fried rice, and noodle bowls are all available, providing options for those who may not be sushi enthusiasts or simply want to explore different flavors. The Saigon Noodles, a vibrant noodle bowl with rice noodles, fresh Thai basil, bean sprouts, jalapeños, and crushed peanuts in a French/Vietnamese sauce, is a must-try. The option to add chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu makes it versatile, and the flavors are even better as leftovers.
Saigon Noodles with Tofu, a flavorful Vietnamese-inspired noodle bowl
Delicious Saigon Noodles showcasing fresh herbs and vibrant sauce
The shrimp fried rice was another excellent choice, showcasing the restaurant’s proficiency in classic Asian dishes. Simple yet perfectly executed, the fried rice with egg, carrots, green peas, and onions, along with well-cooked shrimp, was a comforting and satisfying dish. Like the noodle bowls, guests can customize their fried rice with chicken, beef, or shrimp.
Classic Shrimp Fried Rice with perfectly cooked shrimp and vegetables
Exceptional Service and Overall Experience
The dining experience at Sushi Rock Grill was made even more enjoyable by the exceptional customer service. The staff were consistently friendly, helpful, and attentive, adding a personal touch to the meal. From drink recommendations to prompt service, the team contributed significantly to a positive and memorable visit.
Final Verdict: Why Sushi Rock Grill is a Must-Visit in St. Pete
Sushi Rock Grill stands out as a fantastic dining option in St. Pete, particularly for those heading to or from St. Pete Beach. Its location is ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner, away from the beach crowds. The diverse menu ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a sushi aficionado or prefer other Asian dishes. From the fresh and flavorful sushi rolls to the satisfying noodle bowls and fried rice, the food is consistently delicious. Combined with the welcoming ambiance and outstanding service, Sushi Rock Grill offers a truly spectacular dining experience. For weekend visits, reservations are highly recommended as tables fill up quickly, a testament to its popularity and quality.
Sushi Rock Grill storefront showcasing the restaurant's name and inviting atmosphere
Sushi Rock Grill
727-867-0770
Sushi, Sashimi, Asian Cuisine
5901 Sun Blvd #121, St. Petersburg, FL FL, United States
View Menu
Sushi Rock Grill Website
