South Florida

Japanese Fine Dining And Lounge Concept Coming to Sarasota

Hanami Japanese Fine Dining & Lounge plans to open soon with sushi, hibachi, and a full cocktail lounge.

Image from Hanami Japanese Fine Dining & Lounge on Facebook

SARASOTA, FL — Hanami Japanese Fine Dining & Lounge is preparing to open in Sarasota’s Rosemary District, bringing a reimagined fine dining and lounge concept to a historic building at 1525 4th St Unit C, Sarasota, FL 34236. Owner Samuel Ray told Business Debut the team is targeting an opening in the coming weeks, pending final inspections and licensing.

The new restaurant replaces Ray’s former downtown Sarasota location, Tsunami, which closed after outgrowing its original space. Hanami also follows a sister restaurant in Bradenton that has been open for two years.

What to Expect

Hanami is designed as a full-service Japanese fine dining restaurant paired with a dedicated lounge. The larger footprint allows for approximately 135 seats at opening, with additional dining areas including a mezzanine and garden space planned to open later.

The building itself dates back to 1925 and once served as the city’s original citrus exchange. Ray said the history of the space helped shape the restaurant’s layered and sophisticated atmosphere, including a mezzanine built with reclaimed wood and architectural elements that highlight the building’s past.

The name Hanami translates to “flower viewing,” referencing Japan’s cherry blossom festivals. Ray said the name reflects a shift from the former Tsunami branding toward something more celebratory and reflective. “Once all the blossoms have opened, they’re gone,” he told Business Debut, describing the tradition of pausing to appreciate the moment.

The menu mirrors what guests may recognize from Tsunami and the Bradenton location, with an expanded presentation. Offerings include a full vegan sushi menu, fresh fish selections, and kitchen-prepared hibachi dishes served tableside. All steak offerings, aside from short rib, are filet mignon, with options such as teriyaki filet and filet-and-lobster hibachi.

Additional favorites include pineapple fried rice, Korean short rib (galbi), and modern takes on dishes like orange chicken.

Bar and Lounge

The lounge seats about 60 guests and supports a full bar program. Highlights include sake on tap and a cocktail menu developed by head bartender David Roth, featuring citrus-forward drinks inspired by Florida flavors.

Team and Design

Ray co-owns the restaurant with partners Jeffrey Karasawa and Jason Klamson, who oversee operations and finance across the group’s restaurants. Lauren Wilson also played a key role in the design, assisting with cherry blossom installations, artwork placement, and custom finishes throughout the space.