ro
1500 W Swann Ave, Tampa
(813) 358-2036
Recent Reviews
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Absolutely phenomenal service and presentation from the server Joe! We will be returning, much appreciated.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ro is fantastic! My girlfriends and I originally had plans at a neighboring establishment but due to a booking snafu, the situation was turned around quickly as Joel took great care of us at Ro. We were able to get a table with top-notch service, food, drinks, and ambiance. It was my first time there and I can't wait to go back. We had apps: wagyu gyoza, edamame, and two orders of the shishito peppers- all delicious. We were given helpful recommendations by our lovely server and the food was amazing. Trying the ro french toast, sushi, japanese hash, and bento boxes, everyone enjoyed their meal. Our drinks ranged from espresso martinis, rayu spritz, and a round of rosé on the house. An unfortunate turn of events ended in a wonderful brunch and a new restaurant to add to my faves list.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went Sat evening, I don’t know what time kitchen closes but the restaurant is extremely loud like a club. Food is served one dish at a time so this is not a dining experience type of restaurant.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 3
I loved the Bento plate, so good!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The sushi is so fresh, and the bento box is amazing! You also get free ice cream.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This one really hurts to write because we live right down the street and have come here often. When they first opened, the service was actually better than it is now. Unfortunately, the staff turnover seems extreme, and the experience has declined significantly.
We had a 7:15 reservation and arrived on time. They initially messed up the number of people in our party (2 instead of 3 people ). The restaurant wasn’t busy — there were plenty of open tables and seating at the bar — yet it was almost impossible to get a drink. The bartender avoided eye contact and seemed completely disengaged. After a long wait, we finally ordered drinks, and even those took forever.
We kept asking about our table and weren’t seated until almost 7:50. Once seated, we ordered dumplings. About 12 minutes later, another server came over and said she’d be taking over. She asked if we wanted dumplings — we said yes, and she confirmed the order was in. Thirty minutes later, still no dumplings. I asked again, and she reassured us they were coming. After 44 minutes from the original order, I told her to cancel them because it was absurd at that point — we had already received a sushi roll. Suddenly she ran the dumplings to the table saying it was “on the house.” It was clear the order had been forgotten despite multiple confirmations.
We had also pre-ordered the Peking duck. There were two ducks visibly hanging, yet it took an hour and 40 minutes to reach our table. The pancakes were terrible — breaking, sticking, and poorly textured. They weren’t separated and were placed in a container alongside sauces with lids. For a signature dish, this was extremely disappointing.
The entire dinner lasted 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Sadly, this feels like déjà vu. A month prior, we came with another couple and clearly communicated that one guest had a severe sesame allergy. Somehow, the waiter brought a roll (not even listed on the menu) completely covered in sesame seeds — extra sesame seeds. It could have been a serious medical emergency. We could hear the chef yelling in the back because it was clearly a major mistake.
That same night, we ordered miso cod, and the order was never put in. After 50 minutes, we had to ask if the fish was coming, and the waiter responded, “Oh, you still want it?”
We spent $680 for what was easily some of the worst service we’ve experienced — slow drinks, forgotten orders, lack of accountability, and poor execution. The sushi is overpriced, and the service is far below standard.
Afterward, we walked to Bar Taco and were reminded what good hospitality feels like — drinks came out immediately, and the staff was attentive and professional. We even had better service at two dive bars in SoHo.
It’s hard to imagine how they handle a busy weekend if they can’t manage a table of three on a quiet Tuesday — especially with a pre-ordered duck that was already cooked.
It’s a shame because we truly want to love this place. There are a few dishes we enjoy, but the wait times and consistently poor service simply aren’t worth it anymore.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Perfect experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went to Ro for brunch. The restaurant is conveniently located right in Hyde Park Village so before or after eating one can shop and take in the other shops in the area the restaurant is nicely appointed with plenty of room for each table. We enjoyed every dish that we ordered. The rock shrimp were delicious, but I will note that they are very rich and so may be a good dish to share the steak and eggs were cooked perfectly with tremendous flavor and finally not to miss the sushi which was fresh. Very delicious and good portions.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We enjoyed the dinner overall.  The Ramen was delicious and our service was very pleasant
It was our first time at Ro and they blew us away.
I had been meaning to come here for a few weeks now and finally got the chance to experience it. Joe was outstanding in explaining the menu, offering superb service and making sure everything came out correct with the help of the Ro team, timely and tasty were the two words I’d describe. From their cocktails, to their appetizers, authentic high-end cuts of sushi and their bento box - we were beyond impressed. The quality reflected the final price - which although steep, we certainly enjoyed ourselves and then some.
We ordered the lychee martini and two other cocktails on their featured menu, the tuna nigiri platter, and a bento box.
Nigiri 10/10
Cocktails 10/10
Bento Box 9/10 (our server Joe did mention the portions were small - definitely a quant lunch portion, but still very tasty)
We would and will be back to try out their other items, as it deserves a second trip.
The restaurant environment was beautiful, the music wasn’t too loud (as I’ve seen other reviews mention; so maybe they changed it) and the bathrooms were clean and very aesthetic, even bolstering mouth wash and complimentary cups.
I highly recommend you give them a try - as few and far between restaurants have this level of quality.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ro Roll
Restaurantji Recommends
All the seafood is superior quality and the freshest I've had in the Tampa area. Our server, Maryfer, provided an incredible dining experience! I've been to Ro before but her professionalism, knowledgeability, and overall service really made this occasion stand out. I'd recommend Ro off the strength of the service she provided, 10/10. The exceptional service really adds to the beautiful ambience.
Amazing food. Every single dish we tried was amazing and our server Sara really took care of us going above and beyond. She was very busy but still took her time with us answering all of our questions! Will be back and will be asking for her again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our server Anna was incredible! She was friendly, had great recommendations and really knew the menu, and overall made our experience celebrating our anniversary combined with Valentines Day that much better. I had the best steak of my life and everything we had was phenomenal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Too packed and service was terrible. They served my salmon raw after asking it to be seared. They took it back and didn't return till 30 minutes at that time we were ready to leave so I sent it back and didn't eat.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Amazing service!! Anna was awesome, very friendly, knew the menu, and gave great recommendations! Made our anniversary even better
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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