Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi

The atmosphere was amazing. Annette was our server, and she was outstanding! She was hilarious, and we felt very comfortable chatting with her. She even surprised us with a free dessert for my sister's birthday. The food was delicious, and the quality was exceptional.

We had a great time and the sushi boats are awesome and freshly made. Our server Annette was also very nice and knowledgeable. Give her a raise and a bonus on the spot for her hard work.

I had a great evening at Jackson’s! The sushi, drinks and desserts here are amazing. My server Dawn was great, very knowledgeable about the menu and attentive to my party. The patio area outside is so nice, it was raining and they had the screens down and nooo water came through. When it stopped raining they raised all the screens and the sunset was beautiful. I will definitely be back!

Stopped in for lunch while at a conference. First off, I was met by a great view of the bay. The menu is great and has everything you could want. I chose a sushi roll and crab cake with a mocktail - all delicious. Would recommend.

Dawn was the highlight of our trip! Couldn’t have asked for a better experience! The food was so fresh and worth every cent. Beyond happy and will be going to bed with a huge smile :)

Great vibe! Very fresh seafood, wish the portions were bigger! Being from Md. I appreciate the real lump crabmeat in the pasta and grouper entrees. Always good sushi too!

My fiance and I have been coming to Jackson’s for about two years now, and the experience is consistently great … from the food to the drinks to the overall atmosphere. But Alyssa truly makes the whole experience stand out. She’s personable, attentive, and always on top of everything without ever making it feel rushed. She remembers faces, checks in at all the right times, and genuinely makes you feel welcomed. Service like hers is the reason we keep coming back. Highly recommend asking for Alyssa!

We enjoyed the fresh grouper dinner, oysters, meatballs, Cuban sandwich and key lime pie Our server was really great and he was knowledgeable about the menu. Made recommendations and we took his recommendations and were happy we did!!

Mason and Douglas literally made my entire experience!! They made me feel so welcome and more than well taken care of. The drinks were tasty, unique and well poured! The food was incredible 10/10 overall experience! Would always recommend.

Decided to stop in for lunch and So glad I did! Jenna was an absolute ROCKSTAR!!! Got the lunch deal…it was ok and good for what I needed. If you decide to stop in ask if Jenna is working she will make you feel right at home!!

Indoor or outdoor dining available, Dawn was our Server and she is so beautiful and kind 💜💜💜 ; They have an amazing loyalty program , the mealball was a wonderful appetizer, sushi was good, the drinks were smooth, atmosphere was perfection ! will be back definetly. 20$ for valet parking . PHOTOS POSTED BELOW !

The location is absolutely stunning, situated just at the convention center end of Tampa Bay you'll get to see all the sparkle and glow the City and bay have offer. Service was top notch, cocktails were on point and the food was super tasty.

Stopped in at Jackson’s Bistro for brunch and had an excellent experience. The food was beautifully presented and full of flavor — I ordered the eggs benedict and it was perfectly prepared, served on fresh bread with a nice balance of hollandaise and spice. The fresh greens and lemon on the side were a great touch. The atmosphere on the patio was relaxing with a nice view, and the service was attentive without being overbearing. Drinks were refreshing, and the overall vibe was perfect for a weekend brunch. Highly recommend this spot whether you’re in the mood for brunch, sushi, or just a casual meal by the water. I’ll definitely be back!

Dinner at Jackson’s Bistro was the perfect blend of good vibes, gorgeous views and exceptional food. We came in as a family and from start to finish, our server Jackie made sure we were well taken care of. Let’s get into the meal, because every plate came correct. I ordered the jerk salmon with coconut rice (yes, please!) and King had the grouper topped with lump crab, exquisite from first bite to last. Perfectly seasoned, beautifully plated and full of flavor. The kids had rib tips and shrimp with crunchy fries and let me just say, there were no leftovers. Not a crumb! Between the delicious food, the warm service and the waterfront setting, Jackson’s made for a truly memorable evening. Whether it’s a night out with the family or something more intimate, we’ll definitely be back. Thanks again to Jackie for making it a smooth, stress free and flavor packed experience!

Five stars and a chef’s kiss to Chef Ron!! My family’s seafood and pasta dishes were cooked and seasoned to perfection. Shout out to our server Rachel for being amazing!!

The dolphins playing near us for hours in the bay were a bonus! I absolutely loved the food and service at Jackson’s!

We came in for a few rolls and wine before a show. We had the best server ever! Extremely attentive and fun, wish I could remember his name! Our sushi was amazing! Would definitely go back and highly recommend!

So you need to ask for Mason! We just Loved him! He's super awesome very down to earth and honest and every thing he recommended was top tier! Bringing our daughter here for her birthday was beautiful we tried the tiramasu which words don't explain the deliciousness in this dessert plus the key lime pie which is perfection and a apple cobbler dish they sent out for 🎂🥳 we are happy to say we have found a place we love to come back to time and the again and also a memory of our daughter trying raw oysters for the very first time! Thanks yall everything was amazing!

Jackson’s Bistro Waterfront absolutely exceeded our expectations! From the beautiful waterfront atmosphere to the incredible food and service, everything was top-tier. Our server Annette was phenomenal, attentive, friendly, professional, and made the entire experience feel special from start to finish. She truly went above and beyond. The pork chops were cooked to perfection, juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, and the grouper bites were outstanding: fresh, crispy, and absolutely delicious. Every bite was a win. Amazing service, amazing food, amazing location. This place is a must-visit in Tampa. We’ll definitely be back!

Had lunch at Jackson's based on a recommendation from a friend. Our server Annette N was fantastic and suggested that I have the crab cake appetizer as a main course with the small Caesar salad. It was the perfect sized lunch. Can't wait to go back for dinner and try something else. Food and service was perfect, and the outdoor seating really made it great.

We always have amazing happy hour experiences at Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi! The atmosphere is unbeatable. There are beautiful waterfront views, relaxed but upscale vibe, and the perfect place to unwind after work. The happy hour specials were fantastic, with great drink prices and a wide variety of options. The sushi was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the small plates were perfect for sharing. Service was attentive without being overbearing, and the staff made us feel welcome the entire time. If you are looking for a spot in Tampa with great food, strong cocktails, and an unbeatable sunset view, this is absolutely the place to go. We will definitely be back!

The service is as sweet as the soy sea bass😊 The hosts accommodated my family’s physical difficulties & sat us where we needed. My family loved the food & presentation. Mason was fantastic & super kind + made sure to validate our parking. Michael the service assistant was a sweetheart!! I definitely will be back - this changed my mind about other experiences I’ve had in the harbor! Thank you!

I’ve been a loyal customer of Jackson’s for a long time. I’ve come here regularly for dinner and brunch, and I’ve genuinely loved this place — especially because they offer non-alcoholic options, which I’ve ordered many times in the past. Because of that, what happened on Gasparilla Day was extremely disappointing. When I first arrived, I was holding a non-alcoholic drink and was told I had to throw it away. That was completely understandable — I respect policies and did so without complaint. Once inside, however, it took about 45 minutes just to get a drink. My friends ordered alcoholic beverages, and my boyfriend asked the bartender if he could order two club sodas with lime for us. The bartender’s exact response was, “Do not piss me off.” I calmly walked to another bartender to place the same order. While he was making the drinks, I overheard him and another bartender laughing, and one of them said, “If they aren’t going to drink alcohol, why are they even here?” That comment genuinely left a bad taste in my mouth. The decision not to drink alcohol is personal, and no one behind the bar knows someone’s reason for that choice. I was fully prepared to tip as if I had ordered a regular cocktail, just as I always have here. Being mocked or disrespected for ordering a non-alcoholic beverage is not acceptable. I can understand policies. I can understand long waits on a busy day like Gasparilla. What I cannot understand is being treated with disrespect for simply ordering a drink — especially at a restaurant I’ve supported repeatedly and spoken highly of. I truly loved Jackson’s, but after this experience, I don’t feel comfortable returning. If customer experience matters to this establishment, I would strongly encourage management to reevaluate how staff treats guests — regardless of what they choose to drink. **UPDATE: I’m grateful for the follow-up and the way this was handled. The response was unexpected, and it meant a lot. It’s clear there was a genuine effort to make things right, and I truly appreciate that.

I recently visited Jackson’s Bistro and had a wonderful experience, thanks in large part to the exceptional service. As soon as we were seated, Galen, the bar back, greeted us right away and made us feel genuinely welcome. He quickly brought over cold waters, provided menus, and let us know the bartender would be with us shortly. His attentiveness and professionalism immediately stood out. What impressed us even more was that after returning to his duties behind the bar, Galen later came back to check on our table to make sure everything was going well and that we were enjoying our food. That extra level of care and follow-through truly enhanced our visit. It’s always refreshing to experience such thoughtful and proactive service. We will definitely be back!

My partner and I went to Jackson’s for lunch while visiting Tampa. We had a wonderful server who was kind, had suggestions and was attentive. When we first got there, it was a little chaotic and there seemed to be some confusion regarding the hosts and seating. Once we sat down, it seemed to settle down. We tried the harbor sushi roll and split the grouper with crab. The cocktails were delicious but the star was the seafood. The sushi was fresh, delicious and perfect. The grouper had a wonderful sauce and seasonal vegetables which were snap peas and carrots. I loved it way more than I expected. I’d definitely recommend but be aware the energy can feel a bit chaotic.

Overall decent place for sushi and American fare. We only purchased sushi and while their selection is not huge it is big enough to get a decent variety of sushi and sashimi. Quality of the food was good. Prices, of course, we're higher than anticipated but taste was good though. As far as the environment it was a liuder environment as it seems like they are trying to put big emphasis on the bar and music. Otherwise service was only adequate. It seemed like we were waiting for awhile before our server came back at times

Came here for a women’s brunch. I had the crab cake benny and a Hugo spritz. The crab cake itself was good and the eggs (scrambled) were fine but I thought the bread was a little too thick. My Hugo was perfect and strong so no complaints. They also offer a bottle service mimosa for like $40 which was a decent price. The views were good but the place lacked personality and charm + the service was a little too slow for me. Overall a decent spot to go and have an acceptable meal with acceptable views on a nice day. There was nothing truly special about the place, but nothing I hated either, so I’d go back and try dinner maybe.

Had dinner at this place. Food was decent. Spicy tuna tartare was good. I liked the poke bowl. I don’t remember which roll we got but was delicious. Lobster and shrimp roll on soft pretzel rolls was okay. Overall good food and great service.

A great location along the water for a casual meal. I came here for lunch during a work trip with a party of eight. We were greeted by friendly staff and seated right away. The menu is robust offering something for everyone. I opted for the grilled salmon and a sushi roll. Everything was good but the sushi roll was very average. Overall, this was a dinning good spot with friendly service and conveniently located to the convention center many hotels.

Came here with my husband and some friends, there really isn’t a better restaurant for beautiful views of the city and the River. Our server was awesome, I am not into seafood so I got a burger, it was good, the sauce had a little kicker to it which I liked! Our friends got oysters and were happy with it. We also got a peanut butter dessert, it was ok, a bit too much peanut butter for my liking. But it’s always a great time and vibe, there was live music playing in an area close by. Had a very nice time.

I ordered the sea bass, my husband ordered the jerk salmon. My husband thought this was the best restaurant (food) we tried in town, but the chairs were uncomfortable. Sea bass was good. Carrot cake did not make it on my “I would order it again list.” Michael was our server and was on top of keeping beverages filled and was fabulous overall.

Easy to make a reservation, and the location is beautiful—right by the water with both indoor and outdoor seating. The space feels casual and open, perfect for a relaxed bite. Service was friendly and attentive—Michelee in particular was great. We had the ahi tuna salad, which was fresh and satisfying. The sushi was decent—not the best I’ve had, but enjoyable. The seafood linguini was basic but flavorful, and we ended with a slice of key lime pie—simple, but always nice when you’re in Florida. Parking was also validated, which was a nice plus. So if you’re looking for something quick and casual with a good water view, this is the right place.

Amazing views of the Bay and Channelside. Great for a romantic evening or a night w the friends and family. Great food at the right price 😄 Amazing selection of sushi rolls, appetizers and entrees to choose from. The dessert and drink menus were up to par! Wish the servers were more attentive and the place is very lively and clean.

I visited Jackson’s Bistro for a birthday celebration back in August. I’m just now finally getting to leave my review on Google Maps it slipped my mind. The atmosphere was beautiful, the culinary experience fell far below what I expected from a prestige waterfront restaurant in Tampa Bay. As someone who lives and breathes food, plating, and kitchen efficiency, I pay close attention to execution—and unfortunately, several things missed the mark. Starter: “Mexican Roll” Visually, the sushi arrived extremely plain. It was basically tempura shrimp + avocado topped with a few beads of fish roe. No sauce. No color. No creativity. Nothing even remotely “Mexican-inspired.” At the very least, a sriracha aioli, chipotle crema, or a chili-lime drizzle would have tied the concept together. I’m big on aesthetics and flavor balance, and this roll lacked both. Honestly… Publix and Sprouts sushi give more flavor, better execution, and better presentation than what I received. Entrée: Shrimp & Crab Linguine Three other people at the table ordered the same dish—which immediately made me think about line cook workflow and consistency. When multiple tickets hit the board for the same dish, an efficient kitchen should be able to execute identical plates with quality and precision. However, my pasta arrived: • Undercooked • Rushed presentation • Very heavy on cream • Great amount of shrimp, and the lump crab was fresh • But the dish lacked seasoning and depth I even had to request extra sauce because the pasta wasn’t coated well at all. I waited 20 minutes for the sauce, only to be told they “had to make it.” As a chef, that instantly raised a red flag. A kitchen that runs volume brunch service should absolutely have the mother sauce or base sauce prepared, held, and ready on the line. By the time the sauce came out, my pasta was cold. At that point, I didn’t bother sending anything back because it was a group celebration. But internally? Whew. They dropped the ball. Overall Thoughts I’ve always heard great things about Jackson’s, which is why I was excited. But from a culinary standpoint—technique, flavor building, plating, and kitchen efficiency—they lacked in too many areas for the price point and reputation. Tampa Bay has some incredible food, and customers deserve better, especially at a restaurant of this caliber.

Jackson’s location is amazing. Right off the river, it’s a great view of the sunset and sunrise. Our server was very patience with our group. I got the crab cakes and the wagyu meatball as an appetizer, both were delicious. I also got two expresso martinis, took a while to get to the table but they both were so good. My entree was another story. I got the grouper, which is caught fresh everyday. I didn’t like it. It was fishy and sweet. I provided feedback to the manger. He welcomed the feedback and was very nice about it.

The place was moderately expensive. There were a lot of people there. The Sushi was the best thing, but not amazing. We got the wagu roll and it was ok but not worth $36. The filet was thin and tasteless and overcooked for what we asked for. We added the rock lobster and crab toppings. They were both ok.. Coconut grouper bites were good. Drinks were decent. Service wasn’t terrible but a little slow. There were no specials told to us. The atmosphere was great. We had a large table of 8 as well. For what we got I felt we paid double the value. The portions were medium size. Four of my friends got the sushi boat and they seemed to like it. For four people it was the best value in the $80s.

Visited for the first time on a Saturday night. Atmosphere was lively, busy, and overall pleasantly decorated. Servers were friendly, although straws didnt come standard with a soda and refills werent timely. The food left a lot to be desired, particularly at the price point. Frankly, the highlight of a 3 course meal was the salad. •House Salad: fresh, well balanced, loved the goat cheese and the balsamic dressing was great. •Surf and Turf: The skirt steak was well seasoned with a flavorful chimi and cooked to a medium/medium rare. I wasn't asked if I preferred a certain temp. The lobster was dry and it could've used more of the sauce, which was a bright and welcome addition. The yuca "fries" (only 4) had decent flavor, but we're hard, greasy and nearly inedible. •Smash Burger: Edges burnt to a crisp on flimsy bread, lacking flavor and fries didnt look like photos from the menu but rather basic frozen fries that needed salt. We've gotten better burgers at Five Guys for the price point. •Filet Mingon: Flavorless and left me reaching for A1, which shouldn't be the case with a prime piece of beef. The sear was good but the cook inside was inconsistent - one filet was a sure medium and the other was rare. Again, I wasnt asked how I wanted it cooked, but assumed medium rare would be the standard in an upscale establishment. The side of asparagus was 4-5 spears. Adding another side is needed for the price point on this plate. It was very underwhelming. •Creme Brulee: Was super cold like a pudding and basically had lightly toasted sugar crystals on top. This really needed a better caramelization to give the expected flavors and textures. •Sugar Plum Cocktail: The flavors were winners and love the purple sugar on the rim but it was super small for $20. Overall, I dont feel like the cost reflects the value here. Location is great, but add in paid parking over 2 hours and it isn't somewhere we'll run to return to.

This is always a good restaurant with a great vibe being on the water and lots of food options. I have been coming here for years and have always ordered the sashimi dinner plate. However, a few nights ago when I ordered it, it was extremely small in portion size about a fourth of what it used to be and Management would not do anything about it. So just a warning if you like sushi sashimi the portions are extremely small and sashimi slices are paper thin. I don't know why they get away with us. There should be a certain portion you get with a piece of sashimi, but these are so thin you can barely taste it. I was hungry after I ate here.

We had a group event here and for what we paid I was disappointed. First, from the photos on the website I thought we were getting a different room with lots of windows overlooking the bay. We instead were put in a back room without much of a view as the outdoor bar obstructed the windows. We also wanted a microphone setup and that wasn't working. The food was OK at best, nothing too memorable and not worth the price we paid in my opinion. Finally, the fire alarm went off very early into service, and while the host was quick to assure us it was a malfunction, they said that the fire department had to come to turn it off - which took 45+ minutes to happen, while we were trying to eat and have an event. Based on what the host said, it seems that it is not a totally infrequent issue either. That really put a damper on things. I'd recommend to management that they are more upfront about their room offerings on their website and that they devise a better solution for whatever issue their fire alarm system has. I don't think I'll be returning by myself or organizing a group dinner here again because of these problems.

I visited for lunch on 1/9/2026. The atmosphere was excellent, and our waitress provided outstanding service—friendly, attentive, and professional and she was a beautiful black woman. Unfortunately, the menu was a major letdown. Lunch options were very limited, especially considering the high prices. For the value, I honestly would have had a better experience at a place like The Cheesecake Factory. This restaurant really needs to rework its lunch menu and offer more variety. As it stands, the menu simply doesn’t justify the cost. I wont be back anytime soon. In response to the owner: I would strongly recommend expanding the menu to include a few additional entrée options. Specifically, adding two pasta dishes—one with a red sauce and one with a white sauce—would provide more variety and appeal. A steak option, such as skirt steak or ribeye, would also be a great addition amd these should be a staple. Additionally, a Korean BBQ chicken dish could offer a flavorful and unique option. One commonly overlooked but consistently popular item is a simply prepared fried chicken salad. When done well, with lightly breaded chicken, it tends to be a strong seller; however, overly breaded chicken can detract from the dish’s appeal.