Hi! It’s been awhile since I’ve made a new restaurant post and I’ve missed being able to try out new Tampa spots. I was delighted to be invited to the VIP soft opening for Jotoro Tampa at Sparkman Wharf! We were able to try an appetizer, entrees, drinks, a side and dessert. Keep reading to see what we ate at Channelside’s newest addition.
Update: I returned to Jotoro since originally creating this post. Therefore, I’ve added pictures order to share additional menu items with you.
Jotoro Tampa: Sparkman Wharf Drinks
We tried the Pretty Boy and Spicy Watermelon margaritas. I had to try the Blueberry Gin Fizz after seeing pics of it on the Jotoro Tampa: Sparkman Wharf Instagram! It was my favorite drink with the Pretty Boy as a close second. Brandon liked his Spicy Watermelon marg as it was stronger of the three drinks.
Next time I visited Jotoro Sparkman wharf, I was meeting up with a friend. We decided to have their margaritas and were not disappointed! The drinks were pretty strong and had great flavors like prickly pear (dragonfruit).
Appetizers
Chips and salsa come as the standard app but we wanted to try something fancy too! We chose the Ahi Tuna Poké and crispy wontons for our appetizer. I liked that they kept it simple yet flavorful by pairing the ahi tuna with avocado, scallion, and a light sauce (spicy mayo?). I was able to taste all the flavors without the sauce over powering it. Also, the crispy wontons were a great crunchy texture to go with the softer poké.
On my return visit, my friend and had the pleasure of ordering the Three Amigos. This app includes salsa, guacamole, and a delectable cheese dip. You can’t go wrong with this trio!
Jotoro Tampa: Sparkman Wharf Entreés
Brandon chose the Austin-style steak ranchero tacos and I picked the Adobe chicken enchiladas suizas. Our server was amazing and helped explain ingredients of specials so that it was easy to pick menu items we would enjoy. I love the green sauce that comes with enchiladas suizas but this one was a little too sweet if I’m being honest. Still loved them though and Brandon’s tacos were cooked to perfection! I normally don’t like steak in a taco because it is too chewy but this one was tender.
Ordered the grilled baja shrimp tacos on an evening out with a friend. Loved that they were seasoned well and fresh! I felt really full but will not lie: I definitely loaded them up with guac from our Three Amigos appetizer.
Sides from Jotoro Tampa: Sparkman Wharf
Side note: the Mexican fried rice with chorizo is massive! Delicious, but I definitely recommend you share this sizzling dish with a few friends or take some home so you can have room for dessert. It was excellently seasoned, again not too much sauce and lots of fresh cilantro. We enjoyed the chorizo flavor and the fried egg went well with the rice. Speaking of which, are you an egg white or yolk fan? I’m team egg whites so I always leave the runny yolk for Brandon to devour.
Jotoro Tampa: Sparkman Wharf Desserts
If you love a dramatic entrance, then order the Chocolate cake! The Mexican hot chocolate at Jotoro Tampa at Sparkman Wharf is drizzled over the cake table side to ensure it’s fresh. I felt the cake was moist and not overly sweet for a chocolate cake. Also the thick hot chocolate gives it a great texture and a cinnamon taste that feels homemade. Definitely, a great pick if you want a dessert + drinks date and awesome closing of our dining experience.
Ambiance at Jotoro Tampa
I also wanted to mention that their decor is beautiful! All the walls are painted with colorful Día de los Muertos style murals. The bar is stationed at the middle of the restaurant, command center style, and very large so it may accommodate patrons nicely. I wish I would have remembered to take a picture of it but it was also decorated nicely especially with all the tequila bottles organized at the top. They also gave me a cute Sparkman Wharf tote bag filled with goodies like a llama piñata! Are you planning to visit Jotoro Tampa at Sparkman Wharf on your next Channelside visit? Let me know in the comments!
Looking for similar Tampa restaurants? Check out my favorite Tampa Spots!
