So cute! Small and quaint. They have a dj and the views. Drinks were delish and the birthday fondue was very enjoyable! Who would have thought to fondue kiwi. Our server was so sweet. She made sure we were good the entire night. They validate parking read more

Maru - Chocolate Fondue - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Maru was interesting tonight. I walked in to a beautiful scene with a DJ playing really great music. The rooftop views are fantastic. However I was disappointed. I try to keep in mind that they were very busy as it's a Saturday night, but I kept getting bypassed when I was at the bar, trying to get a drink there were several people that came in behind me and after me to the left and right, they were offered a drink ahead of me while I just stood there and no one even greeted me. It was definitely was not a great experience, unfortunately. I ended up staying there for all of 15 minutes before I decided no one was going to greet me and then I knew I would be better off going to another establishment. read more

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Don't allow dogs, even though it says online they do. They were pretty rude about it as well, the moment we stepped in they abruptly said we don't allow dogs and walked away without sparing another word or second. 0/10 service, as it could have been communicated in a nicer way. read more

Yesterday mt griend and I visited Maru for the first time, and what a beautiful place! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance felt warm, stylish, and inviting. I absolutely enjoyed the beautiful holiday decor. There was an amazing live singer, and she set the perfect vibe. Our drinks were crafted perfectly and our appetizers were delicious and came out quickly. Our server, Melanie M. was great. Overall Maru delivered a wonderful experience. I'm already looking forward to going back. Highly recommend. read more

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Great rooftop cocktail bar with an amazing ambiance. The vibes are definitely a highlight and make it a fun spot to grab drinks and enjoy the views. It is definitely on the pricier side for what you get. Maru isn't really a place for a full dinner since the menu focuses more on small plates. I really enjoyed the A5 Wagyu Temaki and the Otoro Caviar Temaki, both were delicious and beautifully prepared. If you are not looking to spend a lot, I would recommend coming here for cocktails and the rooftop experience, but going to Barcelona beforehand if you want a real dinner. read more

Maru - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Well it smells like hardcore STRONG fish right when you walk in so if that's a turn off for you steer clear but by time we got outside on the rooftop I either got use to it or couldn't smell it anymore. The drinks were good (especially the lychee martini, espresso martini, and dirty martini) but pretty expensive and it took a while to actually order a drink even though there were plenty of bartenders and it wasn't overly crowded. I feel like they finally realized we were ordering A LOT since we had about 10 of us and started paying us a little more attention since our bill was going to be high. There was at least one bartender that continuously did check in on us though. They had a dj that was playing great music definitely reading the room and the ambiance and views from the rooftop were overall wonderful! read more

Maru - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Such a fun time at Maru Rooftop! They served small dishes and have a nice bar and patio. We came later in the night around 9-10 and sat at the bar. It was likely, barely and seats open and everyone was standing on the patio. The view of bayshore was awesome! Live DJ and it was poppin! The drinks were hand crafted and amazing. Very flavorful and lots of options. The bartenders were fun and engaging. I will be back! read more

Beautiful rooftop bar. We went during happy hour and they had a great selection of cocktails for $10 and beers for $6. The cucumber gimlet was fresh and yummy and the pornstar martini as well. We got a bao which was delicious but $9 for a single even on happy hour. The view was beautiful and it was an awesome anniversary date read more

Maru - Bao - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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First time at Maru and I loved the rooftop view. The price point was a little high and the portions were small but they were a work of art. I really liked the infusion of traditional favorites like the Mai tai cocktail but with Asian flavors. Also all the fish dishes were fresh and delicious. Some flavor combinations I had never tried before. The staff were amazing and really welcomed us and made our time exactly what we wanted for friends double date night. read more

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High prices for mid drinks at best Went here with a fellow yelper as we wanted to try out a new hot spot a few weeks ago. Mixed reviews on here but wanted to get our own taste On a Saturday night there was a line out the door to get in, once we got to the front we found out it wasn't because it was so packed..it was because the elevator was out and you had to walk, up to the rooftop through a staircase....the poor ladies in heels I can only imagine how much worse it was on them! So now that your heart rate is up and now most likely sweating it's time to grab a table..was told 35 min or just stand somewhere. That's okay happy to take in the rooftop sights standing. We head to the bar to check out their signature drinks, they all didn't look appetizing so I went with an easy old fashioned with angels envy. Mine arrived watered down and my friend ordered off their signature menu wishing she didn't. She tried another, should have just gotten a manhattan she said! I really will try and find a silver lining but the ambiance was a bunch of trust fund kids yelling and carrying on like they were at the frat house. Security didn't see a reason to have them tone down even tho they were circling the outside of the bar. Maybe it's acceptable on this side of town. My suggestions would be at the very minimum to fix the elevator and work on your signature menu, if they can do that I'd visit again and maybe try on a week night for a new vibe. read more

Maru - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Beautiful restaurant, beautiful people, beautiful views - the sun sets over the highway, but it is just as stunning. Tampa has limited rooftops, so I'm grateful for this one so close home, too. We loved the music from the DJ, the service from the staff, drinks from the bartender, not so much the food from the kitchen. I had high expectations from the descriptions on the menu and presentation, but it wasn't my favorite meal. The late night vibe is great here with a younger but mature crowd. read more

Maru - Short rib bao bun tasted like a manwich, McRib - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Very cool rooftop location just off of BayShore Blvd. They are aiming for an ultra hip experience with beautiful views and beautiful servers in cocktail dresses. The area is a bit under construction and elevator is rickety (apparently scheduled for renovation soon). Use the complimentary valet parking - the garage is a little walk past very smelly garbage containers. Totally worth a tip to avoid that! The rooftop ambience and views are great and if you love raw fish (as I do) the food is well presented and delicious. I had the tuna ceviche and enjoyed it. My wife is not a fan of fish. So there weren't any options for her in the menu. However, there are plenty of options for mixed drinks, wine and beer. And she was quite happy with her champagne as I had my pisco sour. Overall it was a great experience. We plan to bring some guests later this week. read more

Maru - Pisco Sour and Tuna Ceviche with a little view. - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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I got the Lilac cocktail and it was beautiful and delicious. I love rooftop bars and Maru did not disappoint. The view of the buildings was different from other bars I've been to, but it created a very cozy atmosphere. Weather in Tampa was perfect for this night. read more

Maru - Lilac - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Phenomenal rooftop bar!!! Gorgeous view of bayshore and the water with beautifully designed greenery and lights to make it the perfect ambiance. The p. star pisco martini was AMAZING, an easy 10/10. Old fashioned hit the spot. Drinks are definitely on the $$ end but the view and vibes make it worth it. They have happy hour mon-thurs til 7 so will definitely be back to try some of the small plates! read more

Maru - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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What a great first impression for a grand opening! The view is impeccable, the food had a great presentation, and the drinks are pretty nifty! The lychee martini is my go to so far, as well as the puesta rosa (it's nonalcoholic, but I added tequila. Shhhh.) The ceviche classico is quite different from what I'm used to, but very tasty! The lobster roll was a hit with my table! The service is great, and i was checked on not just by my server, but by several managers as well! I wish this establishment all the best, and hope they stick around for a long time! read more

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The drinks were refreshing and the small plates delicious. We tried the maguro, short rib bao and crab dip. The apps came out quick. It was quiet for a Friday night and inside had a very intimate ambiance. Parking is validated for 3 hours. Also, the wind can pick up but it's a rooftop near the water so it's to be expected. We'd go again for sunset to enjoy the view and try the other menu selections. read more

Maru - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

As much as I've heard hype about this place, it was very mediocre to me. We went during their happy hour, and I will say that their prices for happy hour were affordable compared to normal. However, my drink was not good. I got a French 75, and this was probably the worst one I've had. The sparkling wine in it tasted flat, and it seemed like they just added lemon juice to it, no simple syrup. I'm not always looking for an overly sweet drink, but this almost tasted like they forgot an ingredient. On the plus side, the view is very pretty and service was above average. We sat on the side of the building looking out towards the bay, and the decor in the main patio section was very luscious and pretty. However, where we were sitting, it was just plain tables and no decor, which made it feel a little meh as well. Overall not mad I went but not wanting to go back either. read more

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Oh yeah. It's a vibe. A DJ, beautiful people. Seeing and being seen. The food- elite! It will cost u....but we only live once! read more

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Came here for drinks before going to dinner at a different spot. Really enjoyed the vibe and ambiance here. The bar tender was really quick and they offered solutions and options based on what we were craving. Nice service and attention to detail. read more

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Incredible views make the trip to Maru worth it. Mediocre tiny plates and expensive drinks make me shake my head. I've had small plates...these were tiny! read more

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So, I came in on opening weekend so my experience may be different once this place has been open for a while. We had a really great time at Maru. I expected it to be super busy, but it wasn't. I also expected it to be super pretentious given on opening night they would only give me a reservation (table for 2) with a 500$ minimum spend which was crazy. Regardless of that, I was excited to try this new rooftop nikkei. There establishment is kind of cozy in my opinion. The inside is a small space, but thoughtfully planned and most of the main space is the rooftop. Nestled away in the corner inside is the sushi counter where everything is made. I tried the popular drink which was the lychee martini with salt. That was ok. Then I tried the lime/mint mocktail, also just ok, and then I tried the Pisco and coconut water drink, also just ok. None of the drinks really wowed me, but they weren't bad. The food is where things get tricky because I have been to an authentic Nikkei in South/Central America and I eat Peruvian food all the time including their ceviche for example. This is why I am giving a 3 out of 5 stars because the food was mid and it wasn't what I would consider Peruvian/Japanese Nikkei. Peruvian food is by far some of the most flavorful food on the planet and this food was not it. I still like the restaurant though. I think the view is spectacular, but I also live here so I am a little biased. I think the vibes were great and I think that's probably what matters more to some people these days. Food wise the menu is heavily centered on caviar. We tried the tuna Toro Tamaki, the classic ceviche, a second crudo and maybe one other thing. All of it was about the same to me which would be on the lower end of flavor impact. Nonetheless, it's a great addition and I would recommend this place even if you go just once. Below are some things I also noted: There is no working phone number to reach them at the moment. There does not appear to be a reservation system outside of contacting them on social media (which I didn't do on opening day). Reservations may be available now though. Valet parking is complimentary according yo their IG, but you can easily park in the garage for free. The restaurant seems to keep a credit card tab open for food and drinks like bars do ( they did this when we dined in). We also had to specifically ask for an itemized receipt. The rooftop is about 80% uncovered and open to sunlight. It did not appear that the dress code was being informed as I saw men with shorts, sneakers, and women with jeans, flip flops and sandals on. I felt the menu items were fairly priced, we tried a lot of things and after tip we came in just a little over 100$. read more

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Maru definitely delivers on ambiance with a stylish and lively vibe that makes it a fun spot for a night out. The music is solid, the atmosphere is trendy, service is good and it's got the kind of rooftop energy that draws people in. That said, the drinks are grossly overpriced and honestly I can't justify $129 for 2 glasses of rose and 2 espresso martinis when they're just basic cocktails. Some would argue you're paying for the view of the Bay, but you only have the view if you're standing up looking at it, not while you're seated at the bar or in the outdoor space. If you're indoor, not sure what view you have. Either way, not justifiable and if I want to pay that much for a drink, I'll go to Jekyll because I'm getting a cocktail experience. read more

Maru Rooftop is exactly what Tampa's been missing. The views are unreal, the vibes are effortlessly chic, and honestly--there's nothing else in town that compares. We went on opening night and the experience was flawless from start to finish. Sat outside on a cozy couch, soaked in the skyline, and everything from the service to the food was on point. The lychee martini was a standout--pricey for Tampa, but worth the splurge. Food came out fresh and fast, and the servers were warm, attentive, and clearly proud to be part of something special. Maru is a total game-changer. read more

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I went on a Sunday with my wife; it was absolutely packed and had such a bad atmosphere that we actually felt unsafe. We left immediately because the vibe wasn't pleasant at all--there was an unpleasant smell of marijuana in the air. It's a classy establishment, so it really shouldn't have that kind of negative atmosphere or that smell of marijuana. read more

Beautifully designed, easy to find, lovely menu and terrific staff. Every part of our experience was wonderful and the food was so delicious. Definitely a must see. read more

Cute spot, can get really busy - but we went late on a cold night and it wasn't bad at all. Food is good and drinks are even better.

This rooftop bar pulls a straight Ybor City crowd--definitely not the vibe I expected. Very disappointing. You won't find many locals there. I was told to stay away, and now I get why. Drove by Sunday and there were cops out front. When's the last time you see that happening on Bayshore Boulevard? Not the establishment I support Update on my review : I heard they do this DJ thing on Sundays that drives the cops and extra security. It's not every day. Regardless - Be careful everyone read more

The ambiance of this place... chefs kiss!! We went on a Tuesday where there was live music, grabbed a cocktail and vibed out with the most outstanding views of Bayshore. Unfortunately didn't try any food since we just had dinner before coming here but my dessert cocktail was amazing, I got the monkey business which had chai and banana in there, really felt like a banana espresso martini! So yummy! Service was good and staff was super nice and inviting! I will be back on a weekday, I can't imagine how busy it gets on the weekends. read more

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Seven of us when up after work for some drinks, it was about 7pm. After the horrible elevator ride in a damaged lift, we walked in with no greeting by anyone, walked to the patio area and found some seating. Notes that all the empty tables which there was plenty had dirty glasses and plates, we cleared and moved them to another area. After A few minutes still no come to come greet us. We all walked out and on our way saw a woman sitting inside who asked why we were leaving and asked her if the bar is self service because no one acknowledged or came over, she just said sorry and thats it and kept talking to someone at the table she was at. Very weird. No wonder it was empty, pretty view, perhaps bring a flask and enjoy. read more

Excellent views. Both the Lychee martini and Tropic World cocktails were very delicious. They had a DJ on a Friday night. Lots of seating both inside and outside. Will definitely return the next time I'm visiting Tampa. read more

The servers were nice and did their best. Ordered an espresso martini, I didn't want simple syrup, server came back, she was kind and apologized but said their drinks were pre-made from a mix...So ordered a brut on the menu, came back, they don't have it. Ordered another one on the menu, came back, the same. But said they were available by the bottle. Friend ordered a paloma...also on the menu..they had to check if they had grapefruit juice. They did luckily. This was such an awkward experience, we won't be back. I'd skip this place. Maybe they're about to close. Every other place that has either been open like Counter Culture, and Barcelona are awesome...what a shame that this place is so awful. read more

Maru has no consideration for the neighborhood. Their outdoor DJ is blasting music in the night that can be heard inside homes with impact windows 4 blocks away. read more

Watered down drinks, poor service. Would not recommend. The sunset view is the only thing that makes it worth coming here.

This rooftop is the best possible place to go for a yummy appetizer and a delicious cocktail. Would highly recommend the ceviche and the lychee martinis! read more

First of all the elevator to get to this place feels like you're in a parking garage elevator in Harlem. Not exactly the nicest first impression. It's dirty and smells. The place wasn't particularly busy but it took us 20+ minutes each time we ordered a drink. The food was decent, we tried a few different options, none of which blew my mind enough that I can't wait to come back, but they were good enough. Overall pretty average experience here. I definitely had higher expectations. read more

Maru - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Chef Billy rocked it once again. The small bites are are absolutely amazing. The Food is fire !! Beautiful view, such a great staff, a lovely place for friends or special date. The evening and sunsets are divine. Just Go! read more

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Trendy ambience with good cocktails! Perfect spot for sunset drinks with friendly bartenders. Loved the dirty vodka martini! read more

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Took us an hour and a half from the time we were seated to get the drinks we initially ordered when we sat down. Additionally, the wine glass brought out was extremely dirty. Fair warning as well that the food- listed as small plates- took an hour to come out and for what you get, it is overpriced in my opinion. I recognize that it is new and therefore extremely busy, but our bill was not comped in any sort of way and nor were these issues properly addressed during the time we were waiting for food/drinks. read more

Maru - Japanese Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Super snotty kid who looked like he was 12 told us our IDs were "good fakes" then proceeded to let us inside. Either he wasn't doing his job and is okay letting in underage kids, or he just wanted to be a jerk to us and knew they were real. After that, we decided we would much rather spend our money elsewhere. We are from Texas visiting family here and we will absolutely never come back next time we are in town. read more

0/10 don't recommend. Our waitress was MIA for at least 30 mins after she dropped off our drinks never even came back around to see how we liked our drinks or if we wanted more. Had to go to the bar to ask the bartender if we could close out because we did not see her or any waitress for a while. He then sent her over to our table. Drinks were below average. They are trying really hard to be S tier but are failing with lack of service and quality cocktails. read more