Wagamama, the iconic restaurant brand offering modern Asian cuisine, is entering new markets with its first ever Florida location on Tampa’s famed Water Street. Translated as  ‘naughty child’, the full-service and high-energy dining concept is inspired by fast paced Japanese ramen bars and showcases a fresh take on Asian plates. A signature variety of noodle dishes, ramens, shareables and craft cocktails marries a vibrant, social  dining experience to serve the live-work-play district at all times of day.  

“It is with great excitement that we announce Wagamama’s opening in Tampa and  our first location in Florida,” says Richard Flaherty, CEO of Wagamama USA. “We look  forward to welcoming guests into Wagamama Tampa and offering a varied modern  Asian menu that appeals to the modern consumer.” 

POSITIVE EATING FOR POSITIVE LIVING 

The restaurant seeks to inspire people to get more out of life by ‘eating positively’, and prides itself in delicious food, arriving hot and ready-to-eat, in an energetic, egalitarian  setting that “breaks the rules” of mainstream dining. The concept encourages guests to sit together at communal tables or private booths to enjoy innovative dishes and  signature craft cocktails that are presented to guests “hot off the wok” to maximize enjoyment. Ideal for a quick, but unhurried lunch or a more leisurely dinner with family,  friends or beloveds, the “place-to-be” restaurant also features an outdoor patio for  gatherings large and small. 

FULL-SERVICE DINING IN A HIGH-ENERGY ENVIRONMENT 

The complete-service dining space offers fresh, flavorful dishes, appealing to everyone and served in a playful environment, where food is cooked to order and served straight  from wok to table ─ no waiting involved. Wagamama delivers whimsical hospitality and  familiarity via seasonal flavors and whole ingredients manipulated by modern methods.  Specially made noodle dishes, signature ramens, fresh juices and craft cocktails bring 

locals and visitors alike under one high-spirited roof. Guests can enjoy mouthwatering  dishes including the Spicy Salmon Teriyaki, Duck Lettuce Wraps, and Chicken Katsu Curry and sip libations such as the Thai Chili Margarita, Southside Tokyo or Kabira Bay. 

Menu highlights also include: 

Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen – Korean beef brisket served on top of noodles  with half a tea-stained egg, menma, kimchi, scallions, cilantro and bok choy  in a rich chicken broth 

Pork Belly + Panko Apple Bao – fluffy Asian bao buns with pork and panko  apple 

Avant Gard’n (vg) – a collaborative dish with Gaz Oakley showcases  Wagamama’s approach to vegan-barbecue-glazed seitan is served with a  coconut and Sriracha vegan “egg,” grilled shiitake mushrooms and  asparagus 

Banana Katsu – banana in panko breadcrumbs with caramel sauce and a  scoop of salted caramel ice cream 

Wagamama Tampa is open for lunch and dinner daily from 11a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday  through Thursday, and 11a.m. until 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturdays. 

Chain Restaurants, Industry News, Wagamama