New Eatery is All-You-Can Eat, But Don't Dare Call it a Buffet

Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi Eatery is an all-you-can-eat establishment, but don’t get it twisted: It is not a buffet. 

“We try to disassociate with that,” said General Manager Mark Planeta. “The key is that we are full-service. … We bring the food to you.”

The Asian restaurant opened its doors Aug. 10 in The Pointe at Tampa Palms retail plaza. Once a Panda Buffet, the 4,300-square-foot-plus space is outfitted with a sushi bar, traditional dining area and six hibachi tables. Planeta said the food is high-quality and the atmosphere pleasing. 

“We’re looking to keep it lively, vibrant, exciting,” he said. “We’re looking to get a nice, young crowd in the 20-50 age range.”

Dine-in prices are $8.95 for lunch and $17.95 for dinner, whether sitting at a hibachi table or in the dining room. Among the specialty sushi rolls is a “New Tampa Roll,” which features spicy tuna, escolar, seaweed salad, avocado, spicy mayonnaise and orange soy paper. Wine and beer are expected to join the bill of fare in the near future.

“We are a step above the competition,” Planeta said last week, adding locals are already becoming hooked on Koizi. “We’ve been open five days and we’ve had some people here three times.”

A Patch user named Tasha shared her Koizi experience.

“Had this place for lunch which consists of all you can eat hibachi, sushi, rolls and some other asian hot food items,” . “They bring the food to you!! Wonderful concept." 

Operating a new restaurant in today’s still-sluggish economy is not a concern, said Planeta, who has overseen restaurants at Saddlebrook, Don CeSar and in New York City.

“We offer good value, and it will appeal to a lot of our guests,” he said confidently.

Additional Information:

Address: 17012 Palm Pointe Drive, Tampa Palms
Phone: 813-971-1919 
Email: KoiziTampa@gmail.com
Hours: lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Having a party? Hibachi tables are available for up to 16 people.