Rollboto Sushi

Editor's pick

221 First St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

(727) 487-2681

Categories: Restaurant, Top restaurant

Cuisine: Casual Dining, Sushi

Features: Takeout, Top restaurant

Cost range: 1.0-10.0

Payment options: Credit cards accepted

Alcohol: Beer and wine only

More in this neighborhood: Downtown St. Petersburg

It was the year of the robot. Robot Restaurant opened in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with a robot cabaret of four giant fembots manned by scantily clad women staging mock battles, and this on the heels of Japanese ramen noodle houses staffed by robotic chefs and Chinese restaurants with robot servers. St. Pete didn't get giant fembots, but it did get the AUTEC Maki Master. Max Silavutiset, Hoa Ly and Crystal Nguyen started a little order-at-the-counter sushi bar aided and abetted by an automated sushi roller. With bins of sliced fish, smelt roe, texture bits like sesame seeds and tempura chips, and sauces, you conjure up your dream roll, the counter worker assembles it and the robot rolls and slices. Rollbotto has a casual industrial chic that makes it a gathering spot for young folks, with a price point that keeps even the more ambitious rolls, all generously portioned, easy on the wallet. Prices range from $6.50-$9.95.

This is part of Times Food Critic Laura Reiley's 25 Top Affordable Restaurants in Tampa Bay.

Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Thur., 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Fri.-Sat., noon-11 p.m. Sun.