Jotoro Kitchen & Tequila Bar describes itself as a friendly neighborhood taco joint that happens to have a Michelin-starred chef. That pretty much sums it up! Located in Sparkman Wharf close to Water Street, the Mexican eatery takes up a corner spot where Hooters once served their wings.

Michelin-starred chef Joe Isidori is an international restauranteur and cookbook author. His expertise shows not only in the quality of the food but also its presentation. Dishes are served on platters with brightly colored paper or on plates with a Mexican inspired theme. The interior of the restaurant also looks high-end, with dark wood tones accented by nice pops of pastel colors.

To kick things off, start with a platter of Corn Chicken Nachos. It’s a mound of house-fried tortilla chips, loaded with chicken, elote, queso, pickled red onion, chipotle mayo, shaved radish, jalapeno, cotija, and jack cheeses. They had me at elote (Mexican street corn), but wowed me with everything else!

I am a fish taco connoisseur so seeing the Crispy Fish Tacos on the menu got my attention. They serve two large tacos, coated in tempura batter, cooked to a golden brown and topped with chipotle mayo, pickled red onion & buttermilk dill dressing. Guests have the option of choosing white corn tortillas or a bed of rice and beans for all of their house tacos. Wow!

Jotoro’s monster Hangover Burrito is a work of art. It is a giant burrito rolled in a fresh flour tortilla, with scrambled eggs, chopped bacon, crispy potatoes, jack cheese, peppers, onions, pico, queso, hot sauce, crema & cilantro. It’s almost guaranteed to cure what ails you or at least make you forget about the effects of a hangover because you will be so stuffed after you eat it. Again, diners have the option to hold the tortilla and just get these ingredients as a delicious bowl.

The house Hangover Burrito is sizable. Bring your appetite along with your hangover!

When I go back, I’d like to try the Blackened Thai Shrimp Salad, served with charred watermelon, feta cheese, roasted tomato, avocado, Thai basil & cilantro with Thai chili lime dressing.

Jotoro’s Taco Salad-tex-mex ground beef, spicy Borracho beans, pico, crema, salsa & cilantro in a crispy tortilla shell is a feast for the eyes and mouth.

Drinks here are elevated as well. They offer a full complement of tequila brands (check their signature flight menu) and craft cocktails with a Mexican twist. Margaritas are a specialty, also offered in flights (three glass samplers). They offer a decent beer and wine list as well.

Fast and Furious Flight- Mi Casa, The Bull and Prickly Pear margaritas

Service is friendly and attentive, and prices are moderate given that they are located in Channelside. Parking can be a challenge on busy nights, but the Teco Line Streetcar stops just outside of the restaurant, making it an easy commute from Ybor or other locations.

For dessert try Sopapilla and an Espresso Martini

Jotoro is located in Sparkman Wharf, in the heart of the Channelside district.

https://www.jotoro.com/

Jotoro Kitchen & Tequila Bar- It should be on your list

Jerk Hut Jamaican Restaurant Express- Fill 'er up!

Elegance at the Azure restaurant in the Edition Hotel