Tsunami Annapolis: A Vibrant Hub for Sushi, Cocktails, and Asian Fusion in Maryland

Tsunami Introduce

For those in Annapolis, Maryland, seeking a vibrant and dynamic dining experience that blends exquisite Japanese flavors with an energetic atmosphere, Tsunami stands as a premier destination. More than just a sushi restaurant, Tsunami is an Asian fusion cocktail bar that invites patrons to immerse themselves in a lively ambiance while savoring fresh, creative dishes and expertly crafted drinks. From a quick bite after work to a full night of dinner and dancing, Tsunami has carved out a unique niche on West Street, making it a go-to spot for locals looking for a memorable outing. Let's dive into what makes Tsunami an exciting addition to Annapolis's culinary landscape.

Location and Accessibility

Tsunami is strategically located at 51 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA. This prime address places it right in the heart of Annapolis's vibrant Arts & Entertainment District on West Street. This area is known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues, making Tsunami easily accessible for both local residents and visitors exploring the historic city. While parking in downtown Annapolis can sometimes be a consideration, Tsunami's location on West Street generally offers various parking options nearby, including garages and street parking, facilitating convenient access for diners. Its central position also ensures it's a short walk or ride from many of Annapolis's attractions, perfect for those enjoying a full evening out.

Services Offered

Tsunami prides itself on offering a dynamic and diverse range of services, catering to various dining and social preferences:

Dine-In Experience: Tsunami offers a modern, intimate, and lively atmosphere, making it ideal for a vibrant night out. It features a large bar area that is perfect for enjoying drinks and quick bites, as well as dining tables for a more traditional meal.
Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: While known for its fusion aspect, sushi is a significant part of Tsunami's appeal. They offer a selection of fresh sushi rolls, including popular items like "Tsunami Rolls." The menu also features traditional and unique rolls, providing options for all sushi lovers.
Asian Fusion Cuisine: Beyond sushi, Tsunami offers a broad Asian fusion menu with chef-prepared steaks, seafood, and a variety of creative dishes. Highlights include:
- Appetizers: Edamame (Chili Oil & Garlic or Basil & Old Bay), Bibb Taco (blackened shrimp), Shrimp & Scallop Pot Stickers, Mussels (red curry), and Wagyu Beef Sliders.
- Main Entrees: Miso Glazed Sea Bass, Pan Seared Sesame Salmon, Lemongrass Sous Vide Fried Chicken, Szechuan Pepper Seared Duck, New York Strip, Wok Seared Beef Tenderloin, and Hickory Smoked Pork Belly.
- Soups & Salads: Coconut Curry Soup, Ramen, Avocado Salad, Bibb Salad, and Wedge Salad.
- Noodles & Sides: Chilled Soba Noodles, Spicy Potato Chips, Sautéed Garlic Sake Asparagus, and Hand Cut French Fries.
Full Bar & Craft Cocktails: Tsunami is well-regarded as an Asian fusion cocktail bar. Their skilled bartenders, like John and Josh, are praised for making "excellent Long Island Iced Tea's" and other creative drinks, making it a great spot for happy hour or a nightcap.
Late-Night Dining & Drinks: With hours extending until 1:30 AM most nights, Tsunami caters to the late-night crowd, offering both food and drinks in a lively setting.
Outdoor Seating: During favorable weather, Tsunami offers outdoor seating, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals and drinks al fresco on West Street.
Takeout Service: Customers can order their favorite dishes for takeout, providing a convenient option for enjoying Tsunami's cuisine at home.
Delivery Services: While direct partnerships are not explicitly detailed, restaurants in Annapolis often utilize third-party delivery platforms, allowing for a wider reach for their culinary offerings.
Accommodations for Dietary Needs: Tsunami is known to offer vegan and vegetarian options, with some clearly marked on the menu and others potentially adaptable upon request, demonstrating an effort to cater to diverse dietary preferences.

Features / Highlights

Tsunami in Annapolis stands out for several key features and highlights that contribute to its unique appeal:

Vibrant and Lively Atmosphere: The restaurant is known for its energetic ambiance, making it a popular spot for a fun night out. It's described as "trendy, intimate, and lively," creating a memorable experience that can even inspire dancing.
Creative Cocktails: Bartenders are praised for their skill in mixing "excellent" and "strong" cocktails, making the bar a significant draw for patrons.
Diverse Asian Fusion Menu: Tsunami offers a broad and creative menu that extends beyond typical sushi, incorporating various Asian influences with dishes like Miso Glazed Sea Bass, Szechuan Pepper Seared Duck, and Wagyu Beef Sliders.
Fresh and Flavorful Food: While specific sushi rolls might have mixed reviews, the overall food quality is often commended for being fresh and flavorful. Dishes like "Tsunami Rolls" and fries are noted as "great."
Convenient Downtown Location: Situated on West Street, it's a central and easily accessible spot in Annapolis, perfect for those enjoying the city's nightlife and arts scene.
Late-Night Hours: The extended operating hours cater to those looking for a dining and drinking establishment that stays open later than many other local spots.
Attentive Service (Generally): While there have been inconsistencies with billing, overall service for drinks and food delivery is generally described as attentive.
Outdoor Seating: The option for outdoor dining provides an enjoyable experience during pleasant weather, allowing guests to soak in the West Street atmosphere.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options: The menu's inclusion of clearly marked vegan and vegetarian dishes, and the possibility of adapting other items, is a significant plus for plant-based diners.

Promotions or Special Offers

Tsunami in Annapolis offers various promotions and specials that enhance the dining and social experience. Locals should keep an eye out for:

Happy Hour Specials: Tsunami offers a popular happy hour from Monday to Friday, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers.
Half-Price Wine Bottles on Mondays: A notable promotion mentioned by a reviewer is "half-price wine bottles on Mondays," which can make for an attractive start to the week.
Dinner Under the Stars Participation: Tsunami is a participating restaurant in Annapolis's "Dinner Under the Stars" event on Inner West Street, offering a unique outdoor dining experience on select evenings during warmer months. This event often features special menus or offers.
Seasonal or Event-Based Promotions: Like many establishments, Tsunami may offer special promotions tied to holidays, local events, or new menu introductions. It's always a good idea to check their website or social media.

For the most current information on any ongoing promotions or special offers, customers are encouraged to visit Tsunami's official website or inquire directly with the restaurant.

Contact Information

To make a reservation, inquire about their menu, or for any other questions, you can easily reach Tsunami:

Address: 51 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
Phone: (410) 990-9868
Mobile Phone: +1 410-990-9868
Email: info@tsunamiannapolis.com (as found on VisitAnnapolis.org)

Tsunami's official website (tsunamiannapolis.com) provides further details on their menu, hours, and ambiance. General operating hours are: Monday-Friday: 4:30 PM - 1:30 AM; Saturday-Sunday: 5:30 PM - 1:30 AM. (It's always advisable to confirm hours, especially on holidays or for special events).

Conclusion: Why Tsunami is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Annapolis and the broader Maryland region, Tsunami offers a distinct and compelling dining and social experience that goes beyond typical Japanese restaurants. Its prime location on West Street, coupled with a lively atmosphere, creative cocktails, and a diverse Asian fusion menu, makes it a highly suitable choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you're seeking fresh sushi, innovative cooked dishes, or simply a vibrant place to enjoy drinks with friends, Tsunami delivers a unique blend of culinary enjoyment and social energy.

While some patrons have noted inconsistencies regarding automatic gratuity, the overall feedback highlights the positive aspects: excellent drinks, flavorful food, and a dynamic environment that encourages a good time. Its late-night hours also cater to those looking for a vibrant spot to extend their evening. For Maryland locals eager to explore a trendy restaurant that combines delicious Japanese and Asian fusion cuisine with a lively bar scene and a welcoming ambiance, Tsunami in Annapolis is a highly recommended destination that promises an engaging and enjoyable experience time and again.

Tsunami Photos

Tsunami Location

Tsunami

Maryland Anne Arundel County Annapolis West Street

51 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA

Tsunami Reviews

I enjoyed my entire time. John and Josh made some excellentLong Island Iced Tea's. So good that I was forced to get up and dance. I had the Tsunami Rolls and the French Fries. Both great.The atmosphere this night heavily influenced my Drawing. Will return.
Apr 29, 2025 · TekoLS
I've been to Tsunami a few times now and this time I came with 2 friends (one who is a regular). When I got the check, I was surprised to see 20% gratuity automatically added on. My friend asked why this is when the policy on the menu states 20% is added for groups of 5 or more and we are only party of 3. The server replied for bills over $200 the tip is automatic.Has this happen to anyone else? I honestly have never experience this at any establishment before. I asked my other friends who frequent Tsunami and they say they have not experience this. I see another reviewer who also got a 15% tip added to their bill. There is no consistency nor transparency.
Apr 18, 2025 · taste_my_way
Review from 9/20/23While not a very traditional sushi place, it still has great food and a nice ambience. Outdoor seating was great at the time and our waitress Ms. Becca was wonderful.Miso soup was pleasant and filling. The edamame was, well, edamame, but nonetheless a good opener. Avocado salad was a little dry and uninspiring, but the flavor was decent, especially in tandem with the pine nuts.The star of the appetizers, however, was definitely the yomato's tofu, which is always my friends and families' go-to. It's a little sweet, very crispy on the outside, with the savory taste of bonito flakes and soy wrapping the dish together; it's very filling and shareable as well, and definitely my biggest suggestion.We tried the Kamikaze, Metropolitan, and Miami rolls. Of them, the Kamikaze was just fine; however, we enjoyed the Miami rolls and the Metropolitan was our favorite.
Dec 13, 2024 · Shyen TM
The patio is dog friendly so it’s always nice to come here and sit outside for drinks and sushi, happy hour is from 4-6 pm on weekdays and they have a special on drafts and wine but not food unfortunately. However the prices are reasonable and the quality of the fish is very good and fresh. The fried rice is also delicious and a big portion. Throughout the summer they are doing live music on Wednesday and Saturday so the whole street is closed for outdoor seating and it’s lovely.
Aug 11, 2023 · Stegramedia
I went to this “Japanese restaurant” for a quick meal after work. I had to go back to work in a couple of hours, so I just wanted a peaceful, relaxing meal as I was VERY tired and hungry.I just wanted noodles and a broth of some kind. So, I ordered their “tsukemen”. I looked at the menu and saw a surcharge for meat, which I thought was odd because tsukemen isn’t served with beef, chicken, or shrimp. It’s basically a plate of room temperature noodles that you dip into a hot rich broth or dipping sauce (in a separate bowl). But I just thought the proteins listed were the ingredients used as the base of their broth, so I order the chicken one and wait.When I got the dish I asked where the second bowl for the broth was and the bartender said “what broth?” To which I replied “the broth for the tsukemen….the dish requires a second bowl to dip the noodles in…also, why is everything together in one dish?” He just said “this is how we do tsukemen.”I was actually very mad because why would you put the name of a dish on your menu, and then do nothing that makes the dish unique and serve it? It’s not tsukemen if you don’t dip the noodles. I got served a single bowl of oily noodles with a few pieces of charred chicken and steamed broccoli, and an egg on top. It was cold, I wanted a hot soup.So then I ordered the udon which is supposed to have a broth. Not yaki udon, I ordered their udon. Ugh, they gave me the same flipping thing. Sticky room temp noodles with the egg, same pieces of chicken, same pieces of broccoli and no broth? I asked for a broth to make it a soup and they said they could get me a bowl of broth. Omg….it was literally just warmed up chicken stock. I was so upset. Everything had one taste together: butter. There was no other flavor except the taste of oil and butter in the udon. Even the egg tasted like butter.I was so hungry, and tired and I went to this loud place where they were blasting hip hop/pop/rock music, where the staff wore short skirts and were partying at the bar (which is fine if you’re into that kind of vibe). I should have known something was off when I didn’t see a sushi chef at a counter preparing food, but instead a girl on her phone when I walked in, ignoring me, and then when I asked for a table she said “for one person?!?” (So I just said I’d sit at the bar). This place is NOT a traditional Japanese restaurant. It appeals to a certain type of crowd who doesn’t want to sit quietly and enjoy their meal.I just paid and left, then went to an actual Japanese restaurant about 6min away walking distance, and ate there. It’s funny though because as I was eating at the new restaurant a girl who worked at Tsunami came and ordered from the restaurant I ended up going to. I knew this because 1) it was quiet enough that you could actually have a decent conversation with your dining guest, and 2) she knew the waiter there and said she was working at Tsunami now. Funny how you now work in a “Japanese restaurant”, but come to a traditional one and order food from there.Anyway, I won’t be returning back there ever again. If you want good Japanese food and don’t want to be bombarded by loud music and served by indifferent waitstaff who don’t know why things are the way they are, don’t go there. Go somewhere else
Oct 27, 2024 · Dee