Welcome back, Polk County.
Mike here.
We have covered tons of categories across The Best Food In Polk, but when I was going through them this week I was a little surprised that we haven't hit sushi a single time.
Actually, not only have we not covered the best sushi in Polk, Lakeland or Winter Haven, but we really haven't covered *any* Asian cuisine.
The closest we've come to sushi is covering the best seafood in Winter Haven. 
So don't be surprised if you see a couple different categories coming in the next few months.
But, without further ado:
The Best Sushi In Polk County.
And, as always, this isn’t just a list I’ve put together based on my own preferences…
This list was built from HUNDREDS of votes, from locals just like you.
Let’s go 
Special Author’s Note:
I added a few shoutouts in my personal recommendations below (after the full top ten) to give some love to a newer sushi spot, and an alternative location (in both Winter Haven & Lakeland).
First Place: Sushi Masa
The Best Sushi In Polk County, Florida
Sushi Masa — 5700 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Coming in as the top sushi spot in all of Polk County is Sushi Masa in Lakeland.
Sushi Masa was the most well-rounded sushi spot on the list, with people not only mentioning the quality of the food and service, but also the value and the fact that it has an all-you-can-eat option as well.
Tons of voters specifically mentioned:
- all-you-can-eat sushi
- value for the money
- large menu selection
- great service
Voters said things like:
- "Sushi Masa is the best!"
- "Sushi Masa hands down the best."
- "Great quality and great prices."
Whether you're looking for an AYCE sushi spot or just one of the best in town (with incredible food, amazing service and great value); Sushi Masa is the place to go.
Second Place: New Moon
The Second Best Sushi In Polk County, Florida
New Moon — 4231 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
Next up on the list of the best sushi places in Polk County is New Moon.
New Moon was right behind Sushi Masa in total votes and they stood out for voters specifically talking about the quality of the sushi.
Voters said things like:
- "New Moon has the best quality sushi in town, hands down!"
- "They have the freshest fish, hands down!"
- "New Moon is the best."
If you don't need an all-you-can-eat option and want a spot that is known for consistently having high quality sushi, New Moon is the place to be.
Third Place: Tsunami
The Third Best Sushi In Polk County, Florida
Tsunami — 5937 Cypress Gardens Blvd #300, Winter Haven
Tsunami Sushi comes in at number three among sushi spots in Polk County.
Tsunami is in Winter Haven, but stood out with many of the voters coming from all across the county, mentioning that they make the drive because it's so good.
Voters said things like:
- "Tsunami 100%."
- "Tsunami for sure!!"
- "Best I have ever had."
Tsunami may not have had the most votes, but it was definitely the frontrunner and clear winner in Winter Haven specifically.
Fourth Place: Fancy Q
The Fourth Best Sushi In Polk County, Florida
Fancy Q — 4304 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland
Fancy Q comes in at number four on our list.
It is important to note that Fancy Q does have two Lakeland locations, one north and one south; and voters didn't necessarily specify which one.
I don't necessarily consider that an unfair advantage, but it is important to make note of it just in case you do.
Voters said things like:
- "Fancy Q all day!!"
- "We love Fancy Q."
- "Fancy Q!!"
If you're looking for a great sushi spot that also has incredible Thai food (and casual dining), Fancy Q is the place for you.
Fifth Place: Sakura
The Fifth Best Sushi In Polk County, Florida
Sakura — 787 3rd St SW, Winter Haven
Sakura earns our final spot in the top five for the best sushi in Polk.
This is mine and Katie's personal favorite, and a spot we love for both hibachi and sushi.
We were surprised when it didn't take the top spot (at least for Winter Haven), but noticed it's not necessarily always viewed specifically for sushi being that it also excels at hibachi and classifies as a steak house as well.
That said, we love Sakura's Happy Hour and Thursday special menu.
Voters said things like:
- "Sakura, without a doubt!!!"
- "Sakura Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar."
- "Sakura in Winter Haven has the best sushi imo."
If you're in the mood for sushi and/or hibachi, or you're a Winter Haven local that wants close to an all-you-can-eat experience [with the Thursday special menu], do yourself a favor and hit up Sakura.
Other Great Sushi Spots In Polk County, Florida
If you’re anything like me, you want to try all the best sushi spots in Polk County, Florida so you can be the judge for yourself.
So here are the rest of the top ten sushi spots in Polk County, Florida (in order 6-10):
- #6 — Gosh!
- #7 — Tsukiyomi
- #8 — Wakame
- #9 — Thai Oishi
- #10 — Royal Asian Fusion
Which gives us the full top 10 sushi spots in Polk.
And brings us to the moment you’ve all been waiting for…
My personal opinion (that no one asked for 
).
Here are my top sushi shops:
- Sakura
- Wakame
- ATO / Zukko
- Saving This Spot
I normally reserve my third spot and only give my top two until I'm able to try all the spots on the list, but this time around I wanted to actually give two different shoutout.
Wakame is a fairly new sushi spot in Auburndale, a bit outside the scope of where a lot of Polk locals would be heading (so between being new and northern Auburndale, it had a hard time making it into the top 5 of the polls), but we have ate there a lot and LOVE it.
I also wanted to add ATO and Zukko from Bowen Yard and Joinery, which are two of my favorite spots to grab a poke bowl.
THANKS!
Thanks for reading this edition of The Polk Squeeze today.
Share this with a friend who's been looking for the best sushi in Polk County.
- Mike Romaine
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