Safe Pours for a Hibachi Night Out
West Ocala · Ocala · Sushi / Japanese Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 16, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Tony's is short, familiar, and exactly what you'd expect from a casual hibachi spot in Ocala — it's not trying to impress you, and it doesn't. What it does do is keep prices honest, with bottles topping out around $60 and glasses starting at $8, which is more than we can say for a lot of sushi joints charging $16 for a pour of Kim Crawford.
Ten to twenty labels doesn't leave much room for adventure, and Tony's leans hard into the grocery store hits — Meiomi, Kim Crawford, Kung Fu Girl. The region focus is California, Washington, and New Zealand, so don't come here hunting for Grüner Veltliner or Chablis. That said, the picks aren't random; they're crowd-tested wines that actually work with sushi and hibachi, even if the list reads like a grocery store endcap. There are no real gaps to nitpick because there's no real depth to begin with — this is a utilitarian wine program, full stop.
Four to eight pours by the glass is a reasonable spread for a restaurant of this size and format. The options we can confirm — Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Meiomi Pinot Noir — are smart BTG plays for Japanese food, even if they're not exactly thrilling. Don't expect rotation or seasonal additions; what's on the list today is almost certainly what's been on the list for two years.
Kung Fu Girl Riesling — $8/glass
Off-dry Washington Riesling at this price point is genuinely the right call with spicy tuna rolls or hibachi shrimp. Charles Smith's Kung Fu Girl is a well-made, food-friendly wine, and at $8 a glass it's hard to argue with the math.
Kung Fu Girl Riesling
Most people at a sushi steakhouse reach for the Pinot or the Sauv Blanc out of habit. The Riesling is the move — the residual sweetness tames heat, the acidity cuts through fried tempura, and most tables walk right past it.
Meiomi Pinot Noir
Meiomi is fine, but it's a $14 retail bottle and it doesn't belong at a sushi table. The sweetness clashes with soy-forward flavors, and you're essentially paying restaurant markup on something designed for mass appeal, not Japanese cuisine. Stick to white or skip wine entirely and get sake.
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc + Tempura
Kim Crawford's bright citrus and grassy snap cut right through the oil in a tempura batter, and the clean finish resets your palate between bites. It's a simple combination that actually works, and at this price you won't think twice about ordering a second glass.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Tony's wine list isn't going to make anyone's destination list, but the pricing is fair, the BTG picks are strategically sound for the food, and it doesn't embarrass itself. If you're here for the hibachi, you'll be fine — just aim for the Riesling and leave the Pinot Noir alone.
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Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
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Small but Thoughtful
Steal
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Seasonal Rotation
Acceptable
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Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.