Hai Noon
The man in charge of this laid-back, dimly lit bar-cum-restaurant is none other than 2007 James Beard Award winner Nobuo Fukuda, back on the scene with his celebrated brand of modernistic Japanese cuisine after a two-year hiatus. Embedded in Old Town’s The Monarch Hotel, he’s conjured a tapas-style menu that’s effortlessly modern and remarkably affordable. Graze on baked eggplant with bacon miso or a softshell crab sandwich on stellar house-made focaccia while drinking premium sake, fine wine or Japanese-inspired cocktails.
$$
7017 E. McDowell Rd.
480-306-4023, hainoonaz.com
About this guide
The restaurants listed are noteworthy and randomly selected from our rotating master list. We suggest that you confirm information, and we solicit your help in correcting any errors in the guide. We also ask readers to send us complaints in writing when one of the listed restaurants fails to meet expectations. Please note that, unless otherwise indicated, the listed restaurants offer free parking and recommend reservations for peak hours and large groups. Price categories reflect average dinner entrée prices; drinks, tax and tip are extra.
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$$=$11-$15
$$$=$16-$25
$$$$=$26 and over
Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini Bar
Panels of multi-colored glass dominate the décor at this small, exclusive sushi bar. The hip menu features sushi rolls filled with surprising ingredients like seared beef, mango and Fritos.
$$-$$$
2080 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert
480-722-9250, bluewasabisushi.com
Bluewater Grill
Surf’s up at this relaxed seafood restaurant with a daily-changing menu featuring more than 40 varieties of fresh seafood and shellfish annually. Check out the oyster bar, intimate patio, and sushi bar. Fresh seasonal seafood is also sold by the poundp for takeaway.
$$-$$$
1525 E. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix
602-277-3474, bluewatergrill.com
Clever Koi
Creative, non-traditional takes on Asian-inspired fare in a contemporary, energetic atmosphere. Come for barman Joshua James’ thoughtful cocktails, crafted with house-made ingredients and South Pacific flair; stay for the kimchi carbonara, chicken katsu sandwich or big bowls of duck ramen. Other location: Gilbert (480-306-4237).
$$
4236 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-222-3474, thecleverkoi.com
Daruma
This unassuming charmer offers a big bang for the buck, turning out noodle dishes, classic entrées and traditional sushi standards as well as edgier selections such as tuna carpaccio with creamy onion sauce and a California roll with poke on top.
$-$$
1116 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa
480-590-7979, darumabyrie.com
El Tataki Sushi Fusion
Set in a vast, corporate-park-ish restaurant space, El Tataki offers no shortage of cream-cheese-stuffed maki rolls, plus a selection of ceviche-like aguachile, various Benihana-style fried rice dishes and a legitimately great calamari tempura.
$$
1410 E. Southern Ave., Tempe
480-912-3009, eltatakisushi.com
Hana Japanese Eatery
This beloved sushi restaurant captures the hearts, minds and bellies of locals who appreciate the warmth of the staff, the freshness of the fish and chef Lori Hashimoto’s inventive chalkboard menu. Expect bento, noodles, tempura, exotic vegetables and teppan-style meats and seafood.
$-$$$
5524 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix
602-973-1238, hanajapaneseeatery.com
JINYA Ramen Bar
Jinya travels from Southern California to Uptown Phoenix. Ramen bowls available for purchase include the “black” tonkotsu ramen with meaty wood ear mushrooms, fork-tender chashu (braised pork belly), and a spritz of lusty black garlic oil.
$$
5120 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-612-3796, jinyaramenbar.com
Kasai Japanese Steakhouse
The Asian-inspired hot spot offers dozens of sashimi and sushi rolls, terrific teppanyaki and plenty of Pacific Rim dishes. Highlights include panko-crusted sea bass and Mongolian glazed lamb chops.
$$-$$$
14344 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-607-1114, kasaiteppan.com
Kembara
This lovely resort restaurant – which turns out elevated interpretations of the street foods of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan – transports you to Asia, first via the décor and then the food. Standouts include the Tuna Thai Jewel, lamb spring rolls, chilli crab and Vietnamese coffee doughnuts.
$$-$$$
5350 E. Marriott Dr. (JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa), Phoenix
480-293-5000, kembaradesertridge.com
Kyoto Scottsdale
By 6 p.m. most nights, this sushi bar and teppanyaki restaurant is slammed with 20-somethings, who party their way through dinner before hitting the clubs. High turnover equals fresh fish.
$$
7170 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale
480-990-9374, kyotoscottsdale.com
Mensho Ramen
Reservations are not accepted, and it’s not uncommon to have to wait in line for a crack at this artisanal (and pretty fabulous) ramen. Just do it. The menu changes seasonally, but look for signature tori paitan, duck-matcha ramen and a sauceless, truffle-scented dish of noodles containing A5 Wagyu.
$$$-$$$$
805 N. Dobson Rd., Mesa
480-257-3021, mensho.com
Mikado
Except for the imaginative maki-zushi, there’s nothing trendy about this cozy neighborhood Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, which offers oshibori and old-school hospitality. Good tempura and udon.
$-$$
3125 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler
480-726-0255, mikadosushiaz.com
Icho Izakaya
This tiny, spartanly furnished izakaya reminds us never to judge books by their covers, turning out great sushi and Japanese food at affordable prices. You’ll find seabream, kanpachi and a handful of high-end sashimi specialties here, as well as memorable dishes from chef-owner Shaun Chen’s native Taiwan.
$-$$
1911 W. Broadway Rd., Mesa
480-828-3428, ichoizakayasushigrill.com
MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya
Cocktails are a highlight at this Downtown izakaya, so the best bet is dropping in for happy hour, when they’re offered at a discount, along with pork belly bao buns and other Japanese snacks.
$-$$
15 E. Monroe St. (Hilton Garden Inn), Phoenix
480-868-7981
Obon Bisutoro
Set in a glassy, enveloping, multi-dimensional space full of walnut paneling and a botanist’s bounty in greenery, the third Valley iteration of Tucson-based Obon focuses on Asian cocktails and robata grilling.
$$-$$$
2502 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
602-560-0033, obonsushi.com
Palma
This beachy, Japanese-inspired gastro-lounge offers a dozen sushi selections alongside karaage-style fried chicken and sundry shareable food.
$-$$
903 N. Second St.
602-580-0000, palmaphx.com
PURE Sushi Bar & Dining
Although it’s attractive by day, PURE is a glowing fairyland by night, a huge draw for the beautiful people who inhabit the place. Try specialty rolls, sashimi or sea bass with lemongrass, soy and sweet miso.
$$-$$$
20567 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
480-355-0999, puresushibar.com
Pyro
Emulating the straight-lined elegance of Japanese design, this swank Japanese-American bistro is plush and cozy, offering craft cocktails, a good wine selection and lots of luxurious extras.
$$-$$$
4300 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
602-755-0049, pyrophx.com
Ramen Kagawa
The digs are plain, but the Japanese food is the real deal, specializing in excellent ramen and a handful of classic yoshoku dishes.
$$
111 W. Monroe St., Phoenix
602-675-0833, ramenkagawa.com
Ra Sushi
Although these sexy-looking sushi bars possess traditional Japanese design elements, their menus and outlook are strictly modern. Besides sushi, there’s a full menu of Japanese-inspired dishes.
$$$
3815 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-990-9256, rasushi.com
Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey
This cozy, Scandinavian-designed Japanese restaurant and sushi bar is a great place for hanging out over premium Japanese spirits, including a great selection of Japanese whiskies. The large menu leans toward sushi bar standards (nigiri, rolls, and the like) but also features more exotic options such as duck liver mousse and octopus carpaccio, much of it pricy.
$$-$$$
4232 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix
602-795-9463, sandfishsushiwhiskey.com
Shimogamo
Traditionalists and iconoclasts will both be happy at this serenely elegant Japanese restaurant, which offers everything from saikyo-yaki and chirashi-zushi to seafood wonton wraps and portobello beef rolls.
$$-$$$$
2051 W. Warner Rd, Chandler
480-899-7191, shimogamoaz.com
ShinBay
You’ll need an open mind and some serious cash to partake in spectacular omakase, a mind-blowing, multi-course roller coaster of virtuoso Japanese cuisine, manifested in at least two dozen mostly classical preparations of seafood and exotic vegetables. There is no menu – you have to trust the chef to serve you something delicious. And trust us: He will.
$$$$
3720 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-361-1021, shin-bay.com
Sekai Sushi
One of the best sushi bars in the East Valley, this friendly place offers plenty of traditional Japanese dishes as well.
$$-$$$
1017 S. Gilbert Rd., Mesa
480-545-8131, sekaisushi.net
Sushi Brokers
Loud music and theatrical sushi chefs make this clean-lined restaurant a blast. Lots of Japanese hot foods, too, but don’t miss the sushi. Save room for banana-nut spring rolls.
$$-$$$
17025 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-515-5000, sushibrokers.com
Sushi Ko
Enjoy modern Japanese dishes including katsu curry and Chilean sea bass with mushroom sauce. Don’t pass up more traditional selections, such as sukiyaki and shabu-shabu.
$$
9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale
480-860-2960, sushikoscottsdale.com
Sushi Michi
Who doesn’t love a neighborhood sushi joint? And who doesn’t love chicken karaage, here done ultra-crispy and juicy with a spritz of lemon? The mostly orthodox menu also includes vegetable tempura and a squid salad, plus a sturdy, fairly priced sushi list with firm snapper nigiri and a 6-piece escolar sashimi spread.
$-$$
6025 N. 16th St., Phoenix
602-237-5654
Sushi Nakano
This traditional, low-key sushi bar and Japanese restaurant offers so much more than dumbed-down sushi bar clichés. Expect wiggling-fresh fish (which is to say, great sashimi) and excellent nigiri from chef-owner Leo Nakano and crew. Look to the chalkboard for daily fish and seafood specials, and cool innovations like raijin – a deep-fried rice patty stacked with spicy tuna, avocado, jalapeño and garlic chips.
$-$$
4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix
602-603-2129, sushinakano.com
Three Thirty Three Restaurant
For an over-the-top night you won’t forget, check out this extravagantly designed, Vegas-style pan-Asian steakhouse, specializing in Wagyu steaks and other luxury items such as lobster and caviar. Choose wisely (there are a handful of dishes priced between $18 and $38) or prepare to pay an arm and a leg. Whipped edamame dip is a modestly priced standout.
$$$$
430 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe
480-590-7215, threethirtythreerestaurants.com
Uchi Japanese
James Beard Award winner Tyson Cole brings his famous Austin-based Japanese restaurant to Old Town Scottsdale, and it’s one of the best restaurants in Metro Phoenix – “chain” or no. The menu is vast, and it’s hard to go wrong here, but consider kabocha tempura and crispy rice cake when you’re on a budget; and gyutoro, Santa Barbara uni and hiramasa sashimi when you’re not.
$-$$$
3821 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-916-0916, uchi.uchirestaurants.com
Ugly Tuna Sushi
Despite the cruel and hurtful name, there’s nothing unappealing about this Surprise sushi bar. Sweet and savory find a delicate balance in such well-executed classics as the eel-topped Dragon roll.
$$
15459 W. Bell Rd., Surprise
623-248-1957, uglytunasushi.com
Zu Izakaya
Zu captures the spirit of a Japanese izakaya pub without its more traditional trappings. A massive menu of tempura, hot pots and grilled meats includes gyoza, chile-garlic edamame and tempura sweet potatoes, with fried cheese SPAM katsu sliders for more adventurous appetites.
$-$$
2210 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe
480-625-4372, zuizakaya.com
