If you’re in Phoenix for a Suns game or the start of your first semester at ASU Downtown Campus, you won’t have to go far to enjoy the best sushi the city offers.
Phoenix’s sushi scene provides something for everyone, whether you enjoy sushi rolls, are looking for the best local tuna, or prefer sake as your happy hour beverage. You’ll have the chance to see Phoenix, a bustling metropolis with a touch of southern flair, by learning where to get the best sushi.
- Sushi & U
This is by far the best sushi restaurant in Tempe. It is locally owned and operated by a family and the food and service is amazing. If you are in town, and staying in Phoenix, it would be worth your time to make the trip to Tempe and visit them. You must try their Korean Ribs, and the Kimchi. Both of those are some of my favorite dishes they prepare, and when paired together, it’s a feast you just can’t stop eating. The sushi always tastes fresh, is well seasoned, and properly prepared. This is also my go-to spot when family and friends visit from out of town.
2. Hana Japanese Eatery
Hana may be found at the W Marshall Avenue and 7th Street intersections. The variety of sushi and kitchen specials at this authentic Japanese restaurant in Phoenix will have you drooling. The Azuzuke salad is the perfect palate cleanser if you’re ordering numerous rounds of rolls. They have the best sashimi salads ever. Whether you start your dinner with an appetizer or end it with a complete entrée, their kitchen’s specialities are great. When it’s available, their Hamachi Kama is my favorite big meal there, but if it’s already 86ed for the day, the Tonkotsu Ramen is always popular.
3. Hiro Sushi
A quick trip to the northeast will bring you to Hiro Sushi, which is close to Scottsdale. Hiro Sushi is a little, authentic sushi restaurant that serves delicious nigiri, traditional rolls, and noodles. If you’re a sake enthusiast, their assortment of cold shakes will have you returning weekly. There are many delicious selections on the nigiri list if tuna isn’t your favored fish, but the tuna belly nigiri is among the best in town. If you’re taking a sushi beginner out to lunch, order the California Roll with genuine crab instead of any other cooked roll because it’s rare to get in today’s sushi restaurants. You’ll have hit the sushi jackpot if you order a cooked or rich meal and pair it with a cup of Kurosawa sake.
4. Sushi Nakano
As demonstrated by Hiro Sushi and Sushi Nakano, the best sushi is taught by the sushi experts themselves. You must visit this location in the unassuming Plaza at Mountainside. Hiro Nakano, the father of chef Leo Nakano, is the proprietor of Hiro Sushi. Like Hiro Sushi, Sushi Nakano never skimps on quality. Before a specialty roll like the Bushido Rolls (seared tuna and langostino), the Geisha Roll (a beautiful combination of mango and avocado), or the Las Vegas Roll (a deep-fried masterpiece)? The Masago Nigiri is an excellent starter, one of the richest and tastiest nigiri selections on the menu. When you visit a sushi restaurant, you must always have seaweed salad, and Sushi Nakano is the ideal location. It’s among Phoenix’s best, to put it simply.
5. Roka Akor
North of Old Town Scottsdale, you can find a location of the national Japanese steakhouse and sushi brand Roka Akor. Because of its current menu’s Japanese roots, this should be at the top of your list if you’re trying to satisfy both landlubbers and sushi fans. The chef’s specially selected and unusual meals are offered as part of a high-end, shared omakase experience, which is their main selling point. It’s perfect for a gathering, your first romantic date after having kids, or a trip with sushi novices.
Eat More Sushi
Every establishment on our list offers some of Phoenix’s top sushi. If you’re visiting the city on business, moving in for your first semester at ASU, or you’ve lived in the Valley of the Sun for a while, check out some of the sushi restaurants on this list.
