Sushi is the great dining equalizer. Most of us are novices in the specifics of this ancient and traditional art but certainly, we know when we’re enjoying excellent rolls. And Phoenix, as it turns out, has some amazing options.
With experienced, world-class chefs at the helm and fresh ingredients flown in from Japan, these 10 places are some of the best to pick up your chopsticks and enjoy a spread of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and handrolls.
Sushi Michi
There are some times when all you want is a local sushi place with some familiar looking rolls, and that’s where Sushi Michi comes in. This is comfort food sushi at its finest. Choose from plenty of specialty rolls and nigiri featuring snapper, albacore, yellowtail, eel, and more. There’s even a small list of deep fried sushi rolls, for those who want something a little different. Since 2023 this quaint place has graced Phoenix, and we are so happy it did. 6025 N. 16th St., Phoenix, sushimichi.wixsite.com
Across the Pond
Small, intimate, and focused on traditional sushi execution, Across the Pond is part of award-winning Joshua James’ Born & Raised Hospitality. Naturally, the cocktail game here is strong, but the food proves just as good. Expect a set menu as well as seasonal items, sans the American-created California roll or cream cheese.
This hot spot is for sushi purists, and the best way to taste the freshness and quality of the fish is by ordering the sashimi assortment. Grab a seat at the sushi counter and make sure to score a piece of coffee-cured salmon, one of the restaurant’s signature bites. 4236 N Central Ave., Ste 101, Phoenix, acrossthepondphx.com
Hana Japanese Eatery
Phoenicians have a special place in their hearts for Hana, which has won a slew of local awards. It’s easy to see why, given the reasonable pricing for exemplary sashimi and sushi crafted with muti-generational expertise. Co-owned by Lynn Becker and James Beard-nominated chef Lori Hashimoto, Hana has been providing authentic dishes with a warm, family-like atmosphere where regulars are known by name.
On the menu you’ll find the typical sushi rolls, which are great. But to fully understand the breadth of Hashimoto’s talent, explore the sashimi options, which include not-so-typical listings like ankimo (monkfish liver). 5524 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, hanajapaneseeatery.com
Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey
What happens when you mix sushi with Scandinavia? You get Sandfish, a sleek, modern sushi spot with a serious whiskey collection in the Melrose District. The restaurant is overseen by owner and chef Engin Onural, who studied under Japanese chefs and is even designated by the Japanese government as a sushi ambassador. Onural first opened Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey in Palm Springs in 2018, and launched his Phoenix location at the end of 2022.
As for the menu, it’s welcoming for both sushi novices and experts, showcasing the fresh fish the chef flies in throughout the week. The substantial selection of nigiri leads the charge, but don’t pass on the list of signature maki either.
Bonus: the space here has a smooth and sexy feel, making it perfect for a date night. Add on the luxurious Sandfish Roll with black truffle and fried potato threads, and the evening is set. 4232 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, sandfishsushiwhiskey.com
Uchi
When the Texas-based Uchi came to the Valley of the Sun, the team made a bold statement by opening in Old Town Scottsdale where expectations and stakes are high. The upscale restaurant has risen to the occasion with ease, fast becoming one of the hottest reservations in town. That’s thanks to consistently delivering impeccable sushi on a wide-ranging menu.
Lean on the servers to guide you through the list, and pay particular attention to the bluefin and fish coming from Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo. And, while it may not all be the most traditional joint in town (ham and eggs futomaki, anyone?), it’s still going to be a delicious night out for any sushi enthusiast. 3821 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, uchi.uchirestaurants.com
Harumi Sushi & Sake
Located in a prime Downtown spot, there is a great energy at Harumi. It’s the perfect option to catch killer sushi before a sports game or concert but equally worth making the trip downtown just for the purple rice rolls and the Japanese Caesar Salad. Keep in mind that, while the team service can make dining as quick or as long as you like, it can get busy when there are events going on nearby and Harumi doesn’t take reservations. 101 N. 1st Ave., Phoenix, harumisushiaz.com
Sushi Nakano
Sushi Nakano’s website proudly boasts it offers a traditional Japanese experience, and we’re prone to agree. The assorted menu of classic sushi items feature seafood flown in regularly from Japan. Owner and chef Leo Nakano provides the experience, utilizing the skills passed down from his father, a renowned sushi chef, to present guests with well-crafted rolls and hand cut nigiri. 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Ste 44, Phoenix, sushinakano.com
JING
Is it the most traditional sushi house on the list? No. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get superb rolls and offer an array of nigiri, sashimi, and handrolls that have been prepared with precision and first-rate ingredients. The fun, high-energy location has bold wallpaper prints, an elegant bar complete with twinkling crystal lighting, and an Asian-influenced dining program. Try the delicate Alaskan Snow Crab Roll in soy paper, which comes with a ponzu butter for delicate dipping. 10605 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, jingrestaurant.com
Sushi Friend
Great things come in small packages, and Sushi Friend is proof of that. The incredibly cozy restaurant offers a couple of tables and a snug bar to eat at so it’s often packed. If you simply can’t wait for a table, order to go and enjoy at home, in a park, or even in your air-conditioned car if desperate.
Really, the restitution is more about the food than the ambience. For the true sushi lover in your life, you can place an order ahead of time for one of the restaurant’s signature and snap-worthy sushi cakes. 8727 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, yoursushifriend.com
ShinBay
A night out at ShinBay costs $285 per person, but it’s worth it for the exclusively omakase experience, which is unlike any you’ll find in the Valley. There are two seatings per night, accommodating up to 13 guests each time. The assortment of elegant dishes masterfully prepared are testaments to chef Ken Tanaka and his team, coordinating the delicate operation each night. The ingredients are exquisite, the nigiri stunning, and the intimate setting the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night. 3720 N. Scottsdale Rd., #201, Scottsdale, shin-bay.com
