Top 16 Japanese restaurants in Phoenix
Japanese restaurants in Phoenix are a foodie's dream, offering a wide variety of authentic and innovative dishes that showcase the rich flavors and techniques of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. From sushi and ramen to yakitori and okonomiyaki, these restaurants serve up delicious and visually stunning meals that are sure to satisfy. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Japanese cuisine or looking to try something new, the Japanese restaurants in Phoenix are a must-visit destination.
- 1. Harumi Sushi Bar
- 2. Akaihana
- 3. Cherryblossom Noodle cafe
- 4. Clever Koi
- 5. Yutaka Japanese Restaurant
- 6. Sushi Style
- 7. Takamatsu Restaurant
- 8. MOIRA Sushi Bar & Kitchen
- 9. Yama Sushi House - Phoenix
- 10. Hana Japanese Eatery
- 11. Blue Fin
- 12. Omoide Sushi and Noodle
- 13. Hana Sushi
- 14. Nanaya Japanese Kitchen
- 15. Sushi Michi
- 16. MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya
1. Harumi Sushi Bar
Skilled itamae (sushi chef), fresh seafood flown in from Japan

Harumi Sushi Bar in downtown Phoenix, Arizona is renowned for its high-quality sushi and reasonable prices. While the decor is relatively simple, the restaurant offers a wide variety of fancy rolls that have gained a strong following in the area.
Harumi SushiBar has recently opened a new upscale location with a beautiful and stylish interior. In addition to its décor, the restaurant is known for its exceptional food and attentive staff. The quality of the food and service justifies any wait time, solidifying Harumi's reputation as one of the best sushi restaurants in Arizona.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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2. Akaihana
Authentic Japanese cuisine, skilled itamae, unique decor

Akaihana Sushi and Grill is an excellent dining option for sushi enthusiasts. The restaurant's blue flame roll and spicy shrimp are popular choices among patrons. Recent renovations have significantly improved the dining experience, making it a top pick for sushi lovers who don't mind traveling a bit farther for a great meal.
During a recent visit, I stopped by Akaihana Sushi and Grill after a meeting to avoid rush hour traffic and grab dinner. I was happy to discover that I made it just in time for happy hour, which ended at 6 pm. I took advantage of the happy hour menu and enjoyed a delicious meal starting with a fried squid salad. The salad featured perfectly fried squid with a light breading, rendering it tender and flavorful.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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3. Cherryblossom Noodle cafe
Cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and homemade noodles

Cherryblossom Noodle Cafe is a Japanese noodle shop that offers a homey and unpretentious atmosphere for its customers. The shop never fails to deliver great food, ensuring that every customer leaves feeling full and satisfied. The experience at the shop is comparable to that of a sumo wrestler indulging in an all-you-can-eat steak house.
Japanese noodle dishes are the specialty of the cafe, with a variety of options to choose from. The cafe's offerings are able to satisfy any level of hunger, making it an excellent choice for a filling and delicious meal. Whether seeking a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Cherryblossom Noodle Cafe is an ideal destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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4. Clever Koi
Features a unique fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine

Ramen is a highly popular dish at the restaurant, with customers raving about its delicious flavor and generous portion sizes. However, there are some customers who believe that the price does not reflect the quality of the ramen. A few have experienced issues with the quality of the dish.
The food at the restaurant is known for its modern take on Asian fusion cuisine, with customers praising the taste and delectability of the dishes. Standout recommendations from customers include the Thai salad, pork belly steam bun, XO noodles, and crispy pork ramen. These dishes are highly praised for their unique and flavorful taste.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
5. Yutaka Japanese Restaurant
Teppanyaki grill tables, extensive sake menu

I'll summarize my experience at Yutaka Japanese Restaurant in North Phoenix. At first, I didn't have high expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised. The food was not only delicious but also generously portioned, with double the serving size and flavor compared to other places. The ambiance was laid-back, making it a great place to unwind.
Yutaka Japanese Restaurant has a fantastic range of authentic Japanese comfort food like ramen, sushi, sushi rolls, tempura, and gyozas. While it's not very large, it has gained a massive following and can get crowded. However, the wait is worth it for the delicious food and friendly service.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
6. Sushi Style
Hibachi grill tables, Traditional Japanese decor and atmosphere

The food at this establishment is presented in an impressive and appealing manner, with great attention to detail. The service is generally good, with staff going out of their way to accommodate customer needs. However, there have been some mixed reviews regarding the speed of the service, with some customers praising it for its quickness, while others have found it to be slow at times.
Despite the occasional slow service, many customers have commended the staff for their friendly and helpful attitude. The customer service is generally considered to be a strength of this establishment, with staff members going above and beyond to ensure that guests have a positive dining experience. The food presentation and the quality of the food, along with the good customer service, contribute to a enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Lunch
- Dinner
7. Takamatsu Restaurant
Cozy and authentic atmosphere, Knowledgeable staff, Wide variety of traditional dishes

Takamatsu Restaurant is a hidden gem for those seeking authentic Korean and Japanese cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes, such as the savory Sul lung Tang, the spicy seafood bibim bap, and the satisfying beef Bul go ki bento box. The cozy and inviting atmosphere, coupled with the friendly and attentive staff, make for a delightful dining experience.
I recently visited this restaurant and was impressed to find that the quality of the food has remained consistent for 27 years. One of the standout features is the table BBQ grill that allows customers to cook their Korean BBQ to their liking. The meal comes with an abundance of condiments, adding an extra layer of flavor. Be prepared for large servings, as the portions are quite generous and filling. Fresh sushi and sashimi are also available, with the fish being incredibly fresh, melting in your mouth like butter.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Suburban
8. MOIRA Sushi Bar & Kitchen
Live seafood flown in from Japan, extensive sake menu, and traditional Tatami rooms

The food at the restaurant was delicious, despite my arriving late in the evening, around 23:00. The wait time for a seat for two on a busy Friday night, however, can be lengthy, ranging from 45 minutes to an hour. As for the quality of the restaurant, it did not particularly stand out as a remarkable Japanese establishment. While the traditional Japanese sushi offerings were enjoyable, there was no singular dish that left a strong, craveable impression.
In summary, the restaurant's food received positive feedback, but the wait times for a table during busy hours can be long. The Japanese cuisine, although tasty, did not distinguish itself as exceptional or memorable, with no individual dish sparking a strong desire for repeated consumption.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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9. Yama Sushi House - Phoenix
Authentic Japanese cuisine, creative sushi rolls, beautiful presentations

Yama, also known as Bomba, is a popular sushi restaurant with exceptional service and delicious food. The sushi bar is a must-visit, where master chefs create amazing rolls that will not disappoint. The servers are attentive, ensuring drinks are refilled promptly and needs are met.
The Magic Roll is a must-try, known for its smoky and spicy flavor. The Baked Lobster and Lollipop rolls are also excellent choices, with the latter being refreshing and beautifully presented. The Happy Hour special offers a flavorful roll at a great value. Overall, Yama is an excellent choice for an enjoyable sushi experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
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10. Hana Japanese Eatery
Traditional tea ceremony, karaoke room, and outdoor patio

Hana is a highly recommended sushi restaurant, known for its fresh and high-quality food, and exceptional service. When out-of-town family or friends visit, Hana is a popular destination due to its fresh sushi, impressive service, and welcoming environment for bringing your own wine without a cork fee. It's also a great spot for date nights.
After hearing many positive reviews, the author finally tried Hana and has already visited four times. The unique and delicious food, with a wide variety of sushi and an exceptional selection of Japanese beers, has impressed the author. However, the staff truly distinguishes the restaurant with their friendliness, helpfulness, and clear passion for the brand. Overall, the author has been highly impressed and looks forward to returning.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
11. Blue Fin
Live fish display, specialty sakes, and happy hour specials

Blue Fin restaurant is known for its delicious and flavorful food, offering popular dishes such as teriyaki beef and chicken, sweet and sour chicken, katsu, and pork katsu plate. The portion sizes are generous, providing great value for customers. The restaurant has a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, making it a popular choice among locals.
The owner, Lynn, is known for her kindness and respect towards guests, creating a friendly and inviting environment. The staff members are also pleasant and contribute to a positive dining experience. The cozy setting of Blue Fin restaurant makes it an ideal place for guests to enjoy a satisfying meal with excellent service.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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12. Omoide Sushi and Noodle
Friendly staff, quick service, vegan options available

Some guests have described the service at this establishment as fast, friendly, and efficient. They appreciate the quick and attentive service provided by the staff. However, other guests have reported poor service and rude behavior from the staff. They feel that the service was disappointing and detracted from their dining experience.
The food at this restaurant has received mixed reviews. Some guests have praised the food for its freshness and authentic flavors. They enjoy the high-quality ingredients and appreciate the effort put into creating delicious dishes. On the other hand, some guests have found the portions small and the prices high. They feel that they did not receive good value for their money and would not return to the restaurant based on their dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
13. Hana Sushi
Warm and cozy atmosphere, Knowledgeable staff, Excellent customer service

Hana Sushi is a highly-rated sushi restaurant that has earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5. It is known for its hospitable owners and unbeatable prices, making it a popular choice for sushi lovers in Arizona. The restaurant's new ownership has only elevated its reputation, with the skilled chef creating amazing flavors and textures in every sushi dish.
The menu at Hana Sushi offers a variety of excellent options, but it is particularly noteworthy for its eel dishes. The limited seating may be a drawback for some, but the exceptional food and service make up for it. Overall, Hana Sushi is a must-try for sushi enthusiasts seeking the best sushi in the valley.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Cheap Eats
14. Nanaya Japanese Kitchen
Traditional tea ceremony, freshly made soba noodles, extensive sake selection

Nanaya Japanese Kitchen is a restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine, featuring dishes inspired by a creative chef, authentic ramen, Japanese street-style sandwiches and skewers, and a full bar with Japanese beer, whiskey, sake, and craft cocktails. However, customer experiences vary, with some finding the food and service satisfactory, while others highly recommend it.
The portions at Nanaya Japanese Kitchen may not be sufficient for all customers, as some have reported feeling still hungry after their meal, such as with the Sumo ramen. However, dishes like the shrimp tempura udon noodles have received positive feedback. There are also occasional lapses in service, like when the server fails to pay attention to customers or fails to provide all menu items, such as chashu, as ordered.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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15. Sushi Michi
Friendly staff, extensive sake list, beautiful plate presentation

Fish at Sushi Michi is delicious and fresh, with knowledgeable servers who attend to diners' needs. The sushi chef behind the bar is particularly friendly, suggesting off-menu items for future visits. Overall, Sushi Michi is a notable restaurant in Phoenix, known for its exceptional sushi and authentic Jjamppong.
At Sushi Michi, the service stands out due to the friendly and attentive staff. The cozy and intimate atmosphere adds to the personal experience, making it a hidden gem in the area. In addition to their regular menu, the sushi chef is happy to recommend unique dishes for patrons looking to try something new. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or new to the cuisine, Sushi Michi is definitely worth a visit.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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16. MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya
Traditional Japanese decor, extensive sake menu, happy hour specials

MOTOMOTO is a Japanese izakaya-style restaurant and bar that offers a fun and creative dining experience. The restaurant is known for its vibrant, modern atmosphere and colorful decor. The menu features a variety of Japanese small plates, sushi, and grilled skewers that are sure to delight any palate.
At MOTOMOTO, the service is top-notch. The bartender is exceptional, providing excellent drink recommendations and friendly conversation. One standout dish is the spicy edamame, which is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. Whether you're looking for a casual dinner or a night out with friends, MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya is the perfect spot.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots