In its earliest form, sushi was developed as a means to preserve fish, and as recently as the 1800s, it was more or less a street food enjoyed primarily by Japan’s chōnin class, who started as commoners but grew over time to hold great influence in technology, art, and culture. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the humble cuisine began its ascension to a fine dining staple. Today, sushi and all of its iterations and variations, are enjoyed in both the fanciest of foodie outposts and at the coziest of culinary nooks. Here are some of the best sushi in Phoenix, Arizona:
Uchi
While only open since February, Uchi is proving itself to be the sushi sensation of South Scottsdale. The concept is the brainchild of chef Tyson Cole, a James Beard Award winner and American sushi master who apprenticed under iconic Japanese chef Takehiko Fuse and spent significant time living in Japan to hone his craft. The name is significant in that Uchi is Japanese for “home,” homage to the little red house where Cole developed what would become his signature non-traditional menu of Japanese specialties with Pacific Rim influences and ingredients from across the globe. When visiting his chic, modern eatery, expect a variety of hot and cool dishes including sushi, nigiri, sashimi, tempura, seaweed-wrapped makimono, and yakimono, which are dishes cooked under direct heat such as pan-fried gyoza. Can’t make it in? Uchi has also innovated takeout sushi boxes, one of which pairs exotic delicacies with caviar, potato chips, and crème fraiche.
𖡡 3821 north scottsdale rd, scottsdale, az 85251
Across the Pond
Tastefully understated with a mid-century modern vibe, Central Phoenix’s Across the Pond is in many ways a natural extension of the brand’s Asian-focused Clever Koi restaurant, which is located across the breezeway (or pond, metaphorically speaking) from this sushi hotspot. Open since 2018, the focus here is traditional Japanese sushi-making ingredients and techniques, with some modern as well as Southwestern twists where it makes sense. By way of example, they have a coffee-cured salmon nigiri that has been among the most sought-after items on the menu for years. And the handrolls? Have mercy! Insider tip: ask the expert-level mixology staff to pair a cocktail of their choosing with your order. They rarely miss the mark.
𖡡 4236 north central ave ste 101, phoenix, az 85012
Toro
Few are familiar with Nikkei-style sushi rolls, but after one visit to this North Scottsdale gem nestled into the TPC Scottsdale, aka home of the WM Phoenix Open, you will be hooked for life. Toro was developed by celebrity chef Richard Sandoval, a global pioneer in contemporary Latin cuisine. Its menu seamlessly blends Latin flavors with Japanese and Chinese-Peruvian influences, especially when it comes to the sushi. Each of the laundry list of offerings from the sushi menu are made in this Nikkei style. The word itself translates to emigrants and honors the cuisine that resulted from Japanese emigration across Latin America. Think traditional ingredients paired with rocoto, a small Peruvian pepper known for its burst of spice, and cancha, a Peruvian snack food made from large, dried kernels of a special type of corn. Given the eatery is connected to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, also expect some go-big-or-go-home offerings, notably a roll with foie gras.
𖡡 17020 hayden rd, scottsdale, az 85255
Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey
The Melrose District welcomed Sandfish, a magical mash-up of Scandinavian and Japanese cultures, in late 2022. It is helmed by chef Engin Onural, who is both recognized as a sushi master by Best Chefs America and previously represented the United States in the World Sushi Cup, and there is a distinct focus on sushi that combines traditional elements such as spicy tuna and crab with ingredients like black truffle zest, seared New York steak, and coconut flakes. As the name suggests, the eatery is especially adept at complementing the delicate flavors of sushi with the bold, smoky flavors of whiskey.
𖡡 4232 north 7th ave, phoenix, az 85013
Roka Akor
Among the sleekest and sexiest of dining experiences in Arizona, Roka Akor is a showstopper for all of the senses. The fine dining dazzler has three separate kitchens to ensure its chefs may specialize and stay narrowly focused on their particular expertise, including a sushi kitchen. Open by design so guests may interact with the chefs and see them in action, expect sushi to be as visually appealing as it is fresh and flavorful. The chef’s selection of sashimi as well as the mind-bending bluefin tuna flight, for example, are plated using mountains of ice and decorated with edible flowers that take the entire order over the top. The chefs are clever in other ways as well, including creating a modern take on a taco by filling it with sashimi, avocado relish, and cherry tomatoes.
𖡡 7299 north scottsdale rd, scottsdale, az 85253
Harumi Sushi & Sake
An icon in Valley Japanese food for more than a decade, downtown Phoenix’s Harumi recently expanded to a new space and debuted a refreshed look. But, fear not, both the ultra-high-quality cuisine and surprisingly affordable prices are still the same. The team sources its rice, vinegar, and brown sugar directly from Japan, and use sea salt from Hokkaido. Fish is selected based on seasonal freshness and comes from diverse locations such as Mt. Fuji, Nova Scotia, Scotland, and the Pacific Ocean. And, in a surprise to many, Harumi does not employ an executive chef, instead rotating its resolute culinary team through the seven kitchen positions every three weeks, allowing them to gain experience in different areas such as fish cutting, sushi and sashimi preparation, and roll making. This rotation prevents monotony and ensures a well-rounded skill set.
𖡡 101 north 1st ave, phoenix, az 85003
Sushi Friend
Uncomplicated and easy, like any true friend, this casual neighborhood option is a bit of a hidden gem. The unassuming restaurant in Phoenix where casual attire rules was named among Yelp’s top three U.S. sushi spots for 2023! The space is small by design without grand décor or specialty seating. In fact, it is so small most folks get their orders to go. The menu is exceptionally straightforward with a distinct focus on colorful platters of specialty rolls, basic rolls, nigiri, or a combination of many items. There are, of course, smaller options as well including combination selection and stand-alone rolls with everything from Australian yellowtail and bigeye tuna to king salmon and seared giant scallops. Oh, they also have a sushi cake! The eight-inch, circular platter with edible flowers required 24 hours’ notice to create, and is an edible work of raw fish art.
𖡡 8727 north central ave, phoenix, az 85020
written by: alison bailin batz | photographed by: grace stufkosky & luke irvin