Downtown Phoenix may be in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, but this land-locked city is also home to some top-notch sushi bars. From upscale dining to quick grab-and-go rolls, you’ll get hooked on these six spots to try for National Sushi Day on June 18.
Tucked away in the newly renovated Arizona Center, Omoide Sushi is a perfect spot for quick sushi lunch or dinner. The cozy, counter-service spot serves up a full menu of specialty sushi rolls, sashimi and more. I recommend the Ace Roll, which is stuffed with soft shell crab and avocado, and topped with tuna, jalapeno and a special spicy sauce. Omoide Sushi & Noodles Address: Arizona Center / 455 N. 3rd Street Hours: Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. / Sunday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Consistently rated as one of the best sushi bars in Phoenix, Harumi Sushi is all that and dim sum. One of the things that makes the sushi at this popular spot stand out is its use of Forbidden, or purple, rice. Not only is it beautiful, it’s nutrient dense. Whether you’re stopping for lunch or dinner, the specialty rolls, sashimi and nigiri mouth watering. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can leave your foodie fate up to the chef and order omakase (“I’ll leave it to you”) for only $36. Pro tip: Skip the line at lunch and pick up a roll from the grab-and-go cooler. Harumi Sushi Address: 114 W. Adams Street, Ste. C101 Hours: Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. / Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. / Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. / Closed Sunday
Transport yourself to a different place and time by dining at Nobuo at Teeter House. The refined Asian-style restaurant is set in a 120-year-old historic bungalow, and transforms from a teahouse by day to a funky izakaya by night. I love the stellar selection of sashimi, and shareable dishes like tuna tataki, usuzukuri and more. Plus, the menu was created by James Beard Award-winning chef Nobuo Fukuda. Nobuo at Teeter House Address: 622 E. Adams Street Hours: Tuesday-Friday lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner from 5:30 p.m. to close / Saturday-Sunday lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner from 5:30 to close / Closed Monday
Ultra-modern decor sets the stage for this restaurant’s creative sushi & Japanese-fusion plates. Located on Central Avenue at CityScape Phoenix, Squid Ink features a delightful selection of sushi and sashimi, as well as salads, ramen and rice bowls. I recommend the surf n turf house roll. As far as sushi goes, it’s a decadent treat, stuffed with spicy crab, tempura shrimp, asparagus and topped with filet mignon, truffle salt. Pro tip: Roll in and wine down with the $25 bottle of wine and sushi roll special. Squid Ink Sushi Address: 2. E Jefferson Street (entrance is on Central Avenue) Hours: Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. / Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Have you ever wanted to get out of the office and work remotely in a chic warehouse while scarfing down delicious sushi? Me either. The Larry is my go-to spot for quick and delicious grab-and-go sushi when I’m looking for an energized placed to multitask. This popular Warehouse District eatery offers four sushi options (in addition to coffee, pizza, pizzas, sandwiches and more), but my favorite is the Larry roll, with shrimp tempura, spicy crab, yellow tail, and a healthy handful of cilantro making it super refreshing for summer. Pro tip: Pair with the pisco punch 9 cocktail. The Larry PHX Address: 515 E. Grant Street (inside The Lawrence building) Hours: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Moira Sushi Bar & Kitchen
(Photo: Lauren Potter)
Step into the sleek, modern aesthetic of Moira and prepare for a delicious dining experience. The sushi bar has been on a roll slangin’ sushi at its McKinley and Second street location for the last 10 years. From sashimi, nigiri and specialty rolls to unexpected creations like the salmon cannoli, Moira has a strong menu — and great sake options, too. Moira Sushi Bar & Kitchen Address: 215 E. McKinley Street, Ste. 012 Hours: Monday-Thursday lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. / Friday lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. / Saturday dinner 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
