Japanese Restaurants

Named by Phoenix Magazine as one of the 25 Top New Restaurants, Blue Wasabi Sushi and Martini Bar stands out as a hip place to grab a bite and a drink or two. With a menu boasting original, clever and appetizing traditional and signature sushi rolls, such as the Red Hot Chili Pepper roll and the Badda Bing roll, Blue Wasabi Sushi and Martini Bar is also known for their cocktail menu, complete with signature drinks, wine by the glass and premium sake, warm or chilled. The interior is dimly lit with a magnificent glass light wall, similar to a …

Downtown Phoenix, once painfully devoid of personable eateries, is seeing a reemergence of fine and expressive dining options largely through the efforts of Chef Johnny Chu. Chef Chu is responsible for opening more than one Cinderella-story restaurant in the neighborhood, and continues to wow patrons with his latest endeavor, Sens. This chic Pan-Asian eatery serves up healthy helpings of style with a small plate menu that invites visitors to share and indulge alike. Home-style dishes like the Soup Gyoza and claypot favorites like the Lemongrass Clams keep diners’ appetites satisfied, while the extensive sake and shochu selection keeps our interest …

If you’re looking for a little hidden treasure among Phoenix’s fine dining options, you might have to search in unexpected places to find what you’re looking for. Tucked away in a strip mall, Yasu Sushi Bistro is a little taste of Japan right here in Phoenix. Yasu is known for a few of their specialties, including Bacon-wrapped Scallops, Shrimp Fondue and Foie Gras with Japanese Eggplant. Alongside a tempting cocktail menu, Yasu also specializes in sumibiyaki, grilled fish, meats, and vegetarian options. Though the interior is small, this attributes to a cozy but intimate dining environment. Yasu is open seven …

Voted one of the top 10 sushi restaurants in the U.S. by Bon Appetit Magazine , Roka Akor surpasses the average sushi joint with its unique robata grill. The robata grill is a traditional, tiered open grill that uses bincho tan, a particular type of coal found only in the Japanese fishing town of Wakayama that brings out the natural flavor of the grilled ingredients. Also unique to Roka Akor are their signature Schochu tonic cocktails, made with fresh fruit and a liquor resembling vodka that dates back to 14th century Japan. With a 12 course prix fixe menu that …