Although you might not expect it, Scottsdale is actually a hub for great sushi restaurants. Even though it’s located in the desert, there is no shortage of places to get your fish fix. Sushi can provide a short vacation from the heat of the desert during summer or a taste of somewhere a little more tropical.
With many innovative sushi places in Scottsdale coming up with crazy and delicious rolls, it can sometimes be hard to pick which ones are the best. Luckily, I’ve got you covered. Here are the 5 best sushi places in Scottsdale:
1. Kodo Sushi Sake
Kodo Sushi Sake is the sister restaurant to the famed Harumi Sushi in downtown Phoenix. Though both are tucked away and don’t appear to be much on the outside, they are both amazing sushi places.
With cucumber rolls that are to die for, fresh sashimi, and inventive rolls such as the Oh My God roll, which is set on fire when served to you, Kodo Sushi Sake is a must-try for those who like unique, delicious sushi.
Recommended Roll: Oasis Roll (with tuna, salmon, crab salad, avocado, and radish wrapped with cucumber)
2. Pure Sushi Bar
With its upscale interior and extensive menu, Pure is the perfect place to go for a fancy night out in Scottsdale. Their fish is the highest quality and the pleasant atmosphere really makes this restaurant top-notch.
Pure is also the place to go with others who might not be too keen on sushi, as they have many other delicious options as well.
Recommended Roll: Pure Sunshine Roll (crab meat, spicy tuna, and mango)
3. Blu Sushi
This fun and creative sushi joint is the place to go if you want to spice up your life with some new and exciting rolls. Their extensive menu of creatively-named rolls such as the Japanese Burrito, Marilyn Manroll, and Viagra will not disappoint.
If you’re looking to break out of a sushi rut and try some crazy new creations with a hint of humor, Blu Sushi is sure to be your next spot to try.
Recommended Roll: Blazing Shrimp (shrimp tempura, cream cheese, spicy crab, and avocado)
4. SumoMaya
Although SumoMaya is a less traditional sushi place, they have some great flavor combinations with unique ingredients such as pomegranate and lime chili sauce. SumoMaya is a Mexican-Asian fusion restaurant serving up anything from sushi to tacos.
This place is great to go to if you’re looking for some inventive flavor combinations complete with a little spice. SumoMaya really is the best of both worlds: where else can you get rolls and ceviche in the same place?
Recommended roll: Rollo Chingon (grilled shrimp, habanero avocado puree, jalapeño, red lotus root chips, and balsamic strawberry glaze)
5. Nori Sushi Scottsdale
This cozy sushi place is great for fresh, traditional sushi and sashimi. Named after the seaweed that rolls are wrapped in, Nori is a classic; this is where I tried my first taste of sushi and got hooked for life. With a great happy hour menu, this is the place to go if you’re looking for a nice, yet comfortable sushi place.
Recommended roll: Sakana Trio (crab mix, avocado, cucumber, with ahi tuna, yellowtail, salmon, and citrus boba on top)
These are just a few of the many great sushi places in Scottsdale, with many more out there to explore. Though Scottsdale may not be the first place you’d expect to have a thriving sushi cuisine, many places here are getting crazy and creative with their rolls.
So if you’re ever in need of some fresh fish after a long day of shopping in the Valley of the Sun, try these 5 best places for sushi in Scottsdale.