Volcano Spicy Tuna Don at Samurai (Photo by Shana Gegantoca)

Volcano Spicy Tuna Don at Samurai (Photo by Shana Gegantoca)

Samurai on North Oracle Road closes after 40 years

Samurai, the Japanese restaurant at 3912 N. Oracle Rd. (and not to be confused with Samurai Sombrero or Samurai Teppan Steak & Sushi), has closed after 40 years in Tucson. The owners announced the closure on Facebook and listed Oct. 25 as the last day of business. The post is signed "The Samurai Family."

"With mixed emotions, we announce the closing of Samurai after 40 wonderful years serving the Tucson community," the post said. It thanked customers for sharing meals and celebrating special occasions at the restaurant. Before the final day, the owners invited regulars to stop by and say goodbye in person.

Owners thank Tucson

The post did not name the owners or give a reason for the closure. It focused instead on gratitude for the customers who kept the restaurant going. "Thank you, Tucson, for 40 unforgettable years!" the owners wrote.

In a phone call in the month leading to the closure, an employee said the restaurant experienced increasing difficulty attracting enough business.

A casual Midtown spot for Japanese favorites

Samurai served noodles, sushi, curry, teppan dishes, and donburi in a casual setting. Diners looking for other Japanese options can browse Tucson Foodie's guide to sushi and guide to ramen.

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer and photographer. Best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments and petting pets.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.

Get our free Tucson Foodie weekly newsletter

New openings, events, dish recommendations, and guides — every Wednesday. No spam.

Advertisement

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.6K followers
Samurai has closed after 40 years in Tucson. 

The Japanese restaurant at 3912 N. Oracle Rd. announced Oct. 25 as its last day of business. “With mixed emotions, we announce the closing of Samurai after 40 wonderful years serving the Tucson community,” the owners wrote on Facebook. Samurai served noodles, sushi, curry, and donburi in Midtown. 

Full story on Tucsonfoodie.com.Samurai has closed after 40 years in Tucson. The Japanese restaurant at 3912 N. Oracle Rd. announced Oct. 25 as its last day of business. “With mixed emotions, we announce the closing of Samurai after 40 wonderful years serving the Tucson community,” the owners wrote on Facebook. Samurai served noodles, sushi, curry, and donburi in Midtown. Full story on Tucsonfoodie.com.
OPENING TOMORROW! NEW TURKISH RESTAURANT IN TUCSON

@Anatoliatucson celebrates its grand opening Friday, Oct. 30, at 5931 N. Oracle Rd., bringing Turkish cuisine to Tucson’s northwest side. The menu features freshly made pide, lahmacun, kebabs, mezze, seafood, and vegan specialties.

To celebrate opening weekend, enjoy 15% off all menu items Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. Anatolia plans to be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comOPENING TOMORROW! NEW TURKISH RESTAURANT IN TUCSON @Anatoliatucson celebrates its grand opening Friday, Oct. 30, at 5931 N. Oracle Rd., bringing Turkish cuisine to Tucson’s northwest side. The menu features freshly made pide, lahmacun, kebabs, mezze, seafood, and vegan specialties. To celebrate opening weekend, enjoy 15% off all menu items Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. Anatolia plans to be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Keep an eye on these seven young chefs in Tucson. From fermentation at @sunshine_wine_tucson to whole-animal butchery at @forbes_meat_company and smash burgers at @bisouburger, a new generation is shaping local menus. "I try to manipulate foods as little as possible and let the natural flavor of everything shine through," said Forbes Meat Company executive chef Mataya Phillips. Meet Wyatt Carrizosa, Mataya Phillips, Gabby Alba, William Jacobs and Jeff Garland, Mallorie Hart, and Nick Avram. 

Full story on Tucsonfoodie.comKeep an eye on these seven young chefs in Tucson. From fermentation at @sunshine_wine_tucson to whole-animal butchery at @forbes_meat_company and smash burgers at @bisouburger, a new generation is shaping local menus. "I try to manipulate foods as little as possible and let the natural flavor of everything shine through," said Forbes Meat Company executive chef Mataya Phillips. Meet Wyatt Carrizosa, Mataya Phillips, Gabby Alba, William Jacobs and Jeff Garland, Mallorie Hart, and Nick Avram. Full story on Tucsonfoodie.com
From washing dishes at 15 to becoming the owner and executive chef, @Nick_avram’s story is rooted in Mount Lemmon and his family’s legacy at @Sawmillrun.

In this Q&A, he discusses his journey, “Mountain Sonoran” cuisine, local sourcing, and what’s ahead for fall. 

Read the full Q&A at Tucsonfoodie.com🌲From washing dishes at 15 to becoming the owner and executive chef, @Nick_avram’s story is rooted in Mount Lemmon and his family’s legacy at @Sawmillrun. In this Q&A, he discusses his journey, “Mountain Sonoran” cuisine, local sourcing, and what’s ahead for fall. Read the full Q&A at Tucsonfoodie.com🌲