Celebrating local food, drink, and community.
East Grant Road · Midtown
Yamato Japanese Restaurant is this super chill spot tucked away in a strip mall in Tucson. It's been around for over 30 years, serving up some seriously good sushi. The main man behind the magic is Chef Nakajima, who grew up in Nagano, Japan, and you can totally tell he knows his stuff. Every piece of sushi is like a m
North Courtney Page Way · Marana
Sushi Cortaro Japanese Cuisine offers a cozy neighborhood setting with a traditional sushi bar and simple, modern décor. While specialty sushi rolls remain the star, also check out their crisp, light tempura and variety of bento box specials and udon bowls.
East 6th Street · University & 4th Ave
Founders Arianna Wilson and Courtney Bedient are excited about opening a new community hub. They’re also the brains behind Cactus Wren Kids — an online store for parents that offers clothing for kids. The new 1,000-square-foot space near the corner of Tucson Boulevard and Elm Street serves coffee, tea, and locally bake
North 1st Avenue · Midtown
Kintoki Sushi House & Bar offers a polished Japanese dining experience with a sleek, contemporary feel. The interior features dark wood accents, soft lighting and a long sushi bar. Beyond sushi, they offer entrees such as a shichimi grilled strip steak and a seared Chilean sea bass.
2955 E Speedway Blvd · University & 4th Ave
Raijin Ramen is brought to you by the owners of Ginza Sushi. We had the Black Roasted Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, and Veggie Ramen. While we loved all three, we were particularly impressed with how much complexity and richness was coaxed out of the vegan Veggie Ramen.
10509 N Oracle Rd #131 · Oro Valley
With a decade-long journey, Sushi Valley has proudly crafted its unique style of sushi and Japanese cuisine, blending tradition with a modern twist. The story began in 2013 when the visionary founder, equipped with a wealth of experience in Japanese culinary arts, arrived in Oro Valley, Arizona, and embarked on an exci
Okashi Ice Cream & Confections, a Japanese-inspired cottage bakery, is a pre-order + pickup business only. Favorites include their butter mochi, kakigori (Japanese-style shaved ice), and onigiri. Stay tuned with their most recent updates via their email newsletter.
Since 2015, they have been providing Takoyaki and some Japanese food. Takoyaki Balls truck is owned and operated mainly by all Japanese women.
East Speedway Boulevard · Midtown
Kazoku Sushi & Japanese Cuisine offers a warm, tranquil atmosphere with a classic Japanese aesthetic. The interior features hand-painted landscape murals framed like shoji screens, soft globe lighting, and tiled floors. A sushi bar at the entrance invites diners to watch the chefs at work, while wood-accented tables pr
747 S 6th Ave · Downtown
Forbes Meat Company offers a modern industrial ambiance with exposed piping, white marble high-top tables, and refrigerator and freezers with a variety of local meats, house-made sausages, and high-end seafood on display for purchase to-go. The restaurant offers steaks ranging from a humble skirt steak all the way to l
North Oracle Road · Northwest
Seoul Shi, the second Tucson restaurant by Kotu Korean BBQ owner Joyce Jin, offers a combination of Japanese and Korean dishes in a contemporary environment. The highlight is the marinated raw crab, flavored with sweet soy and best enjoyed with white rice. Another house favorite is the spicy braised black cod.
East Speedway Boulevard · Midtown
Kintaro offers an all-you-can-eat Japanese dining experience with a calm, minimalist design. The interior features warm wood paneling, clean lines, and neatly spaced tables that create an open, airy feel. Keep in mind that the wait for a table can approach two hours during peak times.
940 E University Blvd · Downtown
At Fuku Sushi, Asian culinary artistry takes center stage. From innovated Japanese dishes to a vibrant nightlife scene complete with live DJs and spirited cocktails, their team is set on creating unforgettable experiences. Their Miso Glazed Blackened Cod is a good start!
4610 E Speedway Blvd · Midtown
With the establishment of Kiwami Ramen in Tucson, chef Tani is excited to bring the “essence of genuine Japanese soul food” to the neighborhood community. That, of course, includes poke.
7159 E Broadway Blvd · Eastside
While the name has sushi first and their menu is primarily Japanese, they feature a surprisingly complex pho broth. Just don't come here seeking other Vietnamese dishes.
5425 N Kolb Rd #115 · Foothills
By and large, the Japanese take a great deal of pride in their work, no matter what it is. Ginza is no exception, with menus that include both sushi-centric and izakaya-style food. Fresh fish, noodle bowls, sashimi, and special rolls. The service is impeccable. These folks are professionals. It's good for one. It's gre
South Avenida del Convento · Downtown
Located within repurposed shipping containers at the lively MSA Annex, Kukai serves Japanese fare. It features covered outdoor seating with picnic tables, shaded by containers and surrounded by an open‑air vibe. While they originally opened focusing on onigiri, they gained a following for other dishes as well, such as
North Oracle Road · Oro Valley
Bloom Tea in Oro Valley specializes in loose-leaf teas, matcha drinks, and wellness-focused tea service. The tea lounge creates a calm, welcoming setting designed for relaxation and connection. Soft seating, community tables, and quiet corners encourage guests to linger and socialize. The menu features loose-leaf t
11 S 6th Ave · Downtown
Kaiju Burger opened in downtown Tucson at Brick Box Brewery, 220 E. Broadway Blvd. with wagyu smash burgers, matcha soft serve, and Japanese-inspired details. The concept evolved from pop-ups by Rafael and Destiney Medina, who also operate Katsu House and refined their menu as a Sunday pop-up in late 2025. The intentio
2 locations
Toss Fried Chicken & Ramen opened a new location in northwest Tucson on July 4 at 3930 W. Ina Rd, #322, in Embassy Plaza near Thornydale Road. The restaurant blends Japanese noodle culture with sauced fried chicken in a compact space. The Ina Road (northwest) location features minimal décor, counter service, and seatin
