Get the app
Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Yamato Japanese Restaurant

Sushi and nigiri at Yamato Japanese Restaurant (photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Yamato Japanese Restaurant

JapaneseSushiTucsonMidtown

Owner-chef Noboru Nakajima opened Yamato Japanese Restaurant on Sept. 7, 1988. Nakajima, who learned his craft in Japan and came to Tucson at age 23, works the sushi bar solo. He focuses on traditional technique over fusion. Make a reservation at the sushi bar and order omakase to let Nakajima guide the meal. The main dining room menu includes sushi, teriyaki, tempura, udon, soba, and donburi rice bowls. Dinner expands the options with sashimi platters, sukiyaki, ramen, curry, and a gluten-free menu.

Links

Hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
11 AM–1 PM, 5 PM–8 PM
Wednesday
11 AM–1 PM, 5 PM–8 PM
Thursday
11 AM–1 PM, 5 PM–8 PM
Friday
11 AM–1 PM, 5 PM–8 PM
Saturday
5 PM–8 PM
Sunday
Closed

Dishes We Love Here

Hotate (Scallops)

Hotate (Scallops)

Unagi Nigiri

Unagi Nigiri

Featured in These Guides

GuideWhat I Order and Eat in Tucson as EditorGuideWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)GuideAndrew Weil’s Favorite Restaurants in TucsonGuideGuide to Sushi In Tucson

Featured in Our Coverage

ArticleBest Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in August 2025ArticleJackie Tran Returns to Tucson Foodie as Our New EditorArticleBest Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in March 2024ArticleRestaurants & bars the Tucson Foodie team is excited to try in 2023ArticleHere are the best things the Tucson Foodie team tasted in September 2022

Own this restaurant? Become a Tucson Foodie partner. It's free. · Claim this page

Similar spots nearby

KazokuJapanese · TucsonKintaroJapanese · TucsonSachiko Sushi on WilmotJapanese · TucsonSamuraiJapanese · TucsonTokyo SushiSushi · TucsonG & L ImportsAsian · TucsonKintoki Sushi House & BarJapanese · TucsonKiwami RamenJapanese · Tucson

Advertisement

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.2K followers
IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.
Anne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com