The 10 Best Sushi Restaurants in Scottsdale

More than just trendy watering holes, sushi restaurants in Scottsdale are notable for their creative, fresh approach to traditional Japanese cuisine.

So, here we go these are my top picks for the best rolls, sashimi and sake in Scottsdale. Bonzai!

Sushi Roku
Sushi Roku (map), located at the W Scottsdale Hotel, has brought a hip, sophisticated vibe to the center of Scottsdale. For the sushi lover, there is a long list of sushi and rolls, hand and cut.  The crab dynamite roll ($12) and the spicy rock shrimp with asparagus ($.8.50) are to die for and go great with one of their premium sakes always served cold.  Lunch hours are 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mondays – Fridays and noon – 2:30 p.m. Saturdays – Sundays.

Roka Akor
I’ve mentioned this gem before in a previous post. Voted by Bon Appetit, Roka Akor (map) is one of the top 10 sushi spots in the United States. They use robatayaki, a grilling technique devised by Japanese fishermen to provide an eclectic menu of sushi, salads, and grilled entrees. The adjacent Shochu Lounge features signature cocktails in contemporary yet relaxed surroundings. Stop by for the all-you-can-eat brunch with bottomless mimosas every Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Daily happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Sushi Brokers
A popular place with the after work crowd, Sushi Brokers (map) serves over 20 creative sushi rolls like the Diamondback, a Tempura battered spicy tuna ($15) and the Alaskan ($7) with baked salmon, cucumber and avocado.  Take advantage of one piece sushi for $2 and a selection of their famous rolls during Happy Hour every day from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Geisha A Go Go
If you like your sushi with a little bounce, Geisha A Go Go (map) serves up Japanese food with karaoke on the side.  A sexy sushi bar with specialty drinks and house-made sakes, their menu includes unique sushi dishes, salads and teppanyaki.  Reserve a private lounge for your group, and you’ll be singing its praises.

Stingray Sushi
No one likes a tease, unless it’s a Japanese Tease made of Grey Goose le citron, lime juice, zen green tea liqueur and a twist of lime at Stingray Sushi (map). Start off with the complimentary edamame at the sushi bar and let the chef choose your sushi plate.  Your choices include a seven-piece nigiri tuna roll ($18) or 15-piece sashimi plate ($21).

Kona Grill
If you like your sashimi naked, you’ve come to the right place.  Served the traditional way, you have your choice of sweet shrimp, freshwater eel, crab, yellowtail and much more at the Kona Grill (map).  Hand made rolls made upon request include everything from the California roll to the soft shell crab roll, deep fried with avocado and cucumber.  For diners with special dietary needs, there are gluten free sushi options, as well.

Ra Sushi
Two locations:  7012 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale  480-951-5888 and 3815 N. Scottsdale Road, Old Town Scottsdale 480-990-9256

A popular restaurant throughout the entire Valley, Ra serves up signature sushi and specialty rolls like the “RA”lollipop ($14) with tuna, salmon, yellowtail and spicy tuna mix skewered with a garlic ponzu sauce.  You really can’t go wrong with Ra Tapas;  small plates of thinly sliced sashimi like sweet onion salmon or garlic citrus yellowtail.  Wash these dishes down with a Saketini, Ra’s take on the martini or a Bangin’ Blueberry Mojito.

Pure Sushi
A place to indulge your adventurous side, Pure (map) is a stylish sushi bar that serves unique yet authentic sushi alongside delectable entrees and premium sake.  Don’t miss their specialty rolls like the decadent creamy lobster roll ($16) and the in and out roll ($14) with shrimp tempura and spicy crab mix served with Asian pesto sauce.  Alluring cocktails like the Flower martini, a concoction of Finlandia lime vodka, white tea and jasmine essence and the Asian Pear martini are crowd favorites.

Pearl Sushi Lounge & Bomber Bar
This high energy sushi bar, Pearl Sushi Lounge & Bomber Bar (map) is where beautiful people nibble and mingle, especially on the people-watching patio.  The Korean pork tacos ($6) is a great starter and signature rolls include the pearl necklace ($10) with spicy yellowtail, shrimp tempura topped with thinly sliced jalapenos and the blarney roll ($6) with spicy crab, asparagus and spicy mango sauce. Try the Sex on the peach made of peach vodka, peach schnapps and peach infused white cranberry juice with a hint of lime.

Blue Wasabi
The sleek minimalist design of Blue Wasabi (map) features a spectacular glass light wall that acts as a backdrop to this modern locale with a laid-back feel.  Try mouth watering rolls like the Red hot chili pepper roll topped with spicy tuna, sashimi sliced tuna and a spicy chili aioli and the Marilyn Monroll made of tuna, yellowtail and salmon wrapped in pink soy paper. Enjoy special promotions like Blue Sundays where patrons wearing blue receive 50% off alcoholic beverages and Ladies Night on Tuesdays where ladies enjoy ½ off on specialty martinis.

Photo from personal collection.