Sakana Sushi Grill - Mesa

Umai!!!! Get your ass in there. I go for lunch almost once a week and everything I have to say is that I love this place! They go in and are greeted by sweet ho... read more Umai!!!! Get your ass in there. I go for lunch almost once a week and everything I have to say is that I love this place! They go in and are greeted by sweet hostesses and friendly chefs. Dai and Dee are the cooks usually behind the counter and are super nice. Now to the Nitty gritty, the food. The sushi is delicious, fresh and in great portions. Not on the fish, my friends. My brother brought me to Kona Grill last week, which is a waste of money. All rice and no fish as well as the two goats behind the counter flirt with the waitresses. None of them go to Sakana, they always ask how the food is and what else yuou needs. You have a fantastic Sashimi dish for lunch for $10, which I almost do not finish after the complementary soup and salad. Last week I took an employee from Japan and talked about how the sushi is not authentic here. She was not only impressed by food, but really impressed because the hostesses and sushi cook also speak Japanese! Go there, enjoy and when you go, tell them, Oh-kini! You'll like that.

The restaurant itself is on the smaller side, which contributes to the cozy and welcoming atmosphere typical of a sushi spot. Traditional Japanese decor abounds... read more The restaurant itself is on the smaller side, which contributes to the cozy and welcoming atmosphere typical of a sushi spot. Traditional Japanese decor abounds, including the familiar Good Fortune Cat sitting atop the sushi bar. Once seated, our waitress promptly approached to take our drink orders. We chose a Kirin Light Sake Bomb along with a selection of six appetizers, adding the seaweed salad for just fifty cents. Another waitress even offered us complimentary noodles, which was a nice touch. The sake bombers arrived at our table with hot house sake and chilled beer glasses. The seaweed salad was fresh and crunchy, while the chilled noodles were served with a slightly sweet broth, complementing the salad perfectly. We ordered a Soft Shell Crab Roll from the regular menu, and the crab was notably larger than what I've had at other sushi restaurants, as was the overall size of the roll. It was generously filled, perfect for any sushi enthusiast. From the daily specials, we tried the Candy Cane Roll, which contained spicy crab and avocado, wrapped in the traditional seaweed and rice, topped with generous slices of maguro tuna and white tuna toro (Escolar). It was accompanied by wasabi mayo and ponzu sauce, and artfully garnished with Sriracha around the edge of the plate. It was absolutely delicious—a must-try! Additionally, we savored the house-smoked salmon and maguro tuna nigiri, along with the seasonal tuna sashimi. The taste, texture, and portion sizes were all exceptional. The house-smoked salmon is made on-site, adding a unique flair to the dish. The rice was perfectly steamed, maintaining its cohesion and not falling apart. Our waitress was efficient, ensuring our cups were never empty and that any dirty dishes were promptly cleared. The overall positive experience left us delighted, and we eagerly look forward to our next visit.

Have you gone to Tempe a few times. Excellent sushi at a great price. Very recommended! read more Have you gone to Tempe a few times. Excellent sushi at a great price. Very recommended!

Remarkable. I've tried sushi all over the United States, particularly on the West Coast, and this restaurant offers the best Japanese culinary experience I've e... read more Remarkable. I've tried sushi all over the United States, particularly on the West Coast, and this restaurant offers the best Japanese culinary experience I've ever had. The portion sizes are generous, and the sushi prices are among the most reasonable I've encountered. The quality of the sushi is unparalleled; the California rolls are exceptional, but the more intricate dishes are truly outstanding. Favorites like the shrimp tempura rolls, soft shell crab rolls, and a California roll topped with a generous layer of baked scallops make me wish I had a second stomach. For those who don't enjoy sushi, the chicken teriyaki stands out, the calamari is served with an excellent dipping sauce, and the vegetable tempura features fresh, well-prepared vegetables. The complimentary soba noodles at the start and the sweet half orange at the end only add more points to my experience.

The best sushi I've had so far! The place is pretty busy most of the time, so it's best to reserve a table before you head there, else be ready to wait atleast... read more The best sushi I've had so far! The place is pretty busy most of the time, so it's best to reserve a table before you head there, else be ready to wait atleast 30 mind to be seated!