Sushi Nakano - Phoenix

I always wanted to try this place because I go a lot to the trader joes next door. Today I finally managed it and it is so amazing, everything is made fresh by the cook. I will definitely come back for more!

People describe this place as cozy its really claustrophobic. I think it may have 12 seats total. There are only a few seats at the sushi bar and barely enough room for the waitress to walk between the bar and the little tables across from the bar. People kept pouring in but there was no place for them to sit and wait for their over the phone or online orders. I sat near the door and it felt like the waiters were breathing on me. Most importantly, I was very disappointed in my food. I ordered a Negihama roll (yellowtail with green onion) and there was barely any fish in the roll. I watched her prepare the roll. She took one small piece of Yellowtail and cut it up so small it looked like a paste. I felt like I overpaid for a rice roll. $25 for a roll with hardly any fish in it and 1 large beer.

This may have been one of the best places I have had sushi in many years. Small restaurant. There was a huge line out front (exactly at opening time) We had to wait 45 min but it was worth the wait. It was SO fresh and delicious. They should expand the restaurant as I am sure they would be filled nightly. It was THAT good!

Sushi Nakano is the best sushi place that I have eaten at in the Valley. We stumbled upon this restaurant 3 years ago after reading their phenomenal reviews and nothing else compares. The seafood is always fresh and the flavors are magical. I can still remember the taste of dishes I had two years ago because they were so unforgettable.Quote from my partner, you don't know you've been doing sushi wrong until you've dined at Sushi Nakano

I had the distinct pleasure of enjoying a meal there this evening. It was pretty darn amazing. Right now due to the pandemic the staffing is short so there are some challenges here like at many restaurants. it is a small and understated restaurant. We were fortunate enough to do the chef's choice menu OMAKASE. As this can be quite time consuming for the chef, we did not know if he would be able to take the time to do this for us. it was INCREDIBLE. I thought it was funny when he asked if I had a favorite...basically every item was 10/10. Impossible to pick a favorite. Chef Leo was entertaining to watch as he worked right before our eyes. He was happy to answer any of my questions. I am very pleased to have found him on TikTok (you should all follow him). Not only is he entertaining online, he is an amazing chef. I will have to come back the next time I am in town.