Yamato Japanese - Tucson

I waited to write this until I found the photos that I'd taken specifically for this review, because simple words will never fully capture how amazing this place is. Firstly, yes, this *IS* the best sushi restaurant in Tucson. Period. No if's, and's, or but's. It is THE best place for sushi and other Japanese cuisine. (If you love the more expensive but infinitely delicious Toro or fatty tuna, then this is your place! They almost always have it available. It's true that Yamato doesn't look like much; it's located in a mostly defunct strip of stores and your eye might easily pass right over it. However, therein lies the beauty: the exterior doesn't *need* to impress, because the quality of the food and the friendly ambience speaks for itself. The fish is the freshest I've tasted in town and the presentation of certain dishes is impeccable. As an example, see the two photos I uploaded of the gold leaf on the plate of Toro nigiri and the after meal fruit spread. The prices and portions are exactly in line and exist in that precarious Goldilocks zone of: not too expensive, but not cheap, with portions that don't skimp but aren't ridiculously huge, either. Seriously, don't take my word for it go and have a meal!

My favorite was the spicy roll with crab but the salmon and tuna nigiri was the best I've had in Tucson in awhile. Great value and great food and service!

I came to shar e Punjab long time ago and saw Yamamoto but didn’t come here cuz I thought it looked like a hole in the wall type and didn’t want to chance a bad raw seafood. But I came finally and the sashimi and the spicy raw scallop nigiri was good. I’ve had the best sushi and know what is good and bad and it is rare to have good sushi... the chef appears to be authentic and would come again.

This place is so yummy! It's currently only take-out, but they added some delicious specials that are great deals, especially the chirashi combo! I get it with the iced green tea. My favorite things to get there are tuna maki or sashimi, uni nigiri, and the ikura and salmon don with sushi rice. They make fantastic tempura too. When dine-in is an option, the sukiyaki is lit! They have a great combo with sukiyaki and tuna sashimi, perfect after a big workout! Yamato isn't a pretty place, but the food is beautiful!

We've been going to yamato for the last 10 years and have never been disappointed in Nakajima's sushi art! So delicious and always fresh