20 June 13th-June 19th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | FULL BAR! BILLS OF $50 OR MORE Dine-In or Take Out Not Including Combinations Dinner Only Expires 12/31/24 Closed On Tuesdays $5 OFF 2050 N. Alma School Rd., #36 • 480.857.4188 value lunch specials and signature purple rice — have stayed the same. If you work downtown, don’t miss the lunch combos, which come with two half rolls, a side and miso soup. For those looking to try a variety of flavors, go with the Trio Sampler. This dish includes three half rolls, chosen from a list of six. So mix and match your way to a delicious meal. The rainbow roll is a classic, clean and simple choice, or get a little spicy with the Dynamite roll, topped with spicy tuna, serrano chile, spicy aioli and Sriracha. Those in the West Valley can enjoy the same delicious bites at Harumi’s location in Peoria. Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey 4232 N. Seventh Ave. Situated along Seventh Avenue in the Melrose District, Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey serves fresh fish and tasty cock- tails in a gorgeous space. The modern, Scandinavian-meets-California coastal- style spot features concrete and warm- toned wood with a shining, backlit bar. Settle into a leather booth, or snag a stool at the bar and peruse the menu. The concept is a transplant from Palm Springs and the brainchild of chef Engin Onural. His menu infuses Japanese tradition with global flavors, exemplified in dishes such as the Experiment roll, made with snow crab and tuna plus mango, avocado, cucumber and jalapeno. And don’t miss out on the Baby Langoustine roll — a treat topped with crisp tempura bites of the small crustatean. Yutaka Japanese Restaurant 751 E. Bell Road, #9 Tucked into a north Phoenix shopping center, Yutaka is turning out satisfying, playful sushi options along with ramen, teriyaki and stir-fried noodle dishes. Service in this intimate restaurant is effi- cient and friendly, with staff ready to make a recommendation. Among sushi selec- tions, you’ll find a taut selection of sashimi and nigiri, but Yutaka’s primary offerings are massive sushi rolls. They range from expected offerings such as caterpillar and rainbow rolls to fusion-driven options, including a crisp asparagus and cucumber roll that is topped with pieces of salmon and garlic. And, don’t miss shareable starters such as Yutaka’s Crispy Rice and Spicy Tuna — a delightful riff on the TikTok-famous dish that mixes up temper- atures and textures with delicious results. Across the Pond 4236 N. Central Ave., #101 Across the Pond is a chic, intimate sushi spot from the team behind Clever Koi, which sits across the walk from its sibling restaurant in central Phoenix. Across The Pond’s team lets the eatery’s exceptional seafood shine as sashimi and nigiri. Selections include tuna, uni and tender salmon belly, along with lightly treated options, such as seared scallops and coffee- cured salmon. The menu also features an ever-rotating list of specials, rolls and raw dishes, including yuzu-marinated ceviche with wonton chips. Pair your sashimi with an excellent craft cocktail, such as the Suntory Sling, which combines its epon- ymous Japanese whisky, a French herbal liqueur, lemon, lime and “sling syrup,” served over pineapple ice cubes. Uchi 3821 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Uchi opened in Old Town Scottsdale in February, quickly coming out of the gates with a well-curated experience and food to match. The restaurant is the brainchild of owner and James Beard Award-winner Tyson Cole, who launched the original outpost of the Japanese restaurant in Austin, Texas, with the aim to create a sushi bar-like experience at every seat. Uchi boasts such splurgy options as fish flown in fresh from Japan’s Toyosu Market or a 10-course omakase. If going a la carte, don’t miss the restaurant’s signature dish, Hama Chili. Yellowtail and orange pieces sit in a pool of ponzu and are topped with slices of Thai chile, microgreens and roe for a bright, well-balanced bite. In addition to sushi, Uchi’s menu also includes hot plates that range from tempura to a tender lamb sirloin crafted exclusively for Scottsdale diners. Fresh Catch from p 19 The Baby Langoustine roll at Sandfish Sushi is topped with crispy nuggets of sweet seafood goodness. (Photo by Tirion Boan)
