Our server was Klara and she was very attentive, fast, friendly and very helpful in assisting us choosing what food to order. The sushi was fresh and very reasonable priced. Food came out fairly quickly even the restaurant was 40% full. They have Happy Hour daily from 5pm-7pm and 9pm-close. Overall, very happy and definitely come back.
Overview
If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Tempe, AZ, Zu Izakaya Sushi Bar is a place that should definitely be on your radar. Located at 1212 E Apache Blvd #107-109, this cozy yet vibrant spot offers a delightful mix of traditional Japanese izakaya-style dining with a focus on fresh, high-quality sushi. Whether you're a sushi connoisseur or a first-time visitor, Zu Izakaya promises something for everyone.
Upon stepping into Zu Izakaya, you're immediately greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between casual and elegant, making it a great spot for both casual dinners and special occasions. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always eager to guide you through the menu and make recommendations based on your preferences. If you're not sure where to start, their sushi rolls are a great choice-each roll is carefully crafted with a blend of traditional flavors and modern twists.
One of the standout features of Zu Izakaya is their extensive sushi menu. From the classic salmon nigiri to more adventurous creations like their signature dragon roll, every dish is prepared with attention to detail. The fish is incredibly fresh, and you can taste the quality in each bite. If you're new to sushi, don't worry-there are plenty of options to ease you in, including rolls with cooked ingredients or more familiar flavors like spicy tuna and tempura shrimp. The menu is also thoughtfully curated, offering various other Japanese dishes such as yakitori (grilled skewers) and gyoza (dumplings), perfect for sharing with friends or family.
One dish that consistently gets rave reviews is their miso soup. It's rich and flavorful, with a depth of umami that comes from perfectly balanced ingredients. It's an excellent way to start your meal, setting the tone for what’s to come. For those who are more adventurous, the chef's special sashimi platter is highly recommended. It showcases a range of fish, each cut with precision, offering a true taste of the ocean.
Zu Izakaya also shines when it comes to its drink menu. They offer a wide variety of sake, beer, and cocktails that pair perfectly with their dishes. The sake selection is particularly impressive, offering options for both beginners and seasoned sake drinkers. If you're not sure where to start, the staff are more than happy to suggest a drink based on your meal choice.
In terms of location, Zu Izakaya's address-1212 E Apache Blvd #107-109-places it in a bustling area of Tempe, making it a convenient choice for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're coming from Arizona State University or just exploring the city, Zu Izakaya is easy to find and well worth the visit.
Many customers have shared glowing reviews, praising not just the food but the overall experience at the restaurant. Whether you're there for a quiet date night or a fun evening with friends, the atmosphere is always lively and welcoming. The prices are reasonable for the quality of food you receive, and the portions are generous. One frequent comment is how consistently fresh the sushi is, which is a testament to the restaurant's dedication to quality.
What sets Zu Izakaya apart from other sushi spots in the area is its combination of a diverse menu and exceptional service. You won’t just leave with your stomach full; you'll feel like you’ve experienced something special. The restaurant goes above and beyond to ensure that every dish is crafted with care, and they truly excel at blending traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist. It's not just about eating; it's about enjoying a complete dining experience.
Next time you find yourself in Tempe, AZ, make sure to stop by Zu Izakaya Sushi Bar. Whether you’re a sushi lover or someone simply looking to enjoy a great meal in a comfortable, welcoming setting, Zu Izakaya is a place where you'll be treated to a memorable experience from start to finish.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 306 reviews
Went here for my birthday. Loved the atmosphere. Super cute layout. Food is delicious and inventive. Prices are reasonable. Go during their happy hour. Cocktails were a little on the weak side but still tasty. Let me tell you. I don’t know what they do with the water but it was crisp and cold. Staff was warm and friendly. Overall, I will return because I loved the food and atmosphere.
This was our first time here. We will definitely be back again. The oysters were amazing! Very fresh! The Sushi we ordered was so delicious! Plus the Saki Bombs were BOMB! Our server Kiho was so great. He was very attentive and kind. I HIGHY RECOMMENDED this place. They have happy hour everyday from 4-7pm!
Outstanding! We tried Zu & Pocha for the first time, and we'll definitely be back.We started with a couple of cocktails - the "new fashioned" (smoked with cherry/mesquite) and the Zu Bramble. Both were excellent. Moved onto a dozen oysters on the half shell - perfectly shucked, nicely presented and the best mignonette I've ever had. Then, we had a few goodies off of the Happy Hour menu - calamari, kimchi fried rice and the best chicken wings I've ever had (seriously!) Atmosphere and service were absolutely top-notch too. SO good - give this place a try.
Dining here is truly an amazing experience. The staff were so kind and attentive and always coming to check on how our meal was, not to mention how amazing and special each dish is. Definitely must visit and a great place to come with friends and family. The kimchi fried rice and the seafood jjampong was definitely my favorite and a must try!
Everything ordered was good! Was pretty empty when we came on a friday night (later in the night). The restaurant was clean and prices were decent for happy hour! Wish they carried horseradish for the oysters and shrimp though! Can’t wait to come back and try more :) Update: Came back a second time for actual dinner and it was great! The server and manager was very impressionable and extremely nice, we really appreciated it and can’t wait to come back! A tad expensive for portion size though so keep that in mind when you’re visiting! P.S you HAVE to get the chocolate molten lava cake for dessert