Yamato Japanese - Tucson

So delicious! I would suggest a reservation or to go. This place is tiny and busy. We got lucky and seated as walk-ins but while eating, we saw a few parties turned away. Not the place if you're in a rush either. Their staff is tiny but mighty. I was worried if I ordered enough food, but the two of us were Stuffed! And eating just to eat by the end of it. Their chefs choice sashimi platter is a wonderful variety and all fresh! The spicy roll was good. Not too spicy The tonkatu ramen was yummy and a large serving size. Seaweed salad was yummy too.

Chef Noboru at Yamato really adds to how special this place is. The sushi is tremendous and the people are great. The fish is super fresh and delicious! His presentation is one of the most beautiful. The only down side, I’ve had at the place so far, has been a server who doesn’t seem to want to be there. Her attitude was bad: she was rude, dismissive, and seemed to have been overwhelmed by the few tables during dine in that post Covid-19. She seemed stressed and just not welcoming. On the flip side, Chef Noboru never fails to be friendly, fun, and being always a pleasure to be around. He is always and definitely worth the time and dine-in experience.

One of my favorite sushi spots in town, I recommend sitting at the sushi bar if it is available. The chef/owner is funny and always puts out great product from the sushi to the complimentary fruit dessert.

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!