North Phoenix restaurant offers intricate, chef-curated omakase sushi
Owner opens second restaurant to focus on handcrafted bites
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Sushi is an art, and one Phoenix chef who grew up in Japan is taking it a step further by offering it omakase-style.
Omakase is a Japanese phrase that means “leave it up to the chef.”
Yusuke Kuroda, owner of Yuzu Omakase, says dining at his restaurant is all about enjoying the experience.
It’s not your average sushi. Each bite is handcrafted with immense detail and seasonal flavors.
Kuroda has an extensive history of working in restaurants and experimenting with flavors. He grew up going to different restaurants in Japan with his grandmother, who instilled his love of cooking.
He eventually moved to the U.S. and worked in several restaurants, including the renowned NOBU in Beverly Hills, before moving to Arizona to start his own business.
Kuroda opened Origami Ramen Bar in Phoenix in 2020 but wanted to try something new a few years later. He just opened Yuzu Omakase a few months ago in August.
“Right now, it seems like in Arizona they love the roll, like a rainbow roll or something. So, I’m trying to approach it a little different,” Kuroda says.
He says he takes inspiration from his past and present, blending Japanese style with American and Mexican flavors.
“Our style is the tradition, but it’s sushi and little bit of fusion,” Kuroda says.
He uses mostly seasonal fish delivered daily to keep it fresh, so the menu can often change based on what’s available.
“It’s fish originally from Japan and then Europe and then local, so we mix it all together,” Kuroda says.
He’s constantly testing out new flavors and textures with his team, discussing new ideas.
In omakase, eating with your hands and taking your time is customary.
“It’s sushi, but it’s served kind of one piece at a time,” Kuroda says.
Kuroda only serves omakase by reservation, so he can adjust the temperature, quality, and timing of each bite of fish right for the customer.
The Omakase dining experience costs $85 per person. The restaurant also offers individual appetizers and sushi rolls, with prices ranging from $4 to $17.
He loves serving people who have never had omakase before, so he can describe each piece to them as they take a bite. He also offers a take-home version describing each piece of sushi written on the box.
Kuroda’s restaurant also offers a traditional sushi experience outside of omakase. You can order rolls, nigiri and sashimi. You don’t need a reservation to eat from that menu.
Yuzu Omakase
Location: 4727 East Bell Road, #59, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Hours:
- Tuesday-Sunday: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Monday: Closed
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