Harumi Sushi Bar — Restaurant in Phoenix

Review of Harumi Sushi Bar - Phoenix, AZ

Harumi Sushi Bar, nestled in the heart of downtown Phoenix, is a hidden gem that effortlessly elevates the city's dining scene. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and refined elegance.

The first thing that stands out at Harumi is their commitment to quality and freshness. Every dish that comes out of the kitchen is a testament to their dedication to serving the best sushi in Phoenix. The fish is always incredibly fresh, with each bite delivering a burst of flavor that is both clean and vibrant. Their use of purple rice in their sushi rolls is a unique and delightful twist that not only adds a beautiful pop of color to each dish but also enhances the overall taste with its subtle nuttiness.

One of the highlights of my visit was the omakase experience. It’s clear that the chefs at Harumi are true artisans, with each piece of sushi crafted with precision and care. The variety and creativity displayed throughout the omakase were impressive, showcasing a range of textures and flavors that kept my taste buds engaged from start to finish. The toro, in particular, was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, while the uni was as fresh as it gets, transporting me straight to the shores of Japan.

Beyond the sushi, Harumi offers a wide selection of other Japanese dishes that are equally impressive. The tempura is light and crispy, never greasy, and the miso soup is perfectly balanced, with a rich depth of flavor. Their specialty rolls are a must-try, with innovative combinations that cater to both traditional sushi lovers and those looking for something a bit more adventurous.

The service at Harumi is another aspect that deserves praise. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. They are more than happy to offer recommendations, and their enthusiasm for the menu is infectious. Even on busy nights, the service remains prompt and professional, contributing to an overall dining experience that is as enjoyable as it is delicious.

The ambiance of Harumi Sushi Bar is also worth mentioning. The modern decor, with its clean lines and subtle touches of Japanese aesthetics, creates a space that is both chic and comfortable. Whether you’re seated at the sushi bar, watching the chefs work their magic, or at a cozy table with friends, the atmosphere is conducive to both casual dinners and special occasions.

In conclusion, Harumi Sushi Bar is a standout in the Phoenix dining scene, offering an experience that is both authentically Japanese and uniquely innovative. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or new to the world of Japanese cuisine, Harumi has something to offer everyone. The combination of exceptional food, stellar service, and inviting atmosphere makes this sushi bar a must-visit for anyone in downtown Phoenix. I can’t recommend it highly enough and will definitely be returning for another...

This place is worth visiting for the food. Service is not good. Prices are decent.

We tried coming the day prior with a party of 7 and couldn't get a spot 1.5 hours before closing. No biggie, they were busy with lots of people waiting outside.

But a party of 2 went the next day. They have a very peculiar setup with a host before the host.. you'll see what I mean if you go. We were seated immediately.

This was dinner on a Saturday, with the place being fairly busy but not slammed. They were well staffed and had people moving all over the place.

The party music they had going on was strange for the upscale feel and design of the space. It got better as the dinner went on.

Our server took about 5 minutes to take our drink order, then about another 15 to take our food order. Not great but not horrible. Food came out FAST (notably not from our server), with several rolls on the table 5 minutes later. Other dishes rolled in and, despite the off-feeling with the music and feel of the place, the food more than made up for it. Spectacular food, very good both visually and taste wise.

Thats where the good ended. We were not checked on for the remainder of the meal. We finished our drinks mid-meal, we finished eating and while we waited to see if our server would come, they never did. 25 minutes later, I would need to flag them down to pay. It wasn't only our table that was like this. I saw 3 other tables also waiting, looking around to see if anyone even knew they were waiting. Our server didn't care and seemed bothered that we flagged him down, but we had been done for a while and needed to leave to make it to an event. Again, very odd when they were well staffed and all looked busy doing something, except checking tables?

This is when I realized that if the place runs like this, it becomes increasingly difficult to get tables as the night goes on because they aren't clearing tables that are done in a timely fashion. And, with no reservation system, this place is just kind of annoying to come to. The food is great but I'm not sure I'd come here again, considering the food they sold was not unique or hard to...

Finding great sushi in the middle of the desert is no easy task - and when I came to visit my son in Phoenix and he suggested sushi for our dinner get together .. Well I would be understating my thoughts by saying that skepticism was reigning mightily upon that prospect .. He spoke very highly of this place that he had found and so I followed his lead albeit reluctantly .. I must confess to being a bit of a sushi snob .. I have been out for sushi in many locales in almost every corner of the globe - both seaside and inland - and I end up always comparing each new venue against the gold standard eatablishment that I found and always enjoy that just happens to be in my own backyard in Silicon Valley .. That place routinely manages to defend it's top spot listing against all corners foreign and domestic in quality, portion size, variety and service .. It does happen to be a joke in the wall of a strip mall but even that has it's own charm .. And then I walked into Harumi .. the atmosphere had an understated luxury that felt upscale while remaining welcoming and cozy .. the service from being seated to settling the tab was attentive, timely, very friendly and impeccable, and the piece de resistance - the quality & freshness of the sushi and the creativity and elegance with which it was crafted and presented was a delightful and delicious surprise .. and while I must confess that the hole in the wall sushi place in my own backyard that serves sushi that manages to top every place I have ever sampled it around the globe - well it only continues to hold its position because it's 3 minutes from my house and not a 13hr drive. I never would have guessed in a million years that I would find one of the world's best sushi places in the middle of the desert without a significant body of water within a thousand miles .. But Harumi Sushi Bar pulls it off and in superb style & with excellent craftsmanship .....