Minnow — Restaurant in Phoenix

So one day we walked to our favorite neighborhood coffee shop only to find it unexpectedly closed. Bummed. A sign on the window announced “Minnow” opening soon. I was skeptical. All I wanted was another coffee shop I could walk to. Then I saw Bernie was behind it (think gladly, citizens, beard nominee, etc.). I got excited. It had to be good. So I trusted and kept the faith. I was invited to the pre-opening soft launch and stopped by after my daily cycling ride. I was greeted by an appealing makeover of the space. Nice renovation and use of the space. Felt very vibrant, clean, swanky, hip but also functional and welcoming. Great vibes and get the feel this isn’t just “another shop”. I met Tanner and Cyndi(?) who where both very welcoming and educated me on Matcha, me being a newbie to the category. I ordered a sampling so got an iced Matcha and a iced latte. Consider me a matcha convert! Nice refreshing flavor and I’ll explore the menu more until I optimize my add ins. The latte was ridiculously good. Great flavor with a creaminess that is unforgettable. I added on the cookie/wafer(?) milk (its an extra $1 but crafted in house) and I assume that’s the source of creaminess. I was given a chili scone which wasn’t rock hard like many scones, instead had a nice crist with a luxurious soft inner and still crumbled a bit as you eat it like a scone should. Nice spice from the chili, not overpowering but enough to taste. Overall love the riffs on all the food and drink. I look forward to exploring the menu more and returning for lunch and dinner. And enjoying some matcha and tasty bites on the patio space (the best part of the corner). I’ll be a neighborhood regular there. Kudos to Bernie for creating a fun new and original concept and not just “another coffee shop”. Often times you see that store in a neighborhood that becomes a bermuda triangle for restaurants, one coffee shop after another opens and closes to our dismay. Everyone gets lost. But this new concept has staying power and sure to be a favorite of the neighborhood, nearby business community, and visitors alike. Thank you for taking a chance on our neighborhood and transforming our corner of the city on 32/Campbell. I’ll see you around (with a...

We live down the street and I was so excited when Minnow finally opened! Matcha, sushi and craft cocktails are 3 of my favorite things so it’s like this place was made for me lol I wouldn’t say I’ve been blown away by anything I’ve tried so far…but I have been 4 times since they opened so clearly it’s good enough that I keep coming back! The first time I came in I got the goma (black sesame) matcha and the chili crisp scone. The second time, I got the miso matcha and their poke bowl. The third time, my husband and I came at night and tried 3 cocktails (Grapefruit, Berry and Prickly Pear) as well as shared the spam musubi, the red dragon roll, and strawberry yuzu matcha cheesecake. I visited a 4th time this afternoon and picked up the little swimmers combo for my oldest child (California roll, shiso lemonade, strawberry corn cookie) and a maple hojicha latte. All of the lattes I’ve tried have been good, but the maple hojicha is the stand out. I can’t even describe the flavor, but it is very unique and I really enjoyed it! The other 2 matchas were good, but I wouldn’t mind if the flavor was pumped up a bit! I love interesting flavor combos and wanted to taste both the black sesame and the miso more. My husband and I enjoyed everything we tried on our date night, but do agree the overall dine in experience could be improved. I did also share some of my son’s shiso lemonade and strawberry corn cookie and both were phenomenal. The shiso lemonade was equal parts tart, minty and herbaceous- plus sooo refreshing in this heat! The strawberry corn cookie was perfectly baked, not too sweet and the little bits of fresh strawberry baked in took it over the top. As far as the top complaints I’ve seen in reviews so far- the prices and the fact that they are cashless, I don’t get it. I feel like the prices are fairly standard for sushi these days. Some of the rolls at Sprouts or Whole Foods are just as expensive! I agree that I don’t love to see more places going cashless, but also don’t see the point in writing a scathing review about it?? Anyway, I plan to continue to come here regularly and I’d recommend taking the negative reviews with a grain of salt and giving this place a try...

I always appreciate places that pay attention to both the food and the design — and Minnow delivered on both.

My wife and I visited on their first day open to the public. Since everything was 50% off for opening weekend, we took the opportunity to try a little bit of everything. We ordered takeout and sampled three matcha lattes:

Inner Child – my wife’s favorite, made with Nekohama matcha. She thought it was the best matcha she’s had in Phoenix so far (though she would’ve liked a little more syrup). Miso Matcha – unique, creamy, and savory with a salty kick. Goma (black sesame) – balanced and flavorful with vanilla and sesame cold foam. Our top pick overall.

We also got a strawberry scone with black sesame butter (10/10 per my wife), and a Spam Donburi Bowl that had great seasoning, plenty of spam, and fresh pickled cucumbers.

On the sushi side, the Blanquita Roll stood out with its fresh yellowtail and bright tomatillo salsa — balanced, acidic, and delicious. I also tried a Spicy Salmon Roll, which had a great rice-to-filling ratio, and my wife enjoyed the Veggie Roll because it included a generous variety of vegetables beyond the standard cucumber and avocado.

Design-wise, Minnow is casual, cozy, and clearly well thought out. There’s an open layout so you can see the sushi and drinks being made, with a mix of indoor bar seating, tables, and a small outdoor area. Materials like plywood, wood tables, concrete flooring, greenery dividers, and acoustic baffles made the space feel polished but approachable. Branding was modern and cohesive — even the takeout bags and table numbers were on theme.

Service was excellent. Sydney, one of the managers, was kind and attentive, and all staff were friendly despite the rush. Wait time was about 30 minutes for food, but drinks came out fast.

Parking was surprisingly easy for a Saturday afternoon — I’d rate that a 9/10.

For $39 (with the discount), the quality was impressive. Overall, Minnow is already one of the best sushi spots I’ve been to in Phoenix — up there with Uchi and Harumi.

Highly recommend!

Food: 8.7/10

Design:...