Blue Sushi Sake Grill — Restaurant in Tempe

This restaurant opened Monday in the brand new retail space called Novus. We went Saturday night at 6:15. North Italia and Flower Child (Fox Restaurant concept restaurants) as well as Eureka and Over Easy are all right there. Paid parking is available, but I think once people realize these restaurants are open, parking will be tight. I hate it when zoning allows too few parking spots! Plus, I'm not a fan of paid parking. You have to use an app, ugh.

Anyway, the decor is fun and lively. The music is loud (too loud for us!). There was a large family with 5 kids (5-15?). For whatever reason, two of 5 were yelling and screaming. Thankfully, after awhile the parents shushed them a bit and it was much better. (Don't get me wrong, I LOVE kids and take mine and grandkids out for dinner. We laugh, talk, and have a great time-- just no yelling, screaming).

There are tons of staff and everyone is very friendly, helpful, and attentive without hovering. The month of February they are running happy hour all day every day! My husband ordered a draft kirin $7hh (hard to find kirin on draft!). I ordered a bluetini $8hh (blueberry infused vodka and cointreau-- deliscious!). We then shard calamari and vegetable tempura $16.50 hh. It arrived hot and fresh! The coating was a little heavy and greasy but the red bell pepper is my new favorite (I've never had red bell pepper tempura!) We then shared a rainbow roll (I know, not very adventurous!) It was very fresh and tasty but on the small side. We also ordered yellowtail nigiri. It was fabulous but small. I could pop the entire piece in my mouth in one bite! Our bill was $62 without tip.

I was surprised most of the diners were in their 40s or older. I think it might be too expensive for college students. We would go back if we were already in downtown Tempe for...

Average food and subpar customer service. Our party of six entered the restaurant at about 4 o’clock on a Saturday. We were told that we were going to have to wait at least 30 minutes because the restaurant did not have enough staff, but that when the waiter or waitress did arrive, we would be seated at the empty table Directly left of the entrance. Our party was all from out of town and we were all carrying our backpacks so we requested to just sit at the table while we waited for our waiter or waitress. We were told no but if we wanted to, we could have a seat at the bar That didn’t make sense, but we didn’t complain. Within the next few minutes, the hostess sat two other parties on the other side of the restaurant, a party of four Party of three. So obviously, they were not extremely busy as one would expect to see on a Friday night or Saturday evening. Still, we did not complain. As we approach the bar to sit down, the bartender Hesitantly asked us “… Are you all going to sit here?…” We told her no that we were waiting for a table and she responded with OK and just walked away. As someone who has worked in customer service, I think bare minimum would be to expect they ask us if we would Like some water… It was 110 outside. Once we did get seated, our waiter was pleasant, and the food was good, not outstanding, but it was good. We were all just very surprised by the lack of accommodation And poor...

First time here! What a cute restaurant among a corner of food and beverage businesses!

The restaurant provides a great atmosphere for Happy Hour. It is very clean, and overall good service. I sat at the bar the entire time (didn’t want to kill the mood after my friends showed up, and the bartender seemed to be okay with it), but I think it’s probably best to sit at a proper booth next time. Not that we didn’t need a lot of attention, but we definitely had to ask and try to catch the bartender’s attention when we needed more water, or another set of utensils or napkins.

Food wise, we ordered a few things from the Happy Hour menu: kirin draft (yum), hot sake (yum), charred edamame (yum), calamari (not rubbery thank goodness), and crispy rice cake (too small of a portion size and too salty - disappointing). From the main menu, we ordered the Yellowtail Serrano, Truffle Salmon, Spider Maki and the Tatki Maki. Overall, very flavorful and will order again next time.

Lastly (unfortunately), parking is not friendly at all, and it’s $8 for 2 hours without parking validation offered. I can understand ASU students and parents walk there no problem, but I wish that the restaurant would at least offer a dollar or...