Mesa might be better known for its historic downtown and desert vistas, but tucked between the strip malls and suburban sprawl, you’ll find a surprising concentration of authentic Japanese kitchens. From unassuming sushi counters to cozy ramen joints, these spots deliver far more than just teriyaki. Here are the 12 best Japanese restaurants in Mesa, where tradition meets the Sonoran sun.
Icho Izakaya Sushi & Grill
$$ | (928) 216-3266 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving authentic Japanese flavors, Icho Izakaya is your go-to spot in Mesa. They offer a cozy, clean atmosphere with modest yet inviting decor and excellent service from the attentive wait staff. Beyond the welcoming environment and top-quality fish, Icho Izakaya has delicious options like Karrage, short ribs, and Udon bowls, all made with fresh, succulent ingredients.
But the real reason we love Icho Izakaya is the melt-in-your-mouth sushi and beautifully presented rolls—from the yellowtail fire roll to the spicy rainbow roll—that keep us eagerly anticipating our return.
Yogis Grill #2
$ | (480) 380-1213 | WEBSITE
The shared-space-with-Starbucks setup is something that could really only work in a strip-mall-heavy suburb like Mesa, which is why this Japanese-food-serving family spot has remained a local favorite for years. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing with plenty of parking out front. Usual Japanese fare like udon noodle soup and shrimp tempura are all praised for being fresh and hot, but what we normally do at Yogis Grill #2 is takeout.
Get the large portions and utilize the friendly service from Kevin and Tiffany when feeding a hungry family becomes necessary. The kid-friendly vibes even when ordering online for quick pickup make it one of our go-to neighborhood joints.
Got Sushi?
$$ | (480) 807-8500 | WEBSITE
While Got Sushi? might look like it’s been around since the ’90s with its somewhat dated decor, this no-frills Japanese spot has earned its stripes as a Mesa institution. Don’t expect a sleek, modern sushi bar here—the atmosphere is straightforward and unpretentious, with friendly staff who keep things moving even when the service gets a bit inconsistent.
The real draw is the sushi, which is consistently fresh and delicious, making it worth overlooking the average, overpriced Chinese options on the menu. Many regulars swear by takeout to avoid the occasional wait, but whether you dine in or grab it to go, you’re here for one thing: a satisfying, no-nonsense sushi experience that keeps people coming back.
DARUMA sushi/roll/noodle
$ | (480) 590-7979 | WEBSITE
Daruma Sushi/Roll/Noodle is the best Japanese spot in Mesa. Hands down. We’re not entirely sure why the sleek, minimalist dining room feels so effortlessly welcoming, but we will gladly bask in that clean, comfortable atmosphere to get our hands on food this good. Don’t worry about making the wrong choice since we’ll vouch for any of the menu items (but the tonkotsu ramen is what the name says it is).
Their beef teriyaki arrives sizzling on a cast-iron plate, so you never get the feeling you’re just eating a bland protein. Going to Daruma and not ordering the ramen is like being in a sushi bar and ordering a burger, but if you must, their sake sangria is a stellar substitute.
Yogis Grill
$ | (480) 890-7990 | WEBSITE
The sign at Yogis Grill says “Japanese cuisine,” but if it said “membership required,” we’d happily pay the dues to join this Mesa gem. The space is spotless with simple Japanese decor (a bamboo screen, a cherry blossom mural) that feels authentic without being fussy. After a comforting bowl of miso soup, steady your appetite with one of their generous and satisfying California rolls. Our favorite is the classic California roll with its large size and fresh ingredients tumbling out the sides.
Sure, there are plenty of places to get sushi and teriyaki in Mesa, but Yogis Grill’s friendly staff and excellent service is our reliable call for a pleasant meal.
Hibachi Super Buffet
$ | (480) 962-0888 | WEBSITE
Budget-conscious families regularly gather here for their massive selection of Japanese dishes and nonstop snow crab legs. And they are justified since the spacious, wheelchair-accessible dining room is a great place to feast on everything from hibachi to sushi. But even if you’re not a dedicated buffet enthusiast, the value is a draw on its own.
Asian buffet classics like freshly made sushi rolls during the dinner rush and recommended hibachi dishes instantly transport you to an affordable night out. The friendly staff takes care of customers throughout the meal, making it an acceptable option for those seeking a budget-friendly feast.
Sekai Sushi
$ | (480) 545-8131 | WEBSITE
The space at Sekai Sushi is compact, with just a handful of tables and a small sushi bar. We like to imagine the solo diners at the bar are secret sushi critics on undercover missions, since this place feels like a neighborhood hideaway. Everything is fresh, and the menu is focused with classic Japanese offerings, including nigiri, rolls, and tempura (the deep-fried sushi is our go-to). And each dish showcases their signature marinades that elevate the fish.
The choices are straightforward, but just know one taste of their tender chicken teriyaki will secure its spot in your weekly rotation.
Mensho Ramen
$$ | (480) 257-3021 | WEBSITE
The narrow, unassuming entrance to Mensho Ramen gives us minimalist urban alleyway vibes. But stepping inside reveals a warmly lit dining space. It’s a compact setup with dark wood accents, concrete floors, a few Japanese prints, and simple stools (ramen slurping is king here), but the exceptional broth adds serious depth.
It’s easy to confidently say this is the best ramen in Mesa because it’s the most authentic spot, but each bowl on the focused menu (get the GKO with its spicy kick) is truly outstanding. When we’d rather skip the heat, the Signature Toripaitan is equally impressive, with its creamy broth delivering a rich umami punch and the Chicken Karaage giving a satisfying crunch.
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
$$ | (480) 660-9752 | WEBSITE
There is a spacious patio area with string lights creating a warm glow when the weather cooperates, but it’s often packed because this is another prime dine-in destination in Mesa. The way to go here is with the sushi or the other fun dishes featuring some of the freshest fish we’ve had in the Valley. Finish the meal off with the attentive service from the manager, who personally checks on tables right before the bill arrives. This sit-down Japanese restaurant always hits our cravings just right.
HOUSE – Modern Sushi Restaurant
$$ | (480) 545-6009 | WEBSITE
The exterior of HOUSE looks like a sleek, minimalist Japanese teahouse, but inside lies Mesa’s premier modern sushi destination. While many local spots can feel generic, HOUSE is the opposite—serving up expertly crafted salmon lovers rolls and fresh yellowtail rolls in a clean, welcoming interior. Their sushi selection showcases traditional techniques with modern presentation, so get a chef’s choice platter and try a few.
If they have the generously portioned crunch scalloped roll or the delightful yellowtail roll, get ’em.
Makitto Sushi
$$ | (480) 508-6761 | WEBSITE
With a spot among Mesa’s best Japanese restaurants, Makitto Sushi offers an excellent dining experience in Arizona. Sushi enthusiasts rejoice. All the usual sushi options are on the menu from nigiri to sashimi to our favorite, the chef’s specials served on a small sushi boat. Freshness levels range from good to exceptional, with the seasonal cuts absolutely capable of delighting your palate, if not becoming your new obsession.
With a cozy and inviting atmosphere—a big plus for the area—and knowledgeable staff, there’s not a lot we don’t love about this place other than when the most interesting seasonal cuts are sold out.
Toh Zan Nagasaki Grill
$ | (480) 668-6688 | WEBSITE
This unassuming strip mall doesn’t have many places serving authentic Japanese. With a menu that’s as straightforward as the diner-like booths, the homemade food here is impressive enough. There are some hits (we could eat 100 of the crispy, fluffy tempura pieces). We also like the teriyaki chicken topped with that glossy sauce. And if you’re in the mood for something hearty, their katsu-donburi will do the job.
There are also a few plain notes (the interior decor is minimal), which is why we still prefer fancier spots for special occasions. But if we’re in Mesa and hungry for something in comforting Japanese form at 8pm on a Tuesday, this grill will do just fine.