Uchi Scottsdale

"Austin-based James Beard award winner Tyson Cole serves up meticulously plated sushi at buzzy Uchi — his seventh iteration of this restaurant — which opened in Old Town in January 2024. Expect premium fish from Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, a seasonal omakase, and a right-priced happy hour, as well fish graced with non-traditional sauces such as chimichurri, nuoc cham, and bagna cauda. Machi cure (think Japanese nachos) are a trip, as is the jasmine cream, a creamy, layered confection of cilantro granita, jasmine cream, pineapple, and honey crumble." - Nikki Buchanan, Eater Staff

"Walking into this upscale sushi spot, with locations in some of the most coveted zip codes around the country, feels like stepping into the home of someone who’s built a personality around Japandi—the only thing missing is your host handing you some slippers. While the back patio is a solid choice when Scottsdale’s weather is doing its usual perfect thing, the sushi bar is where to be. It’ll have you planning your next reservation before you finish your sake cocktail. Chefs shout out orders in chorus, slice sashimi like it’s the Olympics, and might even play 21 questions if your dinner conversation hits an awkward pause. Get the soft-shell maki, crispy tofu, whatever seasonal dish catches your eye, and end with hot tea and banana cake. For a splurge, their 10-course omakase, roughly $150 per person, takes the pressure off ordering a la carte from their literal book of a menu." - Lauren Topor

"The buzziest Phoenix-area restaurant of the year thus far is Austin-based chef-owner Tyson Cole’s seventh rendition of Uchi (“home” in Japanese), a high-end Japanese restaurant whose cozy space is softened by curving wood-paneled walls and hanging lamps. The extensive menu features cool tastings (think crudo, carpaccio, and usuzukuri), hot tastings (wagyu beef hot rock, oak-grilled escolar), daily specials, rare fish specialties from Japan’s famed Toyosu Market, nigiri and sashimi, and a 10-course, ultra-seaonal omakase menu (market price)." - Mcconnell Quinn, Nikki Buchanan

"New to the Phoenix dining scene but with roots in Denver, Uchi blends Arizona and Japanese influences in its sleek, minimalist Scottsdale space. On the extensive omakase menu, dishes like masu crudo and crispy tofu showcase a creative, but still refined, take on Japanese cuisine. The shorter, and less expensive, happy hour omakase offers a more accessible way to explore the menu, with desserts like banana cake providing a satisfying finish. With attentive service and a warm, intimate atmosphere, Uchi appeals to seasoned sushi fans and omakase newcomers alike." - Mcconnell Quinn

"It’s easy to spend a small fortune at upscale yet strangely cozy Uchi, the seventh iteration of this Japanese restaurant from Austin-based James Beard award winner Tyson Cole." - Nikki Buchanan