Hand roll and sushi was delish. Was really hopeful for the ramen and chicken karage. Chicken karage was cold. Ramen broth was tasteless and the eggs were cold! Chicken in ramen was bland and mushy.Our waiter was super sweet tho.Also - all the food on the Google photos is no longer served. Wasted time and money.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
Ryan Scott
Foods decent, staff is friendly but seems to have a severe lack of training otherwise. Cocktails were mediocre and took forever, food came out at different times, didn’t bring napkins, etc. I wouldn’t go back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Frances O’Brien
I want to start by saying that I hate to do this BUT I just feel like it’s necessary to tell the public. I’ve ordered sushi to go a couple of times and the food is always good but today I went in and placed my order (because they were closed on DoorDash and the phones don’t work) and sat by the kitchen waiting for my food. While I was waiting, there was a table that asked to have their sushi boxed up so the servers took the sushi and proceeded to use their bare hands picking up each piece and putting it in the to go box. It was so disgusting and unsanitary. When I talked to the manager she literally didn’t even say anything back and just issued the refund, not complaining about that but there was no apology at all and didn’t seem like she cared.
Frank W.
I am rating Moto Moto a five with an explanation. I was walking by headed to another restaurant. I thought, hey, if they're open for lunch I'd like to try sushi in Phoenix. I usually am interested, when I am someplace out of the ordinary for me, in sampling what is local. Before reliable overnight delivery, I would not consider fish, much less raw, in the desert. I figured no matter what I would have something to say here. That was sufficient reason to give it a try.One staff person was functioning as server and cashier. That was it. I was there early, before any rush. But it likely would not be easy for her once it gets going. I studied the menu. They feature lunch specials with add ons. Among them was "assorted sashimi." The picture showed only salmon. I inquired whether it was in fact assorted (like chirashi; I didn't use the term though). I was assured about variety. So I picked that. When it came, however, it was all salmon. As much as I like it, that was not what I was looking for. I noted it, trying not to sound like a privileged jerk complaining about what isn't such a big deal. The number of slices was not overwhelming either. I didn't mention that. Instead, I supplemented. I requested the vegetable tempura, which was specifically named: shishito and pumpkin (they also offer shrimp, which is just that).So why would I award five stars?The food exceeded expectations. The salmon was fresh. So much that is on offer is not. Sushi has been ruined by its popularity. Some that is available has no taste whatsoever. The rice also had been prepared by someone who got it right, fluffy. The staple is easy to make, not as easy to make well. The tempura batter was perfect. It was light. Whoever is in the kitchen knows what they are doing. They were not someone who otherwise would be working at a fast food chain, trained in corporate routine likely to be automated any moment. Although I did not try it, I was impressed: they listed takoyaki on the menu too. That is an indication the chef knows the cuisine; s/he is not someone simply making a buck or who could cooking just anywhere (even if they ordered it frozen, you don't push takoyaki if you aren't familiar with it).The single staff person also was apologetic about the salmon being the only protein in the bowl. She said they had changed the menu. Forgiveness is a virtue. There is much else in the world that is worse. There is enough misery around us, especially on the internet. I'd rather look to what there is to praise. In this case, I can say that, with the description here, you should have the information to make your own judgment.Addendum. Takoyaki are an Osaka specialty of octopus diced and molded with ginger, onion, and flour into balls which is prepared in a griddle with that singular purpose. When my wife's family brought my late father-in-law's ashes to rural Japan to be scattered, we met relatives who offered us the treat. I was not enthusiastic enough. I regret that.
Aaron B.
Horrible costumer service throughout the experience of this restaurant. The server was wearing sweat pants and a hoodie. Very slow. Lazy. Food was excellent besides the point the failed to bring out what we ordered. Yes we were a party of 6 but cmon - do better. The supposed manager was very short and petty when we called them out on them bringing out the wrong food. Failed to refill our waters. Will not be coming back. We had high hopes for this place.
Anne Carr
We were visiting for ASU parent weekend and found this place walking by. If I could give 10 stars, I would. The food is authentic and beyond impressive. We only stopped to grab a quick bite and ended up staying for a full meal. Our server, Griffin, was one of the friendliest and best servers we've ever had. Because it is attached to a hotel, we weren't sure what to expect, and this is like a secret hidden gem. We will definitely be back every time we come visit our SonShine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Angela H.
Came here for lunch on a weekday. This sushi spot is located downtown on E Monroe and N Central on the ground floor of the Hilton Garden Inn, and you either park via metered street parking or paid garage parking. The interior was clean with plenty of seating, and the decor was Japanese-themed with colorful parasols hanging from the ceiling and a faux cherry blossom arch against a wall. There's seating available outdoors on the patio, which is cutely decorated with hanging lanterns and lights. We were the only ones in the restaurant during that hour, so there wasn't a wait at all. I ended up ordering the sashimi bowl set, which includes miso soup and a salad. The sashimi itself was ok -- the cuts were a bit thin, and I didn't like how they flavored the underlying rice with rice vinegar. The miso soup and salad were fine! I appreciated that the waiter was very attentive and checked up on us several times throughout the visit.I think this restaurant wouldn't be my first choice when it comes to sushi, as Harumi's is right around the corner and is regarded as the classic choice for sushi in Phoenix. I may visit another time to try out the other menu items!
Liz
This place was amazing when it first opened. I loved their vegan ramen, Moshi Moshi cocktail, and their refined take on a ramen restaurant. Alas, those days are over. It all went downhill when they lost their original bartender. At one point they had no bartender at all. Then they closed for a while, and when they re-opened it was like a new restaurant. In a bad way. Their vegetarian ramen has chicken stock in it now, which is the most aggregious offense. They've redecorated and changed their menu to make it look more casual, but didn't change prices. Now it just looks like an overpriced casual ramen place with an identity crisis. Their new drinks aren't as good either. And on top of all that, now you have to order via an app and not with an actual server. I've only seen that method at airports, and nobody likes it.Vegetarian options: Vegetarian ramen has chicken broth.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
Sara Blackstock
The service was fine, the food was ok, but the website gives a VERY different impression of what this restaurant is. This ultimately set my expectations much higher than the actual restaurant is capable of meeting. The menu on the site and at the table are totally different. Same can be said for the restaurant itself.This is an "ok" Asian food joint--more a bar with Asian foods or a quick lunch stop. This is not a standout ramen shop like I was expecting (and craving).
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
Adam Nugroho
Authentic. The nigiri plate was good. The toro melts in your mouth. The crab cream croquette was delicious.
Midday loud Rap music. The pork in Ramen was nothing more than cheap bacon slices. We were the only people in the restaurant, and I can see why.Had to waive down the bartender to get any sort of service. Maybe the restaurant that replaces this one will be better.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Beth R
Great location and atmosphere. Food was pretty good except for the sushi. The rice was stale but the fish was good. Other items we ordered were good. Griffin was amazing and very friendly to talk with.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nigiri, Vegan Gyoza
Greg F.
Understaffed and the waitstaff that they do have seems confused. I've been able to get seated once and it was a good meal quality sushi and fun drinks. I've tried to go back twice both times they have only half the restaurant open, dirty plates everywhere, and pretty much no waitlist system.
Elizabeth H.
This place was amazing when it first opened. I loved their vegan ramen, Moshi Moshi cocktail, and their refined take on a ramen restaurant. Alas, those days are over. It all went downhill when they lost their original bartender. At one point they had no bartender at all. Then they closed for a while, and when they re-opened it was like a new restaurant. In a bad way. Their vegetarian ramen has chicken stock in it now, which is the most aggregious offense. They've redecorated and changed their menu to make it look more casual, but didn't change prices. Now it just looks like an overpriced casual ramen place with an identity crisis. Their new drinks aren't as good either. And on top of all that, now you have to order via an app and not with an actual server. I've only seen that method at airports, and nobody likes it.
Alejo Fudge
Online menu depicts a very different restaurant.If you are expecting a nice ramen restaurant, pass on this one. Definitely more of a bar. The apps come out quickly and fresh but the ramen leaves a lot to be desired.
Hand roll and sushi was delish. Was really hopeful for the ramen and chicken karage. Chicken karage was cold. Ramen broth was tasteless and the eggs were cold! Chicken in ramen was bland and mushy.Our waiter was super sweet tho.Also - all the food on the Google photos is no longer served. Wasted time and money.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
Foods decent, staff is friendly but seems to have a severe lack of training otherwise. Cocktails were mediocre and took forever, food came out at different times, didn’t bring napkins, etc. I wouldn’t go back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
I want to start by saying that I hate to do this BUT I just feel like it’s necessary to tell the public. I’ve ordered sushi to go a couple of times and the food is always good but today I went in and placed my order (because they were closed on DoorDash and the phones don’t work) and sat by the kitchen waiting for my food. While I was waiting, there was a table that asked to have their sushi boxed up so the servers took the sushi and proceeded to use their bare hands picking up each piece and putting it in the to go box. It was so disgusting and unsanitary. When I talked to the manager she literally didn’t even say anything back and just issued the refund, not complaining about that but there was no apology at all and didn’t seem like she cared.
I am rating Moto Moto a five with an explanation. I was walking by headed to another restaurant. I thought, hey, if they're open for lunch I'd like to try sushi in Phoenix. I usually am interested, when I am someplace out of the ordinary for me, in sampling what is local. Before reliable overnight delivery, I would not consider fish, much less raw, in the desert. I figured no matter what I would have something to say here. That was sufficient reason to give it a try.One staff person was functioning as server and cashier. That was it. I was there early, before any rush. But it likely would not be easy for her once it gets going. I studied the menu. They feature lunch specials with add ons. Among them was "assorted sashimi." The picture showed only salmon. I inquired whether it was in fact assorted (like chirashi; I didn't use the term though). I was assured about variety. So I picked that. When it came, however, it was all salmon. As much as I like it, that was not what I was looking for. I noted it, trying not to sound like a privileged jerk complaining about what isn't such a big deal. The number of slices was not overwhelming either. I didn't mention that. Instead, I supplemented. I requested the vegetable tempura, which was specifically named: shishito and pumpkin (they also offer shrimp, which is just that).So why would I award five stars?The food exceeded expectations. The salmon was fresh. So much that is on offer is not. Sushi has been ruined by its popularity. Some that is available has no taste whatsoever. The rice also had been prepared by someone who got it right, fluffy. The staple is easy to make, not as easy to make well. The tempura batter was perfect. It was light. Whoever is in the kitchen knows what they are doing. They were not someone who otherwise would be working at a fast food chain, trained in corporate routine likely to be automated any moment. Although I did not try it, I was impressed: they listed takoyaki on the menu too. That is an indication the chef knows the cuisine; s/he is not someone simply making a buck or who could cooking just anywhere (even if they ordered it frozen, you don't push takoyaki if you aren't familiar with it).The single staff person also was apologetic about the salmon being the only protein in the bowl. She said they had changed the menu. Forgiveness is a virtue. There is much else in the world that is worse. There is enough misery around us, especially on the internet. I'd rather look to what there is to praise. In this case, I can say that, with the description here, you should have the information to make your own judgment.Addendum. Takoyaki are an Osaka specialty of octopus diced and molded with ginger, onion, and flour into balls which is prepared in a griddle with that singular purpose. When my wife's family brought my late father-in-law's ashes to rural Japan to be scattered, we met relatives who offered us the treat. I was not enthusiastic enough. I regret that.
Horrible costumer service throughout the experience of this restaurant. The server was wearing sweat pants and a hoodie. Very slow. Lazy. Food was excellent besides the point the failed to bring out what we ordered. Yes we were a party of 6 but cmon - do better. The supposed manager was very short and petty when we called them out on them bringing out the wrong food. Failed to refill our waters. Will not be coming back. We had high hopes for this place.
We were visiting for ASU parent weekend and found this place walking by. If I could give 10 stars, I would. The food is authentic and beyond impressive. We only stopped to grab a quick bite and ended up staying for a full meal. Our server, Griffin, was one of the friendliest and best servers we've ever had. Because it is attached to a hotel, we weren't sure what to expect, and this is like a secret hidden gem. We will definitely be back every time we come visit our SonShine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came here for lunch on a weekday. This sushi spot is located downtown on E Monroe and N Central on the ground floor of the Hilton Garden Inn, and you either park via metered street parking or paid garage parking. The interior was clean with plenty of seating, and the decor was Japanese-themed with colorful parasols hanging from the ceiling and a faux cherry blossom arch against a wall. There's seating available outdoors on the patio, which is cutely decorated with hanging lanterns and lights. We were the only ones in the restaurant during that hour, so there wasn't a wait at all. I ended up ordering the sashimi bowl set, which includes miso soup and a salad. The sashimi itself was ok -- the cuts were a bit thin, and I didn't like how they flavored the underlying rice with rice vinegar. The miso soup and salad were fine! I appreciated that the waiter was very attentive and checked up on us several times throughout the visit.I think this restaurant wouldn't be my first choice when it comes to sushi, as Harumi's is right around the corner and is regarded as the classic choice for sushi in Phoenix. I may visit another time to try out the other menu items!
This place was amazing when it first opened. I loved their vegan ramen, Moshi Moshi cocktail, and their refined take on a ramen restaurant. Alas, those days are over. It all went downhill when they lost their original bartender. At one point they had no bartender at all. Then they closed for a while, and when they re-opened it was like a new restaurant. In a bad way. Their vegetarian ramen has chicken stock in it now, which is the most aggregious offense. They've redecorated and changed their menu to make it look more casual, but didn't change prices. Now it just looks like an overpriced casual ramen place with an identity crisis. Their new drinks aren't as good either. And on top of all that, now you have to order via an app and not with an actual server. I've only seen that method at airports, and nobody likes it.Vegetarian options: Vegetarian ramen has chicken broth.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
The service was fine, the food was ok, but the website gives a VERY different impression of what this restaurant is. This ultimately set my expectations much higher than the actual restaurant is capable of meeting. The menu on the site and at the table are totally different. Same can be said for the restaurant itself.This is an "ok" Asian food joint--more a bar with Asian foods or a quick lunch stop. This is not a standout ramen shop like I was expecting (and craving).
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
Authentic. The nigiri plate was good. The toro melts in your mouth. The crab cream croquette was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nigiri
Restaurantji Recommends
Midday loud Rap music. The pork in Ramen was nothing more than cheap bacon slices. We were the only people in the restaurant, and I can see why.Had to waive down the bartender to get any sort of service. Maybe the restaurant that replaces this one will be better.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great location and atmosphere. Food was pretty good except for the sushi. The rice was stale but the fish was good. Other items we ordered were good. Griffin was amazing and very friendly to talk with.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nigiri, Vegan Gyoza
Understaffed and the waitstaff that they do have seems confused. I've been able to get seated once and it was a good meal quality sushi and fun drinks. I've tried to go back twice both times they have only half the restaurant open, dirty plates everywhere, and pretty much no waitlist system.
This place was amazing when it first opened. I loved their vegan ramen, Moshi Moshi cocktail, and their refined take on a ramen restaurant. Alas, those days are over. It all went downhill when they lost their original bartender. At one point they had no bartender at all. Then they closed for a while, and when they re-opened it was like a new restaurant. In a bad way. Their vegetarian ramen has chicken stock in it now, which is the most aggregious offense. They've redecorated and changed their menu to make it look more casual, but didn't change prices. Now it just looks like an overpriced casual ramen place with an identity crisis. Their new drinks aren't as good either. And on top of all that, now you have to order via an app and not with an actual server. I've only seen that method at airports, and nobody likes it.
Online menu depicts a very different restaurant.If you are expecting a nice ramen restaurant, pass on this one. Definitely more of a bar. The apps come out quickly and fresh but the ramen leaves a lot to be desired.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3