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Sakura Teppan Steak & Sushi 6534 E. Tanque Verde Road READER'S PICK: Sakura's sushi has been a consistent Tucson favorite--the bar-stool seating and social atmosphere is as appealing as the great sushi. The popular big-screen T.V. makes for a great mix of sports, spirits, sake & sushi. Sakura is the ideal spot to meet with friends, or bring out-of-town guests for a fantastic time. READERS' POLLRUNNER-UP: Sachiko Sushi, 1101 N. Wilmot Road. When it's quality, not quantity, we want, we always head for Sachiko. Named for the owner's precocious daughter, this family restaurant has a warm, homey atmosphere. We appreciate the friendly greeting as we're promptly brought our miso soup and steaming oshi bori (hot towel). As we munch our crunchy cucumber salad, we always check out the daily specials board for something new, along with the list of Sachiko rolls and specialties. We're always ecstatic to see the fresh, sweet shrimp special. We can always count on the hamachi (yellowtail), our litmus test, to be fresh and flavorful. The same goes for our standard favorites ika (squid) and hoki (clam). Sachiko must have a secret sushi connection, because the quality here consistently surpasses all other competitors. We also love the way they whip up their spicy hamachi. Once you become a regular, you might even have the honor of receiving your own personal pair of lacquered chopsticks, which will be waiting for you every time you feast. If you're lucky enough to catch it on special holidays, you'll be treated to a celebration with kimono-clad dancers, adding even more ambiance to an already charming setting.
A REAL SCREAM: If it's "bargain-basement" sushi you're looking for, have we got a place for you. First-timers are always amazed by the portions at bustling Sushi Cho, 1830 E. Broadway. It's easy to get addicted here, where you'll find the most affordable sushi in town. Service may be a bit cursory, but they more than make up for it with quality and quantity. Meals start with steaming miso soup and a heaping bowl of edamame (green soy beans). The salmon skin roll is by far the best you'll find here in the desert, a juicy cut of salmon along with that crispy skin (just full of all those good fish oils you've been reading about). If you order the handroll, be prepared to make an ungraceful mess. The white tuna is also a specialty, which seems to be exclusive to Sushi Cho. The humongous slices of delicate fish garnished with fresh, grated ginger and finely chopped scallions, then topped with tangy ponzu sauce, is our favorite. With portion sizes like these, it's difficult for even the most avid sushi fan to polish off more than a few orders. We like to top off our meal with the sweetness of fresh water eel or a flavorful ika san sai (marinated squid with mountain vegetables). A REAL SCREAM: Jun, the one-named Ginsu-flashing lord of fish, is a wonder to behold as he delicately and merrily slices up a rich array of salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and other sushi and sashimi dishes at Bunbuku Japanese Cuisine, 4520 E. Broadway. He does an equally good job at the microphone, too, as discerning souls witness every Friday and Saturday night when Bunbuku adds karaoke to the sashimi, tempura, and udon menu. On those nights local Japanese residents and students come to hang out, sing, and cheer on the brave gaijin who essays frightening classics like "Brandy" and "MacArthur Park." Have a plate of smoked eel and join in on a Sinatra standard or two. You'll be made to feel right at home.
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