Hanacore Cravings: The Real Deal in Central Phoenix
Today’s Local First Arizona member spotlight is on Hana Japanese Eatery:
There are some things we just can’t make from scratch in the kitchen – especially when it comes to Japanese cuisine. While living in Los Angeles, udon, ramen, and sashimi were staples of our diet and nothing could beat a good shabu shabu dinner in Little Tokyo. When we moved back to Phoenix, we struggled to find a place that could replenish the kind of goodness we were accustomed to in LA. Then, we found Hana Japanese Eatery. This mom and pop restaurant was right up our alley. The miso is tasty, their soups hit the spot on those soon-to-be cold desert nights, the sashimi is fresh, and on any given day the Hana chefs are drumming up a culinary explosion or offering an authentic Japanese dish. Fair warning: this is not like the sushi/sake bomber experience from those good old college days. Hana offers BYOB without a corking fee, seats a handful of tables, and is tucked away in a CenPho strip mall. The wait can be brutal on a Friday and Saturday night (the restaurant has quite a following who have been affectionately coined “Hanacores”). We think you’ll appreciate this quaint little eatery – it’s low on the crazy sushi roll concoctions, focusing instead on real Japanese fare, the service is real, and the experience is worth repeating over and over again.
Hana Japanese Eatery
5524 North 7th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85013
John Domrzalski:
August 3rd, 2012 at 1:38 pm
My wife and I have been going to Hana Japanese Eatery since they opened. The food and friendly staff can’t be compared. The fish is without a doubt, the best I have ever experienced. Before Hana, I couldn’t eat Uni to save my life. After Lori (owner) introduced me to the Uni they offer, I was a believer. The Uni shooters are amazing and are a great way to expand your palate in appreciating slightly more exotic sushi.
That said, the menu is really a great gathering of traditional Japanese fare as well as creations with their own spin. Really great food and great people make up this establishment.
One of my favorite things to order is the Chirashi bowl. If you really want to experience the wonderful cuts of unadulterated fresh fish, please give it a try.
I sincerely hope they continue to grow and prosper. This is a gem of Phoenix.