Moto Introduce
For residents across Arizona, particularly those seeking a blend of excellent sushi and a lively dining atmosphere in Phoenix, Moto has established itself as a go-to spot. This local gem is celebrated not just for its fresh and flavorful Japanese offerings, but also for its distinctive energy that makes every visit feel special. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite, a relaxed dinner with friends, or to unwind with a drink, Moto provides a unique culinary experience that resonates with the local community. This article will delve into what makes Moto a beloved fixture in Phoenix’s dining scene, highlighting its culinary strengths, welcoming ambiance, and suitability for Arizona locals.
Moto is more than just a sushi restaurant; it's a culinary adventure that brings a touch of the Orient to the table, as noted by its background with chef Vince Heppler. It offers a delightful fusion of creative Pan-Asian dishes and sushi, served within a cozy, airy setting that invites both casual diners and food enthusiasts. While some experiences with non-sushi items, such as the rice bowls, might vary, the consistent praise for their sushi confirms it as a reliable choice for Japanese fare. One customer enthusiastically states, "This is a local place for anyone looking for great sushi and a great vibe," perfectly capturing the essence of Moto. The lively ambiance, often enhanced by friendly and engaging staff like their "awesome bartender," creates an inviting environment that fosters good conversation and a memorable night out. Moto is a place where quality food meets a great atmosphere, making it a beloved spot for locals looking for a dynamic dining experience.
Moto is conveniently situated at 6845 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA. This location places it in a vibrant and easily accessible part of Phoenix, specifically within the Camelback East Village area. N 16th Street is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, ensuring that the restaurant is straightforward to reach for residents from various parts of Phoenix, including Arcadia, Midtown, and even those driving in from Scottsdale or Glendale.
The restaurant benefits from being located in a commercial district, typically offering private lot parking, which is a significant convenience for diners in the busy Phoenix area. While public transportation options like buses are available along 16th Street, most Arizonans will likely find driving to be the most practical way to reach Moto. Its strategic positioning within a dynamic neighborhood means it’s surrounded by other local businesses, creating a lively atmosphere and making it a popular choice for both planned outings and spontaneous visits. The clear signage and prominent location contribute to its ease of access, ensuring a smooth arrival for patrons.
Moto provides a variety of services designed to enhance the dining experience and cater to the diverse needs of its Arizona clientele, making it a flexible option for different occasions.
- Dine-in Service: Guests can enjoy the full ambiance of Moto within its cozy, airy setting, which features a modern design and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for social gatherings or intimate meals.
- Takeout and Pickup: For those who prefer to enjoy their favorite sushi and Pan-Asian dishes from the comfort of their home or office, Moto offers convenient takeout and pickup services. Orders can be placed directly or through online platforms.
- Online Ordering and Delivery: Moto partners with various third-party delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates. This allows for seamless online ordering and convenient delivery directly to customers' homes or workplaces, expanding accessibility across the Phoenix metropolitan area.
- Full Bar Service: The restaurant features a full bar offering a range of beverages, including cocktails, beer (with rotating taps of craft beers), sake, and wine, perfectly complementing the food menu. The "awesome bartender" is a noted highlight.
- Happy Hour: Moto provides popular happy hour specials on both food and drinks, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious diners seeking high-quality offerings.
- Reservations: Moto accommodates guests with reservation options, which can be particularly useful during peak hours to ensure a table. Reservations can be made online via platforms like OpenTable or by calling the restaurant directly.
- Catering and Group Dining: While not explicitly detailed, given its menu and the desire for "great conversation over great food and drink," Moto is likely suitable for group dining and may offer catering services for events.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Options: The menu includes vegetarian options like the "Garden Roll" and "Crispy Tofu Salad," indicating an effort to cater to diverse dietary preferences.
Moto in Phoenix stands out with several distinct features and highlights that contribute to its popularity among locals in Arizona.
- Great Sushi Selection: Moto is consistently praised for its "great sushi." The menu offers a wide variety of sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls. Popular options include the "Spicy Tuna," "Las Vegas Roll," "Rainbow Roll," "Señorita Roll," and "Dragon Roll." They also feature unique creations like the "Scuba Roll" and "Jalapanko Roll."
- Vibrant and Welcoming Vibe: The restaurant is known for its "great vibe" and energetic atmosphere. It has a "very neighborhood bar kinda feel to it," described as cozy and airy, with a modern design. The staff, including the "awesome bartender," contribute to a lively and friendly environment.
- Diverse Pan-Asian Menu: Beyond sushi, Moto offers an extensive menu of creative Pan-Asian dishes. Highlights include various appetizers like "Bun Bo Edamame" (sautéed in Vietnamese spices), "Crispy or Steamed Gyoza," "Papa Tran Riblets," "Sweet Potato Fries," and "Dynamite Shrimp."
- Popular Bowls and Noodle Dishes: Their menu features a range of "Prefer-a-Bowl" options such as the "Basic Bowl" (grilled dark meat chicken with teriyaki sauce) and the "Stoner Bowl" (Moto wings over spring mix). They also offer Vietnamese BBQ Pork noodles, Pad Thai Noodles, and Yaki Soba Noodles.
- Excellent Happy Hour: Moto has a well-regarded happy hour, available Monday-Saturday from 3 PM - 6:15 PM, and all day on Sundays until 6:15 PM. Specials often include 10% off drinks, $2.99 draft beers, and half off select appetizers and sushi rolls, making it a very appealing option for budget-conscious diners.
- Fresh Ingredients and Quality: While individual experiences with specific dishes can vary, the overall sentiment regarding the quality of the sushi and freshness of ingredients is positive, emphasizing a commitment to good food.
- Unique Drink Menu: Beyond standard offerings, the bar provides a good selection of craft beers and cocktails that complement the Asian fusion menu.
Moto in Phoenix is known for offering appealing promotions that enhance its value proposition for local Arizona diners.
- Happy Hour: This is a significant highlight and a major draw for customers. Moto's happy hour runs:
- Monday - Saturday, 3:00 PM - 6:15 PM
- Sunday, 11:00 AM - 6:15 PM (all day)
- 10% off drinks
- $2.99 Draft Beers
- Half off select appetizers (e.g., gyoza, spring rolls, sweet potato fries, edamame, krab puffs)
- Half off select house sushi rolls (e.g., Kalifornia Roll, Philadelphia Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Tootsie Roll)
- 10% off well drinks, house wines, and all other sushi.
- Lunch Deals: While not explicitly detailed as "promotions," their menu often features lunch combo options or value sets that bundle popular items, providing a cost-effective meal.
- Online Ordering Deals: Customers ordering through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats may occasionally find app-specific promotions, such as discounted delivery fees or percentage off orders, which can be a form of special offer.
For the most current and comprehensive details on their promotions, particularly happy hour specials, locals are encouraged to check Moto's official website or call the restaurant directly.
For inquiries, reservations, or to place an order for takeout or delivery, Moto in Phoenix can be reached via the following contact details:
Address: 6845 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Phone: (602) 263-5444
Mobile Phone: +1 602-263-5444
Moto in Phoenix stands out as an excellent choice for locals throughout Arizona, particularly those seeking a vibrant and satisfying dining experience in the heart of the city. Its accessible location on N 16th Street, coupled with convenient parking, makes it an easy destination for a casual meal or a night out.
The primary draw for Arizonans is Moto’s reputation for "great sushi." While the menu extends to a wide range of Pan-Asian dishes, the sushi remains a consistent highlight, praised for its quality and flavor. This makes it a reliable spot for sushi enthusiasts. Beyond the raw bar, the diverse menu of appetizers, bowls, and noodle dishes ensures there's something to cater to all tastes, making it suitable for groups with varied preferences.
Crucially, Moto’s "great vibe" and welcoming atmosphere, often enhanced by friendly staff, create an enjoyable and engaging dining environment. It feels like a true "local place," fostering a comfortable and familiar experience that encourages repeat visits. The highly attractive happy hour, with its significant discounts on both food and drinks, offers exceptional value, making high-quality Japanese and Pan-Asian cuisine more accessible for regular enjoyment. For Phoenix residents looking for a lively, delicious, and budget-friendly option for their sushi cravings and more, Moto represents a strong contender and a cherished local establishment.
Moto Photos










Moto Location
Moto
6845 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Moto Reviews
Bartender is awesome! This is a local place for anyone looking for great sushi and a great vibe.
May 07, 2025 · Julian D Vigay (Jul)What is happening Moto? I haven’t been here in a year. I ordered the Vietnamese BBQ rice bowl, basically 2/3 rice and 1/3 meat. Meat was saturated with sauce and a bit too salty for my liking. I didn’t want to send it back because I did not want to create a fuss in front of my out town guest. In addition, I also ordered the Tokyo… Ciao dumplings 🥟. Dry and overcooked. Our server came back twice to ask if I ordered brown or white rice. I said brown but was served white rice. Needles to say I managed to scrape off the brown, salty sauce to eat only the meat.Don’t get me wrong. This is a great place. But I think I’ll just order Sushi next time. And hard pass on the rice bowls.
May 02, 2025 · Eric HernandezFood was amazing! Sushi was really freshWings were great!We came during happy hour and will be back for sure
Feb 22, 2025 · A AAbsolutely one of my favorite places in town. This place makes the best curry soup in the world. Double rice with crab 🦀 😋 The rolls are amazing as well as the ambiance and service! We love this place!
Oct 19, 2024 · Dave HagerAnother diamond just sitting right in front of my face and me paying no attention to my surroundings. Today was the day we finally ventured into Moto. After living within a 1 mile radius from this restaurant for the past 20 years 🙃. We've never visited because the company name is Moto Sushi and no one in the household eats sushi. Yesterday while staring at the building I realized that they've held that location forever....so the food must be really good. So we looked at the menu and realized that they do sell other items other than sushi. We decided to try the orange chicken bowl,the stoner bowl and pho. All were spectacular! The stoner bowl was insane, imagine boneless wings on top of a salad on top of a bowl of rice 🤯. Online the stoner chicken did kind of resemble the color of orange chicken, buffalo chicken. The chicken is cut thin,fried to perfection and topped with a delicious buffalo sauce. I would have never imagined eating a buffalo wing mixed in salad or in a bowl of rice. The orange chicken bowl was also delicious. Tangy,sauced orange chicken in a bowl of rice always hits the spot. Last but not least the vegetable pho(with chicken added)in a ginormous bowl. An amazing broth mixed with so many veggies and crunch it soothes the soul. To top it off apparently everyday they have a happy hour menu that can save you a few bucks. Every bowl can easily feed 2 people, The restaurant is cozy and quiet in the afternoon but gets busy later in the day. Well maintained restaurant with a great staff,we can't wait to visit again. That is after we finish the gigantic amounts of leftovers 😋. Moto is WAY MORE than sushi( I'm sure the sushi is also amazing). Each bowl/plate will run about $11-$22.
Sep 26, 2024 · Alfonso Perez
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