MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya Introduce
For those in Arizona seeking a truly authentic and delightful Japanese culinary experience, MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya in Downtown Phoenix is an absolute must-visit. This hidden gem has quickly become a beloved spot for locals, offering an impressive array of dishes from incredibly fresh sushi and sashimi to classic izakaya favorites and rich ramen. If you've been living downtown and haven't discovered MOTOMOTO yet, prepare to be pleasantly surprised by its exceptional food and welcoming atmosphere.
MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya prides itself on delivering "incredible" food that transports diners straight to Japan. Customers consistently rave about the authenticity of their dishes, with specific praise for items like the karaage, which is noted for tasting "just like it did at my local shop in Japan." This commitment to traditional flavors, combined with a meticulous attention to detail in preparation, sets MOTOMOTO apart in the Phoenix dining scene. Beyond the authentic taste, the restaurant also offers a diverse menu, ensuring there's something to satisfy every craving, from light appetizers to hearty noodle bowls.
What truly elevates the experience at MOTOMOTO is the outstanding service. Patrons frequently commend the staff for being "always kind and accommodating," contributing significantly to a warm and inviting dining environment. This blend of high-quality, authentic food and genuinely friendly service makes MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya not just a place to eat, but a place to create memorable dining traditions. It's a testament to their dedication that many hope this "hidden gem" stays in business for a long time.
MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya is perfectly situated in the vibrant heart of Downtown Phoenix, making it a convenient destination for residents across Arizona. You can find this Japanese culinary haven at:
15 E Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Its location on East Monroe Street places it on the ground floor of the Hilton Garden Inn, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors staying in the downtown area. The restaurant is well-positioned near major downtown attractions and public transport, including the Valley Metro Rail (Van Buren Avenue Metro Valley Rail stop). This prime spot ensures that whether you're coming from work, attending an event at a nearby venue like Valley Bar, or simply exploring the city, MOTOMOTO is just a short walk or ride away. Parking options are also available in public lots nearby.
MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya offers extensive hours to cater to diverse dining schedules:
Monday - Thursday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday - Saturday: 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Sunday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
These evening-focused hours, including late-night options on weekends, make MOTOMOTO a perfect spot for dinner, happy hour, or a post-show meal in Downtown Phoenix.
MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer a flexible and enjoyable dining experience:
Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in their inviting restaurant setting, which combines a sushi bar with izakaya-style dining. The atmosphere is described as "super cute" and "chill," making it ideal for casual dining, dates, or gatherings with friends and family. They also offer counter seating and a full bar.
Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their delicious Japanese dishes at home or on the go, MOTOMOTO offers convenient takeout services. Orders are prepared efficiently and packaged to maintain freshness.
Delivery: MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya partners with major third-party delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. This allows you to have your favorite sushi, ramen, and izakaya items delivered directly to your doorstep, providing ultimate convenience.
Online Ordering: Patrons can conveniently browse the full menu and place orders directly through their official website or via the associated delivery apps, streamlining the ordering process.
Happy Hour: MOTOMOTO offers a popular happy hour, typically from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily. This often includes discounts on select ramen dishes and a variety of drinks, making it an excellent opportunity to sample their offerings at a great value.
Private Dining: The restaurant features a glass-walled semi-private room that can accommodate up to 16 guests, making it suitable for small events, business meetings, or more intimate gatherings.
Full Bar & Cocktails: MOTOMOTO boasts a full bar, offering a selection of beer, wine, sake, and creatively crafted cocktails, such as the "Tokai Margarita" and "Sumopolitan," to complement your meal.
MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya stands out in the Phoenix dining scene for several key features and highlights that consistently receive praise:
Authentic Izakaya Fare: Customers rave about the authenticity of their izakaya dishes. The "karaage" (Japanese fried chicken) is a particular highlight, described as tasting "just like it did at my local shop in Japan." Other popular izakaya items include pork belly bao, takoyaki, and various skewers (robatayaki).
High-Quality Sushi & Sashimi: The sushi and sashimi offerings are consistently rated as excellent. Reviewers mention the "tempura salmon roll" as delicious and the overall quality of ingredients. While rolls can be "huge" and a "little difficult to eat," the "proportion of rice to fish and vegetable was perfect."
Flavorful Ramen: MOTOMOTO also offers house-made ramen, with the "Tonkotsu Ramen" being a popular choice, featuring housemade pork broth, tender chashu, soft-boiled egg, and various toppings. The curry and ramen are specifically recommended by loyal customers.
Unique Dessert Options: Their "matcha ice cream" is a standout dessert, and they're also known for items like honey toast, providing a sweet finish to your meal.
Excellent Service: The staff consistently receives high praise for being "kind and accommodating," "friendly," and providing "excellent service." This contributes significantly to the overall positive dining experience.
Vibrant Atmosphere: Described as a "super cute spot" with a lively "izakaya" vibe, MOTOMOTO offers a comfortable and engaging environment for diners, perfect for a fun night out.
Sister Restaurant to Nanaya: MOTOMOTO is a sibling restaurant to Nanaya, another highly regarded Japanese eatery in Arcadia, suggesting a consistent commitment to quality and authentic Japanese cuisine.
MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya occasionally offers promotions and special deals, particularly during their happy hour:
Happy Hour Specials: A consistent highlight is their daily happy hour, typically from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. During this time, they have offered discounts such as "half off their ramens and half off a lot of their drinks," making it an "excellent deal" to enjoy their signature dishes and craft cocktails at a reduced price.
Online Delivery Platform Promotions: Keep an eye on third-party delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. These platforms often run their own promotions (e.g., first-time user discounts, free delivery for certain order amounts) that can be applied to MOTOMOTO orders.
Seasonal or Limited-Time Offerings: While not explicitly detailed, izakayas often feature seasonal specials or new menu items. Checking their social media or website is the best way to stay informed about any unique culinary additions.
For the most current and active promotions, it is highly recommended to visit MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya's official website (motomotocentral.com) or call them directly at (480) 868-7981.
For inquiries, to place an order, or to learn more about MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya, you can reach them using the following details:
Address: 15 E Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Phone: (480) 868-7981 (Note: Online sources vary, with some listing (602) 343-0006. It's advisable to try the (480) number first as it's more consistently linked to their current operations.)
Website: motomotocentral.com
For residents of Arizona, particularly those in the Phoenix metropolitan area, MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya offers a truly compelling and authentic Japanese dining experience. Its prime Downtown Phoenix location makes it incredibly accessible, whether you're working in the city, attending a show, or simply looking for a fantastic meal out. The convenient hours, extending into late evenings, provide flexibility for various plans.
What truly makes MOTOMOTO a local favorite is its dedication to exceptional food quality and authentic flavors. From the "incredible" karaage that evokes tastes of Japan to the meticulously prepared sushi and flavorful ramen, the culinary offerings are consistently praised. The ability to indulge in a diverse menu that includes both sushi and a wide range of izakaya dishes caters to all preferences, making it perfect for groups or individuals.
Beyond the food, the "kind and accommodating" staff and the vibrant, inviting atmosphere create a truly pleasant dining environment. The popular happy hour adds significant value, allowing locals to experience their culinary delights at an even more attractive price. MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya is more than just a restaurant; it's a downtown Phoenix "hidden gem" that promises a consistently excellent and memorable Japanese dining experience, making it a highly recommended spot for anyone in Arizona.
MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya Photos










MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya Location
MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya
15 E Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
MOTOMOTO Sushi & Izakaya Reviews
The food is incredible. We had the karaage, grilled eel, and tempura salmon roll. All of it was excellent. The karaage tasted just like it did at my local shop in Japan. The service was also excellent. I can’t believe we’ve been living downtown this long without coming in before today. One thing to know, the sushi rolls are huge. It was actually a little difficult to eat because one piece is more than a polite mouthful, but the proportion of rice to fish and vegetable was perfect.10/10 we will be back.
Oct 07, 2024 · Randall TallentSo I have made it a tradition to go here before I see a show at valley bar, and it does not disappoint. The staff are always kind and accommodating, and the food is so good! I recommend the matcha ice cream, and the curry, and the ramen. This is a hidden gem, and I hope they stay in business for a long time!
Apr 12, 2024 · Kathryn EadsVery cool evening spot to get dinner. The bar has some very interesting specialty drinks and Paul (our server) was super engaging. we really enjoyed his suggestions of the things we shouldn't miss. Everything was really good. We had the porkbelly which was one of the prime recommendations. The tiramisu was a hit after dinner too.
Mar 29, 2023 · Eric JacobsonOrdered a few different dishes and everything was very tasty and delicious. The food however took over an hour and half to show up. The staff were super apologetic and offered us a free item plus some edamame. Wish I could have ordered more but was told that there is only one person in the kitchen doing sushi and almost everyone in the restaurant is ordering sushi so it will take a long time to get the order.
Oct 13, 2022 · Arsalan EI think I got what I deserved for going to a hotel lobby Japanese restaurant.The kakuni braised pork rice bowl tasted like fusion Chinese-Japanese food, but it was pretty good.The young man who was bartending isn't old enough to drink and doesn't know the beers. He recommended a matcha IPA that was greener than an algae pond and tasted like a damp air conditioner.The atmosphere was nice and contemporary, with fitting "lounge" music.
May 05, 2024 · David L.
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