Zu & Pocha

For those in Arizona seeking a truly dynamic and unforgettable dining experience that perfectly blends the best of Japanese sushi with authentic Korean flavors, Zu & Pocha in Tempe is an absolute must-visit. This isn't just a restaurant; it's an immersive culinary journey, celebrated by locals for its exceptional quality, innovative dishes, and a vibrant atmosphere that makes every visit feel special. Whether you're a sushi connoisseur, a fan of hearty Korean comfort food, or simply looking for a fantastic spot to gather with friends and family, Zu & Pocha consistently exceeds expectations.

Zu & Pocha has quickly established itself as a standout in the Tempe food scene, lauded for its commitment to "amazing quality, taste, and value inside a beautiful venue." The menu is a testament to this dedication, offering a compelling array of dishes that are both familiar and delightfully surprising. Customers rave about the freshness of the ingredients, particularly in their sushi, noting that each dish feels "amazing and special." This meticulous attention to detail ensures a memorable dining experience, where every bite is crafted with care.

While Zu & Pocha is certainly a destination for top-tier sushi, it truly shines with its incredible fusion of Korean dishes. The kimchi fried rice is repeatedly highlighted as "perfectly seasoned" and a "must try," leaving customers "no words" to describe its deliciousness. Similarly, the seafood jjampong is praised for being "spicy with tons of seafood add-ins," making it a comforting and flavorful choice. For those who enjoy sharing, the samgyeopsal (pork belly) offers a "so fun for the table" interactive dining experience, and the soy garlic wings are described as "HUGE wings with crisp and chew," showcasing the restaurant's versatility beyond raw fish.

Beyond the phenomenal food, the atmosphere and service at Zu & Pocha contribute significantly to its appeal. The venue is described as "beautiful" and "great for groups and casual dinner," fostering a warm and welcoming environment. The staff receive consistent accolades for being "so kind and attentive" and "always coming to check on how our meal was." This combination of delectable dishes, a vibrant setting, and genuinely friendly service makes Zu & Pocha a truly unique and cherished spot for Arizona locals, perfectly blending the lively "Pocha" (Korean pub) and "Izakaya" (Japanese bar) vibes.

Zu & Pocha is conveniently located at 1212 E Apache Blvd #107-109, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA. This prime location places it directly on Apache Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in Tempe, ensuring exceptional accessibility for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas. Its proximity to Arizona State University (ASU) makes it an ideal spot for students, faculty, and local professionals, while easy access from major freeways extends its reach to other East Valley communities like Scottsdale, Mesa, and Chandler.

The restaurant is situated in a commercial complex, which typically provides ample parking, a significant convenience for diners in Arizona where driving is often the preferred mode of transport. Furthermore, its location on Apache Boulevard means it is often accessible via public transportation, including the light rail and local bus routes, offering alternative options for visitors. This blend of easy driving access and public transport connectivity makes Zu & Pocha a highly convenient and attractive dining destination, contributing to its popularity among Arizona locals.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy a beautiful venue with a warm, welcoming, and vibrant atmosphere, suitable for casual dinners and group gatherings.
• Takeout & Pickup: Convenient options for enjoying Zu & Pocha's delicious dishes from the comfort of your home.
• Delivery Services: Partners with popular third-party delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub for seamless home delivery.
• Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: Offering fresh fish, beautiful presentation, and unique creations including:
  • Chef Omakase Rolls
  • Lollipop Roll (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, avocado, crab mix wrapped in cucumber) - a "MUST TRY" for its unique dish and satisfying crunch
  • Signature Rolls (e.g., Garlic Spicy Tuna Roll, Jalapeno Vegas Roll, Crunch Salmon Roll, Angry Caterpillar Roll, Baked Scallop Roll, Seared Albacore Onion Roll, Sriracha Shrimp Roll)
  • Classic Rolls (e.g., California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Philly Roll, Alaska Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll)
  • Nigiri and Sashimi flights (familiar species like toro, salmon, tuna, yellowtail, as well as unique raw bar items like ceviche, poke, tiradito, and carpaccio)
• Authentic & Fusion Korean Dishes (Pocha-style): A wide selection of popular Korean comfort foods and creative fusion dishes, including:
  • Kimchi Fried Rice (highly praised for perfect seasoning)
  • Seafood Jjampong (spicy, packed with seafood)
  • Samgyeopsal (pork belly board for sharing)
  • Soy Garlic Wings (huge, crispy, and chewy)
  • Korean Fried Wings (various sauces like Mala Soy Garlic, Sweet Chili)
  • Bulgogi Fries, Corn Cheese & Gyoza, Takoyaki
  • Hot Pot dishes (e.g., Korean Army Pot, Spicy Jjambong Pot, Bulgogi Mushroom Pot, Coconut Curry Pot)
  • Grilled items (Bulgogi Grill, Chicken Grill, Gochujang Pork Grill, Fresh Water Eel Grill)
  • Noodles (Chasu Ramen, Tempura Udon, Korean Spicy Ramen, Cream Carbonara, Chili Oil Pork Belly Yakisoba, Miso Glazed Salmon Yakisoba)
  • Meat Entrees (e.g., Wagyu Steak, Cheesy Buldak Chicken, Jumbo Pork Cutlet, Kimchi Back Ribs)
• Full Bar with Creative Cocktails: Offers a wide selection of beer, wine, soju (by carafe or bottle), and signature cocktails.
• Oyster Bar: Features a seasonal selection of fresh oysters on the half shell.
• Late-Night Dining: Open late, typically until midnight (except Sundays), serving food and drinks.
• Happy Hour: Extensive happy hour deals on food and drinks (details in 'Promotions' section).
• Catering: While not explicitly stated, the capacity for groups and diverse menu suggests potential catering services.

• Amazing Quality, Taste, and Value: Consistently praised by customers for delivering high-quality, delicious food that also offers great value, all within an aesthetically pleasing setting.
• Exceptional Staff & Service: Staff are repeatedly described as "so kind and attentive," providing excellent service and frequently checking on diners to ensure a great experience.
• Signature Kimchi Fried Rice: A highly recommended dish, noted for being "perfectly seasoned" and incredibly flavorful.
• Spicy Seafood Jjampong: Praised for its rich, spicy broth and generous amount of seafood, a popular choice for noodle and seafood lovers.
• Unique & Must-Try Sushi Rolls: Features innovative rolls like the "Lollipop Roll" (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, avocado, crab mix wrapped in cucumber) which is singled out as a "MUST TRY" for its unique composition and satisfying crunch, alongside other creative "Chef Omakase" and signature rolls.
• Fusion of Japanese Sushi & Authentic Korean Dishes: Offers a diverse menu that expertly blends high-quality sushi and sashimi with a wide array of popular Korean comfort foods and modern interpretations, appealing to a broad range of tastes.
• Great for Groups & Casual Dining: The "beautiful venue" and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal spot for gatherings with friends and family.
• Lively "Pocha" & "Izakaya" Vibe: The restaurant successfully combines the casual, late-night pub atmosphere of a Korean "Pocha" with the informal Japanese "Izakaya" bar feel, creating a unique and energetic ambiance.
• Fresh Fish & Beautiful Presentation: Reviewers highlight the freshness of the fish in their sushi and the attractive presentation of the dishes.
• Outstanding Soy Garlic Wings: Noted for being large, crispy, and flavorful, a popular appetizer choice.

Zu & Pocha in Tempe is well-known for its attractive and generous special offers, making it a highly desirable spot for Arizona locals looking for great value and a vibrant atmosphere. Their primary and most celebrated promotion is their Happy Hour:

• Daily Happy Hour: Zu & Pocha offers happy hour deals every day, with varying timings that include:
  • Daily Happy Hour at the Bar: Described as "all-day happy hour at the bar," indicating continuous deals on select items for bar patrons.
  • Specific Happy Hour Timings: Typically from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and again from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily.
• Happy Hour Menu Highlights: During these times, patrons can expect discounts on:
  • Drinks: $5 choice of any beer, $10 signature cocktails, and $8 glasses of wine. Soju is also a popular happy hour beverage.
  • Food: Specials on small appetizers, including $3 raw oysters, $9 Seoul chowder, and $13 Bluefin tuna cones, along with discounted skewers and other popular Korean-Japanese bites.
  • Oyster Deals: Oysters on the half shell are specifically noted to be discounted on Monday and Tuesday, kicking off the week with value.

These extensive happy hour offerings, combined with their late-night operating hours, position Zu & Pocha as an excellent spot for after-work gatherings, pre-event bites, or late-night cravings. For the most up-to-date and specific details on their promotions, Arizona locals are encouraged to:

• Check their official website: Their website often has the most current menu and promotion details.
• Follow their social media: Zu & Pocha actively promotes its happy hour and special events on platforms like TikTok.
• Inquire directly: Call the restaurant at (480) 590-2903 for any current, unadvertised specials.

These consistent value propositions significantly enhance the dining experience, making Zu & Pocha a top choice for locals seeking both quality and affordability.

To experience the amazing fusion of sushi and Korean delights at Zu & Pocha, or for any inquiries, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1212 E Apache Blvd #107-109, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
• Phone: (480) 590-2903

For residents across Arizona, particularly those in the vibrant and ever-evolving community of Tempe, Zu & Pocha stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended dining destination. It perfectly encapsulates what locals seek in a modern culinary hotspot: a harmonious blend of diverse flavors, an inviting social atmosphere, and outstanding value.

The primary reason Zu & Pocha is ideal for locals is its unique and expertly executed fusion menu. Arizonans appreciate variety and quality, and Zu & Pocha delivers with its seamless integration of fresh Japanese sushi and authentic Korean dishes. From the "amazing and special" sushi and unique "Lollipop Roll" to the highly praised kimchi fried rice and spicy seafood jjampong, the menu caters to a wide spectrum of tastes. This versatility means it’s an excellent choice for groups with differing preferences, ensuring everyone finds something to savor.

Furthermore, the vibrant and welcoming "Pocha" and "Izakaya" atmosphere, combined with exceptionally kind and attentive staff, creates a dining experience that feels both exciting and comfortable. Locals are often looking for places where they can unwind, socialize, and enjoy good food, and Zu & Pocha provides exactly that. Its suitability for "groups and casual dinner" further solidifies its role as a community gathering spot.

Finally, the outstanding value, particularly through its extensive daily Happy Hour specials, makes Zu & Pocha incredibly appealing. In a bustling area like Tempe, finding a restaurant that offers discounted premium drinks and delicious food items for extended hours is a significant draw. This commitment to affordability, coupled with late-night operating hours, ensures that Zu & Pocha is accessible and enjoyable for various occasions, from a casual bite to a lively evening out. For Arizonans seeking a modern, high-quality, and versatile Japanese and Korean dining experience, Zu & Pocha is an undeniable local favorite.

Zu & Pocha

1212 E Apache Blvd #107-109, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA