Ugly Tuna Sushi

Ugly Tuna has remained my favorite Sushi spot in Surprise. The rolls are delicious and the service is fast, efficient, and friendly. When they say spicy for a roll, they do mean it! The tempura combo is a great mix of vegetables and shrimp that are crisp and tasty. I only captured 2 of our 4 rolls but each was great in its own way.

Came here after hearing it mentioned by someone whose wife loves this Sushi restaurant. Thought I’d check them out tonight. Located in a strip mall with a corner location; parking was easy to find. The restaurant affords plenty of seating; especially at the bar where I sat. I started with ordering water and Sprite while perusing their menu. For an appetizer I had their tempura shrimp; and my entree was their dragon roll. The appetizer was good. Six pieces in a light crispy tempura batter, and a dipping sauce(?). A bit unusual, clear and like a broth, and very little flavor. The dragon roll came; served with wasabi and pickled ginger. Very enjoyable roll. Eight pieces with the shrimp tail on either end of the roll. I was hoping to try the yellowfin (2 pcs) and freshwater eel (2 pcs), but their kitchen shuts down at 8:45pm. Something to keep in mind the next time I come here. The restaurant is clean; as are the bathrooms. The menu’s list of sushi and sashimi are plenty, and yet I did not see rainbow trout. A pleasant experience, and better than my other experiences I’ve had in the Phoenix area. Definitely worth the try if you’re in the mood for sushi. My check came to $30.55 after tax.

Food and service were great. They have a happy hour from 4:30-7pm with a huge selection of rolls starting at $4 and cheaper appetizers and some beers. Loved the tonkatsu ramen which was very flavorful. Other standouts included the spicy edamame, poke bowl, and tempura California roll. The shishito peppers were my favorite. Would definitely recommend if you’re craving Japanese food in the west valley. Employees were also extremely courteous and helpful.

This is an awesome Japanese restaurant that serves top notch quality ingredients. I’ve had sushi all over the world and this place is surprisingly great in Surprise. We ordered mostly nigiri, the toro is incredible and worth the market price, their seaweed is super fresh. Ended our meal with my favorite a spicy tuna hand roll. This will be a regular stop on our food rotation of restaurants. Worth every penny for great quality food and awesome service.

Best sushi and ramen by far in PHX. Waitress was super attentive and friendly. But the food is the star here. Just incredible and FRESH. I’ll let my pictures speak for them self

What a great experience. I’ve had sushi from all over the country and Ugly Tuna is definitely one of my top favorites in Arizona! The fish was fresh and tasted delicious. Servers and chefs alike were all smiles and very attentive. I highly recommend grabbing the shrimp tempura appetizer as well as the Louisiana Roll and Phoenix Roll. This is easily the best sushi restaurant in Surprise and the west valley as a whole!

The food was absolutely delicious! As you can see the sashimi was cut thick and was so fresh! I loved the unagi bowl as well. Cooked to perfection! Overall we had a pleasant experience. My only gripe was that the waitress didn’t really check up on us . I think she may have been very busy. But nonetheless we still had a wonderful time. Thank you we will be back!

After moving to this area from Chandler area over a year ago, we knew we had to find a new sushi place. After an exhausting two weeks and seven different sushi restaurants we finally found ugly tuna. JB, Park, Sobey are the three sushi chefs and each one brings a unique angle to sushi. I have been eating sushi since living in Tokyo in the early 80s and this place is simply amazing.. we visit Ugly Tuna once a week to get our fix and they always take care of us. Ugly tuna is amazing. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys quality fish and a great atmosphere. Also, Jeremy is an amazing server you will like him.

This is a tradition for the work team to come here when we are all in the surprise AZ area. The octopus salad here is always amazing and is a must try! Their make rolls are always delicious, but always check their specials. They create special rolls every week that pack a ton of flavor. They have alcoholic beverages, a great menu and delicious food. What more can you ask for?

Whenever I crave sushi, this conveniently right down the street. Unfortunately, I forgot that they don't open until 4:30, which meant I had to look for another option this time. When I do make it there, my son always orders the chicken katsu, and I love exploring my favorite sushi rolls. The staff is incredibly helpful with recommendations, and I've never been let down by their suggestions. I usually start my meal with a refreshing beer and finish with some hot tea, which perfectly rounds out the experience. The atmosphere is always welcoming, and I can't wait for my next visit to indulge in their delicious offerings. If you're in the area and in need of sushi, this place is definitely worth a stop!

Saw this location through a search and tried it out. We went for lunch. Not to crowded on a weekday. We were seated right away. My wife got a bento box with pork. It was good. I got the Chirashi sushi. The sushi was fresh and I liked I liked it. Important to have fresh fish. I would come here again.

My son had a competition in the area so we decided to check this place out instead of eating at a chain fast food place. Right when you enter, the staff is friendly and seated us right away. Typical booth seating or sushi bar options. We had a variety of items by doing the platter option and all the food was delicious. My sashimi tasted very fresh and they serve thick slices and a huge portion with each piece. Our server was very attentive and checked on us often for drink refills. She was so hospitable and sweet. I listened to her explaining the menu to the table next to us and she was so patient with all their questions so they could find the right thing to order. Great job!

Tried for lunch while in town visiting family. The restaurant was clean and the waitress was super nice and accommodating. We got the garlic edamame for an appetizer which was very good in garlic flavor. Then we split a few rolls for the meal. Pricing was decent per roll. I would def come back if in town again.

This place is really good! It's always a great place for sushi! This time I had the bento box my favorite is the spicy California roll and their chicken teriyaki

Ugly Tuna Sushi is my usual go to when I drive into AZ from San Diego as they usually are on point with customer service and food. Unfortunately, this time was not the case! I ordered the Salmon Teriyaki plate since it was something new for me to try. Like I mentioned, we frequent this place quite often when in town. Horrible mistake ordering the Teriyaki salmon! As soon as the plate hit the table, I can already see the salmon was dry and overcooked. I just figured ok, I will just dip the salmon in my soy sauce lemon concoction I made and that will help out the dryness. NOPE!!! On the skin side of the salmon, it was burnt to holy hell! So overly charred it left a very bitter taste that just wouldn't go away. So, I kindly asked the waitress to take the plate back to the kitchen and to please take the item off of my bill. She did so with no hesitation as I was explaining how horrible the salmon was and showing her the burnt side of the salmon. I get these days with inflation and all we all don't have the resources to be wasteful. But, don't serve inedible food to the public and expect them to pay for your mistakes. If the food is not cooked correctly, cook it over again! Don't send trash to a paying customer in hopes they will still eat it.

Hands down the best sushi I've ever had and I live in San Diego. I just love coming here, the vibe is so good, the chefs at the bar are amazing, and the food is just beyond incredible. I'm very proud of this place. To the people of Surprise AZ, you have a real gem here!

My go to sushi restaurant for Surprise. So happy when I found this place. Delicious and the staff is great too.

Amazing fresh and delicious very tasty to the palate stands out to the rest recommend you try this one

Food - 5 Service - 5 Ambiance - 4.5 We went there for lunch. I don't remember the exact rolls we got but they were all excellent. The cucumber salad is to die for, had a mix of cucumber plus seaweed salad, I can probably just get that plus one roll and I'll be very happy.. It is a very large portion as well, can probably eat it on its own and be full. Would definitely return.

Still hands down our favorite sushi spot - best prices & FRESH fish! Thank you, UGLY TUNA

Located in a plaza with plenty of parking. Walked in on a Monday evening and we were seated right away. Had a few TVs and different seating arrangements. Shishito peppers - to my surprise these were tempura peppers. I've normally had them cooked over coal/open flame. This was different but welcomed. They were served in a sauce with red onions and topped with Bonito flakes. Easily the best thing we had. Peppers were crunchy, some were spicy and some were not. The sauce was sweet and served as a perfect dipping sauce for the peppers 10/10 Bento with sashimi, Shrimp tempura and CA roll 6 piece nigiri combo with CA roll Fish was fresh and good portion. Shrimp tempura was crunchy. Salad was good and the dressing was really refreshing (compared to creamy based dressings). Only downside was that the bentos didn't come with miso soup. We came from the Bay Area where we have a tonnnn of options for good quality sushi and can say this place really surprised us. The quality was great, service was quick and friendly and the cost was reasonable. Would absolutely visit again next time we are in the area and definitely recommend.

The sushi is amazing, and I highly recommend it. The service is always friendly and attentive.

I've been coming to Ugly Tuna ever since it opened during the pandemic. I've been hooked ever since. Just thinking about the sashimi and my mouth waters. The sashimi melts in your mouth like butter. The owner gets his fish from the same restaurant supplier as other sushi restaurants but the way he stores it makes a huge difference. This restaurant is 45 min away from me, one way, but it's worth it. The quality of the sushi at this price point is unheard of. It's Scottsdale quality but Peoria priced. You won't get me to go somewhere else like a Nobu. I can guarantee you that Ugly Tuna is so much better. I always recommend this restaurant to friends who like sushi. One friend of mine came here for dinner twice within a 3 week period. My friends, who are snowbirds from Seattle, have decided this is their favorite restaurant. Hands down. We're all from Seattle originally and definitely know our seafood, Asian food, and are absolute foodies. I recommend that you get the restaurant when they open. Otherwise, you'll be waiting for a table. The owner has definitely used the space wisely to accommodate the crowds but it does fill up quickly. The restaurant closes after lunch for a few hours and then opens for the dinner rush.

Yummy, yummy, yummy! Super friendly service, tasty sushi every time. There is no consistency issues at all and if you are brave enough, go ahead and try something different from their menu I am just so happy we have this amazing sushi spot here in Surprise We always do a pick up order via phone call.

The Hamachi Roll and rainbow roll were very good. Everything definitely tasted fresh and well prepared. The shishito peppers were fantastic. Lightly coated and crispy, delicious. The edamame was perfectly salted. The Tiramisu Mousse Cake was perfect and a great dessert to end the meal. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was very welcoming. Excited to go back.

Came here on a Friday night. I got seated for two people. Service was okay. We kept asking for ginger and they forgot it twice. We got one speciality roll and the 8 piece Sashimi combo. The sashimi was very thick cut and a bit hard to eat. The roll was good. Our waitress only came around once and it was right when we got our food and we didn't even get to eat it yet. The place is nice inside though. I understand it was busy. I wouldn't be opposed to try this place again but could have been better.

I honestly really enjoy this restaurant in Surprise. It's one of the few Asian places that tastes legit enough I think? Service here has always been great, and I love that they open so late too. We dined indoors before with a larger party and also have done take out. Both experiences were positive. Their bento box is such a great deal - for around $20, you get really full! Overall, would come here again!

Clean. The ambiance gives it date night vibes. Menu is simple and easy to order from. Ordered some sashimi and WOW! Huge cuts. Really impressed with quality considering the size of the cuts.

Sushi was fresh and delicious. The tuna roll was a highlight. Service was quick. Cozy atmosphere. Will visit again.

Happy Hour at Ugly Tuna is hard to beat! The shishito peppers are absolutely delicious! I get them every time we go. The service is excellent. Entertaining for most, as sports is always on the TVs. Family favorite!

Thalia was our server! Food is amazing as always and she was wonderful. This is one of my favorite places to go in Surprise. Best quality sushi and price. Ask for Thalia!

I'm giving 3 stars only because of the pricing and the fact that there isn't as many options for sushi as there is at other sushi restaurants. The sushi is pretty good. The service was good. Nothing super unique for me to go back. I'd give it another chance possibly. Definitely not the worst sushi restaurant I have been to.

Food and service excellent! We had bluefin sashimi and a few rolls. All fresh and delicious! We'll be back for sure! Our server was attentive and very friendly!

This is my favorite sushi restaurant and the best sushi chefs. Service is mostly controlled by the order volume. The Resturant is clean and the staff makes it very enjoyable even if the service is slow due to multiple orders. The place is relatively calm and any questions are answered with good information.

Been here once before, it's a reliable place. Came in on a Monday night, was seated immediately, and the food came out super quick. The gyoza was crispy and the rolls turned out as expected. Ordered the Itsumi roll and Las Vegas roll. The salmon was great quality and I'm not usually a fan of deep fried rolls but theirs was good! About $40 for the two signature rolls and an app. Only thing I would say is that I wish they had more signature rolls with a filling other than crab mix.

Amazing place for sushi in the desert. We love going here for lunch/dinner. The food is always amazing. The servers are super friendly and personable. We also love that it's a smaller place so it's not ever super noisy. Can't wait to go back!!

The food here is delicious I mostly get the beef yakasoba and it does not disappoint. The service is always great and friendly. Definitely would recommend this restaurant although I don't really eat sushi but looks delicious.

Still my favorite place!!! I'm in there at least 2-3 a month. Can't get enough!! Now they have Uni and it's delicious. A delicacy not for the faint of heart. Don't bother trying it. It's goes fast and I want it all to my self! Stick To California Rolls and Warm sake! lol

Definitely will be back! Great vibe, service and dishes. Fish is fresh and sushi rolls were fantastic

Always Delicious and fresh. Great service! First come, first serve, they don't take reservations.

Love ugly tuna! Avocado roll and chicken and yakisoba are my favorites. We do love their prices as well Sometimes service could be better but we will still continue to go

Recommend from the most pickiest eaters! The chicken yakisoba was delicious. Chicken was a little difficult to find but good. Garlic edamame, pork goyza perfect. Not a fish eater but the cream cheese filled California were delicious.

This is a fantastic Sushi place! The food is always fresh and the staff is extremely pleasant and efficient. If you want to get seated quickly I suggest getting there when it opens at 4:30!

Absolutely delicious!!! Everything was so fresh... the flavors were on point.. the servings are quite large.. our favorite was a special they had.. the Firedragon Roll.. I'm bummed I didn't get a picture of it! It was sooooo good! The waitstaff were great as well! We were in AZ for spring training and ate at this place twice in 3 days.. it's that good!

amazing services, great food & very clean restaurant! love going there for date night with my fam.

Loved the happy hour specials. I usually get edemame and avocado/cucumber rolls. Nice and clean inside.

Delicious! We got the teriyaki chicken entree it's lots of food, so much chicken and the sauce is delicious! My husband got the crunch roll and it was great! Love the vibe inside and very clean!

My husband and I went here on a date night some months ago. I can't believe I didn't write a review right away. All I know is I have thought about their chicken yakisoba noodles ever since! I remember my husband enjoying the sushi & from what I tried I did too. However the noodles really stuck Highly recommend and I'm glad we moved out to surprise to be closer to this restaurant. Server was also really attentive as well

The best in town! Sushi here is always delicious and my mother in law really likes the shishito peppers and squid leg tempura. We come here pretty often and there is a nice guy here who always recognizes my family and says hi even if he's with another table. All around solid sushi spot!

Walked in before the closing time to be told their kitchen was closed. If you're going to close at 2:30 pm, don't close your kitchen 15 minutes early. Stupid mistake! West side needs good restaurants this is not one of them!

Delicious sushi and excellent service! I live right around the corner and order takeout from here at least once a week. Dining in is enjoyable as well. Especially for happy hour. Restaurant is always clean. There's usually a wait around dinner time. Probably one of my top favorite restaurants in Surprise. Make sure to order the tsunami roll!

So many sushi spots, so little time!! Whenever I'm on a different side of town around lunchtime I feel obligated (wink wink) to check out a new sushi venue. I'm SO glad I stumbled upon The Ugly Tuna in Surprise, AZ. Loved the modern, trendy decor & chill tunes playing when I walked in. There were several people enjoying sushi at tables across the small restaurant. I was seated at the sushi bar and greeted by friendly staff. The sashimi looked very fresh and bar area was impeccably clean. The menu has all of the usual sushi suspects and Japanese dishes like Udon, Teriyaki & Poke bowls and Bento Boxes along with some interesting new roll combinations I've never seen. I ordered Unagi (fresh water eel) & the Seared Ahi roll. Both were ON Point. Visually appealing, positively fresh, delicious and the textures were perfect. Normally I don't care for the smokey flavor from the flambé torch as it tends to overpower the delicate flavors of the fish but the Seared Ahi was perfectly balanced. The subtle smokiness paired perfectly along w the heat from the chilies, zing of the onions and creaminess of the crab & avocado.

I am here visiting family from New York and I have to say that the specialty rolls we ordered were really good and not ones that I can find in New York, believe it or not! We started with garlic edamame, tempura shishito peppers (yummy!) For the specialty rolls we ordered the Dynamite, Louisiana (both baked), Caliente, Sweet Psycho and Spider Roll. Sorry, you guys will have to look up menu for the details. Just know they were all delicious in their own right! I definitely recommend this place for sushi!

Food was great, decently portioned and priced. The ambient in the restaurant and staffs made it felt very welcoming.

By far and away some of the best sushi in west valley. This place is small, but trendy. If you get a bento box it comes in an actual box and looks really nice vs most places that give it on just a plate. They have a great assortment of sushi and I have had most of them. They have a lot of the go to, like dragon roll or crunch rolls, so if you have a favorite chances are they serve it or a version of it. Price wise they are great, the even give miso soup for free! You have to ask for it, the do not advertise it, but overall my favorite sushi in west valley.

Some good sushi in the west valley! Love their rolls and nigiri. Clean nice ambiance. Waiters are very friendly. Love coming here for date night with my husband.

I was in town for a graduation at the nearby university and came across Ugly Tuna on Yelp. The food was really good, service was great, and the happy hour offers some amazing deals! I would definitely come back if I find myself in Surprise, AZ again!