May 27, 2025 - Food and Drink

Harumi Sushi and the flavor of a changing city

Astrid Galván

Two sushi plates next to each other. — Cocktails and sushi at Harumi Downtown PHoenix

In many ways, the rebrand of Harumi Sushi from a modest joint with worn booths and long waits to a sleek, expansive space bustling with well-dressed youths is emblematic of the glow-up downtown Phoenix has had over the last decade-plus.

State of play: A longtime Phoenician, I moved to Texas nearly three years ago, and on a recent visit, was ecstatic to visit one of my favorite Valley spots in its new, modern digs.

The sushi at Harumi was just as fresh as I remember, and they still use their signature purple rice, said to be rich in antioxidants and nutrients.

Best bites: We tried a smattering of menu items:

The Hamachi sashimi ($16) was pillowy soft and full of flavor.
The Ama Ebi Nigiri ($10) was delightfully sweet.
We also had the salmon nigiri ($9) and the trio sampler ($22), tasting the Arizona (shrimp tempura, crab salad, cream cheese, avocado and cucumber), Las Vegas (salmon, cream cheese, crab salad and avocado, tempura-fried) and shrimp tempura rolls.

Plus: They have fancy cocktails now! The Café Society ($18), Harumi's take on the espresso martini, is nutty and super smooth yet also pretty strong. The Lucky Cat ($16) felt like a creative take on a margarita, which you can't go wrong with.

If you go: 101 North 1st Ave,, Phoenix, plus a Peoria location.

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Harumi Sushi and the flavor of a changing city

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