They get five stars from me simply for having the most amazing volcano tuna don. What can I say about it that hasn't already been said before? Nothing really, you just have to try it for yourself. It's so darned good I will drive 45 minutes from where I live in the middle of nowhere just to get my fix. I've had several other menu items, but I can't say I like them as much. Specifically, the seafood dynamite was my least favorite because it just tasted like a mouthful of mayo, and the shoyu ramen was very bland. But no worries, I don't need anything else from their menu. Volcano tuna don I heart you. read more

Samurai - Shoyu ramen - Japanese Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

I really like how this tiny joint is tucked away behind a strip mall, so unassuming and genuine. The owner helped me order and was very accommodating. There were some Japanese guys enjoying the Udon which smelled delicious by the way, and an older couple having a late dinner even though the place would probably close in roughly 30 minutes. I placed an order to go, I had the Spicy Tuna Don Buri Volcano style. It was delicious. It was a huge serving as well, I had to split it into two meals. How did I not discover this place sooner? I cant wait to try a number of different things on the menu and I will definitely be back. read more

See all

I'd been coming here now and then for decades. There isn't too many places like Samurai in that it's casual and order at the counter. Usually for Japanese, it either fast food Sarku at the mall, or sit down and get read to fork over some money. You will spend a couple of dollars less per entree here at Samurai but the downside is you get to eat in small styrofoam bowls and plates with plastic utensils. It's very awkward to use the small plastic spoons for their ramen. Sushi isn't made fresh, but still better than what you get at a grocery store. It's not the biggest seating area, and will get busy during lunch times. In Asia, sitting with strangers at the same table is common. It feels a bit awkward here. I usually get their ramen or sukiyaki donburi. read more

Samurai - Tonkatsu Ramen - Japanese Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Ugh. Ranks among the worst sushi experiences I've had and, because of travel, I've eaten in many dozens of sushi restaurants. I ordered a caterpillar roll which is always an unagi-avocado mix as noted in their menu. But, no doubt to save money, they replaced most of the unagi (eel) with fake crab meat-- which I loathe. Not cool. What if someone is allergic, or reacts badly to the preservatives in imitation meat? The nigiri sushi, several pieces of raw salmon was inedible. It tasted a little salty and very un-salmon like. I've no idea how it was treated, but the result was sub-par. First and last meal here (it was a delivery so there no opportunity ask for something else or remake.) read more

We ordered take out from there , the food was amazing and fresh! We ordered : salmon hand roll , spicy scallop hand roll, takoyaki balls, shrimp shumai , Vegas roll!! All very good especially the shrimp shumai ! read more

We were here at lunchtime & they were pretty busy, which is always a good sign. The lady at the counter was very nice & helpful while I was ordering, per it was my first time here and I was unfamiliar with the menu. The spicy tuna don, volcano style was delish! The food was fresh & the service good. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who was in the mood for some yummy, fresh sushi. read more

Samurai - Spicy tuna don - volcano style - Japanese Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

Best sushi in Tucson, hands down. Don't let the location fool you! I usually get the spicy tuna roll and Philly roll, and they never disappoint. The rest of the menu is also really authentic, fresh, and good. Cannot recommend enough! read more

I've been here in Amphi almost 3 years and have driven by this place so many times before I finally went there tonight to get take out for my mother and I. We are both still reeling from what we agreed is the best sushi we've ever had. Granted, I'm not as well-versed in the culinary form as many others but I've had sushi in big cities, including a famous spot in San Francisco. We had Alaska, spicy tuna, Super Hero and soft shell crab (rolls, all) and the form, presentation, taste and aftermath were all top-grade. Sipping the spectacular Miso soup broth after was the cherry on top. Paid less than 40 for what many places would charge 50-100% more for. The woman at the desk is beyond nice. Very patient with my indecisiveness, then she took the time to make sure my to-go bag had everything I needed. It's a small, unspectacular setting but well-kept. I would not hesitate to come here for any situation. I think this is a little better than Ikkyu. Am trying to run through my head now how much money I will end up spending here when it's all said and done. Don't feel the slightest trepidation about it. read more

The online ordering is such a great option to make take out easy and efficient. Ordered online, paid online, and food was ready for pick up in 15 minutes! The sushi was amazing and yakisoba one of the best I've tried in Tucson. read more

I asked three times for gluten free soy sauce and three times they confirmed that the soy sauce they handed me was gluten free. It was NOT gluten free. I have celiacs disease and now I am really sick because they couldn't be bothered to double check on the soy sauce. This will be the last time eating out here or anywhere for me, I thought this place was fastidious in checking. It wasn't a matter of miscommunication as I asked three times and three times they told me it was gluten free. Great! read more

I would rate Samuari on the very bottom of the sushi I've ever eaten. Rolls did not hold up when picking up and the edamame was cold with no salt. Would NOT recommend. read more

Would love to give this place 5+ stars if I could, BUT there's one ongoing problem with this place. THEY'RE NEVER OPEN!!! I've only gotten a chance to eat here once, and it was amazing, and I'd love to go again because it was great food and great service. The last straw though, was being closed AGAIN, and this time at 5:45 PM on a Saturday?!? Mind you, this was only a week after they were closed for a entire week. We have since taken our business to another restaurant that's farther, but is open regularly. Not the same, but it'll do I guess. Would love to give them our loyalty, but tired of guessing at when they'll be open next. #frustrated read more

This place is a diamond in the rough - what may first come off as a hole in the wall is actually the source of some of the best and most authentic food in Tucson. I always order the Tan Tan Men Ramen. The broth is so good with rich, complex flavors that surprise my tastebuds every time. read more

I've eaten here a lot over the years and the quality has gotten progressively worse. Yesterda, I got a sushi roll that tasted bad, took it apart and the avocado was rotten. If they serve rotten avocado, how do I know the fish is safe? read more

Ok let me start of by saying this place it hard to find. It's pretty hidden but it is WELL WORTH IT! It may not be the best located place or have that 5 star dine in look. However what makes up for all that is the food! The sushi here is just a MOUTHGASM explosion! POW WOW! I always heard about this place and it's great food but never went. So finally my friend finally dragged me to go and I LOVED IT! This place is like a fast food serving sushi restaurant. Before you stop reading and say "oh heck no!" Please give it a try. You walk up to the cashier and look at the menu just like a regular fast food place, than you seat yourself at an open table. They also provide free water which you can get at the water dispenser. I ordered several dishes. The first dish being a fried pork curry which was delicious. With sliced fried pork on top of rice and layers with a delicious spicy curry sauce. I then ordered several sushi rolls, like the Unagi (eel) Roll, Shrimp tempura roll, and melted scallop roll. These were all amazing. They proportion of meat, condiments and rice were all equal. It wasn't like you were just eating a big ball of rice. The taste was just so overwhelming you could keep eating more regardless if you were full to the point your stomach was about to burst. I would definitely come back. Again it may not be a very eye catching place especially to serve sushi, but the food really does speak for itself! read more

I have been coming here for years. I live in the other side of town, but I always stop by to get some Japanese food when I am in this part of town. My husband and I are big fans of Japanese food, and we have been to many Asian restaurants in Tucson. Samurai remains one of our favorites. I discovered this place in 2003, when I was still in college and on a limited budget. I was amazed to discover an authentic Japanese fast food restaurant with such reasonable prices in Tucson. I found that the place was frequented by other Asian students like me who wanted high quality food at reasonable prices. Also, when a Japanese restaurant has large numbers of Japanese customers, guess what that means? "Authentic!" Yes, yes, yes!!! For those who don't mind eating sashimi, I highly recommend the "Spicy Tuna Bowl," and we always order this. It comes with a cup of soup that has a good miso and seaweed flavor. This is in contrast to the miso soup served by other Japanese restaurants that is so bland it almost tastes like dishwater. The Tuna itself is fresh with a little spicy taste. Mix the tuna with wasabi and a little soy sauce and eat it with the rice! It is pure heaven. Some people equate fast food with low quality. Do not be fooled! The Samurai does not fall into that group. The freshness of the ingredients, the presentation, and most importantly the taste of the food is always top-notch. We will continue coming back to Samurai and hope this little restaurant will be here forever. read more

Sushi...is that the name for Japanese food? How many of you guys love go to Sushi Garden and think they have the best sushi in town? If thats whats you like and yes have some California Rolls and be merry. But for me..I rather have a Tuna Sashimi Bento form Samurai...have you ever had Japanese curry rice? Thats another my favorite. Only if I live little closer to this place. I can come here for dinner every night (well~maybe not) , They are so reasonable priced...places like this and Snow Peas makes single guy's life easier...and why are you still eating McDonald? read more

Got the volcano tuna don, and oh boy was it a volcano explosion of flavors! It was super tasty and the fish tasted pretty fresh when tried on its own. The only thing I have to say against it is that the flavor of the tuna is kind of lost in all the flavors of the sauces because the tuna is in a mashed form instead of whole chunks of fish. Still, samurai satisfied my craving for some good sushi and I will be back to try more! read more

Samurai - Volcano tuna don on the left and spicy tuna don on the right - Japanese Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

Samurai was a bit of a let down since I love ikkyu so much. I got the Ebi don which is tempura shrimp and onions over rice. The shrimp was soggy and the rice was ok. The service was fine since we got there as soon as it opened. I also had the spicy tuna roll, ahi sashimi, which was delicious and the inari. 3 stars because the sushi was great but the food was ok. If I return it would be only for sushi read more

See all

I am obsessed with their volcano tuna don (I will upload a photo). Generous portion of fresh tuna paired with the most delicious spicy sauce, seaweed, cucumber, little fish eggs, and soy sauce. An explosion (pun intended) of flavor! I look forward to trying many more of their dishes, even if I have to make the drive across town. Just remember they're closed Sundays! I made that mistake and was so sad I couldn't get my tuna bowl.. Haha. read more

Samurai - Volcano tuna don! Awesome flavor! - Japanese Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I would have never thought about coming in this hole in the wall restaurant, but a friend took me here once a few years ago and I have been obsessed ever since. Everything here is always fresh and delicious. The volcano salmon don is my personal favorite. read more

Samurai - Yum. - Japanese Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I hesitate to give Samurai five stars, because not everything they do is perfect. For example, their spicy garlic pork donburi could have benefitted from some more vegetables and sauce, and the dining area has just slightly more atmosphere than deep space. Also, they serve RC Cola, which is vile. However, if you are in the mood for any of the following items, Samurai can't be beat: - Sukiyaki beef donburi: stir fried beef and vegetables in a sweet sauce, served over rice and sweet potato noodles. My standard. - Yakisoba: Thin buckwheat noodles with a variety of meats and vegetables. Solid. - Tonkotsu ramen: Ramen noodles in a pork bone broth. One of the best things I have ever tasted. Good enough to justify ordering soup in the middle of summer. - Spicy albacore hand roll: Outstanding. $3. - Cold ramen: with tofu, ham, bean sprouts and a sweet sauce. Refreshing? A friend and I have eaten lunch at Samurai 2 or 3 days a week for the past few weeks, and we have yet to be disappointed. The woman who has taken our order every time is incredibly helpful and polite, and the prices are dirt cheap (especially if you abstain from the RC Cola, which should be easy enough). Also, on a side note, Samurai is significantly better than Yoshimatsu. Also also, Samurai doesn't seem to have a website, but their Facebook page has a super detailed menu, with pictures. read more

Okay food, but pricey. Not enough servings for the prices they charge. They do not allow outside foods or drinks... in case your little ones do not like Asian foods. Probably a one time visit for us. Service was okay. read more

There are always those fastfood japanese places everywhere you go, but I am soo happy to find a good one here. When i ate here it took me back to the good'ol days of living in Seattle and this brought up nostalgic memories of my favorite place there. (Not as good just brought back memories). So i got the KatsuDon. My favorite japanese dish ever! I have had my fair share of KatsuDon around the westcoast and only a few places hold my heart. Out of Phoenix and Tucson this place has the best. This is a great hole in the wall and just writting this review is making me want to get some food from there. They did a great job on the KatsuDon, my friend i went with says the Spicy Tuna, KatsuDon and i forget the last, But those are the best by far (so they say). I am not sure how adventurous i would be to try other dishes because my katsudon was good and I always crave it. Nothing more to say really..just wow...this place is some great japanese fast food (just a disclaimer it is not part of that samurai sushi chain) it is an actual hole in the wall. It gives you that atmosphere too. I wish they had a bigger advertisment or signs closer to the street because i only found out about this place after 4 years of being here. I would not argue if you said i have to eat there for the rest of my life. read more

After hearing about this restaurant for months, I jumped at the chance to eat here with a group of friends. I ordered the ramen with soy broth at the suggestion of the waitress. I was served in a large bowl filled to the brim with noodles, broth, pork, seaweed, and daikon gelatin. Don't expect more than one slice of pork. However, I wasn't left wanting any more than the one. The broth was delicious and the seaweed added an earthy flavor to the noodles and broth. This filling meal only cost me $7, a sweet deal! My friend ordered the yellow tail collar-bone, but they brought her the salmon. It was good, but not what she wanted. I was impressed at the amount of meat on the bone. Her husband ordered the chicken teriyaki bento, he ate it and then an order of California rolls. Their kids enjoyed an order of California rolls and another tempura shrimp roll. If you want flavorful food priced for college students, eat at Samurai. read more

This is not the place for sushi lovers. The salmon sashimi was served over warm rice with potato salad?! Also, the salad looked strangely like vanilla bean ice cream. The roll I ordered mysteriously arrive wrapped in tempura, which was not cooked through. Another disappointment -- the wasabi had virtually no heat. The sure sign: Most everyone else at the time had ordered udon and soba or the teppan dishes. I assume that is the thing to do here. I will never return for sushi. read more

Fun pseudo-fact: I was informed that the owners of Ikkyu started Samurai and then sold it to the current owners before opening Ikkyu. I don't think they're affiliated anymore, but there are many menu similarities. Fresh, tasty, well-made Japanese cuisine in a small divey space. I love their udon and the spicy tuna don. Order from the counter and someone brings your food out to you. My only complaint is the nickel-and-diming on small things. I wanted extra sriracha for my miso or something and they wanted to charge for it. Meh. I have never had alcohol here.... I've only been in for quick lunches and we've always dined in with some green tea and left pretty quickly. They have bottled beers and sake on the counter. The atmosphere isn't one you'd want to hang out in for very long anyways.... vinyl booths and cheap linoleum, radio commercials playing.... no ambience whatsoever. Great for a quick lunch or maybe for takeout. read more

Japanese food is my favorite type of food. Growing up in Hawaii, this food reminds me of home. I was happy overall with my experience at Samurai. I had the oyakodon, which had chicken, egg and onion on a bed of rice. The flavor was good and portion was alright. The service was fairly quick and the cashier was friendly. The seating area is not very impressive, but it's a good place for a quick bite! read more

Samurai - Oyakodon :) - Japanese Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I wish I lived closer to this place. Or maybe not, because if I did, I'd be coming here every week. Simple hole in the wall place. Not much decor, and plain booths. You look at the menu and order at the counter, and grab your food when your order's called. You get your own water near the counter as well. The weird thing is that I haven't found a go to sushi place here in Tucson, but I have a go to Japanese place I would recommend people to go here at Samurai. The Volcano Tuna Don is awesome! If I crave raw fish/sushi type food, I'd rather just come here and get one of their donburi. Other items I've tried that were yummy: takoyaki, seafood dynamite don, and akuma don. Nom Nom... read more

Samurai - Volcano tuna don! - Japanese Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

After reading another review on this place about how it was the mother/sister restaurant of Ikkyu, my husband and I thought we would give it a try. Ikkyu is one of my top favorite restaurants so I had high hopes. The main reason we went here was because they had Spicy Salmon Don, which Ikkyu doesn't. The place is small and cozy. The counter person was a very sweet lady, very enjoyable person. It was pretty empty for 5:30 dinner on a Friday. They regularly use a number system but since it was empty, she brought the food to our table. I ordered the spicy tuna don volcano style which was equivalent in excellence like at Ikkyu. My husband had the salmon version which he said was more subtle and different consistency. He enjoyed it but preferred tuna instead. We also ordered the shrimp tempura roll like we always do at Ikkyu and were disappointed unfortunately. They make it more of a traditional size which is one good reason but the batter they use for the shrimp is more like pancake bread instead of a crunch. They also don't "lube it up" with sauce. I found it to be very dry and the masago that they coated it in made the dryness worse. All in all, it's still a great place but I would only visit here again if I'm having a ramen craving which they serve all the time where as Ikkyu only serves during the weekend. Also, Ikkyu is closer to us. I had a great experience altogether and I recommend to go here especially if you haven't been to either places, or if Ikkyu is too far. read more

See all

$9 for a bento plate that is a mediocre serving of mainly white rice and potato salad. I found that food was overpriced and soso quality. The tiny serving of pickled cucumbers was tasty. The spicy tuna roll was ok. If they would use a higher quality white rice then the dining experience would be more pleasant. I had high hopes from all the positive reviews. The place looks really Japanese. But I will return. read more

See all

Back when I was living in Tucson, Samurai was one of my favorite places to eat. It's inexpensive, yummy... Perfect for those on a budget. Samuari is best described as Japanese fast food. There is a somewhat limited sushi menu (although it had been expanded quite a bit compared to when I lived in Tucson years ago), lots of noodle dishes and rice bowls. You order at a counter and your food is brought out to you. Why I love Samuari: It's inexpensive - You should be able to fill up for $10 or less. Friendly employees - The ladies that work the cashier are always so sweet Made fresh but quick - When I lived in town I'd go to Samuari for lunch and was always able to make it back on time My favorite dish at Samuari is the chicken yakisoba, however the spicy tuna donburi is a very close second. And I love, love, LOVE the potato salad. Samuari is the only place I know of that gives you a side of Japanese potato salad. I usually order an additional side because it's that good (and I think a serving costs a whopping $.60) NOTE: Closed on Sundays. read more

Been here so many times but I have yet to write a review. The owner lady is very nice and pleasant every time I come here. They now have wifi so it's the perfect spot for Japanese food and studying! read more

Samurai - Japanese Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Small, Japanese owned restaurant. The food is served in plastic containers, and the overall atmosphere is very cute! My friend and I had the Don (bowl with rice and toppings), and it was the perfect portion for me. It's a place that promotes simplicity and healthy eating- pretty much as Japanese as you can get. read more

A simple dining environment and friendly service put this restaurant on the trajectory for success but the food, for the most part, brought it down. The dish that impressed me the most was the spicy salmon donburi (surprisingly!!!) - a generous heap of fresh sashimi, seasoned well, on fluffy rice. I could eat this on a daily basis. What put the drag in my step was the oily and tasteless gyoza bento and the bland veggie sushi rolls. Not into any of it. I don't know that I would go on my own accord but if someone dragged me back, I would order my salmon bowl and avoid all other dishes at all costs. read more

I absolutely LOVE this little Japanese place. It has very authentic Japanese food with an extremely friendly staff. It can get pretty busy on a Friday night, so ordering take-out before going in is a good call. I always get the Spicy Volcano Tuna Don, which comes with miso soup. I've had tuna don at a few places throughout Tucson and Samurai is by far the BEST! read more

Udon: so authentic that I felt like I was back in Japan Yakisoba: tasty, but too greasy. Teriyaki Chicken: not bad, but too much teriyaki sauce poured everywhere. All in all, not bad for fast Japanese food, but not really authentic either... read more

The service us friendly and the cuisine is excellent and always served quickly. We especially love the sukiyaki chicken and chicken yakisoba. Both are reasonably priced, savory, and healthy. The sukiyaki is great when you want something a little sweeter. Great for dine-in or take out, this is one of our favorite "fast food" restaurants! read more

The Yelp reviews say it all. This is a fantastic place for fresh fish at an incredibly reasonable price. It's a laid back, humble, extremely clean and crisp environment with delicious smells coming from the kitchen and kind employees to top it all off. This was my first time and definitely will not be my last. The Don Bowls seem to be a staple here, I got the spicy tuna, and i also got the scallop roll and it was delicious. read more

This is what I miss most about Tucson. Ginger Pork bentos on the patio of a tacky strip mall on Oracle Road. I would come here at least once a week and have an iced tea and a bento. the big white lady who takes your order was so nice. It was my favorite lunch spot when I didn't feel like driving out to Casino of the Sun to get a taco from La Esperanza - the little trailer on the side of the road. read more