Samurai

Samurai has delicious homemade gyouza. Love their potato salad too. more

My first experience at Samurai was when I went to the U of A (in the late 80s). I used to play cribbage with a buddy and we'd bet everytime we played for Samurai's chicken with rice. I would often lose, but I didn't care because it gave me a reason to go there...and I went there A LOT! After college, I moved back to my home town in Portland, OR. Although Portland has great restaurants, it's the fond memories that I had of Samurai that I haven't been able to replace it here. There have been some similar authentic Japanese restaurants that have come close, but it's the simple home-style cooking that Samurai has over others. Everytime I go to Arizona to visit friends I would go out of my way to drive to Samurai (from Phoenix!). I usually stay away from chain-restaurants, but I wish Samurai had multiple locations including Portland so there would always be one close-by. If there are any negative reviews about Samurai, then whoever is writing the review doesn't know how to eat and should just probably just go to places like ""Samuari Sam's"". That was mean, but I don't care. I look forward to my next visit soon! more

I live in Tucson and look forward to the end of the University's spring term ends. It's when Samurai empties out a bit and frees up enough kitchen space -- as they long ago explained to me -- so that they can offer their addicting Cold Ramen. This dream come true is made of cold noodles, cold turkey shreds, cold egg threads, cold cucumber juliennes, a slice of cold fish or pork stuff, and a dressing of I-don't-know-what. Doesn't sound like much? I agree. But oh, Mama! Pros: It is what it is: A ramen shop. Plus it has ceramic lucky cats and sumo drawings. Cons: Styrofoam! It's probably just as ""green"" as paper overall. But it's awful to eat and drink from. more

The food here is absolutely fantastic. This is a wonderful Japanese eatery that serves exactly what you would find in Japan. The service is friendly and the owners are normally there cooking their own recipes. They will remember you and serve you with a smile. This is easily my favorite spot for Japanese food. more