I am rating Moto Moto a five with an explanation. I was walking by headed to another restaurant. I thought, hey, if they're open for lunch I'd like to try sushi in Phoenix. I usually am interested, when I am someplace out of the ordinary for me, in sampling what is local. Before reliable overnight delivery, I would not consider fish, much less raw, in the desert. I figured no matter what I would have something to say here. That was sufficient reason to give it a try.One staff person was functioning as server and cashier. That was it. I was there early, before any rush. But it likely would not be easy for her once it gets going. I studied the menu. They feature lunch specials with add ons. Among them was "assorted sashimi." The picture showed only salmon. I inquired whether it was in fact assorted (like chirashi; I didn't use the term though). I was assured about variety. So I picked that. When it came, however, it was all salmon. As much as I like it, that was not what I was looking for. I noted it, trying not to sound like a privileged jerk complaining about what isn't such a big deal. The number of slices was not overwhelming either. I didn't mention that. Instead, I supplemented. I requested the vegetable tempura, which was specifically named: shishito and pumpkin (they also offer shrimp, which is just that).So why would I award five stars?The food exceeded expectations. The salmon was fresh. So much that is on offer is not. Sushi has been ruined by its popularity. Some that is available has no taste whatsoever. The rice also had been prepared by someone who got it right, fluffy. The staple is easy to make, not as easy to make well. The tempura batter was perfect. It was light. Whoever is in the kitchen knows what they are doing. They were not someone who otherwise would be working at a fast food chain, trained in corporate routine likely to be automated any moment. Although I did not try it, I was impressed: they listed takoyaki on the menu too. That is an indication the chef knows the cuisine; s/he is not someone simply making a buck or who could cooking just anywhere (even if they ordered it frozen, you don't push takoyaki if you aren't familiar with it).The single staff person also was apologetic about the salmon being the only protein in the bowl. She said they had changed the menu. Forgiveness is a virtue. There is much else in the world that is worse. There is enough misery around us, especially on the internet. I'd rather look to what there is to praise. In this case, I can say that, with the description here, you should have the information to make your own judgment.Addendum. Takoyaki are an Osaka specialty of octopus diced and molded with ginger, onion, and flour into balls which is prepared in a griddle with that singular purpose. When my wife's family brought my late father-in-law's ashes to rural Japan to be scattered, we met relatives who offered us the treat. I was not enthusiastic enough. I regret that.
Visit Restaurant Page
"The all you can eat is seriously such a good deal! You can do most of the menu (hibachi not included in deal) and try a lot of different items! My husband's a big sushi fan & was impressed. Seemed fresh and tasted good. Didn't have anything we really didn't like.Our service was fantastic which was great considering the reviews saying service was terrible. Our waitress was in training since it was actually her first night, but she was so friendly! Maybe they're focusing more on hiring good servers! Clean inside and has a hip/underground Tokyo vibe to it! Only downside is there is a little bit of a smell in the bathroom, which I saw noted in another review. It wasn't terrible so maybe they're trying to figure it out.Will be returning again and probably again and again!"
"Good spot for breakfast. Latte was just ok. My friend got a cold brew and didn't like it. I went with the sweet potato bowl and it was very good. The hash mix is pre made so I couldn't take the leeks out but it was still ok. I would have liked an additional egg it only comes with one. My friend had the breakfast sandwich and said it was amazing. We split the French toast and it was just ok. It was a bit dry. The topping was good though. Service was good. Place is cute. Would recommend"
