In an age where we work in hybrid jobs and drive hybrid cars, it’s only fitting that restaurateurs are creating hybrid cuisines.
But just like some blended families battle at the dinner table, blending cuisines can sometimes cause a mealtime eruption. Thankfully, the minds behind Sumo Maya in Scottsdale have done a delicious job deconstructing traditional Mexican and Japanese dishes and re-imagining them to make them their own.
The fact that 33-year-old owner German Osio — who is also the mastermind behind Local Bistro and Central Bistro — has been able to combine an amazing Mexican-Asian fusion menu in an atmosphere that is part party, part bar and part sit-down restaurant that might just be the most hip place to eat and drink in Scottsdale.
The greatest thing about Sumo Maya may be that everything is served tapas style, which gives diners an opportunity to sample a wide variety of dishes and flavors. Each plate is small, so the perfect formula would be to order about two dishes per person to share with the group.
But on a recent visit, we decided to throw that formula out the window and embrace full-on gluttony … and my belly will be forever grateful for indulging in that deadly sin at Sumo Maya.
Since we tried virtually every dish on the menu, I can truthfully support the statement that everything on the menu brings a heaping helping of deliciousness. But if I have to make some recommendations, here are the five dishes that are must-try menu items:
It would be tough to find a better starter in the Valley than Sumo Maya’s Pomegranate Guacamole ($11).
The Passionfruit ($10) — which combines Montelobos mezcal, passionfruit, cucumber, fresh lime, and ginger beer — is the perfect blend of sweetness and smokiness without being too fruity.
The dynamic flavors of the Kimchee Fried Rice ($11) is the perfect complement to every other dish on Sumo Maya’s menu.
The Suzuki Roll ($12) — spicy tuna, avocado, masago arare and chipotle aioli — is the quintessential example of how Sumo Maya has created the perfect fusion of Mexican and Asian cuisines.
As we prepared to order, we asked our excellent server what the most popular dish on the menu was and she told us that there are many nights Sumo Maya runs out of the Miso Chilean Sea Bass ($24) and we quickly learned why. Served on skewers and cooked over a wood-burning grill, the miso-marinated sea bass is prepared so exquisitely that each mouth-watering bite is like heaven. This is an absolutely must-try, but arrive early so you don’t miss out.
Sumo Maya does fusion as well as it can be done. The care that the staff puts into the flavors of each dish is astounding. I didn’t even mention Charred Edamame, Korean Beef Tacos or Al Pastor Tacos, which are all amazing. If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience to share with friends or business associates in a fun, colorful and inviting atmosphere, Sumo Maya is well worth the visit.
Sumo Maya
Where: 6560 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
Information: 480-397-9520 or sumomaya.com
Dinner hours: 5-11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 5 p.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays; 5-9 p.m. Sundays.
Other hours: Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; brunch 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; bar is open until 11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and midnight Fridays and Saturdays.
