Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey is set to open its doors this summer in the Melrose District at 4232 N. 7th Ave. Already a popular destination in Palm Springs, Sandfish offers a creative fine-dining experience paired with a highly-curated selection of Japanese whiskey as the foundation of its cocktail program. At the helm of the restaurant is Owner Chef Engin Onural, a master sushi chef recognized by the Sushi Proficiency Institute and certified by the AJSA Sushi Skills Institute. Placed on the Best Chefs America Index in 2015, he was the recipient of the World Sushi Cup and Kuro-Obi Pin in 2017.
“We put an incredible amount of care and attention to detail into everything we do from start to finish at Sandfish to ensure an impeccable experience when guests dine with us,” says Chef Onural. “We look forward to creating an environment where the residents of Phoenix can enjoy an intimate date night or a special celebration.”
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The expertly curated menu is judiciously crafted to take diners on an epicurean adventure that appeals to all senses. Guests are invited to begin their journey with appetizers like Spicy Tuna Tostadas, Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms or more traditional Gyoza. Moving down the menu, the selection of signature rolls is really where Chef Onural’s creativity shines. Favorites include The Experiment Roll (snow crab with mango, avocado and cucumber topped with tuna, jalapeno, cilantro and yuzu aioli) and the Baby Langoustine Roll (crab meat and avocado topped with tempura-style baby langoustine, spicy aioli, teriyaki sauce and micro greens).
Off the sushi menu, Chef Onural’s signature dishes include Hamachi Kama, a yellowtail collar cooked to perfection and served with ponzu, scallions and micro greens, Spanish Octopus that is both braised and grilled then served with edamame hummus, bubu arare, tsukudani nori and micro greens, and the Albacore Tataki, a dish featuring seared albacore served on a bed of fennel and shallot topped with house made lime koshu, taro chips and seaweed salt from Norway.
The menu also features a variety of salads, hand rolls, maki rolls, nigiri sushi, sashimi and carpaccio. And if you save room for dessert, you’re in for a treat with the specialty matcha cheesecake. For adventurous diners who prefer to let the chef lead their dining journey, the Omakase Chef’s Tasting Menu encompasses the very essence of Sandfish with a taste of the restaurant’s most popular dishes alongside some surprises from the chef.
To complement each course, the restaurant boasts a full bar with innovative cocktail creations, classic concoctions, mocktails, beer, sake and wine. And to its namesake, there is an impressive whiskey list sourced from around the world.
Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey in Phoenix is actively recruiting potential hires for all positions. For more information, visit sandfishphx.com.
