OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen has officially opened the doors to its first Valley location. Situated just north of Butherus Drive on 72nd place in the Scottsdale Quarter, the Tucson-based concept will be dishing out modern interpretations of traditional Japanese fare with Korean influences, and serving up award-winning cocktails starting today.
Spearheaded by the restaurateurs behind Fukushu Restaurant Concepts, the 2,740-square-foot-space, which formerly held TK’s Urban Tavern, houses a classic, zen-like oasis with pale woods and large windows that fill the room with natural light. Guests can expect a mix of communal tables and booths, patio seating and a bar to highlight the restaurant’s notable cocktail program.
“Our team is excited to introduce OBON to the North Scottsdale community,” says OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen Founder, Brandon Katz. “We know that from our diverse menu and innovative bar program, to our hip but approachable atmosphere, people will truly enjoy the dining experience that we’ve created.”
Led by Chef Paulo Im, OBON’s menu will feature from-scratch fare that encompasses his extensive training in traditional, as well as modern techniques in Asian cuisine. At the heart and soul of the menu are signature sushi rolls, which includes items like the Fukushu Roll made with spicy salmon, spicy tuna, spicy mayo, Sriracha and rice pearls; and the Tsunami Salmon, a combination of capers, onion, avocado, and smoked kelp foam. Just as the namesake suggests, a variety of ramen selections will also be available and include mouth-watering options like the OBON Ramen, which features pork belly and shoulder, bean sprouts, black garlic oil and an egg; or the Veggie Ramen, which, as the menu explains, features “nothing with a soul (debatable)”. Guests will also enjoy a variety of small plates, like OBON Edamame and Shishito Peppers, and choose from a selection of poke, steam buns, crudos and heartier entrees like the Street Noodles or the Bibimbop, a traditional Korean dish made with marinated beef, a 64-degree egg and chilled Korean vegetables =
With accolades such as Tucson’s Bartender of the Year and Bombay Sapphire Most Imaginative Bartender, Beverage Director, Matt Martinez, has crafted an approachable cocktail menu using ingredients that are made in-house and can often take hours to prep. New to the Scottsdale location will be cocktails such as New Growth, a snap pea gin concoction made with black pepper honey, and the Coconut Thyme which features blended rum, coconut milk and thyme jellies, all served in a tall glass over ice. The beverage menu will also offer selections of sake and wines by the glass and bottle, as well as local craft beer.
OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen will be open for dinner 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Starting later this year, the restaurant will open for lunch service.
OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen is located at 15059 N. Scottsdale Road. For more information, visit www.obonsushi.com.
About OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen
With a polished casual approach, OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen is the spot for an unconventional and memorable dining experience. Founded in 2015 in Tucson, Ariz., OBON combines modern interpretations of traditional Japanese fare with Korean influences. Inspired by the Obon Festival in Japan—an annual Buddhist event for commemorating one’s ancestors—founders Brandon Katz and Andre Joffroy envisioned applying the values of celebrating life and family to their restaurant. Led by Chef Paulo Im, the OBON menu features an array of starters, steamed buns, ramen and sushi. Crafted by Beverage Director and Mixologist, Matt Martinez, the restaurant’s expansive list of inventive and thoughtful cocktails make OBON not only a great place to grab a bite to eat but also a spot for late night drinks. For more information, visit www.obonsushi.com.
