J's Kaiyo Sushi + Bar

2024 UPDATE: I can find no evidence that J’s Kaiyo Sushi + Bar is still open, but the photos I took are still fun to look at!

I may strike you as a meat and potatoes girl, and you would be right. However, I do have a soft spot for sushi, which is quickly becoming an obsession (read more of my sushi posts here and here). Forever on the lookout for a spot near our house, I was thrilled to try this hidden gem on the SW corner of Camelback and Miller, J’s Kaiyo Sushi + Bar. Led by chef Jason McGrath (son of Valley favorite and James Beard Award-winning chef, Robert McGrath) and sushi chef Todd Register (formerly of Stingray, RA and Roka Akor) J’s Kaiyo is a warm family-friendly space located in the heart of Scottsdale in a stand alone building that once housed an Arby’s. Their sushi is prepared from fish that is flown-in-daily, the main reason for which they are not open on Sunday. Not wild about sushi? Fret no more as you can also choose non-sushi items such as Moroccan-spiced racks of lamb ribs, or beef short ribs with enoki mushrooms, cauliflower purée and plum dashi demi-glace. J’s Kaiyo caters to all ages, offering a kid’s menu for the younger set, and for adults an extensive drink menu of Japanese sake, craft cocktails, and fine wines and beers. I was delighted to see that among their selection of beer, they carry Koshihikari Echigo, a Japanese rice lager that I was introduced to at the now-closed pinnacle of sushi in the Valley, ShinBay. Because you cannot even find Echigo at Nobu or Matsuhisa, I found this to be an excellent sign. Look for me happily ensconced at the sushi bar eating some toro nigiri and sipping on an Echigo. J’s Kaiyo Sushi + Bar is open daily for lunch and dinner, but is closed on Sundays. Kampai! xoM