KUKAI

Japanese Restaurant $$ 4.6 (458)


KUKAI is celebrated for its authentic Japanese food, with many customers noting the quality and freshness of the ingredients used. Reviewers have consistently praised the ramen dishes, onigiri, and donburi, suggesting that the restaurant offers a genuine taste of Japan in Tucson. While service and atmosphere also receive high marks, some reviews highlight that seating is primarily outdoors, which may not be ideal year-round.

Overall:

4.7

(378 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.3


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (520) 367-5982

Address: 267 South Avenida del Convento #11, Tucson, AZ 85701, USA

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Curbside Pickup Available

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" Just had an okay experience at KUKAI. While the atmosphere was lovely, I didn't find the food to be as authentic as I hoped. The ramen was okay, but I've had better elsewhere. The service was decent, though somewhat slow. I may consider trying again, but my overall impression was just average this time. " (*Curated Review*)

" KUKAI really stood out during my last visit! The food was delicious and reminded me of my travels in Japan. I had the chicken katsu, and it was crispy with just the right amount of seasoning. The outdoor seating made for a very pleasant atmosphere. Definitely a place I'd visit again as the food was comforting and fulfilling! " (*Curated Review*)

" I was excited to try KUKAI after hearing rave reviews, and it did not disappoint! I ordered the chicken karaage and the vegan ramen. The karaage was crispy and tender, while the vegan ramen had a rich broth that was flavorful without being overwhelming. I do wish the vegan options were more varied, though. Overall, it's a great spot for a casual dinner! " (*Curated Review*)

" I visited KUKAI after hearing great reviews, but it didn't completely meet my expectations. The ramen was solid and tasted nice, yet it lacked the depth I anticipated. The service was friendly but slow, and the outdoor setting may not be appealing for everyone. I'll give it another shot for sure, as I saw many good options on the menu! " (*Curated Review*)

" Really loved my experience at KUKAI. The ramen was delicious, with a perfectly balanced broth that had a rich flavor. I also tried the takoyaki, which was nice and crispy. It was definitely a vibrant place to dine, and I loved the outdoor seating. One downside is that the line can get long during busy periods, but for me, it was worth the wait! Will definitely be coming back soon! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (368)

" Had a pretty decent experience at KUKAI. The outdoor seating is charming, and I enjoyed the ambience. I ordered the vegan miso ramen and found it to be quite tasty. However, the service was a bit slow, and I felt the prices were a little high for the portion sizes. Overall, it’s a nice place worth visiting once. " (*Curated Review*)

" KUKAI is a hidden gem! I found it while exploring the MSA Annex. I tried the gyu don and a few sushi rolls, and everything was super fresh. The gyu don was flavorful and hearty and made my lunch very enjoyable. Service was friendly and swift. The only downside is that it's mostly outdoor seating, which may not be ideal in the summer heat. I can't wait to return and try more items on the menu! " (*Curated Review*)

More reviews not shown...

Have been to KUKAI? Share your experience with other people!

Please enter at least 15 characters.
no selection

Top rated nearby

El Compa Mexican Food
Mexican Restaurant $

Overall:

5.0

(40 reviews)

Authenticity:

5.0

Atmosphere:

4.4

Service:

5.0

Address: 902 W Miracle Mile, Tucson, AZ 85705, USA

BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs 1st Ave.
Mexican Restaurant $

Overall:

4.5

(3653 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.2

Service:

4.3

Address: 2680 N 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA

Mi Nidito Restaurant
Mexican Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.5

(3216 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.2

Service:

4.1

Address: 1813 S 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713, USA

The Little One
Mexican Restaurant $

Overall:

5.0

(487 reviews)

Authenticity:

5.0

Atmosphere:

5.0

Service:

5.0

Address: 151 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, USA

El Güero Canelo Restaurant
Mexican Restaurant $

Overall:

4.5

(3922 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.1

Service:

4.2

Address: 2480 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705, USA

Carnitas la Yoca
Mexican Restaurant $

Overall:

4.6

(1463 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.9

Atmosphere:

4.0

Service:

4.2

Address: 3530 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713, USA

Guadalajara Original Grill
Mexican Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.5

(3717 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.0

Address: 1220 E Prince Rd, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA

Istanbul Mediterranean Cuisine & Bar
Turkish Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.9

(927 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.8

Atmosphere:

4.6

Service:

4.7

Address: 2945 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716, USA

El Charro Café Downtown
Mexican Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.6

(4941 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.6

Atmosphere:

4.2

Service:

4.3

Address: 311 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, USA

Banhdicted
Vietnamese Restaurant $

Overall:

5.0

(24 reviews)

Authenticity:

5.0

Atmosphere:

5.0

Service:

5.0

Address: 4100 S Palo Verde Rd #01, Tucson, AZ 85714, USA