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!**

" Absolutely fantastic! KUKAI is a must-try for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine. The ramen here is truly delightful, with robust flavors that transport you straight to Japan. I particularly enjoyed their signature dishes like the Mt. Fuji Don and chicken karaage, both of which were simply delicious. Just keep in mind the limited indoor seating, as it can get packed! " (*Curated Review*)

" Had a chance to try KUKAI recently and really loved the experience! The ramen was delicious, which was exactly what I was craving. The onigiri was also pretty good, though I wished it had a bit more filling. Service was prompt, and while I enjoyed the outdoor seating, it would be nice to have more options during inclement weather. Overall, I would recommend it! " (*Curated Review*)

" KUKAI offers a unique takeout experience with amazing food! I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the sushi and ramen. The spicy miso was especially good and rivaled some of the best ramen shops I've been to in larger cities. While my visit was great overall, the lack of ample seating kept me from enjoying a leisurely meal, but I'm happy to take great food to-go! " (*Curated Review*)

" KUKAI has quickly become one of my favorite spots in Tucson. The sushi here is really fresh—definitely a highlight for me! I also enjoyed their spicy miso ramen, which had the right amount of kick. I appreciate the casual setting, and it's a great place to grab a bite after exploring the area. The only downside is that it can get a bit crowded during peak hours, but the food is worth the wait. Can't wait to go back! " (*Curated Review*)

" My experience at KUKAI was a bit mixed. The atmosphere was nice, but I found the seating arrangements outside to be a little cramped. However, when it comes to the food, I have no complaints! The pork belly onigiri was divine and the ramen was very tasty. I did think the service could have been quicker, but the friendly demeanor of the staff made up for it. Overall a solid choice for Japanese cuisine in Tucson. " (*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*)

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