The big ol' sushi list

A unique concept: Sushi is transported on a conveyor belt.

Sushi 101 has been providing quality food and inexpensive prices to people in the Valley for almost a decade.

Chef Yasu Hashino is doing something right at his Yasu Sushi Bistro. The place has celebrity fans (baseball star Daisuke Matsuzaka dined here), and its quality Japanese selections bring in the crowds. While there’s a fair amount of sushi on the menu, the specialty here actually is sumibiyaki, food grilled over Japanese oak charcoal. Sumibiyaki favorites include Japanese pike, bacon-wrapped diver scallops and dried squid coated with bonito flakes. If you’re looking to splurge, try the Japanese Wagyu beef — 5 ounces of imported meat you cook yourself — for $75 a pop.

If you’re looking for a primo patio spot, Kona Grill (with three Valley locations) has it.

RA once billed itself as the place where Iron Chef meets Girls Gone Wild, and the sleek, urbane atmosphere with a kick of attitude has put it on the dining map. Known for its energetic atmosphere during dinner and a young, hip happy hour, there's never a dull moment at RA. The upbeat sushi restaurant offers fresh and creative sushi rolls, signature salads, Japanese entrees and signature cocktails such as the Tsunami Punch, a 60-ounce behemoth made with sake, a blend of liqueurs and tropical juices and served in a fishbowl (with two straws).

Kyoto Japanese Restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale has been serving up teppanyaki favorites for 20 years.

A leather-tiled bar dominates the downstairs dining room at this swanky Japanese eatery.

High-energy Scottsdale Japanese aimed at the good-time demographic.

Ah-So Steak & Sushi House of Japan isn’t just about the food — it’s also about the atmosphere.