Hana Japanese Eatery, the charming Central Phoenix neighborhood hangout from brother-sister team Lori and "Chef Koji" Hashimoto, is in the news for the second time this month. First, it was named one of Zagat's 10 Best Restaurants in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Now, Hana's been dubbed one of the 20 Best Sushi Restaurants in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure magazine.
See also: - Zagat's 10 Best Restaurants in Phoenix and Scottsdale Gets Some Right, Overlooks Others - Tastemakers 2012: Lori Hashimoto
Travel + Leisure's list includes a range of options from across the country -- from more modern offerings to simple, but pristine fare -- and aimed at all budgets.
Here's what they had to say about Hana.
"While Phoenix boasts plenty of trendy places serving rolls upon rolls of rice wrapped in seaweed and fish, only a few stand out. At Hana, which is located in a nondescript strip mall, you feel like you've randomly walked into someone's personal dining room. That changes when you taste chef Koji Hashimoto's sushi, whether it's red snapper or mackerel, with fish regularly flown in and artfully prepared. Standouts include the Hana roll with shrimp, crab, and pickled root with tempura flakes. You'll feel like a regular after your first visit."
To see the complete slide show of Travel + Leisure's Best Sushi Restaurants in U.S., go to their website.