Blue Fin Introduce
Welcome to Blue Fin, a cherished and long-standing Japanese restaurant nestled in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. This family-owned eatery has been a staple in the Phoenix community for decades, carrying on a proud tradition of serving authentic, flavorful Japanese cuisine since 1981. Blue Fin expertly combines the quality of traditional Japanese cooking with the convenience of a fast-casual dining experience, making it a beloved choice for locals, college students, and downtown visitors looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. The atmosphere is consistently described as casual, cozy, and trendy, providing a comfortable spot for everyone to enjoy.
More than just a place to eat, Blue Fin is known for its exceptional value. Customers consistently praise the generous food portions that deliver outstanding quality without breaking the bank. Whether you are craving a light salad, a hearty rice bowl, or a quick bite, the menu is designed to cater to various appetites and preferences. The commitment of the owner, affectionately known as Linn, to friendly, personalized service has created a warm environment where regulars feel recognized and appreciated, further cementing Blue Fin’s status as a must-visit local gem in the Arizona food scene.
Blue Fin is conveniently located in a prime spot in downtown Phoenix, easily accessible to residents and visitors of the Arizona area.
The address is: 1401 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA.
Its central location makes it easy to get to, especially as it is near major public transportation routes, including the light rail, and within walking distance of local attractions like the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Burton Barr Library.
Accessibility is a key priority at Blue Fin, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. The establishment provides:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance.
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot (Free parking lot and free street parking are available).
- Wheelchair accessible restroom.
- Wheelchair accessible seating.
Whether you are driving in or utilizing public transport, accessing this top-rated Japanese spot is hassle-free.
Understanding the busy lifestyle of Arizona residents, Blue Fin offers a comprehensive range of service options to ensure you can enjoy their food when and where it is most convenient for you.
- Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in the casual and cozy indoor seating area, or take advantage of the outdoor seating, perfect for watching the downtown activity.
- Takeout: For those on the move, fast and efficient takeout service is readily available.
- Drive-through: A convenient drive-through option caters to guests who need their delicious Japanese fix as quickly as possible.
- Delivery: Have your favorite dishes brought right to your door.
- Catering: Blue Fin offers catering services, making it simple to bring their popular Japanese cuisine, such as the Teriyaki Chicken Platter or Sweet and Sour Chicken Platter, to your next event or gathering.
- Various Payment Options: Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are all accepted, ensuring a smooth checkout experience.
Blue Fin stands out among Japanese restaurants in the Phoenix area due to several key features that enhance the overall customer experience, offering more than just great food.
- Signature Teriyaki Chicken: A standout favorite, the Teriyaki Chicken is chargrilled, often noted by customers to be cooked daily over pumice stones, delivering a distinctive and flavorful taste.
- Great Tea Selection: The restaurant prides itself on a selection of high-quality teas, including refreshing Iced Green Tea, which is perfect for cooling down in the Arizona heat.
- Authentic and Diverse Menu: The menu features classic Japanese fast-casual dishes, including comfort foods and healthy options. Popular choices include Panko Chicken, Coconut Shrimp, Teriyaki Salmon, Japanese Chicken Curry, and various noodle dishes like Vegetable Yakisoba.
- Commitment to Health and Quality: Offering a wide array of vegetarian options—such as Edamame, Seaweed Salad, Vegetable Bowl, and Japanese Vegetable Curry—plus healthy options throughout the menu, Blue Fin makes it easy to maintain dietary preferences.
- Family-Friendly Environment: The atmosphere and menu are good for kids, making it an excellent spot for family dining.
- Popular for All Meals: The restaurant is a popular choice for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, fitting seamlessly into various daily routines.
- Dessert Options: End your meal with authentic Japanese treats like Mochi (sticky rice with sweet red bean paste) or the popular Mushipan (Japanese Cheesecake).
For orders, inquiries, or more information, Blue Fin can be contacted using the following details:
- Address: 1401 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
- Phone: (602) 254-3171
- Mobile Phone (Direct): +1 602-254-3171
Choosing Blue Fin means opting for a trusted, long-established local business that is deeply rooted in the Phoenix community. This Japanese and fast-casual restaurant offers a winning combination of speed, quality, and value that is hard to find elsewhere in the area. The fact that the establishment has been family-owned and operated for over four decades speaks volumes about its consistency and dedication to its customers.
For first-time visitors or loyal patrons, the food itself is the main draw. If you’re looking for a reliably delicious and crispy entrée, customer reviews highly recommend the Panko Chicken, described as perfectly cooked, not soggy, and not over-battered. The classic Teriyaki Chicken remains a perennial favorite, celebrated for its authentic char-grilled flavor. For a heartier meal, the Chicken Fried Rice is a generously portioned and well-executed dish that satisfies any craving for comfort food. Those seeking something unique should try the Japanese Chicken Curry bowl, which features a mild, flavorful curry sauce with carrots and onions over rice. Finally, the welcoming and cheerful personality of the owner and staff ensures that every visit is not just a transaction but a truly pleasant and personalized dining experience, making Blue Fin a worthwhile choice every time.
From quick, healthy lunch bowls to satisfying dinners, Blue Fin provides an accessible and affordable slice of authentic Japanese cuisine right here in the Valley.
Blue Fin Menu
Appetizers
- Edamame $3.99
Healthy steamed soybean pods. Vegetarian
- Gyoza Dumplings (4 Pcs) $3.99
Served with a soy-based sauce
- Crab Puffs (3 Pcs) $3.99
Crab and cream cheese fried in a crispy wonton wrapper. Served with blue fins orange sauce
- Tempura Shrimp (3 Pcs) $3.99
Light and Japanese batter surrounding shrimp with a light soy-based sauce
- Mini Spring Rolls (3 Pcs) $1.99
3 to an order
- Chicken Egg Roll (Single) $1.99
Egg roll filled with minced chicken and vegetables, served with house made sweet and sour sauce
- Vegetable Egg Roll (Single) $1.99
Fried egg roll filled with mixed vegetables, served with house made sweet and sour
- Inari sushi $4.29
Sushi rice packed in a fried tofu pocket, served with pickled ginger on the side. 3 pcs
- Pork Egg Roll (Single) $1.99
3 oz egg roll filled with minced pork and vegetables.
Salad and Soup
- Sunomono Cucumber Salad (4 Oz) $2.89
Thinly sliced cucumbers in a refreshing marinade. Salad sprinkled with sesame seeds. Vegetarian
- Seaweed Salad (4 Oz) $2.99
Crunchy assorted seaweed with sesame seeds and chili powder. Salad sprinkled with sesame seeds. Vegetarian
- Side Green Salad $2.49
Lettuce with carrots and red cabbage. Served with dressing. Salad sprinkled with sesame seeds. Vegetarian
- Tofu Salad with Avocado $9.79
Tofu and fresh avocado served on top of lettuce with carrots and red cabbage. Served with dressing. Salad sprinkled with sesame seeds. Vegetarian
- Char-Grilled Chicken Salad $9.79
Sliced char-grilled white chicken (cold). Served on top of lettuce with carrots and red cabbage. Salad sprinkled with sesame seeds. Served with dressing
- Crab Salad with Avocado $9.99
Crab and fresh avocado. Served on top of lettuce with carrots and red cabbage. Salad sprinkled with sesame seeds. Served with dressing
- Miso Soup (22 Oz) $4.49
Wakame seaweed with tofu in a soothing soybean-based broth
Chicken Dishes
- Teriyaki Chicken $9.49
Chargrilled chicken with teriyaki sauce. Bowl served over rice
- Panko Chicken $10.49
Chicken breaded in Japanese panko crumbs and fried. Bowl served over rice
- Vegetable Teriyaki Chicken $10.49
Teriyaki chicken with broccoli, zucchini, carrots, cabbage, and celery. Bowl served over rice
- Sweet and Sour Chicken $9.99
Breaded and fried chicken. Served with carrots and onions. Bowl served over rice
- Japanese Chicken Curry $9.99
Mild curry sauce with carrots and onions. Bowl served over rice
- Oyako Chicken $11.49
Grilled breast meat chicken steamed with eggs in a special sweet sauce. Bowl served over rice
- Chicken Fried Rice $9.49
Fried rice with chicken, carrots, corn, peas, lima beans, and green onions
Beef and Pork Dishes
- Teriyaki Beef $10.79
Thinly cut strips of beef with teriyaki sauce and napa cabbage. Bowl served over rice
- Vegetable Teriyaki Beef $11.49
Teriyaki beef with broccoli, zucchini, carrots, cabbage, and celery. Bowl served over rice
- Katsu Pork $11.49
Breaded pork cutlet with steamed eggs. Bowl served over rice
Vegetarian Dishes
- Vegetable Bowl $8.99
Broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and cabbage are served over rice
- Japanese Vegetable Curry $9.79
Japanese yellow curry with assorted vegetables. Bowl served over rice
- Vegetable Yakisoba $9.99
Wheat noodles with steamed broccoli, cabbage, carrots, & zucchini. Served with teriyaki sauce on the side
Seafood
- Panko Fish $11.49
Delicate white fish breaded in Japanese panko crumbs and fried. Served over rice
- Coconut Shrimp $12.49
8 pieces of butterflied shrimp and coated with coconut crumbs. Served with orange sauce. Served over rice
- Teriyaki Salmon & Vegetables $13.49
Wild-caught, grilled salmon over broccoli, cabbage, carrots, zucchini, and white rice
Side Orders
- Steamed Vegetables (8 Oz) $3.99
Broccoli, carrots, cabbage, celery, and onions. Vegetarian
- Steamed White Rice (22 Oz) $2.99
Sprinkled with sesame seeds. Vegetarian
- Steamed Brown Rice (22 Oz) $3.49
Sprinkled with sesame seeds. Vegetarian
Desserts
- Mochi $3.99
Sticky rice with sweet red bean paste
- Almond Cookies (2 Pcs) $1.00
Individually wrapped
- Mushipan (Japanese Cheesecake) $3.99
Light and airy cheesecake, similar to the texture of a pound cake
Beverages
- Fountain Soda (32 Oz) $3.29
- Fresh Brewed Old Fashioned Iced Tea (32 Oz) $2.99
- Iced Green Tea (32 Oz) $2.99
- Lemonade (32 Oz) $2.99
- Bottled Spring Water $1.59
- Aloha Fruit Drinks $2.99
Can fruit drinks from Hawaii (not 100%25 juice) Flavors include guava, strawberry guava, pass-o-guava, lilikoi passion, pineapple orange, orange guava
- Ramune $3.49
Glass bottle soda sealed with a clear marble. Imported from Japan. Available in various flavors: Original (bubble gum), Strawberry, Peach, Orange, Lychee, Melon
Blue Fin Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Drive-through
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Blue Fin Photos










Blue Fin Location
Blue Fin
1401 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Blue Fin Reviews
teriyaki chickenegg rollsdrive thruchicken teriyaki bowllight railcoconut shrimppanko fishcrab puffslibraryteriyaki beef
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Owner is very nicest people you’ll ever meet. Always get the chicken teriyaki, today tried the panko. It was crispy chicken not soggy not over battered. Also a Japanese soda. Good experience will keep coming back.
April 10 · AJ OrtizLinn, the owner is a absolue all star. Personality that will just light up your day! The food was awesome, and the portions are generous! I had the Chicken Fried Rice. When coming back to town, I will definitely make sure Blue Finn is a must-do!
June 19 · Dwayne ThomasEvery time I'm in the neighborhood I have to drop by this cheery little gem of a place. It's in a great locale being walking distance to the Japanese Gardens and Burton Barr Library. Just order at the counter and have a seat. There's some handy outdoor seating so you can watch the light rail go by which adds to a fun downtown atmosphere. Service is friendly and prompt, and how nice to have affordable prices for the meals that are deliciously prepared. This time I just jumped in for a bite of seaweed salad and a peach mochi. They have a nice assortment of mochi and that always makes a handy pop in your mouth snack.
April 30 · J.F. ForestsTerriyaki beef bowl for lunch was amazing. The katsu chicken and also the terriyaki chicken. Highly reccomend!! Lunch specials are great value for the price ! Support local buisness!!
April 15 · Tommy S.Such a friendly owner and deliciously smokey teriyaki chicken!
August 12 · OmarJ Enriquez
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