Hai Noon

- 7017 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

For Arizona diners seeking an extraordinary culinary adventure that transcends the typical sushi roll, Hai Noon in Scottsdale offers a truly unique and highly acclaimed Japanese-inspired dining experience. Located unexpectedly inside the retro-chic Papago Motor Hotel (formerly Sonder the Mariposa) in South Scottsdale, this restaurant is a hidden gem that rewards those who seek it out. It is the latest venture by the legendary 2007 James Beard Award winner, Chef Nobuo Fukuda, a pivotal figure in shaping Arizona's culinary identity.

Hai Noon is celebrated for its East-meets-West version of Japanese cuisine, presented primarily through eclectic, affordable small plates designed for sharing and savoring. The ambiance is distinctive—a dimly lit, intimate, 60s-era space that feels part bar, part cozy hideaway, featuring rock walls and vintage décor. This setting, combined with the Michelin-level cooking, creates a relaxed, yet vibrant atmosphere where the exceptional food is your reward for finding this local secret. The menu is a constantly evolving showcase of the chef’s brilliance, featuring creative nibbles and Japanese-influenced cocktails that have quickly made Hai Noon one of the Valley's most talked-about dining destinations.

Regular patrons are "blown away" by the unique and delicious offerings, frequently noting the highly knowledgeable and attentive staff who are eager to recommend dishes and explain the stories behind the ingredients. It is a place revered by chefs and diners alike, blending sophistication and approachability in a way that is distinctly Scottsdale.

Location and Accessibility

Hai Noon is located in South Scottsdale, an area characterized by its convenient access and growing appeal. The restaurant’s unconventional location inside a refurbished '60s-era motor lodge, the Papago Motor Hotel, adds to its "hidden gem" charm but also makes accessibility straightforward for those coming from Phoenix, Tempe, or other parts of the Valley.

Address: 7017 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, USA.

While the exterior may be unassuming, the practical accessibility features are important for local users:

• The restaurant is situated on East McDowell Road, a major thoroughfare for the 85257 ZIP code.
• Parking: Patrons benefit from multiple options, including a Free parking lot and Free of charge street parking. Complimentary valet parking is also available at the venue for added convenience, mitigating any concerns about available spaces from hotel guests.
• The location is best for Dinner and Solo dining, though its atmosphere is also perfect for small groups.

Services Offered

Hai Noon's service model is centered around an intimate, relaxed, and highly curated dining experience, offering various ways to enjoy the cuisine:

• Dinner Service: The main dining service is available in the evening, with a focus on expertly crafted small plates and entrees. The dining room and bar area are small and inviting.
• Omakase Experience: An exceptional, immersive, seven-course prix fixe Omakase menu is available, typically offered on Sundays at the bar. This high-end option is priced at $200 per person and requires advanced notice and reservation.
• Reservations: The venue Accepts reservations, which are strongly recommended, particularly for the omakase experience or for parties of six or more, due to the limited seating capacity.
• Bar Service: Guests can enjoy the full menu while seated at the bar, which is often praised for its excellent bartender and lively atmosphere.
• Extended Hours: The restaurant serves its main dinner menu from 5 PM to 9 PM, with a Late Menu often available afterward until 10:30 PM on weekends.

Features / Highlights

Hai Noon’s appeal lies in its unique combination of world-class cooking and retro-hip atmosphere. Key highlights include:

• James Beard Award-Winning Chef: The kitchen is led by Chef Nobuo Fukuda, whose creative and inventive approach to Japanese cuisine is the driving force behind the menu's brilliance and uniqueness.
• Exceptional Small Plates: The menu emphasizes Small plates, allowing diners to sample a wide array of flavors. Must-try items often featured include:
  • Signature Sashimi Spoons (often praised for being "wildly imaginative" and arranged from lightest to heaviest on the palate).
  • Pork Belly Bao Buns.
  • Panko-fried Tofu Skewers with green papaya curry.
  • The highly recommended Mushrooms in a bag (Maitake and shiitake mushrooms with trottole pasta in a sake, soy, garlic, and butter broth).
• Great Cocktails and Wine: The drink menu is as sophisticated as the food, featuring Japanese-influenced cocktails like the 'Japanese Moss Cocktail' and 'Black Sesame Tequila,' alongside a selection of Spirits, Beer, and Wine.
• Signature Dishes: Favorites from his previous acclaimed restaurant, Teeter House, like the Sockeye Salmon with Parmesan shaves and the Sunomono (Japanese vinegar salad), have been resurrected and are considered the "best on the planet."
• Atmosphere and Vibe: The retro, dimly lit, and inviting setting of the '60s motor lodge creates a hip and relaxed, yet sophisticated, dining environment.

Contact Information

To make a reservation for the highly sought-after omakase or to inquire about the current menu, please use the contact information below:

Address: 7017 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, USA
Phone: (480) 306-4023
Email for Large Parties (6+): hey@hainoonaz.com

What is Worth Choosing

For Arizona food lovers, Hai Noon is worth choosing because it represents a pinnacle of local culinary artistry combined with an adventurous, memorable dining environment. It is far more than a simple "Japanese restaurant"; it is an experience rooted in the legacy of a James Beard Award winner. You choose Hai Noon for the opportunity to taste Chef Fukuda's extraordinary vision of East-meets-West cuisine, where every dish is thoughtful, unique, and often remarkably affordable, with many share plates ranging from $10 to $20.

The restaurant’s greatest value is in its creativity and execution. Customers rave about the unique flavor combinations, such as the must-try 'mushrooms in a bag' and the signature sashimi spoons—dishes you simply won't find anywhere else in the Valley. Furthermore, the commitment to the full sensory experience, from the superb cocktails made with the same culinary vision as the food, to the attentive and knowledgeable service, ensures a "superb" and highly enjoyable visit. If you appreciate sophisticated flavors, creative small plates, and a unique, low-key casual atmosphere that belies the high-caliber cooking, Hai Noon is an essential stop on your Scottsdale dining list. For the ultimate indulgence, the $200 omakase is hailed as "possibly the greatest dining experience you can have on a Sunday in Phoenix," a testament to the chef’s enduring brilliance.

Hai Noon

7017 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, USA