Matsuri Izakaya on Mill

- 699 S Mill Ave #115, Tempe, AZ 85281

For residents and students in Arizona looking for an authentic yet modern Japanese dining experience, Matsuri Izakaya on Mill stands out as a vibrant and highly-regarded destination in the bustling Tempe area. Located conveniently on Mill Avenue, this restaurant successfully captures the essence of a traditional Japanese izakaya—a casual spot for drinks and small, shareable plates—while expanding its menu to master popular comfort foods like hearty ramen and rich Japanese curry rice. It offers a unique blend of traditional flavors with a contemporary, fast-casual approach.

Matsuri Izakaya on Mill has earned a reputation for its diverse menu categories, ensuring that whether you are craving a quick, satisfying meal or a variety of small plates to share, you will find something exceptional. The menu is structured into dedicated sections, including the “Matsuri Curry House” for savory curry rice plates, an extensive “Ramen And Udon” selection, classic “Rice Bowl” options, and a broad array of “Appetizers” perfect for the Izakaya style.

The Ramen and Udon selections are a significant draw, featuring a variety of rich broths. Popular choices include the classic Tonkotsu Ramen with its rich pork broth and the Miso King Ramen, the restaurant's signature Miso Tonkotsu broth. Uniquely, they cater to a broader audience by offering creamy chicken broth options, such as the Tori Shio Paitan Ramen, and a spicy coconut-miso-based Spicy Vegan Ramen, which has been highly praised. Diners also have the option of enjoying thick Udon noodles with various toppings like Beef, Kakuni (braised pork belly), or Shrimp Tempura.

A major highlight is the Matsuri Curry House, which dedicates a substantial part of the menu to Japanese curry rice—a beloved comfort food. Guests can choose their preferred protein or topping, which is served alongside savory Japanese curry over rice. Options range from the satisfying Pork Katsu Curry Rice Plate and Chicken Katsu Curry Rice to the more unique Takoyaki Curry Rice and Beef Croquette Curry Rice. This focused curry offering is a distinctive feature not commonly found in all Japanese establishments in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

The restaurant's commitment to the Izakaya concept is evident in its small plates and appetizers. Customers often rave about the Nori Fries—crispy shoestring fries tossed in seaweed seasoning—and the Crispy Gyoza. The menu also features traditional favorites like Takoyaki (fried octopus dumplings), various Katsu options (Miso Chicken or Pork), and the deeply flavorful Kakuni (braised pork belly). For those who enjoy sushi, the menu includes a focused selection of Sushi Rolls, such as the Unagi Roll, Dragon Roll, and a variety of spicy rolls like the Jalapeno Hamachi Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll.

Matsuri Izakaya on Mill maintains a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. The dining experience is notably streamlined by a modern, self-service ordering system where patrons can order and pay via their phone or a provided tablet—a model that enhances service speed and order accuracy, allowing the friendly staff to focus on delivery and customer needs upon request.

Location and Accessibility

Located in a highly frequented and vibrant downtown college area, Matsuri Izakaya on Mill is a central feature of the Tempe dining scene, perfectly positioned for both ASU students and local Arizona residents.

The specific address is:

699 S Mill Ave #115, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Accessibility is well-addressed, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The location offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating.
• Parking: Located in a busy downtown environment, parking is available via paid parking garages and paid street parking options nearby.

Services Offered

The restaurant provides a full range of dining services to accommodate a modern Arizona lifestyle:

• Service Style: Offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options for ultimate convenience.
• Ordering System: Utilizes a modern, self-service tablet or QR code ordering and payment system, praised for its speed and accuracy.
• Dining Options: Available for lunch, dinner, and dessert, with seating and full table service.
• Atmosphere: Casual, cozy, and trendy setting suitable for groups and tourists.
• Beverage Offerings: Features a selection of Alcohol, Beer, Hard Liquor, and Wine, allowing it to function truly as an Izakaya (Japanese pub).
• Food Varieties: Menu includes comfort food, healthy options, small plates, and quick bites.
• Amenities: Includes an onsite bar and restroom facilities.
• Payment: Accepts Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for seamless transactions.

Features / Highlights

Matsuri Izakaya on Mill is distinguished by the following key features:

• Dedicated Curry House Menu: One of the only local spots with an extensive menu dedicated to Japanese Curry Rice, featuring options like Pork Katsu, Chicken Karaage, and Beef Croquette.
• Ramen Diversity: Offers both classic Tonkotsu (pork) broth and popular alternative options like chicken broth and a full Spicy Vegan Ramen, appealing to a wide range of dietary preferences.
• Modern Ordering Experience: The iPad/tablet self-ordering system is a highlight, ensuring fast service and precise order customization, which contributes to the restaurant’s high efficiency.
• Izakaya Small Plates: The robust appetizer menu, including Nori Fries, Crispy Gyoza, and Kakuni, is perfect for sharing and capturing the authentic feel of a Japanese pub.
• Great Tea Selection: Noted for having a great tea selection, which complements the wide array of Japanese dishes.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Customer reviews frequently mention the food is delicious, with standout items like the Beef Croquettes and the well-seasoned ramen broths.
• Central Tempe Location: Its spot on Mill Avenue is a major asset, providing a lively atmosphere and easy access for the local community and university crowd.

Contact Information (Tempe Location)

Matsuri Izakaya on Mill can be found at the following location:

Address: 699 S Mill Ave #115, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Please note that a public-facing phone number was not provided in the primary data; the most direct method for ordering or inquiries is to visit the establishment in person or use their online ordering portals.

What is Worth Choosing

Matsuri Izakaya on Mill is an essential choice for anyone in the Arizona area looking for a top-tier, reliable, and contemporary Japanese dining spot, especially those near the Tempe and ASU campus area.

You should choose Matsuri for the superior variety and quality of its signature dishes. If you are seeking truly comforting and richly flavored Japanese Curry Rice, the dedicated 'Curry House' menu makes this the destination. If your craving is Ramen, the availability of high-quality Tonkotsu, Miso, and chicken-broth-based options ensures you won't be disappointed. Furthermore, the modern efficiency of the self-ordering system provides a streamlined and stress-free dining experience, a genuine advantage in a busy locale. The atmosphere is casual enough for a quick bite during lunch but trendy and cozy enough for a fun dinner out with a group. With offerings that include small plates and a bar onsite, it lives up to its 'Izakaya' name. For those seeking authentic Japanese flavors in a vibrant, accessible, and fast-paced setting, Matsuri Izakaya on Mill delivers exceptional value and a delicious, memorable meal.

Matsuri Izakaya on Mill

699 S Mill Ave #115, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA