This has to be my favorite sushi joint in the Valley. As a real-life Japanese American, I am extremely finicky when it comes to good sushi -- something I'm finding is rare in Phoenix.
I am a sushi purist. You will never find me ordering anything with cream cheese in it or California rolls. When I first entered, I had my doubts as the decor seemed to be another trendy wannabe sushi joint. A first look at the menu revealed a nice mix of pure sushi and fusion rolls. I usually order the amaebi (sweet shrimp) and uni (sea urchin) as a good indicator of freshness. Yasu did not disappoint. The uni was creamy and vibrant while the amaebi was traditionally served with shrimp heads. My wife ordered the Phoenix Roll. As a traditionalist, I'm typically against ordering this type of sushi, but heck it was my anniversary. I couldn't deny that the ingredients were fresh and delicious and ultimately it does come down to the food.
For the entree, I usually eat the chicken teriyaki. The slightly charred outside and the aromatics from the charcoal were excellent and even a tad better than my grandma used to make (sorry, grandma). My wife had the grilled black snapper. Took long but definitely worth the wait. I don't know who the grillmaster is, but it was masterfully done from how the fish was cooked to the salt they used to garnish.
Unlike other yelpers, I have not yet experienced a problem with service. My server was knowledgeable and helpful and kept our glasses filled. It could be tough to get a seat if you don't call ahead. There's something for everything here at Yasu (except maybe for Vegetarians). I'd urge you to try something different and expand your concept of Japanese food. At Yasu, it's easy to be adventurous because the food is FRESH. Save the California rolls for Ra or Kabuki.