+1 480-474-4222
Located in the vibrant heart of Tempe, Shady Park is a dynamic culinary destination that skillfully blends Japanese fusion with American comfort food, offering an unforgettable dining experience. Renowned for its meticulously crafted ramen bowls, inventive sushi rolls, and enticing bar menu, this restaurant is a must-visit for those seeking bold flavors and a lively atmosphere.
The menu at Shady Park truly captivates from start to finish. Their signature ramen bowls, such as the Spicy Shio Ramen with grilled chicken and sea salt broth, are rich, deeply savory, and beautifully balanced with intricate layers of spice and umami. Diners rave about the generous portions that leave you both satisfied and craving your next visit. Beyond ramen, the sushi is strikingly fresh—fresh enough to delight sashimi lovers and sushi enthusiasts alike—while the Chicago style thin crust pizzas add a deliciously unexpected twist to the fusion concept. Highlights include the 16" Backyard BBQ Pizza, with roasted pork, bacon, jalapeños, and a sweet BBQ sauce, and the Tokyo Pizza, featuring roasted pork and tangy sriracha mayo drizzled over a perfectly baked crust.
Appetizer lovers will find themselves drawn to Shady Park’s Dough Puffs, a charming play on garlic herb basil and Parmesan cheese paired with a rich red sauce. Their Naked Wings offer an exciting variety of flavor profiles, from vegan options to classic buffalo-style wings, each accompanied by customizable dressings and sauces to satisfy every palate.
The atmosphere at Shady Park is intimate yet spirited, with warm lighting and a friendly vibe that makes every guest feel welcomed. Whether you’re indulging in expertly mixed cocktails like the refreshing Zen Garden or sharing a meal with friends, the attentive and passionate staff elevate the experience, providing thoughtful drink recommendations and impeccable service. Regular patrons speak highly of the inviting ambiance and how the restaurant feels like a hidden gem—a perfect blend of casual comfort and culinary creativity.
While some may note the Japanese dishes lean towards fusion rather than strict authenticity, Shady Park confidently embraces this innovation, adapting traditional flavors for a diverse local crowd without compromising on freshness or quality. This approach results in a unique culinary journey that surprises and satisfies, firmly establishing it as a beloved spot in Tempe’s food scene.
In summary, Shady Park offers a vibrant, flavorful experience where thoughtfully prepared ramen, artisanal sushi, hearty pizzas, and inventive appetizers come together under one roof. It’s an ideal venue for food lovers craving an exceptional meal paired with a welcoming ambiance and attentive service. Whether you’re stopping by after a day on campus or making a special evening out of it, this restaurant delivers on every front—leaving a lasting impression that will pull you back time and again.
It is a nice small place with good vibes. The cocktails were good especially the Zen Garden. The food was delicious, top ramen bowls and curry, very filling and full of flavor. The server made sure we were well taken care of and provided great drink advice. More on the pricier side but well worth it.
Absolute FIRE! I loved the service and I loved the ramen. The photo that I took for this review was a picture of all of the staff and a couple of other long-term customers. The ramen that I got was The spicy shio ramen and I substituted the pork with sea salt broth and grill chicken. This by far is one of my favorites, so much so that I saved this place in my must come back Phoenix list, as I am here on travel. Chris, Nicole, Louie, and Rob, AJ, Taylor, and I am in this picture. I am so thankful I found a place with soul before I leave tomorrow. The ramen is cooked to.absolure perfection and I met all of the cooks. I asked if they would do a selfie with me and they all said yes. Of course I had Nicole, who is a gift from God, who got everyone together. If this is the heart and soul of Phoenix, we are in good hands. Thank you for the amazing food, atmosphere, and the human connection that we should all look for in our dining experience. Thank you.
If you are looking for a Japanese fusion place then Shady Park is the right spot. I loved the experience here but took out 1 star as the Japanese food could have been more authentic. I am not blaming the restaurant as they need to adapt to local taste. Had salmon sashimi and it was quite fresh. And then also had some sushi and ramen. Food was served hot and it was all fresh. Also the person who was attending me was Jamie and she was very honest and clear with her opinion on all items in the menu. Good attitude.
Honestly we got to the place randomly. I brought my son to ASU (competition). We walked in and I ordered a drink and wow! I loved it. Then we ordered couple of sushi rolls and the food was actually good. The place has a great vibe too. If you are considering check it out.
This place was awesome and I can't wait to come been when I'm in town next. Our group had a variety of things from ramen to eel to sushi. It was all impressive and yummy. The service was great and we really dug the ambiance. Awesome experience and highly recommended.