If you like your meals healthy, tasty, and prettily prepared, sushi is hard to beat. But where can you find the freshest fish and zingiest flavors near you? We've scoured the country for the very best Japanese restaurants, serving everything from classic rolls and traditional nigiri (rice topped with seafood) to innovative twists on old favorites. Chopsticks at the ready!
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
Alabama's capital has a burgeoning food scene, and there are several sushi spots worth sampling. But the best in town is Osaka Sushi Bar, a low-key place with a big menu of classics. Diners love the staple tuna roll, and the Shaggy Dog Roll – shrimp tempura rolled up with crab and spicy mayo. You can't go wrong with the delicate yellowtail topped with jalapeños (pictured) either.
Head west on Anchorage's Northern Lights Boulevard, and you'll soon reach this down-to-earth sushi bar. The decor is traditional – think Japanese-style screens and lots of dark wood – and the giant menu follows suit. The neat bento boxes are a popular choice; they typically come with four pieces of sushi, plus extras like salmon teriyaki, veggie tempura, and rice, soup, and salad.
Scottsdale is well known for its upmarket dining options, and this Japanese restaurant is no exception. The special occasion spot is described as 'modern in approach, Japanese in spirit', and focuses on steak and sake as well as modern sushi dishes. Try the Nigiri Chef's Selection, with options like bluefin tuna with pickled wasabi, or flame-seared salmon with lemon miso and dill.
Kemuri is a sophisticated sushi stop in the Arkansas capital. You can expect a big, imaginative menu that runs the gamut from super-traditional items to thoughtful twists on the classics. Try the Crazy Monkey (pictured left), which sees tempura shrimp and spicy crab rolled with avocado and finished with aioli, or the Snow Blossom (right): spicy tuna and crab stick with garlicky albacore (longfin tuna), jalapeños, and chili lime.
The Golden State is rich in sushi joints, but you won't find a better spot than this. In 2019, Los Angeles' Shin Sushi received a Michelin star for its delicate and creative nigiri options, expertly executed by chef Taketoshi Azumi – and it's thoroughly deserved. Plump for the omakase option – a form of Japanese dining in which guests leave themselves in the hands of the chef – and trust Azumi to whip you up something special.
With a hip industrial location and a thoughtful sushi menu, Temaki Den is one of the Mile High City's go-to restaurants. The food is the vision of Toshi Kizaki, a well-respected chef known for his attention to detail (he only uses top-notch suppliers, and spent many decades perfecting the recipe for his vinegar sushi rice). Feast on delicious nigiri – with tasty specialty options including salmon belly – and be sure to dive into the impressive list of sake and Japanese whisky.
You really do get a taste of Japan at MIKU – this contemporary sushi restaurant in quaint Greenwich ships its ingredients from the renowned Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. The menu shifts with the seasons, but whenever you come here, you can expect well-executed hand rolls, from classic California and spicy tuna to ones with lobster tail, scallops, and belly tuna. The interiors, with bare-brick walls and sleek grey-leather booths and bar seats, are sophisticated too.
Diners can look forward to a lively vibe and a modern setting at Mikimotos in downtown Wilmington. There's a lot of choice on the menu, from dim sum to noodle dishes, and the sushi is first-rate. Regulars rave about the California rolls, but there are some innovative options to try too. Why not go for the Brooklyn Bridge, with avocado, fresh tuna, and a topping of Cajun-seared white tuna?
You're in for a real treat at Miami's Makoto. It's named after chef Makoto Okuwa, who puts a contemporary twist on traditional Japanese cuisine, and serves up his creations in a bright, design-led setting – think coral-pink walls, giant florals, and bold light fittings. The sushi menu is straightforward yet sophisticated. Go for the Sushi Sampler, and try the uramaki rolls (inside-out rolls) with ingredients like spicy scallops and yellowtail. There are vegan options too.
Just northwest of Atlanta, the little city of Kennesaw punches above its weight when it comes to great dining options – and that includes some top spots for sushi. Make a beeline for Sushiology, whose quirky mural depicting a sea monster sets a trendy tone. You can opt for a chef's selection of five or eight delicious nigiri, from yellowtail to ebi (shrimp). The restaurant offers ramen and Japanese small plates too.
Honolulu's Sushi Sasabune is all about tradition, from its Japanese-style art and greenery to a menu whipped up by master sushi chef Seiji Kumagawa. The food is served omakase style – Kumagawa serves a string of seasoned and dressed sushi courses tailored to each customer – and it comes with high praise. The restaurant uses Hawaiian produce wherever possible too.
This cool spot offers a fresh take on traditional sushi joints – the setting is filled with string lights and illustrations of sumo wrestlers. The menu follows that lead with a tempting array of deep-fried sushi rolls, with names inspired by famous movies. Try the Gladiator (tuna, crab, and salmon topped with eel sauce and Korean spicy sauce), or the G.I. Joe, with spicy crab, cream cheese, mayo, and sriracha.
KAI ZAN owners Melvin and Carlo Vizconde are known as the 'sushi twins', as they have more than 15 years' experience whipping up traditional-yet-imaginative Japanese food. There's an omakase option, which places your choices in the capable hands of the chefs, or you could go for a 'KAI ZAN favorite', like the Angry Crab (spicy crab wrapped in tuna and finished with a tempura crunch) or the Orange Rush (scallops wrapped in salmon and seared with a citrus glaze).
This sushi spot is as lively as they come, with a buzzy vibe, DJ sets, and Martini nights on Thursdays. The venue is sleek and bright, with a well-stocked bar and a menu filled with classics. Get the Sushi Combo, which allows you eight pieces of nigiri and a sushi roll. A crowd favorite is the specialty Playboy Roll, with spicy tuna, asparagus, jalapeño, and shrimp tempura. Oh, and it's set on fire before serving!
Sharing space with Iowa City's sleek hotelVetro, Formosa is simple but modern, with an assortment of cocktails to complement its generous offering of classic sushi. You'll find all the staples on the menu, but customers love the Las Vegas Roll – think tasty crab meat, cream cheese, and sweet potato tempura, plus spicy tuna, mayo, and eel sauce.
The decor reflects the name at this cool sushi spot in eastern Kansas. There's a blue zig-zagging ceiling, bold blue murals, and blue uplighting, but the food is still the star of the show. Dig into the specialty nigiri and try the Cherry Bomb – bigeye tuna layered over rice tempura, and topped with serrano pepper and ponzu sauce (a classic Japanese condiment).
Chef Ken, who was born in Tokyo and earned his stripes at a traditional izakaya (a kind of Japanese pub), cooks up a storm in the School Sushi kitchen. This down-to-earth spot is a jewel in Lexington's dining scene, with a solid menu of traditional sushi, plus a few original spins on the classics. Coming out on top is the innovative Honey Bee – shrimp topped with tuna, salmon, and a temptingly sweet honey mayo.
Describing itself as a California-style sushi bar, Kanno, set in the NOLA suburb of Metairie, keeps things simple. The setting is pared back, with minimalist interiors and a strip mall location, and the menu is fuss-free, focusing on the classics. Feast on expertly done California, dragon, and spider rolls, or get a taste of Louisiana with a Cajun Crawfish Roll: boiled crawfish layered with a snow crab mix, and spiked with Cajun spices.
Straightforward and unfussy, this popular spot in foodie Portland keeps sushi-loving punters pouring in. It's got a lovely Japanese-inspired garden, with a rockery and spring cherry blossom, plus a traditional menu to match. Graze on small plates from the sushi bar, including broiled hamachi cheek, or go for the sushi nigiri dinner, with a selection that ticks off uni (sea urchin), ebi (shrimp), unagi (freshwater eel), and maguro (bluefin tuna).
Swing by this friendly spot for laid-back vibes, a down-to-earth setting (think bare bricks, and plenty of wood), and a fail-safe menu of sushi staples. Shoyou Sushi has become a true Baltimore favorite, with diners praising the selection of flavor-packed food made with fresh ingredients. You'll find all the classic sushi rolls, as well as some specialties (like the Baked Garlic Tuna Roll), plus some innovative options like Japanese-style burritos.
Boston certainly isn't short of great sushi spots, but this one is extra special. O Ya is an intimate venue that offers a nightly omakase menu – and although it's not easy to get a reservation, it's well worth the wait. The omakase menu typically has 20 courses, built on seasonal ingredients, and you can opt for a drink pairing as well. You'll work your way through nigiri, sashimi, and a selection of cooked dishes. A customer favorite is the hamachi (young Japanese yellowtail).
Being a stone's throw away from happening Detroit, Clawson's food scene is often overlooked – but with gems like Noble Fish, it shouldn't be. This sushi restaurant has been dishing up a tempting menu for more than 30 years, with a cheerful atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. Choose from cooked and classic nigiri, a range of rolls that includes vegetarian options, or indulge in a mammoth 'Party Tray' if you're dining with a group.
AMA Sushi proudly declares that it offers 'the best sushi in town', and satisfied customers agree. The Minneapolis spot gets rave reviews, with customers waxing lyrical about its friendly staff, reasonable prices, and delicious food. Menu highlights include the Green Dragon Roll with shrimp tempura and avocado, and the predictably spicy Kiss of Fire Roll with tuna, cream cheese, and cucumber. Handmade Tibetan momos (steamed dumplings) are on offer too.
Jackson's food scene is on the up, and the Mississippi capital has several great options for a sushi dinner. Make a booking at the popular Edo Japanese Restaurant, where you'll find a top-notch sushi selection alongside other Japanese-inspired menu items like gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), miso soup, and udon noodle dishes. Sushi fans will be delighted with the enormous choice of nigiri and raw and cooked rolls.
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Both a sushi bar and fun evening hangout, Prime Sushi on Kansas City's buzzing Main Street has a menu of fun cocktails to go with its first-rate food. Come by for happy hour, and swill sake sangria while you chow down on classic rolls, from California to sweet potato tempura. There are also specialty options like the Oasis Roll, comprising tuna, salmon, and yellowtail rolled with avocado, sriracha, and soy mustard.
To sample some of Montana's best sushi, head to the Rocky Mountains city of Bozeman. With a great location on Main St, Hooked Sushi earns plenty of praise for its fresh ingredients, creative sushi rolls, and excellent service. Unusual specialty rolls include the Ramblin Man – a winning combination of tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, avocado, and cucumber – and the Ring Of Fire: spicy ahi, roasted jalapeño, and cucumber, topped with habanero oil and togarashi (a type of Japanese chili).
With a handful of locations in Omaha and Lincoln, this smart sushi spot has won fans across the state. It describes itself as a pan-Asian concept, turning out contemporary stir-fries and noodle dishes as well as plenty of sushi. Here you can indulge in a menu of imaginatively named sushi rolls like the Hollywood Roll – tempura white fish, cucumber, cream cheese, and masago (a type of roe) – or the Rock'N Roll, a delectable combo of unagi, salmon skin, seaweed, and eel sauce.
Vegas's Nobu needs little introduction. The high-end restaurant, which operates out of the storied Caesars Palace, is the domain of world-class sushi chef Nobu Matsuhisa. It's no stranger to awards, and the menu gets high praise from diners and critics alike. The most famous and popular menu item is the black cod with miso, while a selection of delicate maki rolls will keep sushi-lovers on side.
Steak, elaborate teppanyaki (a style of cooking that uses a teppan, or large metal plate, to grill food), and signature sushi and sashimi dishes all make this restaurant a favorite in Manchester – a New Hampshire city with serious foodie credentials. The menu doesn't deviate too far from the traditional, with a delicious array of raw and cooked rolls to try. The sweet potato tempura rolls, spicy salmon rolls, and classic California rolls all get a thumbs up from diners.
This veteran sushi restaurant has stood the test of time – it's been serving Collingwood locals their sushi fix since 1974, and it's still going strong. The setting is wood-clad and fuss-free, and the menu follows suit. There's a long list of sushi rolls with all the usual fixings, from tuna and eel to crab, and there are tasty entrées like chicken shish kebab or broiled pork with ginger sauce to try too.
This Albuquerque spot might not look like much from the outside, but it sure packs a punch when it comes to the food. A casual spot with few frills, Sakura Sushi and Grill is tipped by diners as the best sushi place in town. Try offerings unique to the restaurant, like the New Mexico Roll with green chili tempura, spicy crab, and fish roe. Want more? There are also sushi tacos, and Sushi Boats loaded with delights.
It's hard to stand out in New York City, especially as the Big Apple has more great sushi spots than you can shake a California roll at. However, you can't go wrong with dinner at Sushi Nakazawa, named after co-owner and renowned chef Daisuke Nakazawa. You'll experience a nigiri-only omakase menu with around 20 delicious pieces, all in a chic, minimalist setting.
If you're looking for a sushi fix in Charlotte, then friendly Pisces Sushi is just the place. It earned an Open Table Diner's Choice Award in 2017, and it's still a firm favorite with local customers. Menu standouts include the Rainbow Rolls – crab and avocado rolls topped with tuna, salmon, and yellowtail – and the Dynamite Roll: shrimp tempura topped with baked crab salad.
Promising a 'fun hibachi and sushi experience', this restaurant is a Fargo gem. Chefs put on a show, preparing traditional Japanese dishes before the eyes of delighted diners, while the sushi menu is robust. The signature avocado, California, and Philadelphia (smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber) rolls are all diner approved, and you can order 'boats' if you want to share with the table.
Part of a restaurant group helmed by celebrated chef Dante Boccuzzi, Ginko is the place to go for sushi in Cleveland. It's a sophisticated and contemporary space with a curving bar and low-lighting, and it promises 'star-worthy sushi'. There's the option of an omakase tasting, or you can order à la carte menu options like gunkan sushi (wrapped in nori seaweed) or oshi (pressed sushi).
A choice restaurant in Oklahoma City, Sushi Neko draws in the foodie crowds. It doubles as a grill and sushi bar, focusing on dishes like sautéed cod in a lobster curry broth, and miso salmon. When it comes to sushi, the menu really packs a punch too. You'll munch your way through classic and unusual sushi rolls, with offbeat options including the Neko Nugget, which includes tempura chicken, masago (also called smelt roe), and spicy sauce.
The city of Tigard, just outside Portland, is the location for this friendly and fun Japanese restaurant. It touts itself as casual and affordable, with a 'family-like atmosphere' – and customers second that claim. The staple spicy tuna rolls go down a treat, as do the Scorpion Rolls, which comprise shrimp tempura, crab salad, salmon, avocado, and sweet chili sauce. You can plump for the omakase option too.
Blink and you could miss this tucked-away izakaya, robata (Japanese grill), and sushi spot in Philadelphia. It's hidden away beneath a cocktail bar, and it draws an in-the-know foodie crowd. The setting is cool, moody, and low-lit, and the menu is loved by diners. As well as mains like Japanese-style fried chicken, there's an inviting list of sushi and sashimi, with ingredients including red snapper (white meat fish) and king salmon.
With a sought-after location in Providence's leafy Federal Hill neighbourhood, NAMI offers 'traditional Japanese cooking with a modern touch'. Diners praise the menu's variety, which features a generous range of sushi, as well as hot dishes like ramen. Customer favorites include the Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll, the shrimp tempura, and the Passion Roll: a round of spicy tuna, salmon, yellowtail, avocado, and wakame (seaweed salad), topped with more tuna and spicy mayo.
There are several sleek O-Ku locations across the States, but this one is a South Carolina favorite. It's got a funky venue, packed with modern wall art and decorative tree branches, but it's the menu that's worth sticking around for. The sushi rolls are tasty and inventive – try the Potato Roll, which sees tempura shrimp and avocado wrapped with fried shoe-string potatoes, and covered in eel sauce and sweet chili mango.
South Dakota might be better known for its steak than its sushi, but you can still find a good Japanese-inspired dinner if you know where to look. Make for chic Tokyo 26 in Sioux Falls, which offers both dine-in and takeout options. There's a giant menu, but we recommend opting for a sushi combo and trying the grilled salmon, tuna, and California rolls.
Nashville's Virago fashions itself as 'the city’s gold standard for sushi and Asian cuisine', with a chic, booth-filled interior, and a fine menu of Japanese-inspired classics that spoils diners for choice. Novel options like the truffle rolls – albacore (longfin tuna), avocado, jalapeño, panko shrimp, and yuzu truffle – are a must, as well as the Naga Maguro Nigiri, with tuna, ginger, scallions, and Bourbon barrel soy. There's an impressive list of sake and Japanese whiskey to sample too.
Swish Uchi stands out even within Austin's stellar dining scene. The Texan capital's best sushi spot is the brainchild of James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, who is held up as an American sushi master, and his creations are served in a stylish setting with Japanese accents. The menu is generous but thoughtful, with sushi options including a ham and egg roll, with pork belly, yolk custard, and Japanese spices.
With two locations in the Utah capital, Takashi is a sure bet for sushi lovers. It's rated by local diners, who praise the great service and say you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Specialty rolls have fun names like Yellow Submarine – a customer favorite made up of yellowtail and yellowfin tuna, with a yuzu-flavoured fish roe on top – and Strawberry Fields: escolar fish, strawberry, and chili peppers, with a topping of toasted almonds and eel sauce.
HANA Japanese Restaurant is the go-to spot for sushi in Vermont and the South Burlington area. It doesn't complicate things, offering a menu of classics like nigiri with tuna, salmon, mackerel, or shrimp, or house specialties like the Caviar Roll, with spicy tuna, tempura flakes, and avocado, plus three types of fish roe. The down-to-earth vibe and friendly staff are a hit with customers too.
A near-perfect Yelp score is testament to the top-notch offerings from this Alexandria venue, which is thoughtfully decorated with Japanese trinkets and focuses on a traditional menu. Eat your way through standard nigiri with yellowtail belly, scallops, and salmon, or try the favored Mexican Shrimp – shrimp tempura, avocado, eel sauce, and plenty of cilantro.
When it comes to sushi, this storied restaurant really knows what it's doing, not least because it dates right back to 1904. Maneki is nothing short of an institution, with a traditional menu served in an unfussy dining room with plenty of Japanese-style decorations. The classics are executed to perfection – feast on typical spicy tuna rolls, and wild salmon and yellowtail nigiri.
Ramen, grills, and delectable sushi are on offer at this casual and traditional Japanese pub in Charleston. The venue is sophisticated, with a log feature wall and neutral tones, but the vibe is relaxed and friendly. Nigiri sushi, made with all the typical seafood, is on offer, alongside carefully crafted rolls stuffed with fried soft-shell crab, shrimp tempura, and more. You can also build your own poke bowl.
As its funky name suggests, this is a fun and colourful spot to get your sushi fix. The dining room is bright, with popping mustard walls and orange bar stalls, and there's patio seating for warmer days too. The joint promises everything from classic sushi offerings to inventive Japanese fusion. Diners love the Sesame Chicken sushi rolls, with sesame soy tempura batter, mayo, and a sweet soy reduction.
A down-to-earth Japanese restaurant that aims to bring 'the spirit of Japanese cuisine to Jackson Hole'. SUDA Izakaya has an inviting menu, which includes dishes like duck katsu and miso ramen, as well as a really delicious selection of sushi. Sink your teeth into specialty nigiri made with tako (octopus), tobiko (fish roe), and miyazaki (fatty beef). In the true style of an izakaya, it's got a fun, relaxed atmosphere too.