By: Kat Bein By: Kat Bein | July 22, 2024 | Food & Drink, Guides,
Sushi is undeniably one of the finest culinary traditions with one of the largest international followings. The high culinary art from Japan celebrates fish in its freshest form, using advance techniques to elevate humble ingredients into something truly world-class.
See also: 19 Of The Best Tasting Menus Across the U.S.
Though it's centuries old, sushi first exploded in popularity across the United States in the ‘60s, and it’s become a go-to favorite for foodies from New York City to Los Angeles and everywhere in between.
Whether you’re looking for the best roll in your hometown or want to try a fine nigiri while visiting an exciting city, our editors have compiled the best sushi restaurants in their city’s, and we’ve brought a few fine selections to highlight in the list below.
515 E Hopkins Ave. / Website
Treat your taste buds to a sensational sushi affair at Catch Steak–a dining excursion combining classic steakhouse selections with exquisite mountain town flair. The menu incorporates a variety of bites second to none–think king crab and bluefin tuna rolls devoured alongside an eight-ounce imperial cut wagyu filet. Thanks to the wide range of delectable morsels, no stomach will be left unsatisfied. Discover even more fabulous sushi on Aspen’s full list.
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500a Commonwealth Ave. / Website
The Bromberg brothers showcase an enchanting array of sushi rolls and sashimi at this Kenmore Square eatery. From the spicy lobster roll to the Hamachi Usuzukuri with thinly sliced yellowtail, serrano and ponzu, the menu will leave your tastebuds overjoyed. Ready for more? Don’t sleep on the other great spots on Boston’s best sushi list.
401 E. Wacker Dr. / Website
Located in the St. Regis Chicago, this sophisticated Japanese destination offers shareable sashimi, maki, nigiri and signature dishes like spicy bluefin tuna crispy rice, A5-grade Miyazakigyu wagyu beef and hamachi with ponzu sauce. The restaurant is also home to a 12-seat sushi bar with rolls like the triple tuna chutoro with otoro (bluefin tuna belly), akami (lean tuna) and garlic crunch, and a shrimp tempura roll with avocado, cucumber, wasabi tobiko and sweet soy sauce along with caviar and king crab. Opt for a table on the broad terrace to enjoy scenic views of Navy Pier, the Chicago skyline and the river. The Windy City is a foodie paradise, so make sure to check the other spots on Chicago’s full list.
2817 Maple Ave.; 214-855-5454 / Website
Situated amid the hustle and bustle of Dallas, an oasis of flavor awaits at Uchi. James Beard Award‑winning chef Tyson Cole’s rotating menu features innovative spins on traditional Japanese cuisine with selections like hama chili and wagyu tataki. For those seeking an extraordinary sushi experience, the omakase offers a multi-course tasting menu to delight. There’s more where that came from though, so be sure to check out the other five-star sushi spots on Dallas’ full list.
670 Montauk Hwy Suite E, Water Mill; 631-709-8855 / Website
It's no coincidence Kissaki has become one of the most popular sushi spots in the Hamptons. Kissaki's omakase experience is deeply rooted in Japanese culinary tradition and serves to showcase seasonal ingredients at the pinnacle of their freshness in a simple but utterly-artistic fashion. The menu here impresses with thoughtful and delicious pairings. Besides its creative approach, the high-quality fish keeps customers coming back. Our favorites? The specialty rolls are killer and make for a great delivery option. Spending the summer in The Hamptons? Be sure to hit the other spots on our full best sushi list.
3040 Waialae Ave., Unit A-2, Honolulu; 808-744-8491 / Website
Hihimanu blends the modern and traditional when it comes to sushi. Owner and executive chef Ray Howard specializes in the art of Omakase and uses the best ingredients from Hawaii. On the menu is the Uni Bomb, a spoonful of bursting flavor that looks as good as it tastes, and the sweetness from the Hokkaido scallop set it apart. Hawai’i is of course a wonderful place to get world-class sushi, so be sure to try all the fresh fish on the full list.
5407 Bellaire Blvd., 713-485-4272 / Website
Foodies, rejoice and feast your eyes on Aya Sushi. The Japanese restaurant, which arrived in Bellaire last year, is rolling out an Omakase menu this season, highlighting 16 variations of crudo. To complement this, the eaterie’s sommelier, Aaron D’Souza, has curated a fantastic collection of varietals to enjoy. “Before coming into the new spring season, I worked tirelessly to secure the first catches of the season by contacting Toyosu Market vendors personally,” shares chef Yoshi Katsuyama. “I am fortunate to have great relationships with the fishermen and vendors, which allows us to have some of the rarest offerings in Texas.” The menu will feature some wow-worthy options, including Hotaru Ika, a spring delicacy in Japan known as firefly squid, Sashimi Zuwaigani, raw snow crab flown fresh paired with housemade kani su, and much more. Houston is a fantastic place for fine food, so check the rest of Houston’s best sushi list for more delights.
3616 West Spring Mountain Rd Ste 103 / Website
All good omakase experiences are based on trust. At Kame Omakase, sushi lovers are in excellent hands thanks to executive chef Eric Kim’s handcrafted sushi that tastes phenomenal and looks almost too pretty to eat. There's more glitz and glamour on Las Vegas' full list of best sushi.
3133 Glendale Blvd.; 323-522-3993 / Website
Morihiro founder Morihiro “Mori” Onodera upholds the virtues of traditional sushi with an obsessive approach to sourcing and preparation that yields extraordinary morsels. Trained in Tokyo and trailblazing L.A. sushi restaurants like Matsuhisa, Onodera brings authenticity to Los Angeles through his seasonal omakase menus. Dining at Morihiro is a masterclass in edomae finesse. With a thriving Japanese and Japanese-American population, L.A. is a masterclass in sushi, so be sure to read the rest of this city’s best sushi list.
112 Alhambra Cir. / Website
The 14-seat omakase experience, Shingo, displays hospitality like no other. Recently awarded a Michelin star, chef Shingo Akikuni’s dishes feature locally sourced ingredients from Florida and Japan and are accompanied by outstanding comfort and service. Located inside the La Palma Building of Coral Gables, Akikuni hopes guests will feel transported to Japan for the night. Miami is renowned for its seafood, so do check out the rest of the Magic City’s full list.
181 E 78th St., Manhattan; 917-338-1792 / Website
If ordering cucumber rolls is like shopping off the rack, dining at Sushi Noz is like vacationing in the South of France. This 8-person sushi counter is the pinnacle of New York City’s bustling restaurant scene. The 200-year-old sushi counter is inundated with New York City’s power players and a bit too much Baccarat cologne. In typical Noz fashion, they only serve a pre-fixe tasting menu, with 5-6 small plates, and a selection of seasonal nigiri. The omakase goes for $400, which is pocket change for the Investment Banking crowd. Of course, New York offers more than one amazing sushi spot. Do yourself a favor and try all the eateries on our full list.
2600 East Coast Hwy. / Website
Cult sushi favorite SUGARFISH recently opened in Corona Del Mar, quickly becoming a hit among O.C. locals. The curated hand rolls, cut rolls and sushi are available à la carte or in curated Trust Me menus that allow you to taste a bit of everything. Need even more fine fish in your life? There are other sushi restaurants on Orange County’s full list.
350 S. County Rd. / Website
Imoto, which translates to 'little sister' in Japanese, embodies the essence of sibling synergy alongside its esteemed counterpart, Buccan Palm Beach. Inspired by its neighboring restaurant, Imoto expands Chef Clay Conley’s concept of small plates with big flavors into Japanese and Asian cuisines. From fresh sushi and sashimi to unique dumplings, tempura, and innovative wood-fired selections, each dish is crafted with premium ingredients sourced locally and globally. Guided by Chef Clay Conley's vision, Imoto offers a vibrant celebration of contemporary Asian cuisine, seamlessly blending tradition with inventive twists. South Florida knows fresh fish, and Palm Beach is all about finery, so check the rest of this region’s list and enjoy.
789 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova; 610-527-5700 / Website
Azie’s sushi stands at the pinnacle of America’s New Asian movement, which elevates Southeast Asian regional cuisine with hints of European flair. Beyond classic rolls, the restaurant offers an extensive collection of surprising yet sophisticated sushi like the strawberry jalapeño with spicy tuna and soy wrap and the New Philly with Kobe beef and gruyere cheese. The City of Brotherly Love adores sushi, so try each stop on Philly’s full best sushi list.
2244 San Diego Ave.
Tucked away in Old Town, Sushi Tadokoro serves some of the most authentic sushi on the West Coast. From succulent scallops to Golden Eye snapper, this Michelin-starred establishment’s menu offers sushi executed with the utmost precision. There are even more stunning spots on San Diego’s full best sushi list.
665 Townsend St.;415-865-0633 / Website
Translating to "chef's choice" in Japanese, Omakase crafts a distinctive dining experience for each guest with inventive dishes, fish and sake sourced directly from Japan. Executive Chef Jackson Yu is evidently dedicated to his culinary craft, as he even traveled to the mountainous regions of Japan to select the pottery and plateware for the restaurant. With a menu that mirrors Chef Yu's refinement and utilizes the Edomae style to highlight the pure, fresh taste of fish, Omakase is a high-quality destination to get your sushi fix. Another Californian city known for its thriving Japanese influences, do yourself a favor and explore all the incredible sushi spots on San Francisco’s full list.
3821 N. Scottsdale Rd. / Website
Founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, Uchi is a deliciously nontraditional take on Japanese cuisine. Various menus include signature tastings, sushi and a seasonal omakase, all updated daily. Tasty bites include salmon belly, cured Spanish anchovy, freshwater ell, A5 wagyu beef, veggie-focused options and so much more. Still hungry? There are more wonderful sushi restaurants on Scottsdale's full list.
355 Santana Row, San Jose; 408-886-3090 / Website
Voted as one of the best sushi spots in San Jose, Ozumo thrives as one of the Bay Area’s top restaurants. Enter the lavish ambiance and bask in the intimate and stunning interior, all while gazing upon the most visually striking fish creations. Indulge in a variety of sushi and sashimi, a delicious robata grill and an expansive sake list. Silicon Valley is a foodie paradise and close to the sea, so take advantage of all the fresh fish on the full list.
1420 New York Ave. NW; 202-849-3686 / Website
Sushi Gakyu’s Chef Yoshi Ota is one of the few D.C. chefs licensed in Japan to safely prepare poisonous fish fugu, or pufferfish. Ota is equally knowledgeable about sake. He is a certified sake sommelier! Pair your meal with one of his top sake picks, and try something new with a sour plum roll or conchi nigiri. In our nation’s capital, food is always top of mind, so be sure to enjoy as many of the sushi restaurants on D.C.’s full list as possible.
Looking for more culinary adventures? Leave room for dessert and try one of our favorite ice cream shops across the country. Maybe you want to learn more about fine sushi? Read this interview where we spoke to chef Bun Lai about his mission to make the art of sushi more sustainable.
Photography by: bit245 / Getty