Eating fresh sushi in Japan (preferably with Jiro) is definitely on the top of your bucket list. But hey, if that’s not happening in the near future, we happen to have some impeccable sushi stateside. Here, the 15 absolute best sushi spots across the country, from upscale omakase menus to under-the-radar neighborhood joints.
The 15 Best Sushi Spots in America
Can't swing a trip to Tokyo? We've got you covered
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Published Aug 18, 2016
1. Miyake: Portland, Me
Trained in Tokyo, chef Masa Miyake uses classic Japanese techniques and ingredients, but the menu still feels true to New England and features Maine oysters and lobster. The omakase offerings start at $38, which makes it quite possibly the best value sushi in the country.
468 Fore St., Portland; 207-871-9170 or miyakerestaurants.com
2. Shuko: New York, Ny
So, you have a tough choice here: A $175 kaiseki menu or a shorter, sushi-only chef's choice menu for $135. What would we do? Go for the former and expect exciting, non-traditional courses like tuna and uni caviar with gold flakes and lobster with truffle. Sushi. Euphoria.
47 E. 12th St. New York; 212-228-6088 or shukonyc.com
3. Shiro's: Seattle, Wa
This Belltown restaurant has been serving some of the city’s best fish since it opened its doors in 1994. While its namesake chef, Shiro Kashiba, has moved on, Shiro’s moderately priced tasting menu is a front-runner for best sushi on the West Coast.
2401 Second Ave., Seattle; 206-443-9844 or shiros.com
4. Bamboo Sushi: Portland, Or
With a menu focused on sustainable, ethical and high-quality seafood, Bamboo Sushi is deserving of its cult-favorite status. At each of its three locations, you’ll find an extensive menu with a handful of vegetarian options that even the staunchest carnivores won’t be able to resist…trust us.
Multiple locations in Portland; bamboosushi.com
5. Sushi Sasabune: Honolulu, Hi
There’s sushi everywhere you look in Honolulu, but Sushi Sasabune is in a league of its own. Chef Seiji Kumagawa’s eatery is a shrine to the art of sushi making. Sit at the bar and order the Japanese-style, 13-course omakase, featuring exotic fish served over slightly warm rice.
1417 S. King St., Honolulu; 808-947-3800 or yelp
6. Naoe: Miami, Fl
The high-end tasting menu at this exclusive Brickell Key spot will cost about $200 per person, minimum. The tiny restaurant holds only eight diners at a time and offers two seatings per night. Each meal starts with the most decadent bento box you’ve ever seen, and it ends with a never-ending concession of traditional nigiri.
661 Brickell Key Dr., Miami; 305-947-6263 or naoemiami.com
7. Sushi Zo: Los Angeles, Ca
Sure, it’s located in a strip mall, but don’t let appearances fool you. Every dish on the 30-course tasting menu—ranging from orange clam with truffle salt to saltwater eel—is downright incredible.
8. Kai Zan: Chicago, Il
We love everything about this Humboldt Park gem, from the tiny space to the beautifully-prepared sushi…and oh, did we mention it’s BYOB? From the salmon-wrapped scallops to the uni shooters, good luck choosing what to order.
2557 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago; 773-278-5776 or eatatkaizan.com
9. Saru Sushi Bar: San Francisco, Ca
The fish is seasonal and direct from Japan, and the tiny space, tucked into a nook in Noe Valley, always draws a serious line. But the menu, which features Cali-influenced dishes like seared yellowtail with truffle oil, is—dare we say?—perfection.
3856 24th St., San Francisco; 415-400-4510 or akaisarusf.com
10. Uchi: Austin, Tx
Turns out, Austin has far more to offer than BBQ. The much-acclaimed Austin-based Uchi has opened offshoots in Houston and Dallas. The dishes are anything but traditional. Think: Rolls made of short rib, kimchi and Thai basil or avocado, tomato and cured Spanish anchovy. But chef Tyson Cole could make any ingredients work together like magic.
801 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin; 512-916-4808 or uchiaustin.com
@starvingcalifornian/Instagram
11. Yoko's: Portland, Or
It may be in a fairly off-the-beaten-path part of town, but Yoko’s has a loyal following who don’t want the rest of the city to know about this gem (sorry, guys). Let’s face it: Word was gonna get out on the delicious decorative rolls and unique hot dishes.
2878 SE Gladstone St., Portland; 503-736-9228 or yelp
12. O-ya: Boston, Ma
Opt for the 20-course tasting menu at this elegant fresh-fish mecca in downtown Boston. It’ll set you back about $300, but with a menu made up of dishes like Kumamoto oysters with watermelon pearls and Maine lobster legs with Black River caviar, you won’t bat an eye.
9 East St., Boston; 617-654-9900 or o-ya.restaurant
13. Sushi Yasuda: New York, Ny
Take a seat at the bamboo sushi bar and chomp down on whatever the chef decides to put in front of you. The concession of fresh, minimalist sushi, flown directly from Japan, will almost definitely contain a few types of fish you’ve never heard of before. Go with it.
204 E. 43rd St (at Third Ave.), New York; 212-972-1001 or sushiyasuda.com
14. Sushiko: Chevy Chase, Md
East meets West when it comes to flavor at this local favorite. The offerings span from wild summer flounder to farmed white prawn, and every bite is crafted like a piece of artwork.
5455 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase; 301-961-1644 or sushikorestaurants.com
15. Sushi Gen: Los Angeles, Ca
In a city full of high-brow, expensive sushi, Sushi Gen is a breath of fresh air. High-quality, reasonably-priced sushi is what this Little Tokyo gem is all about, and Angelenos line up at 5 p.m. every day to get a seat. Insider tip: The $17 sashimi lunch special can’t be beat.
422 E. Second St., Los Angeles; 213-617-0552 or sushigen-dtla.com
