Welcome to the ultimate sushi pilgrimage! Whether you’re a die-hard sushi lover or just someone who can’t resist the allure of a perfectly sliced nigiri, this list will make your taste buds do a happy dance. From Tokyo’s minimalist masterpieces to New York’s experimental sushi fiestas, let’s dive into 29 unique sushi havens that have captured hearts and bellies worldwide.
1. Sukiyabashi Jiro – Tokyo, Japan
Founded: 1965
Address: Ginza, Chūō City, Tokyo, Japan
Type: Traditional Edomae Sushi
Cost: $300-$400 per meal
Fish Cuts: Tuna (maguro), sea bream, eel
Fillings: Minimal, often none; fish is the star
Served With: Pickled ginger and soy sauce
Iconic Sushi: O-toro (fatty tuna)
Instagram: @sukiyabashijiro
Website: None – Jiro is too cool for that
Renowned Chef: Jiro Ono, the world-famous sushi master
If Jiro dreams of sushi, you should too. Sukiyabashi Jiro is the gold standard, holding three Michelin stars and attracting sushi pilgrims globally. Nestled in a Tokyo subway station, this no-frills, 10-seat restaurant delivers a symphony of flavors. Each piece of sushi is hand-pressed with the precision of a samurai swordsmith. Warning: Reservations are harder to score than Taylor Swift tickets.
2. Sushi Nakazawa – New York City, USA
Founded: 2013
Address: 23 Commerce St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Type: Contemporary Omakase
Cost: $150-$200 per meal
Fish Cuts: Uni, scallops, toro
Fillings: Seasonal and playful
Served With: House-made soy sauce
Iconic Sushi: Tamago (egg custard sushi)
Instagram: @sushinakazawa
Website: sushinakazawa.com
Renowned Chef: Daisuke Nakazawa
Daisuke Nakazawa learned from the best—he was Jiro Ono’s apprentice. Now, he’s making waves in NYC with a 20-course omakase that feels more like performance art. The tamago? A fluffy masterpiece that could convert even the biggest egg skeptics. Sushi Nakazawa is perfect for date nights or impressing your in-laws—just don’t touch the fish with your fingers. Chef Nakazawa will side-eye you.
3. Kyubey – Tokyo, Japan
Founded: 1936
Address: 7-6 Ginza, Chūō City, Tokyo, Japan
Type: Traditional and Modern Fusion
Cost: $200 per meal
Fish Cuts: Snapper, uni, ikura
Fillings: Creative combinations
Served With: Green tea and a smile
Iconic Sushi: Uni ikura don (sea urchin and salmon roe bowl)
Instagram: @kyubey_ginza
Website: kyubey.jp
Renowned Chef: Impeccable lineage of Kyubey-trained chefs
Kyubey is where old-school charm meets innovative flair. Every piece is crafted to perfection, and the chefs move with the grace of ballerinas. Fancy a sushi bowl topped with enough roe to fund a small kingdom? This is your place. The service is impeccable, but don’t be surprised if you’re judged for over-soy-saucing your sushi. Ginza poshness is real, folks.
4. Sushi Saito – Tokyo, Japan
Founded: 2009
Address: Ark Hills South Tower, 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
Type: Ultra-traditional Edomae
Cost: $400 per meal
Fish Cuts: Bluefin tuna, anago (sea eel), uni
Fillings: None; fish-forward
Served With: A prayer of gratitude
Iconic Sushi: Chutoro (medium-fatty tuna)
Instagram: None – Saito’s sushi speaks louder than hashtags
Website: None – exclusivity is key
Renowned Chef: Takashi Saito
Sushi Saito is the Everest of sushi dining—challenging to conquer but worth every effort. Chef Saito’s precision and ingredient selection are legendary. Only a handful of people can score a reservation here, and those who do often leave with tears of joy. Pro tip: Bring a Japanese-speaking friend to help you charm the gatekeepers.
5. Nobu – Multiple Locations Worldwide
Founded: 1994
Address: Varies by city (Los Angeles, London, Dubai)
Type: Japanese-Peruvian Fusion
Cost: $150-$250 per meal
Fish Cuts: Black cod, yellowtail
Fillings: Fusion-centric ingredients
Served With: Sake and celebrity sightings
Iconic Sushi: Yellowtail jalapeño sashimi
Instagram: @nobu
Website: noburestaurants.com
Renowned Chef: Nobu Matsuhisa
Nobu is the sushi world’s Hollywood A-lister. From New York to Dubai, these swanky spots serve glammed-up sushi alongside VIP clientele. The black cod miso is as iconic as Nobu himself, blending Japanese technique with Peruvian zest. If sushi were a red carpet event, Nobu would be the star.
6. Sushi Zanmai – Tokyo, Japan
Founded: 2001
Address: Tsukiji, Chūō City, Tokyo, Japan
Type: Affordable Sushi Chain
Cost: $40-$60 per meal
Fish Cuts: Toro, squid, shrimp
Fillings: Fresh seasonal offerings
Served With: Wasabi and affordability
Iconic Sushi: Fatty tuna nigiri
Instagram: @sushizanmai_official
Website: zanmai.co.jp
Renowned Chef: Kiyoshi Kimura, the “Tuna King”
Sushi Zanmai is where quality meets accessibility. Famous for its tuna auctions (seriously, Kimura once bid $3.1 million on a bluefin), this chain ensures you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy sushi greatness. With locations across Japan, it’s perfect for tourists who want a taste of sushi excellence without sacrificing their travel budget.
7. Sushi Tetsu – London, UK
Founded: 2012
Address: 12 Jerusalem Passage, London EC1V 4JP, UK
Type: Intimate Omakase
Cost: $150-$200 per meal
Fish Cuts: Mackerel, tuna, sea bream
Fillings: Traditional, with British twists
Served With: Craft sake pairings
Iconic Sushi: Seared toro nigiri
Instagram: None – old-school vibes only
Website: None – bookings via phone only
Renowned Chef: Toru Takahashi
Sushi Tetsu is London’s best-kept secret. With only seven seats and a chef who personalizes every bite, this gem is all about quality over quantity. Reservations require persistence (and maybe a little luck), but once you’re in, you’ll understand why this cozy spot feels like stepping into a sushi lover’s dream.
8. Urasawa – Beverly Hills, USA
Founded: 2005
Address: 218 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA
Type: High-End Kaiseki and Sushi
Cost: $400-$500 per meal
Fish Cuts: Imported Japanese varieties
Fillings: Luxurious (think truffle accents)
Served With: Japanese teas and exclusivity
Iconic Sushi: Toro with gold leaf
Instagram: None – who needs social media at this level?
Website: None – you know it’s fancy when you call them directly
Renowned Chef: Hiroyuki Urasawa
Beverly Hills meets Japanese luxury at Urasawa. This isn’t just dinner—it’s a Michelin-starred journey through the finest Japanese ingredients. Chef Urasawa’s meticulous attention to detail will make you rethink how sushi should taste (and how much you’re willing to spend on it). Bonus: you might spot a celebrity while savoring toro adorned with edible gold.
9. Ginza Sushi Ichi – Bangkok, Thailand
Founded: 2012
Address: Grand Hyatt Erawan, Bangkok, Thailand
Type: Authentic Edomae Sushi
Cost: $100-$200 per meal
Fish Cuts: Hokkaido scallops, seasonal fish flown in from Japan
Fillings: Elegant simplicity
Served With: Seasonal Japanese vegetables
Iconic Sushi: Kohada (gizzard shad)
Instagram: @ginzasushiichi_bangkok
Website: sushiichi.jp
Renowned Chef: Partnership with Tokyo’s Ginza Sushi Ichi
Ginza Sushi Ichi brings Tokyo’s elite sushi scene to Bangkok. Every fish is flown in daily from Japan, ensuring unparalleled freshness. The restaurant’s minimalist design is a perfect backdrop for the artistic sushi. Don’t skip the kohada—it’s a masterclass in balancing flavors. This is sushi elegance in Southeast Asia.
10. Sushi Bar Yasuda – Tokyo, Japan
Founded: 2011
Address: 4-2-6 Minami Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
Type: Omakase with a twist
Cost: $100 per meal
Fish Cuts: Salmon, amberjack, sea urchin
Fillings: Creative yet restrained
Served With: Seasonal sauces
Iconic Sushi: Amberjack with yuzu
Instagram: @sushibaryasuda
Website: None – just walk in (if you’re lucky)
Renowned Chef: Naomichi Yasuda
Chef Yasuda left NYC to return to his roots in Tokyo, bringing his experimental omakase style with him. Expect surprises like yuzu-infused amberjack or sea urchin with a citrus twist. The vibe here is relaxed, but the sushi is serious business. It’s like a sushi party with a Michelin twist.
11. Sushi Shikon – Hong Kong
Founded: 2009
Address: 114 Connaught Rd Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Type: Luxury Edomae Sushi
Cost: $400-$500 per meal
Fish Cuts: Japanese seasonal varieties
Fillings: Minimalist, highlighting fresh fish
Served With: Hand-crafted soy sauce
Iconic Sushi: Nodoguro (black throat sea perch)
Instagram: @sushishikon
Website: sushishikon.com
Renowned Chef: Kakinuma Yoshiharu
Sushi Shikon, one of Hong Kong’s three-Michelin-starred gems, offers a true taste of Japan. Every ingredient is flown in daily from Tokyo, and the chefs craft each piece with samurai-like focus. The nodoguro nigiri will have you believing in culinary magic. The intimate eight-seat setting ensures every bite feels like a private show.
12. Sushi Masaki Saito – Toronto, Canada
Founded: 2019
Address: 88 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H2, Canada
Type: High-End Edomae Sushi
Cost: $500-$600 per meal
Fish Cuts: Hokkaido uni, chu-toro
Fillings: Pure and delicate
Served With: Custom-aged rice
Iconic Sushi: Shima-aji (striped jack)
Instagram: @sushimasakisaito
Website: sushimasakisaito.ca
Renowned Chef: Masaki Saito
Canada’s only two-Michelin-star sushi restaurant takes Edomae sushi to another level. Chef Masaki Saito’s focus on aged fish and custom-blended rice creates a harmonious balance in every bite. Shima-aji, with its rich texture and light marinade, is unforgettable. Warning: you might leave speaking fluent sushi.
13. Miku – Vancouver, Canada
Founded: 2008
Address: 200 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4, Canada
Type: Aburi (flame-seared) Sushi
Cost: $60-$100 per meal
Fish Cuts: Sockeye salmon, saba (mackerel)
Fillings: Fusion twists
Served With: Miso soup
Iconic Sushi: Salmon oshi (pressed sushi)
Instagram: @mikurestaurant
Website: mikurestaurant.com
Miku brings Aburi-style sushi (flame-seared) to the forefront, and Vancouver can’t get enough. Their signature salmon oshi sushi melts in your mouth, while the oceanfront views make you linger longer. It’s sushi meets art meets relaxation. Pro tip: Order the sushi platter and prepare for Instagram likes galore.
14. Sushi Zo – Los Angeles, USA
Founded: 2006
Address: 9824 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA
Type: Minimalist Omakase
Cost: $150-$200 per meal
Fish Cuts: King salmon, scallops
Fillings: Seasonal and innovative
Served With: Soy reduction
Iconic Sushi: Kinmedai (golden eye snapper)
Instagram: @sushizola
Website: sushizo.us
If you’re looking for a no-frills omakase experience, Sushi Zo delivers perfection on a plate. Chef Keizo Seki’s dedication to the art of sushi is evident in every piece. The kinmedai, with its buttery texture, will have you wishing for a second stomach. Pro tip: Bring an adventurous palate.
15. Sushi Azabu – New York City, USA
Founded: 2007
Address: 428 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Type: Traditional Edomae Sushi
Cost: $150 per meal
Fish Cuts: Toro, uni, squid
Fillings: Traditional and refined
Served With: Seasonal Japanese greens
Iconic Sushi: Toro hand roll
Instagram: @sushiazabu
Website: azabugroup.com
Nestled in Tribeca, Sushi Azabu is an underground sushi wonderland. Literally—it’s hidden in the basement of another restaurant. Once you find it, you’ll be treated to impeccable toro hand rolls and other delights from Japan’s waters. It’s mysterious, exclusive, and ridiculously tasty.
16. Sushi Jin – Singapore
Founded: 2014
Address: 1 Farrer Park Station Rd, Singapore 217562
Type: Premium Omakase
Cost: $120-$200 per meal
Fish Cuts: Kampachi (amberjack), ikura
Fillings: Vibrant, seasonal ingredients
Served With: Wasabi from Shizuoka
Iconic Sushi: Wagyu and uni nigiri
Instagram: @sushijin.sg
Website: sushijin.com.sg
Sushi Jin combines Japanese precision with Singaporean elegance. The Wagyu and uni nigiri is a decadent combination that feels more like a luxury good than a meal. If you’re in Singapore and craving something special, this sushi spot won’t disappoint.
17. Minamishima – Melbourne, Australia
Founded: 2014
Address: 4 Lord St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia
Type: Omakase Fine Dining
Cost: $150-$200 per meal
Fish Cuts: Toro, Tasmanian salmon, scallops
Fillings: Light, elegant touches
Served With: Locally sourced ingredients
Iconic Sushi: Scallop with yuzu kosho
Instagram: @minamishima
Website: minamishima.com.au
Minamishima delivers world-class sushi with a distinctly Australian twist. The scallop with yuzu kosho is a delicate, citrusy marvel. Chef Koichi Minamishima is a perfectionist, and it shows in every bite. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve taken a delicious journey to Japan without leaving Melbourne.
18. Narisawa – Tokyo, Japan
Founded: 2003
Address: Minami Aoyama 2-6-15, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
Type: Innovative Kaiseki Sushi Fusion
Cost: $300-$400 per meal
Fish Cuts: Seasonal Japanese fish
Fillings: Wild herbs and unique pairings
Served With: Artistic presentations
Iconic Sushi: Kinmedai (golden eye snapper)
Instagram: @narisawacuisine
Website: narisawa-yoshihiro.com
Renowned Chef: Yoshihiro Narisawa
Narisawa isn’t just about sushi; it’s about culinary storytelling. Chef Narisawa blends traditional sushi techniques with modern gastronomy, creating sushi masterpieces that look like they belong in a museum. The kinmedai with foraged herbs will have your taste buds singing.
19. Matsuhisa – Beverly Hills, USA
Founded: 1987
Address: 129 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, USA
Type: Japanese-Peruvian Fusion Sushi
Cost: $120-$200 per meal
Fish Cuts: Yellowtail, salmon, whitefish
Fillings: South American-inspired twists
Served With: Jalapeños and yuzu
Iconic Sushi: Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño
Instagram: @matsuhisabeverlyhills
Website: noburestaurants.com
Renowned Chef: Nobu Matsuhisa
Before “Nobu” became a global empire, there was Matsuhisa. Chef Nobu’s inventive Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes have changed the sushi game. His yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño is a flavor explosion. A visit here is like meeting the sensei of modern sushi trends.
20. Katsuya – Los Angeles, USA
Founded: 2006
Address: 6300 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Type: Trendy Sushi Spot
Cost: $50-$100 per meal
Fish Cuts: Albacore, crab, salmon
Fillings: Fun, flavorful combinations
Served With: Spicy sauces and flair
Iconic Sushi: Crispy rice with spicy tuna
Instagram: @katsuyagroup
Website: sbe.com/restaurants/katsuya
Katsuya isn’t just about sushi; it’s about the vibe. Perfect for a stylish night out, their crispy rice with spicy tuna is as much a crowd-pleaser as their celebrity sightings. Think Instagram-worthy plates served with a side of Hollywood glitz.
21. Nobu Malibu – Malibu, USA
Founded: 1999
Address: 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
Type: High-End Fusion Sushi
Cost: $300 per meal
Fish Cuts: Toro, yellowtail, Hokkaido scallops
Fillings: Elegant, global flavors
Served With: Ocean views
Iconic Sushi: Black cod with miso
Instagram: @noburestaurants
Website: noburestaurants.com
With panoramic ocean views and world-class sushi, Nobu Malibu is pure California dreamin’. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s black cod with miso is a dish that has inspired countless imitations. Pair it with a Malibu sunset, and you’re living the sushi lover’s fantasy.
22. Roka Akor – Chicago, USA
Founded: 2011
Address: 456 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Type: Modern Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi
Cost: $100-$150 per meal
Fish Cuts: Uni, yellowtail, octopus
Fillings: Creative pairings with a twist
Served With: Robata-grilled sides
Iconic Sushi: Uni shooter with quail egg
Instagram: @rokaakor
Website: rokaakor.com
Roka Akor is where sushi meets robata grilling. Their uni shooter with quail egg is a must-try, but don’t skip their non-sushi dishes either. The chic ambiance and creative plates make it a favorite among Chicago’s foodie elite.
23. Bar Masa – New York City, USA
Founded: 2004
Address: 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019, USA
Type: High-End Sushi Bar
Cost: $400 per meal
Fish Cuts: Toro, sea bream, uni
Fillings: Minimalist elegance
Served With: Premium sake pairings
Iconic Sushi: Toro tartare with caviar
Instagram: @bar.masa
Website: masanyc.com
Renowned Chef: Masa Takayama
Bar Masa, the sibling of the three-Michelin-starred Masa, is a slightly more relaxed but equally exquisite experience. Chef Masa’s toro tartare with caviar is a rich, melt-in-your-mouth delight. If you want high-end sushi without the formalities, Bar Masa is your spot.
24. Blue Ribbon Sushi – New York City, USA
Founded: 1995
Address: 119 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012, USA
Type: Traditional with a Modern Twist
Cost: $100 per meal
Fish Cuts: Hamachi, tuna, king crab
Fillings: Fresh, bold flavors
Served With: House soy and wasabi
Iconic Sushi: O-toro sushi
Instagram: @blueribbonsushi
Website: blueribbonrestaurants.com
Blue Ribbon Sushi is where casual meets quality. With a cozy ambiance and top-tier fish flown in daily, it’s no wonder locals and celebs alike keep coming back. Their o-toro sushi is buttery perfection, paired with a sake menu worth exploring.
25. Kin Chan Sushi – Osaka, Japan
Founded: 1983
Address: 2 Chome-1-14, Osaka, Japan
Type: Homestyle Sushi Bar
Cost: $40-$60 per meal
Fish Cuts: Mackerel, eel, seasonal catches
Fillings: Rustic yet refined
Served With: Pickled vegetables and miso soup
Iconic Sushi: Hakozushi (box sushi)
Instagram: Not available
Website: Not available
Kin Chan Sushi is a hidden gem in Osaka, offering hakozushi, an Osaka specialty that layers fish and rice in a perfect, flavorful box. It’s unpretentious and authentic, proving that sometimes simplicity is the ultimate luxury.
26. The Araki – London, UK
Founded: 2014
Address: 12 New Burlington St, Mayfair, London W1S 3BF, UK
Type: Omakase-Only Sushi
Cost: $400-$500 per meal
Fish Cuts: Toro, yellowtail, Scottish salmon
Fillings: Meticulous details
Served With: Custom sake flights
Iconic Sushi: Omakase nigiri
Instagram: @thearaki
Website: the-araki.com
Renowned Chef: Mitsuhiro Araki
The Araki is a culinary jewel in London, offering an intimate omakase experience with just nine seats. Chef Araki’s sushi is a harmonious blend of Japanese tradition and British-sourced ingredients, making each piece a memorable journey.
27. Kisaki – Kyoto, Japan
Founded: 1978
Address: 123 Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
Type: Traditional Kyoto-Style Sushi
Cost: $120 per meal
Fish Cuts: Freshwater eel, Kyoto mackerel
Fillings: Sweetened rice and local flavors
Served With: Delicate green tea
Iconic Sushi: Sabazushi (Kyoto-style mackerel sushi)
Instagram: Not available
Website: Not available
Kisaki is Kyoto’s homage to tradition, serving sabazushi, a sweet and savory mackerel sushi wrapped in kelp. The quiet, refined setting is as tranquil as the city itself, making every bite a celebration of Kyoto’s culinary heritage.
28. Hajime Sushi – Tokyo, Japan
Founded: 1998
Address: 2 Chome-5-11 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Type: Traditional Edomae Sushi
Cost: $200 per meal
Fish Cuts: Toro, kinmedai, Hokkaido uni
Fillings: Seasonal surprises
Served With: Delicate shiso and yuzu accents
Iconic Sushi: Kinmedai (golden eye snapper) nigiri
Instagram: Not available
Website: Not available
Nestled in the heart of Ginza, Hajime Sushi offers a quintessential Edomae experience. The kinmedai nigiri, lightly seared and kissed with yuzu, melts in your mouth. With an understated elegance and focus on craftsmanship, Hajime is a love letter to traditional Tokyo sushi.
29. Sushi Ran – Sausalito, USA
Founded: 1986
Address: 107 Caledonia St, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
Type: Japanese-California Fusion
Cost: $80-$120 per meal
Fish Cuts: King salmon, hamachi, bluefin tuna
Fillings: Local vegetables and West Coast flair
Served With: House ponzu and pickled ginger
Iconic Sushi: Sausalito Roll (crab, avocado, and salmon with citrus glaze)
Instagram: @sushiransausalito
Website: sushiran.com
Sushi Ran is a Sausalito institution, blending Japanese tradition with California’s fresh, local ingredients. The Sausalito Roll is a fan favorite—rich crab and creamy avocado topped with a citrusy salmon glaze that tastes like sunshine. Dining here feels like savoring art by the bay.
Sushi is served!
