The Best Sushi in Every State
Healthy, flavor-packed, and fun to eat—it's hard not to love sushi. When looking for the best sushi options, you often crave slices of the freshest fish, perhaps treated with lemon juice or a splash of mirin. The fresher the fish, the less you have to do to it to make it taste good—and there is nothing better than sitting right at the bar and letting the chef serve up the catches of the day.
There are a lot of American-style sushi spots around the country, too, that are trying new things with hand and maki rolls that might make even the most devout sashimi and nigiri lover at least give them a try—short rib roll anyone?
What makes a great sushi spot often varies by location—and access to fresh fish. So we decided to help you locate the best places to enjoy some sushi.
We scoured reviews, talked to locals, and looked back on our own dining around the country to put together a definitive list of the best sushi across the United States. And if you get inspired to cook something yourself at home, try one of these 22 Meals to Melt Belly Fat in 2022.
ALABAMA: Abhi Eatery and Bar in Mountain Brook
Owned and operated by Nepalese Chef Abhi Sainju, you can take a tasting around the world at this sleek and sophisticated spot. Abhi serves fresh sushi, Japanese favorites, and Nepalese specialties like lamb curry and momos.
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ALASKA: Sushi Ya in Anchorage
Anchorage obviously has no shortage of fresh fish, and so there are plenty of solid sushi stops in town. However, Sushi Ya kept popping up in forums as a favorite for friendly service and creative bites. With a selection of fresh and cooked rolls, as well as options like katsu, there's something for everyone.
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ARIZONA: Hana Japanese Eatery in Phoenix
A staple of the Phoenix dining scene since opening a decade ago, this cozy, family-owned spot serves up traditional favorites. But locals say it's best to try the Hana Pride, made with yellowtail, tuna, salmon, crab, albacore, and whitefish.
ARKANSAS: Meiji Japanese Cuisine in Fayetteville
Promising the freshest, most innovative sushi and Japanese dishes in Northwest Arkansas, Meiji also promises the rolls and cuts are sustainable and traceable. One local raves, "This is literally the only place I'll eat sushi in a land-locked state."
CALIFORNIA: Robin in San Francisco
This was one of the tougher calls, as the state of California has some of the best sushi in the country. We picked Robin, though, because the contemporary restaurant blends San Fran cuisine with delicious Japanese flavors seamlessly. The omakase only spot features local produce and sustainable fish from local farms.
COLORADO: Matsuhisa in Denver, Aspen and Vail
High-end sushi lovers in Colorado have their pick of three locations of the sophisticated Matsuhisa. It was founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, of celeb fave Nobu fame. A mix of the chef's classical training in Tokyo and flavors from around the globe, you won't go wrong with signature dishes like Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño and Black Cod Miso.
CONNECTICUT: OKO in Westport
While known mostly for pizza, the proximity to the coast means Connecticut has a bevy of solid sushi options. OKO sources its ingredients from local farms and waters as well as the Tsukiji fish market in Japan. This chic spot offers mackerel and surf clam from Japan, and bluefin tuna from Maine.
DELAWARE: Mikimoto's in Wilmington
This hip and trendy sushi spot is consistently voted as the best in the state by locals, who say "the seared tuna melts in your mouth" and "if you're looking for quality, this is the place to go."
FLORIDA: Naoe in Miami
Seating just 16 diners a night, Miami's Naoe is a tough reservation to score, but it's so worth it. The restaurant has received five stars and "best of" awards from every major publication! The ever-changing menu includes family-made soy sauce and fish flown in fresh from Japan and other hard-to-reach locales
GEORGIA: Tomo Japanese Restaurant in Atlanta
You'll be hard-pressed to find better sushi in Georgia than this sophisticated Buckhead spot, which is the brainchild of Nobu trained, Tokyo-born Tomo Naito. Locals rave about the freshness of the fish and the creative cooked dishes like the tempura squid rings.
HAWAII: Sushi Sasabune in Honolulu
Grab a seat at this high-quality (but casual) omakase spot and let chef Seiji Kumagawa take you through two omakase menus, one "Japanese" and one "Western." The Western menu features bites like bluefin tuna in ponzu or salmon with kelp and sesame, while the Japanese menu will bring you a more exotic assortment like snapper with fermented squid.
IDAHO: Island Sushi and Ramen in Boise
This cute little spot promises high-quality fresh fish in a casual environment that locals love. They offer the usual selection of rolls, along with customizable ramen with three broth styles to choose from.
ILLINOIS: Arami in Chicago
This urban tuckaway with soaring ceilings and skylights impresses from the moment you walk in, and the unique bites focusing on seasonality will equally impress. Try special maki like zuke sake madai (marinated salmon, sea bream, takuan, ginger tare, and radish) and spicy tako ebi (spicy octopus, green pepper, shrimp, wasabi mayo, and tobiko).
INDIANA: Blue Sushi Sake Grill in Indianapolis
This is a first-class sushi spot with a mission—to serve responsibly sourced, sustainable fish and make it taste great. It succeeds with creative dishes like "Everything" Salmon, which features cream cheese and everything furikake. The handful of locations across the Midwest are all worth trying!
IOWA: Miyabi 9 in Des Moines
You may not think of Iowa as sushi country, and it's kinda not. But Miyabi 9 will definitely change your perception of the quality of sushi you can get in the midwest.
KANSAS: Sapporo Japanese Sushi Restaurant in Wichita
This "best for a date" spot is a local favorite, with many saying it's the best in the state for "sushi boats, specialty or standard rolls, nigiri" that are anything but average. Try the coconut shrimp roll for a twist on a traditional roll.
KENTUCKY: Sake Blue in Lexington
This family-owned Japanese restaurant specializes in sushi and teppanyaki and offers an extensive selection of rolls, like the green castle, wrapped in green soybean paper. Plus, you can enjoy hibachi dinners with steak and seafood.
LOUISIANA: Kanno in Metairie
This fun little sushi spot bills itself as "California style" and will swap the traditional roll wrappings for brown rice and soy paper on all of the rolls. The unique specialty rolls include the Deluxe BBQ Eel and the Elvis roll.
MAINE: Miyake in Portland
Since opening in 2006, Miyake has served Portland residents and visitors world-class sushi, with a full a la carte menu created by James Beard finalist, Chef Masa Miyake. You'll want to try the scallop roll that is made with local scallops broiled in Kewpie mayonnaise. And, of course, the lobster roll is killer.
MARYLAND: Matsuri in Baltimore
This buzzy bi-level spot is consistently voted the best Japanese restaurant in Baltimore by Baltimore Magazine readers. Reviewers recommend the spicy scallop roll and the kitty roll.
MASSACHUSETTS: O-Ya in Boston
Understated and elegant, O-Ya is arguably one of the best restaurants in Boston. In 2012, chef Tim Cushman even won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast. Just sit down and let them bring you delicious bites like warm eel with thai basil. If a multi-course omakase is overwhelming, try casual sister spot Hojoko.
MICHIGAN: Adachi in Birmingham
This upscale restaurant, located in the historic Ford-Peabody mansion, serves a blend of Japanese and American cuisine, created by Nobu alum Lloyd Roberts. Choose from hamachi with serrano and yuzu truffle dressing or the hiroo roll with shrimp tempura. And don't miss the happy hour with well-priced maki rolls!
MINNESOTA: Kado no Mise in Minneapolis
With an omakase menu starting at just $60 per person, this serene and innovative second-floor restaurant offers the freshest, most seasonal fish in the midwest.
MISSISSIPPI: Fuji Sushi House in Biloxi
This quiet spot offers a huge selection of American-style rolls—like the Bahama Mama and Bulldog rolls—that have garnered fans across the state.
MISSOURI: Indo in St. Louis
With Chef Nick Bognar (James Beard Award Semi-Finalist and Rising Star Chef of the Year in 2019 and 2020) at the helm in the kitchen, this Pan-Asian spot is a must-visit. The restaurant offers a daily selection of fresh nigiri, along with cooked dishes like red curry laksa.
MONTANA: Dave's Sushi in Bozeman
This laid-back casual spot was founded in 2003, when local software engineer Dave Weiss wanted to satisfy his obsession with sushi. The result is a super fun spot with fresh fish and big, sauce-laden rolls.
NEBRASKA: Yoshimoto in Omaha
Fresh sushi in Nebraska is actually possible at this sleek, upscale spot. Guests can order a very reasonable omakase, starting at $35, or order from a nice selection of regular and vegan maki rolls. Locals love the torched Simba roll—with cucumber, avocado, crab, spicy salmon, spicy mayo, and eel sauce.
NEVADA: Nobu Las Vegas
There are a few Nobu restaurants scattered around the country but for creative, fresh sushi and celeb spottings (because it's Vegas!), this is the spot. Yes, it's a place to see and be seen, but that never gets in the way of the food. Especially when it comes to the famous black cod miso.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Mint Bistro in Manchester
This chic little bistro offers a menu of pan Asian tapas, like Asian short rib "nachos." Along with a full sushi menu featuring traditional options like chirashi, you can order creative rolls like the Snow Mountain with tempura shrimp and crab.
NEW JERSEY: Shumi in Ridgewood
This sleek spot features an omakase menu with dishes hand-selected by the chef, or diners can order a la carte. Reviewers praise the restaurant's ambiance and the quality of the fish—definitely try the sashimi deluxe!
NEW MEXICO: Tamashi in Albuquerque
Locals say this restaurant serves up coast-worthy fresh seafood that is "meticulously prepared" and overall, the "vibe is mellow." They offer a bevy of creative rolls, as well as katsu and curry dishes.
NEW YORK: Sushi Yasuda in New York City
There are so many fantastic sushi places in NYC, it's impossible to name the best. But for those making the leap from rolls into eating hunks of raw fish straight from the chef's hand, this spot will transport you straight to Tokyo. Order the sushi combo, which includes ten pieces of nigiri and a hand roll. Trust us.
NORTH CAROLINA: Waraji Sushi in Raleigh
In a serene setting, Chef Masa shows off 30 years of experience as a sushi chef, along with the largest sake selection in North Carolina. Try a dinner set or a specialty roll like the Scary Jerry. It's made of soft shell crab, eel, seasoned scallops, salmon, tuna, shrimp, spicy mayo, and tempura bits.
NORTH DAKOTA: Oahu Hawaiian BBQ Sushi Bar & Thai Cuisine in Bismarck
Fun is on the menu at this bright pan-Asian spot. It features specialty rolls like the Spicy Mama, which is made with spicy tuna and crunch. Plus, you can feast on a selection of Thai entrées and a full bar.
OHIO: Ginko Restaurant in Cleveland
There's no perch on the menu at chef and owner Dante Boccuzzi's Ginko, which feels like a vibrant spot straight out of NYC or Tokyo. Try the five-course tasting menu, shabu-shabu, nigiri, specialty rolls, and more.
OKLAHOMA: Tokyo Japanese Restaurant in Oklahoma City
Open since 1987, this unassuming spot serves some of the best eats in Oklahoma. One local even shared that this spot reminded them of their time in Tokyo. Offering market-priced nigiri and specialty rolls like the Fire Mt. Fuji, this restaurant is a pleasant surprise.
OREGON: Sushi Ki-ichi in Portland
With access to the freshest fish, it's no surprise Portland is renowned for Japanese food, and locals swear by this casual, family-run spot. Inexpensive—especially for the quality of the fish—Ki-ichi also serves not-to-be-missed ramen.
PENNSYLVANIA: Morimoto in Philadelphia
The flagship of Iron Chef Morimoto's restaurant empire, this sleek Philly spot has a sushi menu showcasing fresh fish flown in from around the world. You'll still be thinking about the signature Toro Tartare and Rock Shrimp Tempura long after you've eaten every bite of it.
RHODE ISLAND: Nami Sushi and Steakhouse in Providence
This contemporary Japanese restaurant nestled in the Federal Hill neighborhood offers a deep selection of rolls, including a nice selection of vegetable rolls for vegetarians. Also on the menu? Hibachi, including steak and lobster.
SOUTH CAROLINA: O-Ku in Charleston
A King Street hot spot, this hip lounge has a solid sushi program that won't disappoint. Try the lemon and salmon roll and the surf and turf roll to sample the restaurant's creative side or the otaro nigiri for a more traditional bite.
SOUTH DAKOTA: Fuji Sushi and Sake Bar in Rapid City
This simple spot serves an array of Japanese and Chinese foods like sushi, orange chicken, and two Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls. They've been voted best sushi by locals and offer a staggering amount of rolls for dine-in and take-out.
TENNESSEE: Virago in Nashville
Open since 2000, this M Street is a fave for locals looking for rolls and nigiri in Nashville. The swanky spot has a large menu with lots of options, like the crunchy truffle—a roll with panko shrimp, cream cheese, truffle mayo, unagi, and tempura.
TEXAS: Teppo Yakitori and Sushi Bar in Dallas
This cozy eatery serves authentic Japanese cuisine, like specialty sushi rolls including the namesake Teppo roll. It's made with crab, shrimp, and jalapeño. You don't want to miss out on the spicy crawfish Louisiana roll, either! This spot is also loved by locals for the yakitori—which are spiced meats grilled on skewers.
UTAH: Takashi Sushi in Salt Lake City
This Japanese spot is known for "fish so fresh it will melt in your mouth" and a focus on sustainability. Oh, and did we mention it's the most award-winning sushi restaurant in Salt Lake?
VERMONT: Hana Japanese Restaurant in Burlington
This local favorite serves fresh, flavorful sushi at reasonable prices. Diners rave about the dynamite roll, which combines salmon, mango, cucumber, and avocado with spicy crabmeat and two different types of tobiko on top. Yum!
VIRGINIA: Yume Sushi in Arlington
Since 2018, Bangkok-born chef Saran Kannasute has been creating outstanding omakase at this sleek, graffiti-splashed spot. Feeling fancy? Try The Winner, a tower of foie gras, unagi, tuna rose, and caviar.
WASHINGTON: Sushi Kappo Tamura in Seattle
Renowned chef Taichi Kitamura (a 2018 James Beard Award semifinalist) provides a wide variety of exciting bites at this Eastlake destination restaurant. This spot is committed to local, seasonable and sustainable seafood, and we can't recommend the black cod roll enough.
WEST VIRGINIA: Ogawa Japanese Restaurant in Morgantown
Known for the sushi and the pan-Asian menu, this unassuming spot offers more than 30 creative chefs' special rolls. That includes the fruity Rainforest roll, made with pineapple, spicy tuna, mango, kiwi, and avocado with pink and green sauces.
WISCONSIN: Screaming Tuna in Milwaukee
Every local publication cites this Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch partner as the best place for fresh fish. The casual Asian-fusion bistro offers a large selection of sushi, seafood, and steak, and locals swear by the Screaming Tuna signature roll. Another bonus? Their strong commitment to sustainability.
WYOMING: King Sushi in Jackson Hole
This high-end sushi bar in a small cozy cabin gets sustainably sourced seafood delivered daily. So it all goes from ocean to plate within 24 hours! Try the Juju roll (green apple, avocado, hamachi, and smoked sea salt) and any of the pressed sushi options.
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