The Best Sushi Restaurants In Sydney
Food Recommendations: Top 10 Sushi Spots In Sydney
By Lisa Nguyen | Published 31 December 2023
The sushi scene in Sydney is something to be treasured, with pretty much every locale offering a premium sushi experience. You may ask yourself what type of sushi restaurant do you see yourself and friends in? Will it be the variety and efficiency of the sushi train, a casual takeaway for lunch, or are you craving a high-end sushi dinner that is sure to impress?
Whether you’re after the classic nigiri, the innovative fusion rolls, or the sublime simplicity of sashimi, Sydney's top sushi restaurants will satisfy all cravings. In this guide, we’ll take you through the Top 10 Sushi Places in Sydney to check out, each offering a unique glimpse into the world of this beloved Japanese delicacy. Prepare your palate for an adventure filled with fresh, vibrant flavours and the delicate craftsmanship of Sydney’s finest sushi chefs.
If you think another option is being looked over or one I may have missed, let me know in the comments below or on my Instagram/Tiktok @bestspots.com.au and I'll credit you 
Number 10: Kabuki Shoroku, Sydney CBD
Kabuki Shoroku, nestled in the heart of Sydney's CBD, is very sophisticated indeed and worth a look when you are next in the big city. This high-end Japanese restaurant is a haven for those seeking luxury dining, offering an experience where the freshest fish combines with flawlessly cooked rice to truly bring out the essence of sushi. I found the sublime setting blends tranquillity with an upscale ambience, from Kabuki Shoroku's exquisite decor to harmonious lighting, it is thoughtfully crafted to encapsulate the beauty of traditional Japanese aesthetics.
But beyond the visual allure of the restaurant, their Deluxe Sushi Selection is a testament to Kabuki Shoroku's sushi artistry, offering classic sushi choices like salmon, tuna, scallop, prawn, unagi eel nigiri, and ikura maki. While it misses more premium options like otoro and lacks uniqueness from the popular sushi options, each piece is impeccably crafted with well-seasoned rice complementing the fresh flavours of the fish, making it ideal for those who appreciate traditional sushi done right.
Number 9: Sushi Kaido, Chatswood
Sushi Kaido, located in the heart of Chatswood, has solidified its reputation as a favourite sushi destination among locals. This family-run establishment is known for its casual, lively atmosphere, complete with the hands-on involvement of the owner. While its popularity often results in queues and a ticket waiting system, I found that the wait is a small price for some of the best sushi in the area. Its appeal is accentuated by its easy accessibility, whether travelling by public transport or plentiful parking for those driving. It's a truly convenient choice for residents and visitors for quality sushi. However, while Sushi Kaido shines as a local gem, it may not warrant a long journey for those seeking a truly extraordinary sushi experience.
The menu at Sushi Kaido is a testament to its commitment to providing a satisfying sushi experience. It offers a mix of a la carte dishes and sushi train options, including daily specials. Although some special items, like the otoro, might not meet expectations, their salmon sashimi and nigiri are the highlights. With its generous slices, the salmon sashimi is beautifully presented and a delight for the palate. Similarly, the salmon nigiri impresses with its substantial fish slices atop perfectly seasoned rice. For those in Chatswood looking for quality sushi, Sushi Kaido stands out as a solid choice, especially for salmon enthusiasts.
Number 8: Zushi, Barangaroo
Zushi, set in the Barangaroo district, is a modern, chic eatery that offers a sheltered dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy the area's liveliness. The layout I found to be extremly spacious. Not only does the restaurant accomadate massive crowds during peak hour, we aren't jammed in elbow to elbow while enjoying the atmosphere.
Despite its popularity, Zushi is notably pricey, with a dining experience that can easily surpass the $100 mark. However, for those willing to invest in the experience, the quality of the food, the unique ambience, and the overall vibe of the place provide ample justification for the expenditure. The service at Zushi is quite efficient, ensuring guests are seated and served promptly despite the restaurant's busy nature.
Zushi's menu centres on sushi, but the offerings are diverse, ranging from hot entrées and mains to delicious sides like corn ribs. A standout dish is the sashimi tacos – an inventive creation that combines sashimi's freshness with yuzu granita's zest and avocado's creaminess, served with corn tortillas for a DIY dipping experience. This dish, in particular, exemplifies Zushi's commitment to culinary creativity, blending textures and flavours for an engaging and enjoyable dining experience. While choosing wisely from the menu is essential, with some items like the wagyu bento falling short in value, Zushi remains a solid choice for those seeking a lively, upscale sushi experience in Sydney's Barangaroo.
Number 7: Ken's Sushi, north Bexley
Ken's Sushi in Bexley North is a true local gem, an "if you know, you know" place that has stood the test for over a decade. This timeless restaurant has built its reputation mainly through word-of-mouth, drawing diners searching for authentic, handcrafted sushi and exceptional gyoza. The casual atmosphere of Ken's Sushi complements the quality and freshness of the food served, making it a must-visit spot for sushi enthusiasts in the area.
At the heart of Ken's Sushi Bar's enduring popularity is the passionate and skilled chef at work here, whose dedication to the craft is evident in every dish. The menu extends beyond sushi, offering a variety of Japanese classics like soft shell crab, wagyu beef, barramundi, and an array of tempura, katsu, and noodle dishes. While the restaurant doesn't offer desserts and has a limited drink selection, it delivers a robust Japanese dining experience. Notably, the generous cuts of fish on the nigiri and thick slices of sashimi stand out for their freshness and quality. Though prices lean towards the higher end, the culinary experience justifies the cost.
Number 6: Monster Sushi, Sydney CBD
Monster Sushi, situated within a comfortable walking distance from Town Hall in Sydney, will bring out the sushi enthusiast's monster indeed with unparalleled variety.
Boasting over 60 types of sushi and sashimi, including premium offerings like high-grade otoro tuna, salmon belly, and supreme uni, Monster Sushi presents a scary range of choices ranging from popular favourites to rare delicacies. Beyond its extensive sushi menu, this restaurant also caters to other palletes with hearty donburi bowls, katsu options, and a fully-equipped bar brimming with drinks to turn the dining experience up a notch. It truly is the sushi restaurant of variety!
The large and vibrant interior of Monster Sushi reflects its expansive menu. Oh, did I mention they have California rolls, maki rolls, an array of nigiri, hand rolls, and elaborate sushi sets and boats? For those less inclined towards sushi, the restaurant doesn't disappoint at all. Such classic Japanese staples like wagyu donburi, okonomiyaki, and karaage chicken. Pricing is on par with Sydney's typical sushi rates, leaning towards the higher end, especially for premium selections.
I recommend Monster Sushi's sets and boats for first-timers or those overwhelmed by the extensive choices, as they provide a well-rounded taste of the restaurant's offerings. The dedicated bar, featuring unique drinks like Tia Maria matcha cocktails, is pretty top notch in my books!
Number 5: Sushi Sei, Darling Square
Sushi Sei in Darling Square sets itself apart by offering a walk-in Omakase experience perfect for those spur-of-the-moment sushi cravings. With its limited seating and accommodating just eight guests, Sushi Sei provides an intimate and highly focused culinary journey, making each dining experience personal and memorable. Located conveniently in Sydney's CBD, it's easily accessible. It is a short walk from public transport and has ample parking options.
The restaurant's hallmark is its engaging Omakase menu, which offers exceptional value and a variety of fish selections. I recommend opting for the Omakase experience over individual sushi orders for value. Sushi Sei is a haven for sushi purists, with each dish highlighting culinary craftsmanship and an experience to return for. Chef Aki's personally curated Omakase menu is a journey through the finest offerings of the sea. This exclusivity and focus on traditional sushi craftsmanship, however, is what sets Sushi Sei apart, offering a sushi experience that's both unique and authentic in the heart of Sydney.
Number 4: Edomae sushi Yokocho, Regent Place
Edomae Sushi Yokocho, located conveniently in Regent Place, is a standout sushi train experience in Sydney, competing with Monster Sushi for a sheer variety of dishes. The restaurant is a hub of diners from the moment it opens, so I advise you to visit early before lunch and dinner to secure your seats.
But what truly distinguishes Edomae Sushi Yokocho is its sushi offerings' remarkable size. With its generous fish slices, the nigiri provides a satisfying and flavourful bite, priced between $4.20 and $8.80. The menu's diversity is incredible, which includes salmon in various preparations, prawn, kingfish, bonito, engawa, yellowtail, blue mackerel, surf clam, egg, crab miso, tuna Yukke, octopus salad, natto, chu-toro, flounder, cuttlefish, snapper, salmon roe, scallop, ark shell, beef tataki, and much more. Each visit to Edomae Sushi Yokocho offers a new culinary adventure, with the grilled scallop being a particular highlight not to be missed. This isn't just any sushi train experience in Sydney. This restaurant ensures each diner leaves with a satisfying sushi experience.
Number 3: Sake Restaurant and Bar, the rocks
Nestled in the historic The Rocks area, Sake Restaurant & Bar offers an immersive dining experience that starts when you enter its doors. The restaurant's layout and ambience, combining modern elegance with traditional Japanese design, make it an ideal venue for various occasions, from romantic date nights and business meetings to larger group gatherings.
Easily accessible from Circular Quay via train, bus, or light rail and a short walk from George Street, Sake's location is as convenient as it is charming. The standout feature at Sake is its expansive sushi menu, offering fresh, luxurious nigiri and innovative maki rolls that surprise and delight with each bite. While every creation might not be a showstopper, the consistent balance and refinement in taste demonstrate the chefs' expertise.
The ambience at Sake enhances the overall experience, with interiors that reflect a serene Japanese aesthetic design. Every aspect, from the furniture to the lighting, contributes to a tranquil and stylish environment. For the food, the Salmon Belly Shake Toro is a highlight for seafood lovers, offering the rich, buttery texture and deep flavour that the salmon belly is renowned for.
I also recommend trying their signature sushi rolls as they're all a unique conbintation. The S Express Maki Roll is a culinary masterpiece, brilliantly showcasing the fusion of diverse flavours and textures. This roll is a testament to the creativity and skill of the sushi chefs, combining various ingredients to create a dish that is not only delightful to the palate but also a feast for the eyes.
These dishes, among others, underscores Sake's commitment to delivering high-end Japanese cuisine paired with first-class service, making it a must-visit destination for a premium dining experience in Sydney.
Number 2: Sushi E, Sydney CBD
Sushi E, if I had to describe it, is a pinnacle of refined Japanese cuisine in Sydney, renowned for its exceptional sushi quality and elegant dining experience. As you ascend the stairs into its immaculate interior, you are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of sophistication. However, this level of refinement comes at a cost, with Sushi E being one of the city's most expensive a la carte sushi restaurants, where a single piece of nigiri can cost between $8 and $10.
Located near Wynyard station along George Street, Sushi E, part of the upscale Merivale group, is easy to find in the historic Establishment building. The restaurant's commitment to freshness is evident as every dish, from the buttery kingfish belly to the luxuriously marbled wagyu topped with caviar, is prepared to order. This meticulous attention to detail ensures a sushi experience that's both sublime in taste and artistic in presentation.
The service at Sushi E matches the high standard set by its cuisine, with attentive and knowledgeable staff enhancing the overall dining experience. The reservation system is user-friendly, making securing a table for business meetings, upscale date nights, or special gatherings convenient. For those looking for a curated sushi experience, the Sushi E Omakase and tasting menus provide an opportunity to explore the chef's selection of the finest dishes. In essence, dining at Sushi E is not just about enjoying high-grade sushi but an immersion into an art form where each dish is a masterpiece, making it a must-visit for those willing to indulge in Sydney's top-tier sushi offerings.
The Best Sushi Restaurant: Toko, Sydney CBD
Toko Restaurant in Sydney's CBD offers a unique fusion of sushi artistry and robata grilling flair, creating a dining experience that caters to various Japanese cuisine preferences. Located steps from Wynyard Station on George Street, Toko welcomes guests into a vast, dimly lit space that immediately sets an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's layout, featuring visible cooking stations, allows diners to witness the precision and flair of the chefs at work.
The menu at Toko is a comprehensive journey through Japanese culinary art, divided into three distinct sections: the kitchen menu, the sushi menu, and the robata grill menu. From the kitchen menu, you can expect delights such as karaage chicken, wagyu gyoza, softshell crab, and beef tataki. Alternatively, the sushi menu offers an array of choices, including scampi nigiri, sashimi omakase, spicy tuna maki, and California maki. For those inclined towards grilled delicacies, the robata grill menu features items like grilled scallops, smoked king salmon, pork belly, and wagyu striploin.
Each dish at Toko is crafted with the utmost care and presented as a work of art. With its unique squid ink tenkasu coating, the seared salmon maki offers an unexpected texture and savoriness. The sushi, particularly the nigiri, surprises with intriguingly seasoned rice, possibly with yuzu vinegar, which pairs exquisitely with the freshness of the fish. The robata grill, however, steals the show with dishes like the grilled scallops, which are perfectly complemented by pickled apple and jalapeño, creating a well-balanced and indulgent culinary experience.
Toko's swift service, spacious wooden interior and ambient lighting ensure a memorable dining experience. It's a place where every bite is not just a taste but an exploration of Japanese culinary excellence, making Toko a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional dining experience in Sydney's CBD. I recommend Toko to just about anyone for a refined sushi experience.
That's it! Our 10 Sydney sushi recommendations!
Want to find more great spots to eat in Sydney? People who like sushi also love our list of the Top 5 Ramen Bowls In Sydney.
