Sushi is one of the most popular and delicious cuisines in the world, originating from Japan and spreading across the globe. Sushi is a dish of cooked rice seasoned with vinegar and topped or wrapped with various ingredients, such as raw fish, seafood, vegetables, and eggs. Sushi can be enjoyed in many different forms, such as nigiri, maki, sashimi, temaki, and chirashi.
Sushi is not only tasty, but also healthy, as it provides a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Sushi is also low in calories and cholesterol, and high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the heart and brain.
However, not all sushi restaurants are created equal. Some may use low-quality ingredients, improper techniques, or artificial flavors, which can ruin the experience and the health benefits of sushi. Therefore, it is important to find authentic sushi restaurants that use fresh, high-quality ingredients, follow traditional methods, and respect the art and culture of sushi making.
If you are looking for the best authentic sushi restaurants in the US, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will introduce you to 10 of the best sushi restaurants in the US, based on their reputation, reviews, awards, and customer satisfaction. These restaurants are not only famous for their sushi, but also for their ambiance, service, and overall value. Whether you are a sushi lover or a sushi novice, you will surely find something to suit your taste and budget at these restaurants.
So, without further ado, let us dive into the list of the 10 best authentic sushi restaurants in the US.
10 Best Authentic Sushi Restaurants in the US
1. Sushi Nakazawa, New York City, NY
Sushi Nakazawa is one of the most acclaimed and prestigious sushi restaurants in the US, and the world. It is owned and operated by Chef Daisuke Nakazawa, who was a protégé of the legendary sushi master Jiro Ono, featured in the documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi”. Chef Nakazawa brings his expertise and passion to New York City, where he serves exquisite sushi in a minimalist and elegant setting.
Sushi Nakazawa offers two options for dining: a 10-seat sushi bar, where you can watch Chef Nakazawa and his team prepare each piece of sushi in front of you, and a 30-seat dining room, where you can enjoy a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Both options feature a 20-course omakase menu, which means “chef’s choice”, and changes daily depending on the availability and seasonality of the ingredients. The menu consists of a variety of nigiri, such as tuna, salmon, scallop, eel, uni, and more, each with a perfect balance of rice, fish, and seasoning. The sushi is paired with a curated selection of sake, wine, and cocktails, to enhance the flavors and the experience.
Sushi Nakazawa is not cheap, as the omakase menu costs $150 per person at the sushi bar, and $120 per person at the dining room, excluding beverages and gratuity. However, it is well worth the price, as you will get to taste some of the finest and freshest sushi in the world, prepared by a master chef with impeccable skill and attention to detail. Sushi Nakazawa is a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts and connoisseurs, who want to experience the ultimate sushi experience.
Sushi Nakazawa is located at 23 Commerce Street, New York, NY 10014. It is open from Monday to Saturday, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Reservations are required and can be made online or by phone. For more information, visit their website at https://www.sushinakazawa.com/.
2. Uchi, Austin, TX
Uchi is a modern and innovative sushi restaurant in Austin, TX, that combines traditional Japanese cuisine with contemporary influences and techniques. It is owned and operated by Chef Tyson Cole, who is a James Beard Award winner and a self-taught sushi chef. Chef Cole and his team create stunning and delicious dishes that showcase the quality and diversity of the ingredients, as well as their creativity and skill.
Uchi offers a variety of options for dining, such as a la carte, omakase, and tasting menus. The a la carte menu features a wide range of sushi, sashimi, maki, and other dishes, such as wagyu beef, foie gras, and hamachi. The omakase menu is a chef’s choice menu that consists of 10 courses of the best and most seasonal dishes of the day. The tasting menu is a smaller version of the omakase menu, with 6 courses. All the menus are designed to be shared and enjoyed with others and can be paired with sake, wine, beer, or cocktails.
Uchi is a popular and busy restaurant, so reservations are highly recommended, especially for the omakase and tasting menus. The prices are reasonable, considering the quality and quantity of the food, and range from $40 to $180 per person, depending on the menu and the beverages. Uchi is a great place to enjoy sushi and more, in a stylish and cozy setting, with friendly and attentive service.
Uchi is located at 801 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78704. It is open from Monday to Thursday, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and from Friday to Sunday, from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Reservations can be made online or by phone. For more information, visit their website at https://uchiaustin.com/.
3. Sushi Sasabune, Los Angeles, CA
Sushi Sasabune is a traditional and authentic sushi restaurant in Los Angeles, CA, that follows the philosophy of “trust me”. It is owned and operated by Chef Nobi Kusuhara, who is a veteran sushi chef with over 30 years of experience. Chef Kusuhara and his team serve high-quality sushi in a simple and unpretentious setting, with a focus on the freshness and flavor of the fish.
Sushi Sasabune offers only one option for dining: an omakase menu, which means “trust me”, and consists of about 20 pieces of nigiri, plus a hand roll and a dessert. The menu changes daily, depending on the availability and seasonality of the fish, and features a variety of fish, such as tuna, yellowtail, halibut, snapper, and more. The sushi is served one piece at a time, with the chef’s recommended sauce and garnish, and is meant to be eaten as soon as it is served, without soy sauce or wasabi. The sushi is paired with a selection of sake, wine, beer, or soft drinks.
Sushi Sasabune is a no-frills and no-nonsense restaurant, where the focus is on the sushi and the chef’s skill. The omakase menu costs $85 per person, excluding beverages and gratuity, and is well worth the money, as you will get to taste some of the freshest and most flavorful sushi in LA. Sushi Sasabune is a place for sushi purists and lovers, who want to trust the chef and enjoy the sushi as it is.
Sushi Sasabune is located at 12400 Wilshire Boulevard #150, Los Angeles, CA 90025. It is open from Monday to Saturday, from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Reservations are required and can be made by phone. For more information, visit their website at https://www.sushisasabune.com/.
4. O Ya, Boston, MA
O Ya is a contemporary and creative sushi restaurant in Boston, MA, that offers a unique and memorable dining experience. It is owned and operated by Chef Tim Cushman, who is a James Beard Award winner and a former music executive. Chef Cushman and his team create stunning and delicious dishes that fuse Japanese cuisine with global flavors and techniques, such as Peruvian, French, and Italian.
O Ya offers two options for dining: a 17-seat sushi bar, where you can watch the chefs prepare each dish in front of you, and a 37-seat dining room, where you can enjoy a more spacious and comfortable atmosphere. Both options feature two omakase menus: a 17-course menu, and a 22-course menu, which includes a variety of dishes, such as nigiri, sashimi, maki, and more. Some of the signature dishes are the foie gras nigiri with balsamic chocolate kabayaki, the hamachi sashimi with spicy banana pepper mousse, and the wagyu beef nigiri with truffle oil and sea salt. The menus are paired with a curated selection of sake, wine, beer, and cocktails, to complement the flavors and the experience.
O Ya is an expensive and exclusive restaurant, as the omakase menus cost $185 and $285 per person, respectively, excluding beverages and gratuity. However, it is worth the splurge, as you will get to taste some of the most inventive and exquisite sushi in the world, prepared by a master chef with a vision and a passion. O Ya is a place for adventurous and curious diners, who want to experience sushi in a new and exciting way.
O Ya is located at 9 East Street, Boston, MA 02111. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Reservations are required and can be made online or by phone. For more information, visit their website at https://www.oyarestaurantboston.com/.
5. Sushi Den, Denver, CO
Sushi Den is a family-owned and operated sushi restaurant in Denver, CO, that has been serving authentic and fresh sushi since 1984. It is owned and operated by brothers Toshi and Yasu Kizaki, who are both trained sushi chefs from Japan. The brothers and their team source the best and freshest fish from around the world, including from their own fish market in Japan, and deliver it to Denver within 24 hours.
Sushi Den offers a variety of options for dining, such as a la carte, omakase, and kaiseki menus. The a la carte menu features a wide range of sushi, sashimi, maki, and other dishes, such as tempura, teriyaki, and noodles. The omakase menu is a chef’s choice menu that consists of 7 courses of the best and most seasonal dishes of the day. The kaiseki menu is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that showcases the art and culture of Japanese cuisine, with dishes such as sashimi, soup, grilled fish, and dessert. All the menus can be paired with sake, wine, beer, or cocktails.
Sushi Den is a popular and lively restaurant, with modern and elegant decor, and a warm and welcoming service. The prices are reasonable, considering the quality and quantity of the food, and range from $30 to $150 per person, depending on the menu and the beverages. Sushi Den is a place for sushi lovers and newcomers, who want to enjoy authentic and fresh sushi in a fun and friendly environment.
Sushi Den is located at 1487 South Pearl Street, Denver, CO 80210. It is open from Monday to Thursday, from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, and from 4:45 pm to 10:00 pm, and from Friday to Sunday, from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, and from 4:45 pm to 10:30 pm. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by phone. For more information, visit their website at https://www.sushiden.net/.
6. Sushi Ota, San Diego, CA
Sushi Ota is a hidden gem and a local favorite sushi restaurant in San Diego, CA, that offers authentic and delicious sushi in a casual and cozy setting. It is owned and operated by Chef Ota, who is a native of Japan and a former fishmonger. Chef Ota and his team use the freshest and finest fish from the local markets, as well as from Japan, and prepare it with skill and care.
Sushi Ota offers a variety of options for dining, such as a la carte, omakase, and combination menus. The a la carte menu features a wide range of sushi, sashimi, maki, and other dishes, such as udon, soba, and donburi. The omakase menu is a chef’s choice menu that consists of 10 courses of the best and most seasonal dishes of the day. The combination menu is a set menu that includes a soup, a salad, an appetizer, a main dish, and a dessert. All the menus can be paired with sake, wine, beer, or soft drinks.
Sushi Ota is a modest and unassuming restaurant, located in a strip mall, with a simple and clean decor, and friendly and attentive service. The prices are affordable, considering the quality and quantity of the food, and range from $20 to $100 per person, depending on the menu and the beverages. Sushi Ota is a place for sushi fans and beginners, who want to enjoy authentic and delicious sushi in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
Sushi Ota is located at 4529 Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109. It is open from Monday to Saturday, from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, and from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, and on Sunday, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Reservations are recommended and can be made by phone. For more information, visit their website at https://www.sushiota.com/.
7. Sushi Zo, Los Angeles, CA
Sushi Zo is a Michelin-starred and award-winning sushi restaurant in Los Angeles, CA, that offers a refined and sublime sushi experience. It is owned and operated by Chef Keizo Seki, who is a master sushi chef from Japan. Chef Seki and his team serve the highest quality sushi in a minimalist and sophisticated setting, with a focus on the purity and essence of the fish.
Sushi Zo offers only one option for dining: an omakase menu, which means “leave it to the chef”, and consists of about 20 pieces of nigiri, plus a hand roll and a dessert. The menu changes daily, depending on the availability and seasonality of the fish, and features a variety of fish, such as toro, sea bream, abalone, and more. The sushi is served one piece at a time, with the chef’s recommended sauce and garnish, and is meant to be eaten as soon as it is served, without soy sauce or wasabi. The sushi is paired with a selection of sake, wine, beer, or soft drinks.
Sushi Zo is an expensive and exclusive restaurant, where the focus is on the sushi and the chef’s skill. The omakase menu costs $200 per person, excluding beverages and gratuity, and is well worth the money, as you will get to taste some of the finest and most delicate sushi in the world, prepared by a master chef with a philosophy and a passion. Sushi Zo is a place for sushi aficionados and seekers, who want to leave it to the chef and enjoy the sushi as it is.
Sushi Zo is located at 9824 National Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90034. It is open from Monday to Saturday, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Reservations are required and can be made by phone. For more information, visit their website at https://www.sushizo.us/.
8. Morimoto, Philadelphia, PA
Morimoto is a modern and stylish sushi restaurant in Philadelphia, PA, that offers a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisines. It is owned and operated by Chef Masaharu Morimoto, who is a celebrity chef and a former Iron Chef. Chef Morimoto and his team create stunning and delicious dishes that showcase the quality and diversity of the ingredients, as well as their creativity and skill.
Morimoto offers a variety of options for dining, such as a la carte, omakase, and tasting menus. The a la carte menu features a wide range of sushi, sashimi, maki, and other dishes, such as wagyu beef, black cod, and duck. The omakase menu is a chef’s choice menu that consists of 8 courses of the best and most seasonal dishes of the day. The tasting menu is a smaller version of the omakase menu, with 5 courses. All the menus can be paired with sake, wine, beer, or cocktails.
Morimoto is a trendy restaurant, with a futuristic and chic decor, and a vibrant and energetic service. The prices are reasonable, considering the quality and quantity of the food, and range from $50 to $200 per person, depending on the menu and the beverages. Morimoto is a place for sushi and more, in a fashionable and fun setting, with a celebrity and charismatic chef.
Morimoto is located at 723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. It is open from Monday to Thursday, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and from Friday to Sunday, from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by phone. For more information, visit their website at https://morimotorestaurant.com/.
9. Sushi Yasuda, New York City, NY
Sushi Yasuda is a traditional and authentic sushi restaurant in New York City, NY, that offers a pure and simple sushi experience. It is owned and operated by Chef Naomichi Yasuda, who is a renowned sushi chef from Japan. Chef Yasuda and his team serve high-quality sushi in a serene and elegant setting, with a focus on the freshness and flavor of the fish.
Sushi Yasuda offers a variety of options for dining, such as a la carte, omakase, and set menus. The a la carte menu features a wide range of sushi, sashimi, maki, and other dishes, such as tamago, miso soup, and seaweed salad. The omakase menu is a chef’s choice menu that consists of about 15 pieces of nigiri, plus a hand roll and a dessert. The set menu is a fixed menu that includes a soup, a salad, an appetizer, a main dish, and a dessert. All the menus can be paired with sake, wine, beer, or soft drinks.
Sushi Yasuda is a calm and quiet restaurant, with a minimalist and zen-like decor, and professional and courteous service. The prices are fair, considering the quality and quantity of the food, and range from $40 to $150 per person, depending on the menu and the beverages. Sushi Yasuda is a place for sushi purists and appreciators, who want to enjoy pure and simple sushi in a peaceful and refined atmosphere.
Sushi Yasuda is located at 204 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017. It is open from Monday to Saturday, from 11:45 am to 2:15 pm, and from 6:00 pm to 10:15 pm. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by phone. For more information, visit their website at https://www.sushiyasuda.com/.
10. Nobu, Las Vegas, NV
Nobu is a world-famous and award-winning sushi restaurant in Las Vegas, NV, that offers a glamorous and luxurious sushi experience. It is owned and operated by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, who is a celebrity chef and a partner of Robert De Niro. Chef Nobu and his team create stunning and delicious dishes that fuse Japanese cuisine with Peruvian and other influences, such as jalapeño, cilantro, and truffle.
Nobu offers a variety of options for dining, such as a la carte, omakase, and tasting menus. The a la carte menu features a wide range of sushi, sashimi, maki, and other dishes, such as black cod with miso, yellowtail with jalapeño, and lobster with wasabi pepper sauce. The omakase menu is a chef’s choice menu that consists of 8 courses of the best and most seasonal dishes of the day. The tasting menu is a smaller version of the omakase menu, with 5 courses. All the menus can be paired with sake, wine, beer, or cocktails.
Nobu is a glamorous and luxurious restaurant, located in the Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino, with a sleek and sophisticated decor, and a lively and attentive service. The prices are expensive, considering the quality and quantity of the food, and range from $100 to $300 per person, depending on the menu and the beverages. Nobu is a place for sushi and more, in a dazzling and extravagant setting, with a famous and charismatic chef.
Nobu is located at 3570 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109. It is open from Sunday to Thursday, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and from Friday to Saturday, from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by phone. For more information, visit their website at https://www.noburestaurants.com/lasvegas/home/.
Conclusion
Sushi is a wonderful and healthy cuisine that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer traditional or modern, simple or complex, cheap or expensive, there is a sushi restaurant for you in the US. In this article, we have introduced you to 10 of the best authentic sushi restaurants in the US, based on their reputation, reviews, awards, and customer satisfaction. These restaurants are not only famous for their sushi, but also for their ambiance, service, and overall value. We hope you have found this article informative and helpful, and that you will visit some of these restaurants in the future. Thank you for reading, and happy sushi eating!
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between sushi and sashimi?
A: Sushi is a dish of cooked rice seasoned with vinegar and topped or wrapped with various ingredients, such as raw fish, seafood, vegetables, and eggs. Sashimi is a dish of sliced raw fish or seafood, served without rice, usually with soy sauce and wasabi.
Q: What is the difference between nigiri and maki?
A: Nigiri is a type of sushi that consists of a slice of raw fish or seafood on top of a small ball of rice, usually with a dab of wasabi. Maki is a type of sushi that consists of rice and various ingredients rolled in a sheet of seaweed, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Q: What is the difference between omakase and kaiseki?
A: Omakase is a chef’s choice menu that consists of a series of dishes, usually sushi, that are selected by the chef based on the availability and seasonality of the ingredients. Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that showcases the art and culture of Japanese cuisine, with dishes such as sashimi, soup, grilled fish, and dessert.
Q: How to eat sushi properly?
A: There are different ways to eat sushi, depending on your preference and the type of sushi. However, some general tips are:
- Use chopsticks or your fingers to pick up the sushi, and dip it lightly in soy sauce, if desired. Avoid dipping the rice in soy sauce, as it may fall apart or become too salty.
- Eat the sushi in one bite, or two at most, and savor the flavors and textures. Do not mix different types of sushi in your mouth, as it may ruin the taste.
- Use ginger as a palate cleanser between different types of sushi, and wasabi as a spice enhancer, if you like. Do not mix wasabi with soy sauce, as it may overpower the flavor of the sushi.
- Respect the chef and the etiquette of the restaurant, and enjoy the sushi experience. 🍣
