From affordable small plates to lavish tasting menus, sushi is aways a great shout. It was introduced to Australia in the 1970s, and has since become one of the nation's favourite foods - particularly as much of the rice used in these dishes is grown in New South Wales. In a city lucky enough to have some of the freshest fish in the world, alongside a fantastic pool of talented Japanese chefs, it’s not surprising that the foodie scene is thriving. Get your fill of droolworthy sashimi, maki and nigiri, as we've searched for the top spots. From fusion dishes to omakase-style dining, here are the best sushi restaurants Sydney has to offer.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 24th July 2024
Over in Kingsford, Niji offers fresh maki and nigiri served on the best sushi train in Sydney, as well as traditional izakaya-style dining in a sophisticated interior filled with dark timber tables and warm, glowing lights. Highlights? The Aburi wagyu beef and parma prawn rolls are particularly delicious, with a number of plant-based options available too such as cucumber maki or miso eggplant.
Toko is always a favourite, famed for its striking cocktails and enticing menu of robata-grilled fare. The venue has a relaxed ambience to it, with bare brick walls, warm lighting and friendly service. When you visit, make sure to sample its imported Japanese whiskies, alongside a mouthwatering menu which includes kingfish sahimi, beef tataki, spicy tofu with avocado salsa and much more. There's also a tasting menu available for $115 per person, giving you 12 courses of the restaurants top dishes.
Pop over to Kaiza Izakaya, where they fuse meticulous cooking techniques with Vietnamese flavours. Not only is there plenty of sashimi and tataki on the menu, but also grilled meat sharing plates that are ideal for celebratory meals or date nights. This sultry spot has been dreamed up by chef Jason over the years, inspired by his father's traditional Vietnamese cooking and his Japanese culinary training. They've also been recognised by the Restaurant Guru guide for their excellent seafood, so you know you're in good hands here.
For the best sushi in Sydney CBD, grab a table at Haco, where the chefs choose what you eat. While the menu remains a mystery until the day, what you can expect is sashimi of the highest quality, signature tempura dishes and seasonal small plates. Haco means theatre in Japanese, and that's exactly what you can expect here, as Chef Kensuke creates delicious meals right in front of your eyes. Be sure to plan ahead though, as reservations are released three months in advance and this spot is pretty popular.
Boasting a minimalist vibe and flavour-packed plates, Zushi is the ideal spot to get sushi, whether you're in Barangaroo or Surry Hills. On top of the sushi-filled menu, including assorted nigiri and pretty sashimi boats, there's also a range of wallet-friendly deals, such as the $6 Sydney rock oysters. But if you're looking to splash out a little, then treat yourself to Chef Han's 20-course omakase menu for $200, using the finest Australian and Japanese produce and complete with an optional wine pairing for an extra $75.
After the best cheap sushi in Sydney? Masuya on O'Connell Street is a top choice, having been serving the area since 1993. The kitchen uses only fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and serves up delicious bites - from salmon and oyster sashimi to spider rolls, with a 10-piece omakase menu available for $68 per person as well. Wash it down with an Australian lager or imported sake and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, with elegant wooden tables made from Tasmanian Oak adding to the simple yet stylish decor.
