Yelp’s Top 10 US Sushi Spots 2023

You don’t have to fly to Japan for great sushi (although that country arguably offers the best of the best). It’s possible to find 5-star nigiri, maki, and sashimi right here in the US. And thanks to our sushi-craving community, we’ve compiled some of the country’s top sushi experiences, based on their ratings and reviews.  

The hottest sushi spots on our list aren’t necessarily Michelin-star fine-dining rooms. Some of your favorites are intimate sushi counters, casual strip-mall takeout places, or even food trucks—all helmed by the nation’s most skilled, but sometimes unsung, sushi masters. 

Of course, top sushi restaurants always serve the freshest seafood, whether they’re ocean-close (like our top spot, Kauai Sushi Station in Hawaii) or not so much (like #3, Sushi Friend in Phoenix, Arizona). They may feature pure, simple preparations of fish, rice, and seaweed (like Fort Worth’s Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar, #2), or unique specialty items (like the Sushi Tacos at #4, Sushi Dojo in Southlake, Texas). 

Ready for your next sushi experience? Read on to find the top spots on this year’s sushi scene, from Texas to California and Hawaii—and everywhere in between. 

Was your favorite sushi spot included in the top 10? Let us know on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok with #YelpTop10. And share your reviews on Yelp—maybe your favorites will be on next year’s sushi list! 

Methodology: This is a list of the top sushi spots in the US for 2023, according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the sushi category on Yelp with a large concentration of reviews mentioning “sushi,” then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews between January 1, 2021, and May 3, 2023. We included no more than 2 businesses per state for geographic diversity. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of May 3, 2023. 

Don’t let the unassuming location, “a food truck in a field near the Costco gas station,” fool you. Kauai Sushi Station is “highly recommended by locals” and tourists alike for having “the best sushi on the island.” That’s because chef-owner Wuttibavorn Jithitikhunchai (you can call him James) runs the truck like a high-end sushi bar, serving beautiful presentations of seafood delicacies—some with edible flowers or gold leaf. “The plates came out looking like artwork!” says Yelp Elite Denny L. 

James’ sushi is “in a league of its own,” raves Yelper Tyler M. “The fish is so fresh, not overpowering, and the sauce for the rolls is the same—just [a huge] amount of flavor and freshness. The takoyaki [a round street snack made with octopus] exploded in my mouth; it was crunchy and gooey and the best I’ve ever had. Straight-out-of-Japan good.”

Most of the premium-grade fish comes from local sources or Japan—including best-sellers like aji (horse mackerel), hamachi (yellowtail), madai (sea bream), unagi (eel), and uni (sea urchin). James also favors bigeye tuna and organic king salmon from New Zealand over the more common yellowfin tuna and Atlantic salmon. Both varieties are “more oily and softer in the mouth,” he says. 

James and his wife Haru opened “the station” after losing their jobs during the pandemic. He was a sushi chef at Japanese Grandma’s Cafe in Hanapepe, and she was a server at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. “You couldn’t sit in restaurants during the pandemic, but a food truck is outdoors,” James recalls. “We just wanted to work and make some money to pay the bills. We didn’t expect it was going to be busy like this!”

Yelper tip: “If you’re brave enough to try it,” ask for the Japanese delicacy shirako (fish semen). “It wasn’t on the menu, but it was offered as an alternative to uni because shirako was in season and unique. It was unimaginably creamy. The texture and consistency was custard-like,” says Yelp Elite Anthony T. 

Yelpers say: “Wow!!! Wow!!! And wow!!! This was our first meal in Kauai right off our flight. I was a little worried [about] getting sushi from a food truck, but this place has some really special rolls. We ordered the Ginger Crazy Roll…one of my favorites. We also ordered the Crunchy Spicy Salmon Roll and the Godzilla Roll. All so yummy. There are some tables where you could sit and eat. A must stop in Kauai!” —Yelp Elite Afaf A. 

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No reservations and just 25 seats means Yelpers often wait—happily—for a chance to savor salmon belly, spicy tuna hand roll, and other “gorgeously fresh and expertly prepared” delights at this West 7th-area sushi standout. Best advice: Arrive “right when they open or just before, because there’s only counter seating, and once those seats are filled, you’ll be waiting a while. Don’t miss the hamachi…to die for!” says Lori M. 

If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot at the horseshoe-shaped bar, your server will give you a paper menu and a pencil to make your selections. You may have a hard time choosing among the hand rolls, which are made from crisp sheets of seaweed, rolled and filled with warm rice and your choice of fresh items such as yellowtail, crab, lobster, salmon, eel, bay scallops, or toro. They’re available a la carte or in multi-roll combos.

There’s also a menu of specials printed on a chalkboard. One of the most popular: Japanese red snapper carpaccio finished with Himalayan sea salt and white truffle oil. “It’s light and refreshing—perfect for summertime,” says weekend manager Francisco Salazar. Other specials have featured oysters, scallops, squid, bluefin tuna, cherry salmon, and sablefish. “We bring in fish every single day, mostly from Japanese or Korean waters, so the specials change,” Francisco says.

Since the intimate restaurant opened in 2018, the main focus of chef-owner Jun Mo Yeon (a former owner of Daan Sushi Asian Bistro & Bar in Grapevine) has been “the cleanness and freshness of the fish,” says Francisco. “We try not to do a lot of things to detract from the fish. We are a little bit more traditional in that way.” “If you’re used to rolls with lots of sauces, this isn’t the place for you. This is a true hand roll restaurant where the fresh fish is the star of [the] meal,” notes Ashley B. 

Yelpers say: “Absolutely exquisite. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time a dinner out felt like such an authentic cultural experience. Service is fantastic. The preparation of the fish is absolutely world-class! Price is super reasonable for the experience and atmosphere. As for the food, it was near perfection. Each bite was delectable and perfectly balanced. The quality of the nigiri is second to none. The toro and otoro were the most buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sushi I’ve ever had.” —Yelp Elite Trish V. 

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You won’t see servers, dishwashers, or cashiers at this no-frills storefront, which has become the “go-to destination for the freshest and most delicious sushi” in Phoenix. Locals come for “very affordable” sushi, sashimi, rolls, and bowls—not fancy ambiance—all served with a smile by chef-owner Kevin Min and team. In fact, you’ll also find it on Yelp’s list of the Top Southwest Restaurants 2023. “Sushi Friend is tucked away and easy to miss…the least presumptuous hidden gem I’ve ever seen,” says Yelper Emi S.  

“The Mixed Roll combo platter was more than the 2 of us could finish. For [$68], you choose 3 specialty rolls and 4 basic rolls. Everything we had was awesome!” says Clinton M.  Can’t decide? Fans especially love the popular Seared Salmon Roll (crab mix topped with seared salmon, housemade spicy mayo, and unagi sauce).

Kevin, who spent 12 years at now-closed Stingray Sushi in Scottsdale—10 of those as head chef—explains, “I never wanted to open a ‘regular’ restaurant. It took too many bodies to make it work. I wanted something I could run on my own.” When Sushi Friend opened in 2021, “we had no signage, no tables and chairs, and no drinks. It was pouring rain outside,” he recalls. “I had to open since our life savings were spent and we needed rent for our home and shop.” 

Sushi Friend has come a long way since then. It now has a few tables and a narrow bar where you can watch the sushi chefs at work. “We get to connect with the guests, who know that their food comes directly to them from our hands,” Kevin says. Yelpers agree. ‘It’s mom-and-pop meets neighborhood-bar-friendly,” according to Yelp Elite Heather Z. 

Yelpers say: “Chef (and owner) Kevin is the real deal. Not only is he a great sushi chef, he’s just an all-around good person. This intimate sushi spot is perfect for people who want to pick up quick and high-quality sushi and poke or have a cozy hang with the chef at the bar. The fish is of optimum freshness, and you can tell that the food is made with care and precise detail. Telling all my friends about this place and will definitely be back!” —Yelp Elite Shanna F. 

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Winner of 3 Texas food truck competitions—and a coveted spot on Yelp’s Top 100 Texas Restaurants 2022—Sushi Dojo has truly earned its reputation for 5-star fusion fare at affordable prices. Yelpers rave about the Sushi Tacos, a signature dish that fans say deserves a “1,000/10” rating.

“We start with a bao bun, fry it on each side, add tempura shrimp, crab salad, and avocado, and finish with our spicy sauce and sweet sauce,” explains chef-owner Ryan Nguyen, whose wife, 3 sons, and 2 cousins work at the restaurant. Another Yelper favorite: the Shredder Burrito, stuffed with tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, cucumber, and avocado. “Like a giant sushi roll that you eat burrito-style,” says Yelp Elite Steven Y.

After an early start as the sushi chef in Kroger supermarkets, Ryan started operating Sushi Dojo from a food truck right before the 2020 pandemic. Now it also has a permanent home in Southlake, just minutes from DFW International Airport (as well as a takeout location in Northlake). Not only does Ryan’s food “knock it out of the park,” the staff “works hard [to] make sure you’re taken care of,” says Yelp Elite Linda L. 

Insider tip: Ask about the “Not-So-Secret Menu,” which includes a Sushi Burger (with spicy tuna  and crab salad between 2 sushi rice buns), Sushi Fries, Sushi Frito Pie, and Poke Tostada. Ryan suggests customers try just one of these items per visit, “so you can experience more of their masterpieces every time,” says Eric T. The Southlake location also offers vegan and “super-good gluten-free options.” 

Yelpers also talk up the customizable party trays and 8-pound sushi “celebration cakes.” Layers of rice, seaweed, spicy tuna, crab salad, and avocado make up the base. “Then you have the option to cover the cake with either salmon, tuna, avocado, or masago, and top the cake with a number of your choice,” says Ryan. “They’re a huge hit.” 

Yelpers say: “Sushi Dojo has come up with some amazing, creative ideas for great ways to use the traditional flavors of sushi in unique ways, while still offering traditional sushi rolls. Most recently I had the Secret Menu item Sushi Taco with crab, spicy tuna, tempura shrimp, and a secret ingredient in a bao bun taco.  This was fabulous. I also got the shredder burrito, which was excellent; [it’s] like having a giant sushi roll that you eat burrito-style. Everything I have had here has been first-class. I’m  totally impressed with this restaurant.” —Yelp Elite Steven Y.

Find the best sushi in Dallas.

It’s a one-man show at this “hidden gem” with very limited seating (5 at the bar and 2 small tables), where chef-owner Sean Hyun also shops, preps, takes orders, serves, washes dishes, and handles reservations. Patience is definitely required, but the reward is “always exceptional” food and “a special feeling being the only ones in the small, cozy restaurant.” 

Yelpers rave about the unconstructed Baked Baby Lobster Roll—big chunks of langostino meat and parmesan aioli laid across a bed of California rolls. Also noteworthy, the Chef’s Choice Nigiri—12 pieces of Sean’s choosing, plus a tamago (Japanese omelet) and unagi (freshwater eel). “I usually serve everything on one plate, but sometimes one by one. Everyone loves that omakase experience,” Sean says. Yelp Elite Gary K. is a huge fan: “The rice was still barely warm, held together well, and broke up nicely the moment I started to chew. This, to me, is the most important part of a perfect piece of nigiri. The rice being the foundation, presenting that piece of fish to the palate.”

After graduating from culinary school in South Korea, Sean worked at hotels and restaurants there, then in Alaska and Washington, before drawing on his lifelong love of raw seafood to become a sushi chef. At Sushi Kaunta, he sources fish from Seattle and around the world—Hawaii, Europe, New Zealand, Japan, and elsewhere, depending on the season. “Fish quality deserves high marks…really premium!” says Yelp Elite Brian C. “There were so many favorites. Otoro, chutoro, and Columbia River trout were standouts.” 

Yelpers say: “Nothing compares to walking through the doors at Sushi Kaunta. It always feels like you’re entering a friend’s cozy home, and you’ll be treated to some of the best sushi King County has to offer. Did I mention it’s all at [incredibly] reasonable prices? It’s not surprising Sean has built a loyal customer base in his short time in Kent. He serves a delicious, quality product with unmatched kindness and warmth.” —Chris R. 

Check out the rest of Yelp’s Top 10 Sushi Spots, and remember to tell us what you think by tagging us on social media with #YelpTop10.

6. Mahkin Thai & Sushi, Huntington Beach, California

7. Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar, Costa Mesa, California

8. Ari Sushi, Las Vegas, Nevada

9. Yuubi Sushi, Beaverton, Oregon

10. Toro sushi, Henderson, Nevada