The Top 10 Sushi Spots
The finest sushi in the U.S.A. and Japan
Our list changes often due to new sushi establishments and varying consistency throughout the year. Please contact us if you have any questions.
#1 Sukiyabashi Jiro
Tokyo, Japan
The finest sushi in the world, without question. Operated by Yoshikazu Ono (Ginza location) and Takashi Ono (Roppongi location), these sushi masters operate their sushi houses with a reputation that honors their legendary father, Jiro Ono. The sushi bar itself comfortably seats only 8 guests and provides a step-by-step, well orchestrated omakase lunch or dinner. A 14-piece omakase sushi lunch at Sukiyabashi Jiro (Roppongi) is currently less than $200...and tops all other sushi on the planet.
〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 4 Chome−2−15 塚本総業ビルB1階
#2 Sushi Saito
Tokyo, Japan
Chef Takashi Saito is a leader in the sushi industry, despite his young age. Master Saito offers a phenomenal omakase experience and the wait for a single seat is extraordinary. After achieving three Michelin stars, it stopped offering service to the general public due to the unprecedented demand for seats. Now, with his stars removed, he caters to special clients and dignitaries. This spot is considered a tiny degree beneath spot #1 (Sukiyabashi Jiro); almost equal to the number 1 spot.
1–9–15 Akasaka, Tokyo, Tokyo-to 107-0052, Japan
No Website - Sushi Saito is no longer open to the public. By 'private connection and relationship only.'
#3 Sushi Yasuda
New York City
Master Sushi Chef Naomichi Yasuda is not only considered one of the greatest sushi chefs alive...but also a master of marital arts. In an age of celebrity chefs who rule culinary empires, Yasuda—and now his disciples, today led by master sushi chef Tomo (Tetsuaki Otomo)—simply prefer to make sushi. He closed his Tokyo location to re-located this business to New York City. Yasuda often says, “I’m just a sushi man"...while serving Presidents, the late Anthony Bourdain and the Prime Minister of Japan.
204 E 43rd St., New York, NY 10017
#4 Ginza Sushiko
Tokyo, Japan
Many remarkable sushi chefs started here as mere apprentices. This spot made its way into the world of television, appearing on Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, in which Bourdain visited the shop alongside the renowned Japanese chef Masa Takayama and labelled as a one Michelin star restaurant in the past; however, it appears to have lost this recognition in 2016. This sushi restaurant is tucked away in the alleyways of Ginza, one of Tokyo’s liveliest neighborhoods for high-end dining and shopping.
Toko Building 1F
7－7－14 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
+ 81 03-3571－4558
#5 Sushi Nakazawa
New York City
Sushi Nakazawa serves the omakase of Chef Daisuke Nakazawa. Within the twenty-course meal lies Chef Nakazawa's passion for sushi. He originally gained international fame for being a part of the undisputed team at Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo but moved to New York to start his own sushi empire. Today, he owns and operates three locations - New York, Los Angeles and Washington D.C.
23 Commerce St. New York, NY 10014
(212) 924-2212
#6 Mori Nozomi
Los Angeles, California
One of the only all-female sushi restaurant teams in Los Angeles, this impressive omakase-only experience offers one of the highest-end sushi meals in town. Chef and owner Nozomi Mori trained at a few restaurants in LA before creating her vision for world-class sushi, using the best ingredients flown in from Japan. Her background in Japanese tea ceremony translates well to the counter, where delicate, thoughtful movements offer an almost theatrical display. She combines several warm dishes, including whole Japanese hairy crab and binchotan-seared fish, in between gorgeous nigiri. Mori and her team serve just three days a week for one service.
11500 W Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
#7 Tatsu
Dallas, Texas
Tucked away from the bustle of Dallas’s historic Deep Ellum neighborhood is an intimate space where Japanese hospitality and the art of Edomae Sushi seek to transport you to another world. Guests indulge in a variety of seasonal dishes, expertly curated by Executive Chef and Owner Tatsuya Sekiguchi. Each meal is served omakase style, and consists of one or two appetizers, thirteen to fifteen pieces of nigiri style-sushi, a hand roll, miso soup and dessert. Tatsu Dallas hosts two seatings, five nights a week, with each meal lasting approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. Guests are encouraged to interact with Chef Tatsu and witness the art of edomae sushi up close and in person.
3309 Elm St.,Suite 120, Dallas, TX 75226
#8 Sushi Mizukami
Tokyo, Japan
Sushi Mizukami in Tokyo is an intimate, high-end omakase experience that showcases the finesse and philosophy of Edomae-style sushi. Helmed by chef Mizukami, a former apprentice of the legendary Jiro Ono, the restaurant offers a meticulous progression of seasonal seafood prepared with traditional aging and curing techniques. With only a handful of seats at the pristine counter, the ambiance is quiet and focused, allowing diners to fully appreciate the craftsmanship behind each piece. Every bite is balanced, nuanced, and layered with umami—whether it's buttery chutoro, perfectly vinegared kohada, or delicately smoked katsuo. Sushi Mizukami isn’t just a meal—it’s a study in purity, precision, and the quiet elegance of Tokyo's sushi artistry.
3-8 Ichibancho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0082, Japan
#9 Kintsugi
New York, New York
Tucked away on the fringes of SoHo, Tribeca and Hudson Square is Kintsugi Omakase, an understated, fashionable sushi spot from New York-based creative partners Ashe Yeung, a designer, and Tim Madrid, an Art Director. The Kintsugi Uni Tasting is the perfect addition to any of the three premium experiences utilizing different types of sea urchin sourced from around the world based on seasonality and market availability. The dining room is centered around the natural wood 10-seat sushi counter, which is framed by dark charcoal walls. Soothing light is filtered through Japanese wooden slats creating a relaxing mood.
28 Grand St., New York, NY 10013
#10 Aiko
Houston, Texas
Chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee have over 25 years of combined experience in Japanese cuisine and sushi. They established their culinary careers in Houston where they worked together for years before creating their own restaurants. Pham and Lee teamed up to bring new curated dining concepts to Houston’s food scene and kicked off a series of omakase pop-up dinners called Secret Taste. Pham and Lee then opened Kokoro in the Bravery Chef Hall in Downtown Houston followed by Handies Douzo in the Houston Heights. Aiko is the newest concept from the team featuring a sushi bar and seated dining. Currently, the finest sushi experience in Texas.
1902 Washington Ave. Suite C, Houston, TX 77007
Criteria Used for Ranking
The majority, around 97%, of sushi establishments are unlikely to meet our standards. Even worse, most sushi establishments will lack the consistency necessary. Although we have developed relationships with many sushi spots throughout the USA and Japan, our list provides an honest, pragmatic review of the top 10.
Six criteria are used to determine the ranking of our list.
1. The quality, temperature, flavor of the sushi rice. This is the first and undeniable requirement for top quality sushi is outstanding sushi rice (shari). There are no exceptions to this requirement. If the quality of the sushi rice fails in flavor, temperature and overall quality, a sushi establishment will be removed from consideration. No exceptions. This is 35% of the grade/rating.
2. The balance of flavor between the fish/seafood/vegetable (Neta) and the sushi rice. The flavor of one portion (Neta) cannot overpower the flavor of the shari (sushi rice). 15% of the grading/rating.
3. The value (cost) of the item in proportion to the portion size. A suitable portion in relation to the menu price. 10% of the rating.
4. The level of knowledge and service from the staff. 15% of the rating.
5. The legitimate, ethical labeling of the menu. If 'Buri' is sold as 'Hamachi' or 'Escolar' is served as 'Super White Tuna,' the establishment will be removed from consideration. 15% of the rating.
6. The cleanliness, knowledge and professionalism of the sushi chef/sushi bar. The chefs are asked specific sushi questions to validate their knowledge to the customer(s) ; evaluated for hygiene and process. 10% of the rating.