Sushi is the only food that I never get bored of. My coworker and I just went to the same sushi restaurant three times in one week AND ordered the same fish every time, and I still could go back for more. The West Coast is known for their amazing fish and sushi, and I found out the best sushi restaurants on the West Coast so you don’t have to. You can thank me later.
When it comes down to it, sushi restaurants are differentiated by just a few things: the cut of fish, quality of sushi rice, and the overall vibe of the restaurant. These factors can truly make or break your dining experience, and you don’t want a date to be derailed by some bad sushi rice. Without further adieu, here are the best sushi restaurants on the west coast.
Maneki (Seattle, WA)
The longest running sushi bar in Seattle, Maneki is known for their long lines and fresh fish. Maneki serves up some classic Japanese food like tako-yaki (octopus doughnut holes), sukiyaki (noodles with broth, veggies, and protein), and more. If you’re looking for dinner with a side of spectacle, I would recommend sitting at the sushi bar.
Daigo Sushi (San Francisco, CA)
While many other sushi restaurants put up a layer of pretension around their food, Daigo provides an intimate and chill eating experience, along with some bomb fish. Order the Hamachi Shot if you want to feel like you’re at a club (but better because… sushi).
Kisaku (Seattle, WA)
Once a neighborhood secret, Kisaku provides sushi that “melts-in-your-mouth” for prices that won’t break the bank. Like Starbucks, there is a secret menu for those in the know.
Sushi Ota (San Diego, CA)
Sushi Ota doesn’t look like much, but what this strip mall restaurant lacks in street appeal it more than makes up in quality. It’s a bit pricey, but Eater and Zagat have never raved so much. Check it out if you are looking to have the most “inventive” sushi experience of your life.
Sushirrito (San Francisco, CA)
The OG sushi burrito was created by Sushirrito and it is available in six locations throughout the Bay Area. If you are looking for the full California experience, order the Sumo Crunch for a California Roll with some added pizazz.
Sugarfish (Los Angeles, CA)
Sugarfish just opened an NYC outpost, but their food is classic LA. For $32, you can order the Trust Me Omakase dinner with edamame, tuna sashimi, two pieces of albacore sushi, two pieces of salmon sushi, two pieces of yellowtail sushi, one piece of snapper sushi, one piece of hirame, one toro hand roll, and one blue crab hand roll. The price is a bit steep, but wow! That’s a lot of yummy sushi.
Tekka Japanese Restaurant (San Francisco, CA)
Be prepared to wait in line for 2+ hours for one of the 11 seats in either the 7 pm or 9 pm seating (which has been compared to the Hunger Games), but this super classic Japanese food is worth it. According to the SFist, the best orders at Tekka Japanese Restaurant include the sashimi combo, hamachi kama, and the omakase meal.
Mirakutei (Portland, OR)
At Mirakutei, come for the sushi and stay for some bomb ramen (flavors include miso butter, spicy miso yuzu, and original). This restaurant is perfect for a date night with their tapas style fusion sushi dishes.
Project Poke (Fountain Valley, CA)
In Orange County, CA, one of Project Poke’s beautiful sushi donut is Instagrammed every second (not a scientific fact, but probably). You’ve definitely seen their creations in your feed, and the trend is definitely something to hop on.
Yakuza Lounge (Portland, OR)
Yakuza Lounge whips up more than just good sushi, so it’s the perfect place to go with your less adventurous food friends. The fusion aspect makes for some crazy cool sushi like the negisake roll, which combines minced salmon, spicy mayo, scallions, and truffle fries.
ICHI Sushi + Ni Bar (San Francisco, CA)
Honestly, I am probably not cool enough to eat at ICHI Sushi. This super cool Mission District restaurant has a wall mural demonstrating the proper sushi eating technique, and, as I always fail to eat sushi without spilling soy sauce EVERYWHERE, I do not think I am capable of following these instructions. If you are (or are a better learner than I am), then definitely try this Elle, Vogue, and NY Times approved sushi haven.
Bamboo Sushi (Portland, OR)
For the environmentally conscious sushi lovers, Bamboo Sushi reigns supreme: it is the first certified sustainable sushi restaurant in the world. Bon Appétit also ranked it as one of the top new sushi restaurants to watch, nbd.
Pokémolé (Westlake, CA)
This ain’t your mom’s sushi (or Mexican food). Pokémolé is a Japanese-Mexican fusion fast-casual restaurant, and I am obsessed with this mashup. Order the Spicy Tuna Taro Chips for a Japanese twist on your favorite nachos.
Go’s Mart (Canoga Park, CA)
Okay, this place is crazy. Go’s Mart is literally built out of a Japanese grocery store at a strip mall in the Valley, and it offers incredible sushi flown directly from the Tsukiji fish market. I know that Cher (from Clueless) told us never to go to the Valley, but I promise it is worth the trek.
Sushi of Gari (Los Angeles, CA)
If you are looking to splurge, nothing is better than Sushi of Gari. All the fish is flown out 4x a week from Japan, so you know you are getting super fresh and high quality ingredients. FYI, lunch is a la carte, so cheaper, and dinner is omakase-only.
Arigato Sushi (Santa Barbara, CA)
Santa Barbara is famous for its uni, and Arigato is where its at. For the full experience, order the gold shot: a piece of uni with a fresh quail egg.
Hide Sushi (Los Angeles, CA)
If you’re looking for quality sushi on the cheap, Hide is the creme de la creme. Don’t forget cash because Hide does not accept credit cards.
Ya know, after seeing all these great sushi restaurants, the West Coast might honestly be the best coast. No shade, East Coasters.