Okay, let’s actually talk about this because best sushi restaurants in the US ranked by reviews is basically my entire personality at this point. I’m sitting here in my apartment in [redacted mid-size US city], stomach still mad at me from last weekend when I hit three different places in one day like some kind of deranged sushi tourist. Seriously, my fridge currently has leftover ginger and a sad little packet of soy sauce staring at me accusingly.
I’ve been chasing the perfect roll since I moved out here years ago, blowing way too much of my paycheck on raw fish because once you have really good toro it’s over for you. Like, emotionally. So here’s my super subjective, review-stalking ranking of the best sushi restaurants in the US based on what actual people (including me, obsessively) are saying on Yelp, Google, and sometimes Reddit when I’m doom-scrolling at 2 a.m.
My Top Pick for Best Sushi Restaurants in the US Right Now
Sushi Nakazawa in New York City (the original West Village spot).
Look, I finally made it there last fall after saving up for months because the reviews are stupidly high—like 4.7–4.9 across thousands. Omakase only, no menu, chef just sends out perfect pieces one after another. I cried a little when the otoro hit my tongue. True story. It was fatty, buttery, melted instantly, and I felt like I peaked as a human.
Downside? It’s $$$$, like “should I have bought a used car instead?” money. But if you’re splurging once in your life for the best sushi restaurants in the US experience, this is it.
Runner-Up That Still Haunts My Dreams
Sushi Ginza Onodera (also NYC) and Sushi Kashiba in Seattle tie for me.
Kashiba especially—Shiro Kashiba trained under Jiro, the old-school legend. Reviews rave about the freshness and precision, and when I went last year the uni was so creamy I forgot how to speak English for a second. People say 4.8 average, minimal complaints.
Ginza Onodera is more modern-Japanese elegant, super consistent omakase, high 4.7s everywhere. I walked out feeling fancy and slightly broke. Worth it.
Best Sushi Restaurants in the US for “Worth the Hype but Actually Delivers”
- Nobu (various locations, but Malibu or Vegas hit different) — yeah it’s touristy and celebrity-heavy, but the black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeño still slap. Reviews stay solid at 4.5+ because consistency.
- Sushi Zo in LA — omakase only, chef Keizo Shimamoto is intense in the best way. People lose their minds over the chu-toro. 4.6–4.8 range, long wait but zero regrets.
- Urasawa in Beverly Hills — insanely expensive but the reviews call it life-changing. I haven’t been (yet), but the 4.9 Google rating from like 200 people keeps me up at night.
Underrated Sushi Spots Crushing the Reviews Game
Sometimes the best sushi restaurants in the US aren’t the flashy ones.
- Sasabune in Honolulu — omakase style, “trust me” vibe, 4.7 average. Locals swear by it over the tourist traps.
- Miyake in Portland, Maine — weird location for killer sushi but reviews are nuts, 4.6+, creative rolls without being gimmicky.
- Sushi of Gari in NYC — the original UES spot. Chef Masatoshi Gari does wild fusion stuff that somehow works. 4.5+ forever.
I once drove four hours for a roll that ended up being meh, so trust me when I say I cross-check reviews like it’s my job. Pro tip from someone who’s learned the hard way: sort by “most recent” on Yelp because old hype dies fast, and avoid places with a sudden drop in stars—usually means new ownership or chef left.
Anyway I’m starving now just writing this. If you’re in the States and obsessed with finding the best sushi restaurants in the US ranked by actual reviews, start with Nakazawa or Kashiba if you can swing it. Or just hit me up and I’ll probably ramble at you about my latest sushi fail.
(Oh and check out the official sites for reservations because these places book out: