Australians are a culturally eclectic bunch when it comes to dining out, but perhaps no cuisine has won our hearts like sushi. Whether you're picking up a hand roll for an on-the-go-lunch, or celebrating something special over an authentic omakase, oftentimes, nothing satisfies quite like this Japanese delicacy. Of course, not all sushi restaurants are created equal. But if it's fresh, locally sourced fare you're after, look no further. Below, we're rounding up the nine best sushi restaurants in Sydney worth visiting when your next craving strikes.
1. Raw Bar (Bondi Beach)
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Open: Weekdays: 12-3pm and 5:30-9pm, weekends: 12pm onwards
If you know anyone in Bondi, you've likely heard them wax lyrical about this beachside institution. But I'm here to tell you, it definitely lives up to the hype. Since opening in 1995, Raw Bar has been Bondi locals' go-to spot for fresh, unfussy Japanese fare — with an emphasis on sushi of just about every variety. On a sunny day, there's nothing quite like kicking back over a plate of nigiri (and one of their matcha margaritas) as you take in a view of the ocean just meters away.
2. Washoku (Vaucluse)
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Open: Tuesday - Sunday
Another Eastern Sydney favourite, Washoku has been servicing its loyal neighbourhood patrons since 2018. You'll find an array of classics on the menu, from ultra-fresh sashimi to classic nigiri, plus a range of slightly alternative menu items, like a sushi roll featuring mozarella and potato fries (among more standard ingredients), and a mad-mex inside out roll.
3. Maeda (Paddington)
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Open: Tuesday - Sunday
You're spoiled for choice when dining at Paddington's Five Ways, but if it's sushi you're after, Maeda is worth stopping in at. The menu is unfussy, championing plenty of sushi options, plus a range of hot items if the mood strikes. Even better, you can BYO bottle of wine on Tuesdays and Wednesday, making for the ideal mid-week date night situation.
4. Nobu (Barangaroo)
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Open: Wednesday - Sunday
For something a little fancier, you can't go wrong with a visit to Nobu's Sydney outpost. Perched on the waterfront at Barangaroo, here you'll find sushi (and other Japanese food) of the highest standard, from their signature Yellowtail Jalapeno, to the delectable tuna and crispy rice.
5. Saké (The Rocks, Double Bay, Manly)
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Open: Every day
Another favourite for special occasions, Saké has postings in Double Bay, The Rocks, and Manly. In addition to the classics, their menu also features a range of modern re-imaginings, like popcorn shrimp, and a tempura scallop sushi roll. Perhaps most notable is the level of care put into the presentation of each dish, from the sushi bar to the cocktails.
6. Toko Restaurant (CBD)
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Open: Tuesday - Saturday
For consistently good sushi with a contemporary flair, this CBD establishment is for you. You'll be spoiled for choice with their seasonal menu—if it all gets too overwhelming, you can always opt for an omakase experience, featuring 24 pre-determined courses (and 14 pieces of nigiri).
7. Jipang (Manly)
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Open: Every day
Further north, Jipang is the hidden gem of Manly. The menu is unfussy, as is the fit-out, but the sushi really shines. If you have a hankering for the classics, your craving will surely be satisfied.
8. Prefecture 48 (CBD)
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Open: Tuesday–Saturday
The newest addition to our list, Prefecture 48 is a three-story Japanese dining hub in Sydney's CBD. Among the six distinct venues housed inside, the most intimate (and exclusive) is Omakase, an eight-person venue serving the ultimate Japanese degustation experience. Of course, the menu champions sushi, with Japanese sushi masters set to visit the venue as guest chefs.
9. Nomidokoro Indigo (Darlinghurst)
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Open: Monday - Saturday
Equally tiny (but worth vying for a reservation) is Nomidokoro Indigo. With space for 12 guests to dine at a time, this Darlignhurst venue challenges the quaintness and intimacy of dining at an izakaya in Tokyo. Naturally, the menu is just as authentic (and delicious).
10. Green Shiso Omakase (Cronulla)
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Open: Tuesday - Saturday
Green Shiso is an intimate omakase restaurant that is as much about the experience as it is the meal. Chef Simon draws on more than 15 years of experience cooking Japanese cuisine, with training in both Tokyo and Kyoto, to create a seasonal menu of finely considered sushi and seafood.
11. Tanuki (Double Bay)
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Open: Wednesday - Sunday
A Double Bay favourite, Tanuki serves sushi and sashimi alongside other Japanese classics and larger plates. The menu makes it particularly suited to groups and long lunches.
12. Zushi (Surry Hills)
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Open: Every day
On Crown Street, Zushi takes a casual but modern approach to Japanese dining, with a menu built around sushi, sashimi and share plates. There’s an outdoor courtyard and a lively atmosphere, but trust me when I say the sushi rolls and sashimi are the main draw. A good option for a long lunch or dinner with friends.
13. Itadakimasu Onigiri & Bar (Darlinghurst)
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Open: Tuesday - Saturday
Not strictly sushi, but still worth a visit. The specialty here is onigiri, with fillings ranging from spicy tuna and yuzu pork to grilled scallop, unagi and tamago. It also shifts into wine and sake bar in the evenings, with Japanese-inspired small plates and grilled dishes joining the menu
14. Nori Table (Paddington)
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Open: Every day
This is a Paddington local worth knowing. Nori Table keeps things simple: fresh sushi, sashimi and Japanese favourites made for an easy lunch or takeaway dinner, all served on a sushi train. When the craving for a salmon avocado roll strikes, you can rely on Nori Tableto satisfy it.
Still hungry? Check out these Sydney Thai restaurants we return to time and again.
