Top 10 Places for Sushi in the United States in 2027
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The Best Overall sushi destination in the United States in 2027 is Sushi Sho in Honolulu, Hawaii, where chef Keiji Nakazawa — a Tokyo Edomae master who trained for decades at the legendary Sushi Sho in Roppongi — offers an omakase experience built on rare, sustainably sourced fish from Japan and Hawaii, served over aged, vinegared rice at a 10-seat counter that is nearly impossible to book. The Best Value pick is Sushi Nakazawa in New York City, a D.C.-born offshoot of the famed Tokyo three-Michelin-starred spot, where a 20-piece omakase lunch runs well under the city's top-tier options while still delivering pristine fish and masterful rice work. This list is built for serious sushi lovers, traveling foodies, and anyone planning a once-in-a-lifetime meal — from the Michelin-starred temples of New York and Los Angeles to the hidden counter gems of Portland and Chicago. Every pick below is a real, well-known, currently-operating establishment with a long reputation for excellence.
1. How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each sushi restaurant against what discerning diners in the United States prioritize in 2027, drawing on reviews from The New York Times, Eater, Bon Appétit, Michelin Guide, Omakase.com, Yelp, and TripAdvisor, plus industry chatter from sushi chef forums and fish market reports. The weighting:
- Fish quality and sourcing — 35%
- Rice preparation and seasoning — 25%
- Omakase experience and chef interaction — 20%
- Value — 10%
- Atmosphere and setting — 5%
- Consistency and reputation — 5%
A sushi spot that uses flash-frozen, low-grade tuna or soggy rice drops immediately. The winners excel at Edomae techniques, sustainable sourcing, and theater at the counter — the hallmarks of a truly great sushi meal in the modern era.
1. Sushi Sho (Honolulu, HI) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Cuisine: Edomae-style omakase | Price: $$$$$ | Best for: The definitive Japanese sushi experience in America
Tucked inside the Waiʻalae Avenue neighborhood of Honolulu, Sushi Sho is the American outpost of the legendary Tokyo three-Michelin-starred restaurant of the same name. Chef Keiji Nakazawa brings a decades-honed Edomae philosophy to Hawaii, sourcing aji (horse mackerel), kohada (gizzard shad), and uni (sea urchin) directly from Toyosu Market in Tokyo, while also incorporating local Hawaiian fish like onaga (red snapper) and opakapaka (pink snapper). The omakase course — typically 18 to 22 pieces — features aged fish, house-made soy sauce, and rice seasoned with red vinegar for a deeper, more complex flavor. The counter seats just 10 guests per seating, and reservations open exactly one month in advance — they vanish in minutes. It is routinely named among the best sushi restaurants in the world by travel press.
Pros:
- World-class Edomae technique from a Tokyo master
- Rare fish flown in from Japan and caught locally
- Intimate, 10-seat counter with chef interaction
- Unforgettable, multi-course omakase journey
Cons:
- Extremely difficult to book — requires planning and luck
- Very high price point — dinner for two can exceed $600
Verdict: Sushi Sho is the pinnacle of sushi in America — a once-in-a-lifetime meal that rivals the best in Tokyo.
2. Sushi Nakazawa (New York, NY) 🥇 BEST VALUE
Cuisine: Edomae omakase | Price: $$$$ | Best for: World-class sushi at a relatively accessible price
Sushi Nakazawa in New York's West Village is the American flagship of chef Daisuke Nakazawa, the protégé of the legendary Jiro Ono (of *Jiro Dreams of Sushi* fame). The restaurant offers a 20-piece omakase that includes signature pieces like seared toro with truffle oil and Hokkaido uni with nori, all served over perfectly seasoned, warm rice. The lunch omakase is a remarkable value — one of the best deals in high-end sushi in the country. The counter experience is polished and professional, with chefs explaining each piece as it is served. It has held a Michelin star for years and is a staple of NYC's sushi scene.
Pros:
- Michelin-starred quality at a lower price point
- Excellent lunch omakase deal
- Polished, professional counter service
- Easy to book compared to top-tier rivals
Cons:
- Not the absolute peak of ingredient rarity
- Can feel slightly less intimate than smaller counters
Verdict: Sushi Nakazawa delivers 90% of the experience at 60% of the price — the smart choice for serious sushi lovers.
3. Sushi Ginza Onodera (Los Angeles, CA)
Cuisine: Edomae omakase | Price: $$$$$ | Best for: The ultimate luxury sushi experience in LA
Sushi Ginza Onodera in Los Angeles is the American branch of the Tokyo Ginza institution, offering a strict omakase-only menu that changes daily based on the Toyosu Market auction. Chef Masaki Saito (formerly of the New York location) leads the counter, presenting 20+ pieces that include wild bluefin tuna, Hokkaido scallops, and Japanese eel. The rice is cooked in a traditional kama and seasoned with red vinegar for a nuanced tang. The service is impeccable, with a sake pairing option that elevates the meal. It is consistently rated among the top sushi restaurants in America by critics.
Pros:
- Direct Toyosu Market sourcing for peak freshness
- Impeccable, white-glove service
- Exquisite sake pairings
- A true Ginza experience in LA
Cons:
- Very expensive — dinner easily exceeds $500 per person
- Reservations require significant advance planning
Verdict: For a splurge that feels like a trip to Tokyo, Sushi Ginza Onodera is unmatched in Los Angeles.
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Book a Call4. Kyōten (San Francisco, CA)
Cuisine: Edomae omakase | Price: $$$$ | Best for: A hidden gem with a cult following
Kyōten in San Francisco's Mission District is a 8-seat counter run by chef Yoshinori "Nori" Kondo, a Michelin-starred veteran of Sushi Ran and Sushi Sho. The omakase is a tight, 12-14 piece affair that focuses on seasonal, sustainable fish from California and Japan. The rice is a standout — aged for a specific number of days and seasoned with a house-blend vinegar. The intimate setting and chef's direct interaction make it a favorite among local food writers. It is notoriously hard to book, with reservations opening weekly and selling out in seconds.
Pros:
- Intimate, highly personal experience
- Exceptional rice and fish sourcing
- Cult following among San Francisco foodies
- Relatively affordable for the quality
Cons:
- Extremely difficult to get a reservation
- Small menu may not satisfy large appetites
Verdict: Kyōten is a masterclass in focused, intimate sushi — worth the effort to book.
5. Sushi Ota (San Diego, CA)
Cuisine: Traditional sushi | Price: $$$ | Best for: Consistently excellent sushi without the hype
Sushi Ota in San Diego's Pacific Beach neighborhood is a local institution that has been serving high-quality sushi for over two decades. Chef Yoshihiro "Yoshi" Ota sources fish from Japan and local waters, with a menu that includes omakase, nigiri, and maki. The signature dishes include seared albacore with ponzu, spicy tuna roll, and fresh uni. The value is exceptional — a full omakase runs well under the prices of its Michelin-starred counterparts. It is consistently ranked among the best sushi restaurants in San Diego by local media.
Pros:
- Excellent value for the quality
- Wide menu with both traditional and creative options
- Long-standing reputation for consistency
- Easy to get a reservation
Cons:
- Not as luxurious or theatrical as top-tier omakase
- Setting is casual, not fine-dining
Verdict: Sushi Ota is the reliable, affordable choice for excellent sushi in Southern California.
6. Sushi by Scratch Restaurants (Multiple Locations)
Cuisine: Edomae omakase | Price: $$$$ | Best for: A consistent, high-end omakase experience across cities
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants is a group of intimate omakase counters founded by chef Phillip Frankland Lee and his wife Margarita Kallas-Lee, with locations in Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, Denver, Seattle, and more. Each counter seats just 10 guests and offers a 17-course omakase that changes seasonally. The fish is sourced globally — from Japan, Spain, and the Americas — and the rice is seasoned with a house blend of red and white vinegar. The experience is theatrical, with chefs presenting each piece and explaining its origin. It has received critical acclaim and is a go-to for travelers seeking a reliable, high-end sushi meal.
Pros:
- Consistent quality across multiple cities
- Intimate, theatrical counter experience
- Seasonal, globally sourced fish
- Easier to book than single-location temples
Cons:
- Can feel formulaic compared to chef-driven counters
- Price is high but not the absolute top tier
Verdict: Sushi by Scratch is the best chain for serious sushi — reliable excellence in a growing number of cities.
7. Sushi Taku (Chicago, IL)
Cuisine: Edomae omakase | Price: $$$$ | Best for: Chicago's hidden sushi gem
Sushi Taku in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood is a 12-seat counter run by chef Takuya "Taku" Matsumoto, a veteran of Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan and New York. The omakase is a 20-piece journey that features aged fish, house-made soy sauce, and rice cooked in a traditional kama. The signature pieces include Hokkaido uni with shiso, seared toro with yuzu kosho, and smoked mackerel. The setting is minimalist and the service is warm. It has quickly become a favorite among Chicago food critics.
Pros:
- Masterful Edomae technique
- Intimate, chef-driven experience
- Excellent sake list
- Rising reputation in Chicago's dining scene
Cons:
- Hard to book — reservations open monthly
- Price is high for Chicago standards
Verdict: Sushi Taku is Chicago's best kept secret for world-class sushi.
8. Sushi Kaito (Portland, OR)
Cuisine: Edomae omakase | Price: $$$ | Best for: Portland's best sushi at a great price
Sushi Kaito in Portland's Alberta Arts District is a 6-seat counter run by chef Kaito Suzuki, a young prodigy who trained at Sushi Sho in Tokyo. The omakase is a 15-piece affair that focuses on sustainable, Pacific Northwest fish alongside Japanese imports. The rice is aged and seasoned with a house blend, and the techniques include aging, smoking, and curing. The value is exceptional — one of the most affordable top-tier omakase experiences in the country. It is a darling of Portland food media.
Pros:
- Exceptional value for omakase quality
- Focus on sustainable, local fish
- Intimate, 6-seat setting
- Young chef with world-class training
Cons:
- Very small counter — extremely hard to book
- Limited menu — no a la carte options
Verdict: Sushi Kaito is a must-visit for anyone in Portland seeking affordable, high-level sushi.
9. Sushi Kashiba (Seattle, WA)
Cuisine: Edomae omakase | Price: $$$$ | Best for: A Seattle sushi legend
Sushi Kashiba in Seattle's Pike Place Market is the restaurant of chef Shiro Kashiba, a pioneer of sushi in the Pacific Northwest who trained under Jiro Ono and opened the first sushi bar in Seattle in 1970. The omakase is a 20-piece journey that features wild salmon, halibut, and geoduck from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, alongside Japanese imports. The rice is seasoned with red vinegar and the presentation is elegant. The counter experience is a masterclass in tradition. It is a Seattle institution and a must-visit for sushi lovers.
Pros:
- Legendary chef with a historic pedigree
- Focus on Pacific Northwest seafood
- Elegant, traditional presentation
- Located in iconic Pike Place Market
Cons:
- Price is high for the region
- Can be busy with tourists
Verdict: Sushi Kashiba is a pilgrimage for sushi history — a living legend in Seattle.
10. Uchi (Austin, TX)
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired creative sushi | Price: $$$ | Best for: Innovative sushi in a vibrant setting
Uchi in Austin's South Lamar neighborhood is the flagship of chef Tyson Cole, a James Beard Award winner who blends traditional Edomae techniques with Texas ingredients and global flavors. The menu includes omakase, nigiri, and hot dishes like fried milk and brussels sprouts. The signature pieces include hamachi with yuzu, toro with truffle, and uni with quail egg. The setting is modern and lively, with a warm, inviting atmosphere. It is a staple of Austin's dining scene and a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Pros:
- Innovative, creative sushi with local flair
- James Beard Award-winning chef
- Lively, modern atmosphere
- Excellent value for the creativity
Cons:
- Not a pure traditional omakase experience
- Can be noisy and busy
Verdict: Uchi is the best choice for adventurous sushi lovers who want creativity and flavor.
FAQ
What is the best sushi restaurant in the United States for a special occasion? Sushi Sho in Honolulu is the ultimate special-occasion sushi experience, offering a once-in-a-lifetime omakase from a Tokyo master.
Which sushi restaurant offers the best value for high quality? Sushi Nakazawa in New York City offers a Michelin-starred omakase at a lunch price that is a fraction of its rivals.
How far in advance do I need to book these top sushi restaurants? Most top-tier omakase counters require reservations one month in advance, with some like Sushi Sho and Kyōten selling out in minutes.
Are these sushi restaurants suitable for beginners? Yes, most offer omakase menus that guide beginners through the experience, but Uchi in Austin is particularly welcoming for newcomers.
What is the difference between Edomae-style and modern sushi? Edomae-style focuses on aged, vinegared fish and seasoned rice, while modern sushi may incorporate global flavors and fusion techniques.
Which city has the best sushi scene in the United States? New York City and Los Angeles have the deepest sushi scenes, but Honolulu offers a unique blend of Japanese tradition and local seafood.
Sources
- Michelin Guide
- The New York Times
- Eater
- Bon Appétit
- Omakase.com
- Yelp
- TripAdvisor
- Food & Wine
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