Salt Lake City, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, also boasts an impressive culinary scene. Among its diverse dining options, sushi stands out as a favorite for many. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, finding the best sushi in Salt Lake City can elevate your dining experience. This guide will help you discover the 10 best sushi restaurants in Salt Lake City, ensuring you savor the finest flavors and freshest fish available.
The Criteria for Choosing the Best Sushi Restaurants
To compile this list, we considered several essential factors:
- Quality of Fish: Freshness and sourcing of the seafood.
- Variety of Menu: Range of sushi options and other Japanese dishes.
- Ambiance and Service: Dining atmosphere and customer service.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: Feedback from diners on various platforms.
The 10 Best Sushi Restaurants in Salt Lake City
1. Takashi
Ambiance: Chic and modern, with a sushi bar where you can watch the chefs at work. The perfect spot for a date night or special occasion.
Menu Highlights: Don’t miss their innovative signature rolls like the “White Dragon” (shrimp tempura, crab, avocado, eel sauce) or the “Takashi Roll” (salmon, yellowtail, tuna, avocado). Their omakase (chef’s choice) menu is a true culinary adventure.
Insider Tip: Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
Location: 18 W Market St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Contact: (801) 519-9595
Popular Dishes: Toro sashimi, Takashi roll, and spicy tuna roll.
Highlights: Renowned for its creative sushi rolls and high-quality sashimi, Takashi offers an exceptional dining experience with a modern ambiance.
2. Kyoto Japanese Restaurant
Ambiance: Warm, inviting, and traditional, with private tatami rooms for a more intimate experience.
Menu Highlights: Kyoto shines with classic Japanese dishes like tempura, teriyaki, and an extensive selection of nigiri and sashimi. Their lunch specials are a great value.
Insider Tip: Be sure to try their house-made tofu, a true delicacy.
Location: 1080 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Contact: (801) 487-3525
Popular Dishes: Dragon roll, chirashi bowl, and tempura.
Highlights: A traditional Japanese restaurant known for its authentic dishes and cozy atmosphere. Perfect for a family dinner or a quiet night out.
3. Sapa Sushi Bar and Asian Grill
Ambiance: Modern and stylish, with a lively atmosphere and a beautiful outdoor patio (weather permitting).
Menu Highlights: Beyond sushi, Sapa offers a wide variety of Asian dishes, from Korean BBQ to Vietnamese pho. Sushi standouts include the “Sapa Roll” (shrimp tempura, crab, avocado, spicy tuna) and the “Firecracker Roll” (spicy salmon, jalapeno, sriracha).
Insider Tip: Happy hour specials make Sapa a popular after-work destination.
Location: 722 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact: (801) 363-7272
Popular Dishes: Sapa roll, yellowtail nigiri, and Sapa sashimi platter.
Highlights: Combining Asian grill favorites with fresh sushi, Sapa Sushi Bar offers a diverse menu in a stylish setting with a beautiful garden patio.
4. Kobe Japanese Restaurant
Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly, with a wide range of seating options.
Menu Highlights: Kobe’s menu is vast, offering something for everyone. Sushi favorites include the “Red Dragon Roll” (spicy tuna, avocado, shrimp tempura) and the “Caterpillar Roll” (eel, avocado, cucumber).
Insider Tip: Kobe is a great option for large groups or families with diverse tastes.
Location: 3947 S Wasatch Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84124
Contact: (801) 277-2928
Popular Dishes: Kobe roll, unagi nigiri, and miso soup.
Highlights: Known for its excellent service and extensive menu, Kobe provides a warm and inviting environment perfect for any occasion.
5. Tsunami Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Ambiance: Varies by location, but generally casual and modern.
Menu Highlights: Tsunami is known for its generous portions and creative rolls. Don’t miss the “Tsunami Roll” (shrimp tempura, crab, cucumber, avocado, eel sauce) or the “Volcano Roll” (baked spicy scallop, crab, avocado).
Insider Tip: Tsunami offers all-you-can-eat sushi specials at certain times, perfect for those with big appetites.
Location: Multiple locations (Sugar House, Union Heights, and more)
Contact: (801) 467-5545 (Sugar House location)
Popular Dishes: Tsunami roll, soft shell crab roll, and sushi combos.
Highlights: With several locations around the city, Tsunami is a popular chain offering consistent quality and a wide range of sushi options.
6. Ginza Japanese Shabu Shabu
Ambiance: Sleek and modern, with a focus on the interactive shabu shabu experience.
Menu Highlights: While the main draw is the shabu shabu (hot pot), Ginza also offers a respectable sushi menu. Try the “Ginza Roll” (shrimp tempura, avocado, crab, eel sauce) or the “Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice.”
Insider Tip: Shabu shabu is a fun and social dining experience – perfect for a group outing.
Location: 209 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Contact: (801) 746-1333
Popular Dishes: Ginza roll, hot pot shabu shabu, and salmon nigiri.
Highlights: Specializing in shabu shabu and sushi, Ginza offers a unique dining experience with fresh ingredients and friendly service.
7. Ichiban Sushi
Ambiance: Charming and historic, housed in a renovated building with exposed brick and wood beams.
Menu Highlights: Ichiban offers traditional sushi as well as creative fusion rolls. Popular choices include the “Ichiban Roll” (shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, avocado) and the “Rainbow Roll” (assorted fish over a California roll).
Insider Tip: Ichiban has a lovely outdoor patio, perfect for summer dining.
Location: 336 S 400 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact: (801) 532-7522
Popular Dishes: Ichiban roll, rainbow roll, and gyoza.
Highlights: Located in a historic building, Ichiban Sushi blends tradition with innovation in its sushi offerings, providing a memorable dining experience.
8. Shogun Japanese Restaurant
Ambiance: Lively and energetic, with a bustling sushi bar and a full bar.
Menu Highlights: Shogun’s menu is extensive, with everything from classic sushi to bento boxes and noodles. Try the “Shogun Roll” (tempura shrimp, crab, avocado, spicy mayo) or the “Crazy Monkey Roll” (eel, cream cheese, avocado, topped with baked crab and scallops).
Insider Tip: Shogun is a popular spot for late-night dining downtown.
Location: 321 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact: (801) 364-7142
Popular Dishes: Shogun roll, spider roll, and yakitori.
Highlights: A downtown favorite, Shogun is known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive menu, including many sushi and non-sushi options.
9. Simply Sushi
Ambiance: Casual and laid-back, with a focus on quick and affordable sushi.
Menu Highlights: Simply Sushi’s all-you-can-eat option is the star here, but they also offer à la carte options. Popular choices include the “Spicy Salmon Roll” and the “Philly Roll” (salmon, cream cheese, cucumber).
Insider Tip: This is the place to go if you’re craving a lot of sushi without breaking the bank.
Location: 180 W 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Contact: (801) 322-7903
Popular Dishes: All-you-can-eat sushi, spicy salmon roll, and nigiri platter.
Highlights: For those with a big appetite, Simply Sushi offers an all-you-can-eat option that doesn’t compromise on quality.
10. Hanabi Japanese Restaurant
Ambiance: Modern and elegant, with an intimate atmosphere.
Menu Highlights: Hanabi showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients in beautifully presented dishes. Must-tries include the “Hanabi Roll” (spicy tuna, avocado, tempura flakes) and the “Tuna Tataki” (seared tuna with ponzu sauce).
Insider Tip: Hanabi offers a unique tasting menu that changes with the seasons.
Location: 675 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Contact: (801) 883-9789
Popular Dishes: Hanabi roll, tuna tataki, and vegetable tempura.
Highlights: A newer addition to the city’s sushi scene, Hanabi is praised for its fresh ingredients and artistic presentation.
Conclusion
Salt Lake City is home to a remarkable array of sushi restaurants, each offering its unique flavors and dining experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional nigiri, a creative roll, or an all-you-can-eat feast, this list of the best sushi restaurants in Salt Lake City has something for everyone. Enjoy your sushi journey through this vibrant city and discover your new favorite spot.
FAQs
What is the most popular sushi restaurant in Salt Lake City?
Takashi is widely regarded as one of the most popular sushi restaurants in Salt Lake City, known for its high-quality fish and innovative rolls.
Do these sushi restaurants offer vegan options?
Yes, many of these sushi restaurants offer vegan and vegetarian options. Be sure to check the menu or ask your server for recommendations.
Can I make a reservation online for these sushi spots?
Most of these restaurants offer online reservations through their websites or third-party platforms like OpenTable. It’s always a good idea to book in advance, especially for popular spots like Takashi and Kyoto.
Which sushi restaurant in Salt Lake City is best for a date night?
Kyoto Japanese Restaurant and Sapa Sushi Bar and Asian Grill are both excellent choices for a date night, offering a cozy ambiance and delicious food.
Relevant Quote
“People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia Child
Enjoy exploring the sushi scene in Salt Lake City, and may you find your next favorite sushi spot among these top picks!
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