10 New Jersey Sushi Bars Fans Recommend First
New Jersey’s sushi scene can feel like hidden currents under a well-worn dock: you know there’s depth, but you don’t see every stroke from shore.
Over years of tastings and sidebar conversations, certain bars emerged in my mental map as must-visits, not flashy tourist meccas, but places where regulars reserve seats, sushi chefs nod when they see your name, and the fish tastes like it just took a swim.
These ten are bars that consistently command loyalty. I offer them to you not as hype, but as trusted guides in a state brimming with options.
1. Sagami, Collingswood
Soft lighting and quiet wood tones draw you into Sagami’s intimate space in Collingswood, where the sushi bar feels suspended between calm and focus.
Opened in 1974, Sagami has long served authentic Japanese cuisine and sushi to the Philadelphia–South Jersey region. Founder Shigeru Fukuyoshi is retiring, passing the restaurant to longtime friend Alan Su, who pledges to maintain tradition.
Reserve early on weekends. I once waited outside the door, watching diners depart with bentos and to-go boxes—and knew immediately I’d return for the charashi bowl.
2. Sushi By Bou, Hoboken
Electric evening light from Hoboken’s streets filters in through floor-to-ceiling windows as you slip into Sushi by Bou’s reservation slots.
The chain emphasizes omakase tasting at small counters, giving diners a guided journey through seasonal fish and nigiri progressions.
A tip: go for the 8- or 12-course omakase. I sat at the bar once and felt the chef’s timing, each course arriving exactly when your palate reset, never rushed nor wasted.
3. Honshu, Jersey City
A glint of mother-of-pearl graces the sushi plates at Honshu, where presentation is understated but deliberate.
This Jersey City spot bets on elevated sushi without pretense: sashimi cuts, nigiri, robata skewers, and a few signature rolls.
I watched a couple whisper over a sharing board. Their delight over a perfect slice of toro spoke louder than any review I’ve read.
4. Nami Nori, Montclair
A hint of yuzu perfume wafted past me as I settled behind the counter at Nami Nori, bright, fresh, and immediate.
This Montclair sushi bar specializes in hand rolls and minimalist sushi that foregrounds ingredient quality: fish, rice, seaweed—all in delicate balance.
Frequent patrons often order “the usual”, a combination of signature hand rolls and sake pours. During my visit, I saw the chef slide over a custom roll mid-service for someone who had walked in.
5. Shumi, Ridgewood
Behind Ridgewood’s quieter streets, Shumi feels tucked away in a soft lull between shops and residences. The welcome is calm.
Shumi offers a range of sushi and Japanese small plates. Reviewers mention a menu that pairs reliable sashimi with occasional creative rolls.
Weekday dinners may offer more space and attention. I visited on a Thursday evening, and between courses a server asked whether the rice texture was just right, a detail that stayed with me.
6. Sushi By Sea, Ridgefield
Tide-like aroma of sea salt mingles with soy sauce at Sushi by Sea, bringing coastal energy into the Ridgefield dining room.
Their menu is broad: nigiri, rolls, chirashi bowls, and seasonal specials. Customer reviews praise freshness and variety.
I sat near the window and watched locals drift in, some ordering standard favorites, others exploring the “chef’s special.” A server recommended the tuna belly one evening to a hesitant diner; they nearly moaned with delight.
7. Nigiri, Jersey City
A quiet flicker of candlelight and the scent of seasoned seaweed greeted me at Nigiri’s counter, as though the space were curated for whispered focus.
Nigiri presents an elevated omakase, sourcing seasonal fish and letting chefs sequence nigiri courses precisely.
The menu emphasizes “omakase reimagined,” with attention to sashimi and chef-driven builds.
8. Kenko Sushi, Lincoln Park
A clean floral arrangement by the entrance tells you Kenko Sushi approaches details with care. The vibe is deliberate, not flashy.
Kenko offers sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese dishes such as udon and tempura. Their nigiri and maki are often praised for consistency in local reviews.
During my visit, I noticed frequent customers nodding to the sushi chef by name. That kind of rapport signals respect, and yes, it makes the food taste deeper.
9. Elite Five Sushi & Grill, Princeton
In Princeton, Elite Five blends sushi bar and grill kitchen: you’ll find both nigiri and cooked Japanese entrees under one roof.
Their menu balances raw selections with hot plates—yakitori, grilled fish, teriyaki, so you can dine with crossover appetites.
I dropped in at lunch and watched a family order sushi for adults, teriyaki for kids. The server kept everything in rhythm so nothing cooled. That kind of flow feels earned.
10. Nobu, Atlantic City
Marble counters echo softly with each sushi placement at Nobu in Atlantic City; the aesthetic is elegant, even by oceanfront casino standards.
Nobu is part of the famed global brand started by Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro; this location brings high-end omakase and signature rolls to the New Jersey shore.
I once visited after an evening show. The miso soup arrived first, then a series of small bites. The wave of umami made the casino lights fade, at least for a moment.