From LA To NYC: 12 Sushi Spots Across America Worth The Trip
Sushi lovers know the journey is half the fun, especially when the destination serves up perfect cuts, expert rolls, and flavors that transport you straight to Tokyo.
From LA’s sleek counters to NYC’s tucked-away gems, the country is sprinkled with sushi spots that take their craft seriously.
Whether it’s fresh-from-the-sea simplicity or wildly creative twists, these places make each bite unforgettable. If you’re ready to chase great sushi coast to coast, your taste buds are in for a ride.
1. Sushi Zo — Los Angeles
Hidden in a nondescript strip mall, Sushi Zo delivers one of LA’s most spectacular omakase experiences without the pretentious atmosphere.
Chef Keizo Seki’s laser-focused attention to detail manifests in perfectly warmed rice and meticulously aged fish.
First-timers often gasp at the melt-in-your-mouth otoro (fatty tuna belly) that needs no soy sauce—it’s already perfectly seasoned.
Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, but persistent sushi lovers are rewarded with an unforgettable 20+ course journey.
2. Sōgo Roll Bar — Los Angeles (Highland Park)
Punk rock meets precision at this Highland Park gem where Chef Kiminobu Saito breaks all the rules while honoring tradition.
Vintage vinyl spins in the background as diners devour handrolls delivered one by one, eaten immediately while the nori remains perfectly crisp.
Unlike stuffy sushi temples, Sōgo welcomes newcomers with open arms and zero judgment.
Their signature truffle-infused handroll—a scandalous creation that would make purists clutch their pearls—has developed a cult following among LA’s food obsessives who don’t mind waiting hours for a seat.
3. Sugarfish — Los Angeles
Celebrity chef Kazunori Nozawa revolutionized LA’s sushi scene with his “Trust Me” menus that take decision-making out of the equation.
The genius lies in simplicity—warm rice, minimal ingredients, and fish that speaks for itself. Forget the rainbow rolls and spicy mayo; Sugarfish strips away the unnecessary.
Their albacore sushi, brushed with a whisper of ponzu and sprinkled with warm rice underneath, creates a temperature contrast that awakens every taste bud.
With multiple locations throughout the city, Sugarfish makes exceptional sushi accessible without sacrificing quality.
4. Kusakabe — San Francisco
Tucked away in San Francisco’s Financial District, Chef Mitsunori Kusakabe crafts an omakase experience that feels like teleporting to Kyoto.
A Michelin star winner and former Sushi Ran chef, Kusakabe infuses Kaiseki traditions with sushi mastery.
What sets this place apart? The meticulous preparation of house-fermented ingredients and the signature seared barracuda with its caramelized exterior and buttery interior.
Even the sake pairing program deserves its own love letter—each selection harmonizes perfectly with specific courses, elevating both the drink and the dish.
5. Shiro’s — Seattle
A Seattle institution since 1994, Shiro’s pioneered Edomae-style sushi in the Pacific Northwest long before the current craze.
The restaurant’s proximity to Pike Place Market means chefs have first pick of the morning’s catch—sometimes arriving at your plate mere hours after leaving the water.
Seattle’s seafood bounty shines in their geoduck nigiri and local spot prawns that taste like the purest distillation of the Pacific.
While founder Shiro Kashiba has moved on, his legacy continues through chefs trained in his exacting techniques. Pro tip: snag a counter seat for the full interactive experience.
6. Sushi Den — Denver
Brothers Toshi and Yasu Kizaki cracked the seemingly impossible code: delivering ocean-fresh fish to landlocked Colorado daily.
Their secret weapon? A third brother who personally selects fish from Tokyo’s Nagahama market each morning.
Mountain dwellers no longer need to suffer subpar sushi thanks to this 35-year Denver institution.
The Den’s famous “Show Me” omakase features rare Japanese specimens alongside unexpected local touches like Colorado Wagyu beef nigiri.
Even more impressive is how they’ve trained generations of sushi chefs, elevating Denver’s entire Japanese food scene.
7. Omakase Yume — Chicago
Chef Sangtae Park works magic in a tiny eight-seat sanctuary that feels worlds away from Chicago’s bustling West Loop.
The intimate setting lets you watch every knife cut and torch sear up close as Park crafts a 16-course symphony of seasonal fish.
Unlike showier establishments, Yume’s charm lies in its understated perfection.
The tamago (sweet egg omelet)—often considered the true test of a sushi chef’s skill—arrives as the finale and brings regular customers to tears with its custardy perfection.
8. Uchi — Dallas
Texas and sushi might seem like odd bedfellows until you experience Chef Tyson Cole’s revolutionary approach at Uchi.
This Austin-born phenomenon expanded to Dallas, bringing its signature Texas-meets-Tokyo philosophy to eager North Texans.
Cole’s James Beard Award-winning talents shine in creations like hama chili (yellowtail, ponzu, Thai chili) and hot rock wagyu that sizzles tableside.
The daily “Sake Social” (happy hour) offers the budget-conscious a taste of luxury without the splurge. Uchi proves definitively that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully—even deep in the heart of Texas.
9. Umi — Atlanta
Atlanta’s power brokers and celebrities flock to this Buckhead showstopper where Chef Fuyuhiko Ito blends Tokyo training with Southern hospitality. The dress code and dramatic interior set expectations high—and the fish quality exceeds them.
Beyond impeccable nigiri, Umi’s cooked dishes deserve equal acclaim. The black cod misoyaki caramelizes perfectly after three days of marination.
Regulars know to request off-menu treats like the “Lobster Box”—a stunning presentation of seafood nestled in a wooden treasure chest. Just don’t expect to spot any California rolls on this menu.
10. Pubbelly Sushi — Miami Beach
Miami’s sizzling Latin-Asian fusion scene finds its perfect expression at Pubbelly, where Japanese techniques meet Puerto Rican flair.
Chef José Mendín’s irreverent creations like the “Butter Krab Roll” topped with clarified butter have spawned multiple locations across South Florida.
The outdoor seating area buzzes with energy as beautiful people devour tostones with spicy tuna and bigeye tuna ceviche spiked with ají amarillo.
While purists might raise eyebrows, nobody can deny the sheer deliciousness of Mendín’s rule-breaking approach. Their late-night hours make this a favorite post-club refueling station.
11. Sushi Taro — Washington, DC
Politicians and diplomats have brokered deals over Sushi Taro’s legendary kaiseki menu since 1986.
This Michelin-starred institution near Dupont Circle offers three distinct experiences: a casual à la carte menu, an elevated omakase, and the ultra-exclusive kaiseki room.
The sake selection rivals any in America, with rare bottles sourced directly from small Japanese breweries.
Their monkfish liver—buttery, complex, and served with perfect ponzu gelée—converts even the most hesitant offal skeptics.
During cherry blossom season, scoring a reservation becomes a feat requiring political connections or months of planning.
12. Sushi Nakazawa — New York City
Fame found Chef Daisuke Nakazawa through the documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” where he appeared as the apprentice struggling to perfect tamagoyaki.
Now helming his own West Village temple to sushi, Nakazawa serves a 20-course omakase that showcases how far he’s come.
The stark white interior keeps focus where it belongs—on technicolor fish sourced globally but prepared with strictly Tokyo sensibilities.
His signature sea urchin, served with a whisper of salt and yuzu, tastes like diving into the ocean itself.
Watching Nakazawa’s playful personality behind the counter adds unexpected warmth to what could otherwise feel like a reverential museum experience.