The Raku sashimi platter is the stuff of dreams, they say. Photo: Raku Dining.
If you love sushi, you’ll adore heading to a top-notch sushi spot, for dine-in or takeaway.
Restaurants in Canberra specialising in sushi and other Japanese dishes, use the freshest ingredients. They create plates of perfectly presented sushi that can look like works of art. Other Japanese eateries offer sushi for quick meals and to grab-and-go.
Many say sushi is the most famous dish outside of Japan. It’s important to choose a sushi spot that uses high-quality, fresh produce. It’s also important to choose one that has great variety.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a sushi spot, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great sushi spot?
Choosing the right sushi spot guarantees quality and variety. A huge range of sushi is available, so have fun and experiment.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a place to dine on sushi.
- Quality. You’ll want sushi only made with fresh, quality ingredients. That includes sushi rice, fish, nori (dried edible seaweed) and vegetables.
- Variety. Experimenting with sushi is fun, so choose a spot with great variety. This includes the most popular types of sushi but also unique sushi styles.
- Service. Whether you’re whipping into a sushi spot for takeaway or relaxing while dining in, you’ll want a sharp focus on customer service.
- Temperature. You’ll want your sushi rice to be at the right temperature. If it’s too cold, flavours are affected. The rice needs to be sticky enough that it doesn’t fall apart as you bring it to your mouth.
- Visual appeal. Japanese food is renowned for looking beautiful and tasting beautiful. You eat with our eyes first, so choose sushi that’s masterfully made and has strong visual appeal.
The best sushi in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Rice & Nori
Rice & Nori offers many types of unique sushi rolls, created by its dedicated sushi team. The menu is based on the Japanese philosophy of using the freshest possible ingredients. Customers can also make their own sushi rolls by choosing up to three fillings and then watching the chefs create.
On Google, Emma Potter wrote, “Really love the sushi. It’s so much better than other take away sushi places in Canberra … Highly recommend their signature maki!”
Okami Japanese Restaurant
Okami Japanese Restaurant, with locations in Mawson and Braddon, offers all-you-can-eat Japanese. Sushi roll platters, Sushi Nigiri Platters and Sushi and Sashimi Platters are on the menu. Okami Japanese Restaurant offers fresh salmon, tuna and more. A wide range of other traditional and modern Japanese dishes are also available.
On Google, Drew Cooper wrote, “The food is fresh and tastes great. Heaps to choose from … the service is great, and staff are more than happy to help you …”
Sushi Fresh
As its name implies, Sushi Fresh specialises in super fresh sushi. Its wide range includes sushi with avocado, salmon, chicken and other quality ingredients. Rolls are made daily and Sushi Fresh has delicious and elegant platters available for functions. Make sure to try Sushi Fresh’s famous Tiger rolls.
Imogen Henshaw wrote on Google, “The most amazing sushi I have ever had! 11/10. Would recommend.”
Raku
Raku Japanese Restaurant is a modern sushi bar with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Dishes are designed to be shared. A wide range of sushi is on offer, including with tuna, salmon, kingfish, prawn and octopus. A gluten-free menu and impressive drinks’ list are available.
Tyler Davis wrote on Google, “Absolutely fabulous … The Royal Tasting menu hit it out of the park, and getting to sit at the counter and watch the chefs work was a nice treat as well.”
If you’re looking for more information on Japanese cuisine or other hot places to dine in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best Japanese restaurants, best Chinese restaurants, best restaurants, and best cafes for breakfast Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with sushi in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sushi?
Sushi is a Japanese style of food that uses raw or cooked fish and vegetables. It’s often combined with cold sushi rice that’s been seasoned with vinegar. Ingredients are rolled in nori (dried edible seaweed). Sushi can come with pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce on the side.
What types of sushi rolls are available?
Many types of sushi rolls are available, including the popular California roll (often made with crab, cucumber and avocado). Rolls are also made with spicy salmon, spicy tuna and more.
How much does sushi cost?
The cost varies on the type of sushi and the ingredients. Some fish is more expensive than others, for example.
Is sushi good for weight loss?
The calorie count in sushi depends on the ingredients. Some sushi has high-fat sauces, for example, which increases calorie content. If you’re trying to lose weight, you might not want to be eating large amounts of sushi regularly.
What’s the difference between sushi and sashimi?
Sashimi is thinly sliced raw seafood. It’s not made with rice like sushi is. The addition of rice means sushi has more calories and carbs.
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