Where to Get Sushi in New Orleans
Sushi, as we know it today, was considered to be a street food
in the 1800s. Before that, sushi had been around for hundreds of years in parts
of Asia as a fish preservation technique that today is called
narezushi. Eating fish and rice is an ancient delicacy, and it is enjoyed by
more people today than ever before. Luckily, New Orleans has so many Japanese restaurants
serving sushi that you can always find some no matter what part of town you're
in.
Though there are a ton of restaurants for sushi in New Orleans, the following eateries are serving the best, the freshest, and the most innovative rolls. You should definitely have some sake to go with your sushi!
1. Mikimoto
3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881
mikimotosushi.com
Despite its small dining room, Mikimoto consistently ranks among NOLA's top restaurants for Japanese food. While their sushi and sashimi are the stars of the show, Mikimoto's menu impresses across the board, from appetizers and soups to rice dishes and desserts and have been in service since 1999.
The Crescent City Roll contains snow crab, spicy crawfish, and tempura batter. For vegetarians, the Vegetable Roll offers cucumber, asparagus, carrot, and avocado. These additions showcase Mikimoto's innovative approach to sushi, combining local ingredients with traditional Japanese techniques.
2. Yakuza House
2740 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 345-2031
yakuzahouse.com
Yakuza House has built itself a reputation as being one of the best sushi spots in all of Greater New Orleans. Under the guidance of Chef Huy who has collaborated with local Shogun sushi chefs, the restaurant offers a unique "NOLA Omakase" experience that blends local ingredients with Japanese culinary artistry.
Their menu features an array of nigiri, sashimi, and temaki sets. For the true connoisseur, try the Omakase, aptly named the "Feed Me" experience. This 12-course journey of small plates, meticulously curated by Chef Huy, showcases the pinnacle of the restaurant's culinary prowess.
3. Tsunami
601 Poydras St., (504) 608-3474
neworleans.servingsushi.com
Tsunami Sushi is an award-winning restaurant. Its location in the heart of the CBD makes it a popular stop for lunch for workers in the area. Some of the signature rolls take a little longer to prepare because they are truly works of art. The Black & Gold roll is a stunning blend of crunchy shrimp, kani, spicy mayo, crawfish, and scallions with a sunburst of Tsunami and tsurai sauces.
The specialty dishes are also quite a sight to behold. The Sunflower is a dish made with sashimi slices of seared tuna drizzled in spicy ponzu sauce with tobiko, masago, scallions, and a quail egg, which is arranged to resemble, you guessed it, a sunflower!
4. Rock-n-Sake
Multiple Locations
facebook.com/rocknsakenola, rocknsake.com
Rock-n-Sake, a New Orleans sushi staple, now operates at two independent locations. The original at 823 Fulton St., established in 1998, remains under founders Tanya Hailey and Duke Nelson's ownership. The Metairie location at 2913 Metairie Rd. was sold a few years ago. Both continue to serve quality sushi with their own unique flair, despite the separation.
The Purple Ninja Roll is a standout new addition to the menu. It features a delightful combination of tuna, salmon, snow crab, avocado, cucumbers, tomato, and purple pickled onions. The roll is finished with smoked sea salt and served with a ginger-infused soy sauce. This roll is available at the Metairie location, where you can enjoy it on their charming patio.
5. Kyoto II
5608 Citrus Blvd., (504) 818-0228
facebook.com/Kyoto2Nola
This wonderful restaurant is tucked into a strip mall in Elmwood, and it has amazing, authentic Japanese food that is hard to find elsewhere. The regulars love the lunch specials because they are great deals. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., you can select from a wide variety of specials at low prices.
For dinner, check out the Chef's Creations. Their sushi's use fresh seafood and local ingredients, meaning you'll be having some great tasting and refreshing sushi to enjoy.
6. Sakura Sushi & Hibachi
2112 Belle Chasse Hwy. Ste. 5, Gretna, (504) 354-9666
sakurasushihibachionline.com
If you're looking for some great sushi while on the Westbank, then head over to Gretna and make a stop at Sakura Sushi & Hibachi. The restaurant specializes in a number Japanese classics such as hibachi, bento boxes, udon and soba noodles, and much more.
Their sushi menu is extensive and contains creative rolls such as the Cowboy Roll with angus filet mignon and the Hawaii Roll with mango. If you're feeling extra fancy, consider ordering the Lobster Roll, which is made with lobster tempura, snow crab, and avocado.
7. Sake Café
Multiple Locations
sakecafeuptownla.com
Sake Café has multiple locations across Orleans Parish and Jefferson Parish, giving you plenty of opportunities to try them out. No matter which location you decide to go to, you're bound to find all kinds of delicious sushi to enjoy.
Come for their full bar and neighborhood setting, and stay for quality sushi such as the Flaming Volcano Roll, the Rising Sun Roll, and the Marilyn Monroe Roll. You can also order different appetizers from their sushi bar.
8. Asuka Sushi & Hibachi
4600 Washington Ave., (504) 862-5555
asukaneworleans.com
Asuka has a huge menu of sushi rolls ranging from traditional to creative to fried and delicious. Maybe you're in the mood for something lighter like the Crazy Roll which is tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, avocado, and masago in a soybean paper wrap.
Or perhaps you'd like something more satisfying? The Asuka Roll is lightly fried with snow crab, crawfish, avocado, and cream cheese with spicy mayo and eel sauce. The Louisiana Roll is tempura shrimp, snow crab, crawfish, avocado, and cream cheese fried then topped with spicy mayo, cream sauce, eel sauce, and scallion.
9. Hangout Ramen
1340 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 571-5024
hangoutramenla.com
Nestled in the heart of Uptown, Hangout Ramen has quickly become a favorite among sushi enthusiasts and ramen lovers alike. This cozy spot offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. While ramen is their namesake, their sushi menu has earned them a well-deserved spot in the top 10 sushi restaurants in the city.
Some of their signature rolls include the Sexiest Man Roll, the Fried Carrollton Roll, and the Salmon Lover Roll. For those looking to venture beyond sushi, the Tonkotsu ramen stands out as the most recommended dish according to locals.
10. Royal Sushi
1913 Royal St., (504) 827-1900
royalsushinola.com
Royal Sushi remains a favorite for tourists and locals alike. Their menu carries many options, from traditional sushi like the Crawfish Roll to chef specialties like the Royal Roll with spicy tuna, snow crab, and asparagus wrapped with soy paper and topped with salmon and tuna.
If you're feeling something different the Squid Steak appetizer is an excellent choice for those wanting to try pan-fried squid that is sauteed with a house-made teriyaki sauce.
The Best Sushi in New Orleans
You can certainly visit tons of restaurants to get your
favorite classic roll, but the signature rolls at these restaurants are just too wonderful to
pass up. Maybe you can find a roll that's based on your usual but with even
more amazing inclusions. What's your go-to roll?
Did we miss the best sushi restaurant in New Orleans? Let us know where
it is!
