Ah, sushi—the way to a true foodie’s heart. But what if you’re looking for the best sushi in Salt Lake City? You might be thinking great sushi would be hard to come by in such a landlocked city, and while we completely understand this assumption, we can’t wait to prove you wrong.
Salt Lake City has some phenomenal restaurants that serve incredibly fresh and delicious sushi because that’s just how they roll (get it?). Without further ado, let’s dive into our guide to the best sushi in Salt Lake City. The sooner we’re done, the sooner you can go enjoy some!
10. Tsunami Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Tsunami serves some of the best sushi in Salt Lake City and it’s clear everyone else agrees because we’ve never been here when it’s not packed. One of the things we love most about this popular Japanese restaurant is their not-so-secret “secret menu”. On this menu you’ll find one of our favorite rolls at Tsunami, the Regal Roll, filled with tempura shrimp, asparagus, and avocado, then topped with hamachi, lemon slices, scallions, as well as garlic ponzu, sweet soy reduction, and habanero sauce. It’s pure deliciousness. Another roll we’re fond of, this time from the house menu, is the Jenny Roll, filled with crab and avocado, then topped with fresh salmon, paper-thin lemon slices, and ponzu sauce. Tsunami has sushi that is well worth your time for its flavor, uniqueness, and quality.
Tsunami Restaurant & Sushi Bar
9. Itto Sushi
Itto Sushi is a low-key spot that serves up creative, reliable sushi in a cozy, friendly environment. We highly recommend our favorite roll, the Lion King, that’s filled with tempura shrimp, jalapeño, cilantro, and tuna, then topped with spicy crab, lime slices, mango, and eel sauce. The spicy jalapeño complements the sweet mango in an unbelievably mouthwatering way. We also recommend the Sushi Vampire—shrimp tempura, cucumber, and avocado topped with baked baby lobster tail (spicy!) and eel sauce—if you’re looking for a sushi roll with even more of a kick. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, we can’t recommend the Romeo and Juliet Roll enough. This interesting little roll features coconut shrimp, cream cheese, and crab topped with ebi, mango, avocado, mango sauce, and eel sauce. It has an incredible coconutty flavor that will leave you wondering why you don’t always eat dessert for dinner. Itto Sushi is perfect for a last-minute night on the town or really anytime you’re craving some of the best sushi in Salt Lake City!
Itto Sushi
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8. Kyoto Japanese Restaurant
Kyoto is an authentic Japanese hideaway and a Salt Lake City institution that has been winning the hearts of sushi lovers since 1984. Because we’re all about #GirlPower and great food, we’re absolutely obsessed with Kyoto’s Pink Power Roll. Filled with shrimp tempura, cucumber, asparagus, avocado, and spicy mayo, this roll is wrapped in pink tofu paper for an extra delicious (and cute) touch. We also recommend their X96 Roll, named after a well-known local radio station, and tempura fried with albacore, crab, yamagobo, marinated onions, and topped with wasabi dressing, sriracha, and green onions. Kyoto definitely knows what they’re doing with their tempura—it’s not too thick and has the perfect crunch. If you’re a fan of tempura or just great sushi in general, snag a reservation at Kyoto and indulge in some of the best sushi in Salt Lake City.
Kyoto Japanese Restaurant
7. Sushi Groove
Sushi Groove in Salt Lake City puts a groovy spin on traditional Japanese cuisine and we are here for it! This place is always packed and the rolls are always fresh, flavorful, and funky in the best way. We recommend polishing off two of their most popular rolls if you’re new here. First, the Groovalicious—shrimp tempura, strawberry, and cream cheese topped with crab, marlin, avocado, seared tuna, mango, and eel sauce. This roll is as innovative and as it is delicious, with the sweet flavors of mango and strawberry pairing like a match made in sushi heaven. Second, the Coco Loco—coconut shrimp and avocado topped with spicy tuna, mango, albacore, cilantro, and roasted serrano ponzu. We can’t get enough of this roll’s classic shrimp tempura texture mixed with its coconutty plot twist. Sushi Groove is a great hidden gem with modern, unique rolls and a fun environment to match. This is no doubt some of the best sushi in Salt Lake City.
Sushi Groove
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6. Fat Fish
Fat Fish is a lesser-known sushi spot that opened its doors in 2013 but has quickly established itself as an authority in dishing out some of the best sushi in Salt Lake City. For classic rolls with a Vietnamese twist, grab your favorite dining partners and get to Fat Fish ASAP. Every single roll here is thoughtful, balanced, and so dang delicious. If you’re going to make us pick favorites, we will, but we won’t do it willingly. In no particular order, our favorite rolls from Fat Fish are 1. The Albacore Garlic Roll made with crab, albacore, fried garlic, avocado, and cucumber. 2. The Dragonfly Roll made with salmon, tempura shrimp, spicy crab, jalapeño, lime, and avocado. 3. The Devil Roll made with crab, tempura shrimp, salmon, avocado, and cucumber. Seriously though, go with a group and order A LOT of sushi so you can try more than these three rolls. We promise you won’t regret it.
Fat Fish
5. Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin is the newest contender (est. 2018) included in our guide to the best sushi in Salt Lake City, and we couldn’t be happier they made their home in the Beehive State. With a variety of plates and rolls on their menu, Blue Marlin aims to focus on sustainability, local and healthy ingredients, and a blend of New American and traditional Japanese cuisines. We recommend starting with the Maguro Zuke, which features tuna marinated in a smokey soy sauce, seared lightly and cubed, served with jalapeño garlic chips, or the Brussels for brussels sprouts that are flash-fried and tossed in truffle oils and salt, then served with yuzu sauce. For sushi, we adore the Brooklynn Roll and the Shinano Roll and know you will too. Blue Marlin takes their sushi seriously, and we really appreciate it. Run, don’t walk!
Blue Marlin
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4. Sapa Sushi Bar & Asian Grill
Sapa Sushi doesn’t necessarily serve the most traditional sushi in Salt Lake City, but they still serve some of the best. A sushi bar and Asian grill with Vietnamese and Thai influences, this downtown restaurant serves everything from Thai noodle dishes to a wide variety of sushi rolls. Be sure to try the UFO, Lowrider Roll (off the menu and spicy), or the Maui Wowie. Low priced and eclectic, Sapa Sushi is a great lunch or dinner spot for friends who are adventurous and willing to try something different!
Sapa
3. Kobe Japanese Cuisine
We love Kobe, an inconspicuous sushi sanctuary at the bottom of Millcreek Canyon, because they are consistent. A visit to Kobe always guarantees a good time and even better sushi. Whatever you do, make sure the Duke Roll hits your table. It’s made up of salmon, yellowtail, and green onion topped with seared tuna, scallions, spicy aioli, and eel sauce, and it’s amaaazing. A perfect mix of crunch and chew. It’s the roll that we first fell in love with and it’s the one that keeps us coming back. We’re also big fans of Kobe’s Sunshine Roll, which is a little bigger than your typical sushi roll, but don’t let that scare you. This roll is filled with tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, and an assortment of veggies and spicy sauces that are unbelievably fresh and flavorful. The next time you’re cruising down 2-15, take a detour and get yourself some of the best sushi in Salt Lake City!
Kobe Japanese Cuisine
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2. Chopfuku Sushi Bar & Asian Cuisine
The sushi at Chopfuku is so good, it’s otherworldly. While you peruse the menu for rolls, order some apps to start. One standout from the starter menu is the melt-in-your-mouth Cajun Salmon which features fresh, seared salmon topped with tobiko, daikon, carrots, and is served with spicy ponzu sauce.When you’re ready to dig in, take the chef’s recommendation and order the one-of-a-kind UK Roll. This bad boy is filled with deep-fried bacon (yes, bacon!), snow crab, and avocado, then topped with tuna, salmon, white fish, jalapeño, tobiko, lemon, spicy mayo, and eel sauce. For the more adventurous sushi aficionados, we recommend the Best in the Box Roll, which is a surprise roll that is smoked and revealed at your table. So much fun! Chopfuku is a great spot for a lunch or dinner date, an evening out with family, or a quick solo meal at the bar. We love their creativity and are so thrilled to include them in our guide to the best sushi in Salt Lake City.
Chopfuku Sushi Bar & Asian Cuisine
1. Takashi
Takashi is the best sushi in Salt Lake City, no contest. It’s no wonder this place is packed from open to close every. single. day. But braving the crowd is absolutely worth it to dine at Takashi because dining here means you get to experience nirvana in roll form. The calamari, gyoza (steamed, not fried!) and miso soup for starters will definitely impress, but the nigiri sampler, Crunch Ebi Roll, and Sunshine Roll will completely blow you away. If you happen to have room for dessert (isn’t there always room for dessert?), make sure to order their house-made panna cotta. Takashi offers a delicious, vibrant, exciting dining experience and should be at the top of your SLC sushi bucket list, just as it’s at the top of ours.
Katie Wanders
Takeshita and naked fish 100 percent! I could live without Sapa I thought nothing special. Thanks for sharing!
Brooke
Takeshita?! New nickname (thanks!). Appreciate the feedback and thanks for stopping by 🙂
Demarie
So excited to try some of these! We have gone to a few of them and completely agree. I would love to know more recommendations at sushi time in regards to their sushi rolls. Thanks! Love your posts 🙂
Brooke
Thanks Demarie! At Sushi Time I usually order a sunshine (or is it sunset- roll with salmon and lemon) roll and then usually let the chef choose the rest! He is really creative and I love seeing what he comes up with! Thanks for the love and support. 🙂
Kari
I guess you’ve never been to Rice Basil? Try it out and ask for Soy. Believe me, you won’t be disappointed!
Brooke
Thanks for the recommendation Kari!
Trisha
I was surprised to see Sushi Time on your list- I live within walking distance of that one but the strip mall ones are always a bit fishy (forgive the pun!).
I will have to get over there soon to try it. Thank you!
Brooke
It’s the best!!! Nothing fancy, but delicious well prepared sushi. You’re welcome- thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Caitlin
Tsunami is number one for me! Even when I go out of state, tsunami always wins! Try the cucumber salad, their famous ribs, the executive roll and the Don Juan if you like tempura fried. Seriously though you can’t go wrong with any of their rolls.
Brooke
Hi Caitlin! Sounds great- thanks for your recommendations. Your suggestions sound delicious!
Sunny Elangovan
Yes!! Tsunami is hands down the best! Go with the Don Juan and the sunshine. The sunshine roll is wrapped in soy paper and has tempura shrimp, asparagus, and I believe cucumber, it’s amazing!
And the Don Juan literally melts in your mouth with the cream cheese, tuna, incumbent, avocado, and it being tempura fried.
Charles Kemp
I didn’t know that there were so many different kinds of sushi places around. It would be really nice to have fresh sushi wherever you go. One thing I think is key is the freshness of the seafood. You want to make sure that it isn’t frozen but fresh.
Stacia
I know this is an older post but I got an email with the link yesterday and I am a new subscriber so I have been looking through all of your lists! I definitely agree with all of these, but my husband and I constantly crave the dbd roll (off the menu, South Jordan location) at Tsunami! It is soooo delicious! Paired with the Negima appetizer (steak wrapped around asparagus and drizzled in a sauce with mushrooms I could drink), and as mentioned above the baby back ribs are to die for!!
Brooke Eliason
Hi Stacia! Thanks so much for the thoughtful comment. Love the suggestion- I am always looking for new places! Sounds DELICIOUS! 🙂
Ariuka
Have you heard place called soy’s sushi bar and grill.
It’s barely opened. Check it out
Brooke Eliason
Hi Ariuka! I have not been to soy’s yet- thanks for the heads up. I’ll for sure have to check it out soon! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
MelissA
I can’t wait to try some new places but I would definitely add Happy Sumo to the list!
Megan
I was so surprised you didn’t mention the kamikaze roll from Fat Fish! That is THE best, and you have to make sure they haven’t run out of kamikaze sauce before you go otherwise you’re out of luck. Otherwise Tsunami is our fave every single time. I was excited to see Chopfuku at the top of your list because I just heard about this place and it looks amazing! Thanks for all your awesome lists, it’s my food bible!
Brooke Eliason
Thanks for reading Megan! So many sushi rolls- so little time!
Lawrence Solis
As usual, great post Brooke. Glad to see you giving Kobe some love, my favorite place in the SLC!
Brooke Eliason
Thanks so much Lawrence! We love Kobe too- great sushi. 🙂
Katie
Ahhh this is killing me! Can’t wait to be back in SLC and try all of these!
John
We tried Tsunami tonight on your recommendations, and we thought it was great. Sat at the sushi bar and loved it!
Brooke Eliason
Thanks so much John!