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The 5 Best Sushi Places in Glasgow

The 5 Best Sushi Places in Glasgow

  • Sushi – We reviewed the quality and variety of sushi dishes offered by each sushi place.
  • Restaurant Staff– We also evaluated the responsiveness and attitude of the restaurant staff.
  • Prices – We looked at the prices at each sushi restaurant, highlighting those with quality yet budget-friendly dishes.
  • Ambiance –  We considered the ambiance of each sushi place so that customers can choose the ideal dining setting based on their preferences.

If your chopstick skills are a work in progress but your love for sushi is unwavering, then check out our list of Edinburgh’s finest sushi spots! 

From traditional Japanese eateries to modern fusion establishments, you’ll appreciate the delicate artistry of handcrafted sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. Now, grab your chopsticks and let the sushi feast begin!

1. Kanpai Sushi

Kanpai Sushi's Homepage

Known For: Sushi, Tempura, Teppan, Cocktails, Sake, Beer

Website: http://kanpaisushiedinburgh.co.uk/

Address: 8-10 Grindlay St, Edinburgh EH3 9AS, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 131 228 1602

Operating Hours:

  • Tue-Thurs: 12 PM–2:15 PM, 5 PM–10:15 PM
  • Fri-Sat: 12 PM–2:15 PM, 5 PM–10:30 PM
Google reviews score4.7/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4.5/5
Score consistency4.9/5
Total Reviews4.7/5
Sushi4.5/5
→Quality4/5
→Variety5/5
Restaurant Staff3/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)4/5
Ambiance5/5

Pros

  • Cute Muji-style decor
  • Has a full bar
  • Award-winning restaurant
  • Wide range of maki and nigiri options
  • Has vegetarian sushi options

Cons

  • Closed on Sundays and Mondays
  • Reports of diners being asked to leave prematurely

My first impression upon stepping into Kanpai Sushi is that it’s a little slice of sushi heaven. We thought it was cute as a button with its Muji-style decor and minimalist cherry blossom wall. 

It’s the kind of place that makes you want to raise your glass and say “Kanpai!” – which, by the way, is Japanese for “bottoms up”! And with a full bar at your disposal, you can definitely get creative with those toasts.

But this place isn’t just about aesthetics. It proudly wears the crown of “Best Sushi In The City,” awarded by the Restaurant Guru in 2023, among other awards.

If you love maki or nigiri, we thinkyou’ll appreciate the wide variety of options here. And they’re not shy about throwing in unique twists, such as their Scotch beef ribeye tataki or even their sweet bean curd nigiri for vegetarians.

Since we heard good things about their dragon roll, we decided to try it. We thought it was a flavour explosion of avocado, cucumber, Japanese mayo, tobiko, and tempura king prawn – a true sushi masterpiece!

For a perfect pairing, don’t miss out on their strawberry Tokyo Bellini – a delightful classic Italian cocktail with a Japanese twist. 

While they’ve nailed most things, their prawn roll with cheese was a bit underwhelming. The combined flavours were off, and we didn’t enjoy it at all.

Also, Kanpai is closed on Sundays and Mondays. 

Lastly, a few diners have reported instances of unwarranted rush during their visits, wherein they were asked to leave prematurely. 

2. Harajuku Kitchen

Harajuku Kitchen's Homepage

Known For: Sushi, Tanpin, Tempura, Okozara, Donburi, Karei, Mentsuyu, Udon, Sashimi

Website: https://harajukukitchen.co.uk/

Address: 10 Gillespie Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4HS, United Kingdom

Contact Details:  +44 131 285 8182

Operating Hours:

  • Mon-Sat: 12 PM–3 PM, 5 PM–10:30 PM
  • Sunday: 12 PM–4 PM, 5 PM–9 PM
Google reviews score4.5/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4.5/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews4.6/5
Sushi4.5/5
→Quality5/5
→Variety4/5
Restaurant Staff3/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)4/5
Ambiance5/5

Pros

  • Has a 2nd generation sushi chef
  • Award-winning sushi place
  • Feeds the homeless
  • Eco-conscious

Cons

  • Long wait times
  • Limited delivery times

Nobuo Sasaki, the culinary samurai behind Harajuku Kitchen, is a 2nd generation sushi chef hailing from Chiba, Japan. He’s joined by his partner-in-crime, Kaori Simpson, whose grandfather traded tuna internationally.

This Edinburgh gem is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, boasting recipes treasured across three generations, now with a dash of AA rosette-level flair. They even earned the Golden Chopsticks Awards in 2019 and 2021. 

We tried their sea bass sushi, and we thought it was top-notch. It was quite succulent and fresh, and we didn’t even need soy sauce since we really enjoyed its clean flavours.

We washed it down with a refreshing glass of Seitoku ‘Bessen’ sake. It was a light-bodied gem that went perfectly with our sushi.

We admire their commitment to using only freshest ingredients,sourced from local suppliers. 

Sadly, we heard reports of some patrons who have waited almost an hour for their sushi to grace their tables. While this was not what we experienced, we hope they manage to tamp down their wait times.

Also, they only deliver on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5 PM onwards. 

3.  Kenji Sushi

Kenji Sushi's Homepage

Known For: Sushi, Takoyaki, Ramen, Yakitori, Teriyaki, Tempura, Donburi, Curry, Soda, Tea, Yuzu, Sake, Beer

Website: https://kenjisushi.com/

Address: 24 Deanhaugh St, Edinburgh EH4 1LY, United Kingdom

Contact Details:  +44 131 226 5111

Operating Hours:

  • Mon-Thurs: 4:30 PM–10 PM
  • Friday: 12 PM–3:30 PM, 4:30 PM–10:30 PM
  • Sat-Sun: 1 PM–10:30 PM
Google reviews score4.6/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4.5/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews4.6/5
Sushi5/5
→Quality5/5
→Variety5/5
Restaurant Staff5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)5/5
Ambiance4.5/5

Pros

  • Charming, cosy Japanese-themed place
  • Ingredients come from nearby farmers’ markets
  • Offers gluten-free options and sushi sets
  • 10% off online deliveries
  • Competitively-priced
  • Amiable and accommodating staff

Cons

  • Tiny place; not ideal for large groups
  • Cash-only place

Kenji Sushi transported us to Japan with its gorgeous Japanese lanterns, quaint bamboo blinds, and rustic brick walls. We thought this cosy sushi place would make a perfect spot for a date night.

They’re impressively rooted in the local food scene, sourcing ingredients from nearby farmers’ markets. We commend their sustainable efforts to support the local community.

For those with gluten-free preferences, Kenji’s sushi sets are a boon. The Classic Sushi Set 12pcs for only £13.90 offers an array of perfectly prepared sushi.

We opted to go for their California Roll, and we loved it. With creamy avocado, succulent crab, and a hint of zesty mayo, it’s a balanced, tasteful delight that leaves a pleasant impression.

To complement this dish, we had their Kirin Beer Ichiban. We think its crisp, refreshing flavour would pair well with any sushi.

Unlike other sushi spots, they also offer a generous 10% off for those wise enough to order through their website. You know what we say – every little helps!

And if value is on your mind, Kenji Sushi strikes a chord with its affordability, allowing you to indulge without emptying your pockets.

We found the staff here to be amiable and accommodating, adding to the overall welcoming atmosphere. 

However, do keep in mind that this cosy haven isn’t meant for larger groups – it’s intimate and snug, better suited for close company. 

Additionally, when it’s time to settle the bill, make sure you’re carrying cash as credit cards aren’t on the menu.

4. Yamato

Yamato's Homepage

Known For: Sushi, Tempura, Teppan, Sake, Beer, Wine, Soda

Website: http://www.yamatosushiedinburgh.co.uk/

Address: 11 Lochrin Terrace, Edinburgh EH3 9QJ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 131 466 5964

Operating Hours:

  • Tue-Thurs: 5 PM–10:30 PM
  •  Friday: 12 PM–3 PM, 5 PM–10:30 PM
  • Saturday: 12 PM–3 PM, 5 PM–11 PM
  • Sunday: 12 PM–3 PM, 5 PM–10 PM
Google reviews score4.6/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4.6/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews4.7/5
Sushi5/5
→Quality5/5
→Variety5/5
Restaurant Staff5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)3/5
Ambiance5/5

Pros

  • Hailed as the best Japanese restaurant in Edinburgh
  • Beautiful contemporary design
  • Sister restaurant of Kanpai
  • Known for their Wagyu beef

Cons

  • Closed on Mondays
  • Comparatively smaller portions
  • Steep delivery charges

Next, our insatiable appetite led us to the renowned Yamato, hailed as the best Japanese restaurant in Edinburgh by numerous reviewers. A symphony of light and dark wood, it’s the perfect backdrop for a great dining experience. 

Yamato is actually the sister restaurant of Kanpai, a favourite of ours. That was enough to assure us that we were in for a treat, given the quality we’d experienced at Kanpai.

They’re known for their inventive use of Wagyu beef. Wagyu, the “Japanese Cow,” is a name that resonates with meat connoisseurs worldwide due to its marbling, aroma, and tenderness. 

Their grilled Wagyu gunkan nigiri and grilled Wagyu beef roll were delicious. Each bite was a perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth beef and slightly salty nori.

The meal was capped off by a cold glass of Unkai Soba Shochu, hailing from the Unkai Distillery in the charming town of Gokase in Miyazaki Prefecture. Its smooth, distinctive flavour was a refreshing finale.

Sadly, those looking for a sushi pick-me-up after work on Mondays would be disappointed since they’re closed.

And, while the portions were placed elegantly on the plate, they were comparatively smaller, urging us to savour each bite as if it were a rare gem.

Also, be prepared to shell out a bit more for the convenience of delivery. Some customers mentioned that the delivery fee is almost 40%, which we think is a tad too high.

5. Chizuru Tei

Chizuru Tei's Homepage

Known For: Sushi, Rice, Curry, Noodles, Salad, Tempura, Teppanyaki, Sashimi, Chizuru, Platters

Website: https://www.chizurutei.co.uk/menus

Address: 278 Morrison St, Edinburgh EH3 8DT, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 131 228 1688

Operating Hours:

  • Monday: 12 PM–2:30 PM, 5 PM–10:30 PM
  • Wed-Fri: 12 PM–2:30 PM, 5 PM–10:30 PM
  • Sat-Sun: 12 PM–10:30 PM
Google reviews score4.7/5
Tripadvisor reviews score5/5
Score consistency4.7/5
Total Reviews4.8/5
Sushi4.5/5
→Quality5/5
→Variety4/5
Restaurant Staff5/5
Prices (A higher score means better value)5/5
Ambiance4/5

Pros

  • Accessible and convenient location
  • Clean, well-lit space
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free options

Cons

  • 1.5-hour time limit for dining
  • Limited tables 
  • Cash-only establishment

Chizuru Tei is a delightful Japanese Fusion restaurant nestled in the heart of Edinburgh.

Located a mere 2-minute walk from Haymarket train station, Chizuru Tei’s location is a gift to those who want to indulge without much hassle. 

We entered their clean and well-lit space and were greeted by their incredibly friendly and attentive staff. They were lightning-quick to address any requests, and their warmth added an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal.

One of the first things that caught my attention was their menu that catered to various dietary needs. With vegetarian and gluten-free options available, it was clear that they were invested in making every diner feel welcome and satisfied.

We highly recommend their dragon roll, as well as their tuna and avocado reversed roll. These heavenly sushi bites were expertly prepared and perfectly seasoned.

To complement these dishes, we decided to try the Kimura Ganso Ramune Melon. Its refreshing melon taste refreshed our palates.

Sadly, they have a 1 hour and 30 minutes time limit for their tables, which we felt was a bit off-putting. 

For those seeking an alcoholic touch to their dining experience, you’ll need to go elsewhere since they do not serve alcohol.

The restaurant’s popularity is no secret, and its cosy size means it’s often bustling. Booking in advance is a must to secure your spot in this culinary haven.

And a heads-up for the digital wallet wielders – Chizuru Tei prefers cash, so make sure to have some on hand!

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