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11 Best Sushi Spots in Sacramento

Searching for the perfect sushi restaurant in Sacramento can be a daunting task, but we’ve got you covered with our carefully curated list of favorite spots.

sushi restaurants in sacramento prepares sushi rolls

Whether you’re a sushi connoisseur or merely curious, Sacramento offers a diverse selection of sushi restaurants to suit every taste and budget.

We understand that selecting a sushi restaurant can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you navigate through Sacramento’s sushi scene with ease, providing you with all the information you need to make a well-informed decision.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight each of our favorite sushi restaurants, detailing their specialties, ambiance, and overall dining experience.

Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to grab some sushi on-the-go or a more upscale restaurant for a special occasion, we’ve gathered the best sushi restaurants that Sacramento has to offer.

So, put on your chopsticks and get ready to discover our favorite sushi restaurants in Sacramento. Get ready to indulge in fresh and flavorful sushi and sashimi, all while enjoying the unique ambiance of the city’s best sushi spots.


Kru | Contemporary Japanese Cuisine

3135 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: 916-551-1559
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I recommend getting a reservation for Kru as soon as possible. The menu may be contemporary, but its offerings are far from casual dining.

Kru stands out as a unique take on sushi and other Japanese cuisines.

Head Chef Billy Ngo’s origins in a Hong Kong refugee camp inform his relationship to cuisine.

Chef Ngo has been featured in multiple Food Network programs, including “Chopped,” “Cutthroat Kitchen,” and “Glutton for Punishment.”

The menu at Kru changes daily. Wherever possible at Kru, I recommend putting the fate of your meal in the chefs’ hands.

My personal favorite is the Chef’s Choice Sashimi Mix.

The kitchen’s ability to select and highlight the freshest possible ingredients shone through in this seemingly simple dish.


Azukar Sushi

1516 W El Camino Ave, Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: 916-504-1121
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Azukar Sushi offers a unique style of eating experience here in Sacramento.

At Akuzar, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat sushi experience, but this is no mere sushi buffet.

For a flat rate, you can order endless custom-crafted sushi rolls. Akuzar features more than forty varieties of sushi, all available under this special value experience.

Standouts include the nominal Azukar Roll, a deep-fried roll of tuna maki and crab salad, drizzled with spicy sauce, and their crunchy California Roll, a deep-fried take on a classic.

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While their website allows for online orders, I highly recommend eating in person.

I like to fill up on delicious sushi at a great price, then wander the River Gardens and Zen Garden a block away.

Discovery Park is also just across the street, another fantastic option for those looking to stretch their legs after a big meal.


Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Multiple locations
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Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar shines as an eatery of all styles of Japanese cuisine.

Beyond the standard fare of a similar restaurant, they offer a wide selection of donburi.

Their chirashi don stands out as a chef’s choice of proteins over sushi rice.

Other don options include inagi, salmon, and tuna.

Saba and maguro nigiri make for delightful add-ons to entries like the hand-rolled sushi rolls or a donburi.

Freshness is tantamount at Mikuni, with beautiful sashimi selections that I can’t get enough of.

The atmosphere is upscale but not intimidating and features stunning lighting.


Akebono

4960 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822
Phone: 916-731-8288
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Akebono may seem like a more humble offering compared to other entries in this list, but its cuisine is anything but ordinary.

My experience at Akebono blew me away as their dedication to quality ingredients and preparation ensured that they offered some of the best sushi in Sacramento.

Among the stars on the Akebono menu are the nominal Akebono roll and the Pink Lady Roll.

The Akebono roll features tuna, avocado, shiso, white fish, and a garnish of green onion, ponzu, and red sauce.

The Pink Lady looks the part, snow crab lending her the name.

Scallop, shrimp tempura, and snow crab make up this delightful roll that made me determined to return to Akebono as soon as possible.


Bento Box

Multiple locations
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In the heart of Midtown, beside the Peace Rose Garden, nestles an eatery that serves a wide array of delicious meals.

Their titular bento boxes have brought me many workdays of joy, as they make the perfect lunches.

Their specialty rolls and nigiri are solid, delicious offerings at fantastic prices.

While bento is absolutely where this eatery shines, they are also incredible sushi chefs.

Bento Box also offers plenty of vegetarian options and tasty kid-friendly meals.

To top off their phenomenal savory selection, the restaurant makes a Deep-Fried New York Cheesecake that’s unforgettable.

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Osaka Sushi

1200 K St #7, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-440-0178
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Osaka Sushi shines at sashimi. All the fish is exceptionally fresh and packed with flavor.

The unagi sushi I had there was also one of the best unagi dishes I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying.

The proximity to the California State Capitol Museum and the California State Capitol Park makes Osaka Sushi the perfect place to stop after a short hike or educational tour.

The atmosphere is laid back, making Osaka Sushi the perfect place for a casual lunch with friends or family.

If you’re tired after a long day of exploring the area, the restaurant also has the option to order online.


Sushi Cafe

Multiple locations
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Though the name “Sushi Cafe” may not belay any indication of novelty, this eatery has a specialty up its sleeve.

My favorite dish is their sushi boats, ideal for group gatherings.

Pizzas are overdone for movie night, so now my friends and I order a sushi boat heavy laden with the most delicious assortment of toppings.

For party planners in Sacramento, I cannot recommend a sushi boat enough.

Numbering from 48 to 89 pieces, there’s no better way to get high-quality sushi for a great value in the Sacramento area.


SouthPaw Sushi

1616 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: 916-550-2600
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SouthPaw Sushi has been praised by the press for its vegan options and inventive, flavorful dishes.

With one glance at their menu, it’s easy to see why this joint makes my list as one of the best sushi places in Sacramento.

According to their website, their menu changes daily.

However, one of their long-standing appetizer items has been the elusive “Secret Shrimp or Tofu.”

This delightful dish features panko-crusted tofu or prawns that get tossed in a rich, tangy garlic sauce.

The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the deep-fried crunch.


Ju Hachi Japanese Cuisine

1730 S St, Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: 916-448-3481
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One of my personal favorites at Ju Hachi Japanese Cuisine isn’t their sushi, but rather their Butter Corn Miso Ramen.

The sweet broth tempered with plenty of crunchy tempura nori is a delightful meal in and of itself, but I like splitting ramen bowls with a friend.

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This way we can share sushi later on in the evening.

I also must tip my hat to the titular Ju Hachi Tan-Tan ramen bowl. Spicy ground pork and jalapenos make this dish delightfully hot.

The sushi at Jus Hachi ends up being the icing on the cake.

Clear tasting nigiri and delicious handmade rolls make for a well-rounded meal and an incredible Japanese cuisine experience.


Kansai Ramen & Sushi House

2992 65th St, Sacramento, CA 95817
Phone: 916-455-0288
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Kansai features a delightful selection of fusion food, ready for exploration by an adventurous palate.

My favorite of their soups and salads is the BBQ Albacore, served in a red BBQ garlic sauce.

One of their standout rolls is the Mufasa.

Another roll where crab takes the spotlight, this rolls also features salmon, avocado, unagi, teriyaki, masago, and toppings of tempura flakes and sesame seeds.


Takumi Izakaya Bar

826 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-228-4095
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When I first ate at Takumi Izakaya Bar, I ordered the clam miso soup.

My philosophy is that the simplest items on a menu will tell you the most about the standards of the chefs preparing them.

The seafood element of the miso soup lent it an incredible umami flavor that, while substantial, still left my mouth watering for the sushi entree.

While the sushi at Takumi Izakaya is delicious, their ramen and izakaya options truly make this humble bar stand out as an incredible option for Japanese cuisine.

Their karage is crisp and delicious, perfect for sharing with friends.


A sushi restaurant often features much more than a signature roll. When considering where to go the next time you’re craving sushi, consider all the options.

Are you considering an adventurous divergence, with vegan and other fish-free options? Or do you want fish to be the star of the show?

Whatever you’re craving, this is some of the best sushi in Sacramento. If you’re looking for breakfast places instead, check out some of our favoite spots around town!

Did I leave a restaurant out of this list? Leave me a comment, and I’ll check it out!

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  1. Umai Japanese Grill in Wilton has become a local treasure in the short time it has been open. The sushi is so fresh and imaginatively-prepared, and there are some unusual items, including a small dish of freshly-grated wasabi root (yes, teal wasabi!) to accent the delicious sushi. It has become one of our go-to restaurants for magically-delicious food!

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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