Editor’s Picks: The Top 5 Sushi Spots in Sydney for 2026
Best Overall Sushi Experience
Toko Sydney (Sydney CBD): Praised for its fresh nigiri, creative rolls, and expertly curated sashimi platters. Toko relaunched in 2026 with a revitalized menu crafted by Head Chef Sunil Shrestha. OpenTable user ratings: 4.8/5 (Source). Australia’s first sake sommelier provides curated pairings. Expect signature salmon, kingfish, and bluefin selections.
Best Omakase in Sydney
Yoshii’s Omakase (Barangaroo): An intimate 10-seat counter inside Nobu, led by Ryuichi Yoshii (over 40 years in sushi/seafood). $380 per person for 20+ courses, including rare local fish. Standout for ultra-premium ingredients and theatrical presentation. Booking is essential up to 3 months in advance (reservation fill rate: ~98%). Consistent 5.0 user scores (Source).
Best Value for Money Sushi
Suminoya (Sydney CBD): Popular for its quality and generous portions at mid-range prices. Value lunch sets and all-you-can-eat options average A$45 per person. User rating: 4.7 (Source). Diners highlight the “fantastic and good value” daily chef’s selection.
Best Sushi for Takeaway & Delivery
Zushi Barangaroo: Known for soft-shell crab rolls, fresh kingfish, and quick takeaway service. Waterfront location with high volumes; average online user rating: 4.6. Dopa Donburi offers fast-casual sushi for delivery throughout Sydney.
Best Vegan & Fusion Sushi Spot
Green Shiso (Sydney CBD): Four distinct vegan rolls and veggie nigiri options. An OpenTable favorite (4.9/5) with modern fusion flavors like miso-glazed eggplant and shiitake tempura. Menus are adaptable for plant-based diets.
Sydney Sushi Scene 2026: What’s New & Trending?
New Openings and Must-Visit Hotspots
- Genzo (Lower North Shore): Opened late 2025, Genzo is popular for chef’s sashimi selection and group-friendly menus. Early reviews average 4.8.
- Ora (Waterloo): Multi-venue warehouse with a 10-seat omakase counter and raw bar, by ex-Sushi E chef Nobuyuki Ura. Walk-in only; queues reported at peak times.
- Nomidokoro Indigo, Ibushi At Prefecture 48, Cho Cho San: Urban List’s 2026 editors’ picks for innovative Japanese cuisine and progressive sushi menus.
Sushi Trends: Sustainability & Innovative Concepts
- Sustainable seafood is a priority: menus highlight local bluefin tuna, miso-glazed toothfish, and pairing with native Australian botanicals like finger lime.
- Seasonal progression defines premium omakase: kaiseki-style experiences using beetroot, finger lime, and other native produce.
- Intimate, chef-led counters remain highly sought-after for their exclusivity and innovation.
Seasonal Specialties & Limited-Time Menus
- Spring/Summer: Snapper, kingfish, scallop sushi with finger lime and citrus gel.
- Winter: Richer items like miso-glazed toothfish, ikura (salmon roe), and uni (sea urchin) nigiri on offer at Besuto and Omakase by Prefecture 48.
Sushi Categories: From Omakase to Conveyor Belt Delights
Omakase Experiences Worth Booking Ahead
- Yoshii’s Omakase: $380pp, 10 seats, 20+ curated courses, exclusive booking platform.
- Besuto (Sydney CBD): $250pp for 15 courses, chef Michiaki Miyazaki. Bookings via official site.
- Omakase by Prefecture 48: Regularly cited as Sydney’s top omakase, praised for creative nigiri and chef interaction.
- Izy.Aki (Eastern Suburbs): $220pp with wine matching, walk-ins sometimes available midweek.
Casual Sushi Bars & Conveyor Belt Classics
- Sushi Tengoku (Kensington): Oversized sushi, casual atmosphere, family-friendly. $30-50pp.
- Makoto Sushi Bar (CBD): Conveyor belt (kaiten) format with fresh turnover. Diners report 4.5+ satisfaction for variety and speed.
High-End Sushi Dining
- Masuya Restaurant (CBD): 5.0 recent review average (OpenTable), noted for ultra-fresh sashimi and premium sushi sets.
- Green Shiso: Elegant setting, contemporary presentations, vegan-friendly.
Affordable Eats & Student-Friendly Spots
- Zushi Barangaroo: Sushi boxes and bento from $16. Popular with students and professionals alike.
- TokyoTaco: Budget-friendly, high-quality hand rolls under $6, highly rated in Australian Traveller’s 2026 survey.
Best for Sushi Takeaway & Home Delivery
- Dopa Donburi: Donburi-focused with sushi sides, reliable delivery, 4.7+ average app rating.
- Zushi Barangaroo: Efficient online ordering for office tower delivery.
Local Insight: Where Sydney’s Chefs & Foodies Eat Sushi
Chef Recommendations & Local Favorites
- Toko: Listed by several local chefs for post-shift hand rolls and sake pairings.
- Genzo: Group-dining favorite for off-duty industry workers, chef’s daily sashimi platter is a highlight.
Hidden Gems Off the Tourist Trail
- Ibushi At Prefecture 48: Small, reservation-only omakase with wood-fired sushi specials. Early 2026 reviews show 4.8/5.
- Cho Cho San (Potts Point): Light, modern Japanese with vegan and gluten-free options. Reviewers praise the creative menu and friendly staff.
User Reviews: Real Diners Share Their Top Sushi Moments
- “The omakase at Yoshii was the best meal of my year—every piece meticulously crafted.” (2026 Opentable Review)
- “Besuto’s miso-glazed toothfish was a revelation—a new level of flavour complexity.” (Australian Traveller, Jan 2026)
- “Genzo is my go-to for family celebrations—fresh, lively, and always surprising.” (Urban List Survey, Feb 2026)
- “The vegan rolls at Green Shiso are proof you don’t need fish to enjoy real sushi.”
Interactive Guide: Map, Booking Tips & Price Comparison
Sushi Spots by Neighborhood (Map)
- CBD/Barangaroo: Yoshii’s Omakase, Masuya, Green Shiso, Zushi Barangaroo
- Lower North Shore: Genzo, Prefecture 48
- Eastern Suburbs: Sushi Tengoku, Izy.Aki, Cho Cho San
- Inner South/Waterloo: Ora
Reservation Difficulty & Best Times to Go
- Omakase (Yoshii, Prefecture 48, Besuto): 3 months advance recommended for weekends; last-minute cancellations sometimes available midweek.
- Casual bars (Makoto, Sushi Tengoku): Walk-in welcome, best before 6:30pm for no wait.
- Zushi Barangaroo & Dopa Donburi: Weekdays, 11:30am-1pm least busy for takeaway or quick dine-in.
Price, Specialty & Ambiance Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Price Range | Specialty | Ambiance | User Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yoshii’s Omakase | $380pp | Premium Omakase | Intimate, theatrical, 10 seats | 5.0 |
| Besuto | $250pp | Modern Omakase | Moody, underground | 4.8 |
| Toko Sydney | $80–$120pp | Nigiri, Sashimi Platters | Lively, urban | 4.8 |
| Suminoya | $45–$70pp | Value Sushi Sets | Relaxed | 4.7 |
| Green Shiso | $35–$85pp | Vegan Rolls, Fusion | Modern, calm | 4.9 |
| Zushi Barangaroo | $16–$42pp | Takeaway, Quick Dine | Waterfront, casual | 4.6 |
FAQ: Best Sushi in Sydney—Common Questions Answered
- What is the best value sushi in Sydney? Suminoya for lunch sets, Zushi Barangaroo for takeaway.
- Where can I get omakase in Sydney? Yoshii’s Omakase (Barangaroo), Besuto (CBD), Omakase by Prefecture 48 (Lower North Shore).
- Is there vegan sushi? Yes—Green Shiso (CBD) and Cho Cho San (Potts Point) have well-reviewed vegan menus.
- How far in advance should I book omakase? 2–3 months for weekends, midweek is easier.
- What’s trending in sushi for 2026? Sustainability, native local ingredients, chef’s table exclusivity, and fusion rolls.
- Where do chefs eat sushi in Sydney? Genzo, Toko, Cho Cho San.