10 Best Sushi Restaurants in Cape Town!
If you’re reading this then you no doubt agree that sushi is the best thing ever – but really, give me sushi over pizza, burgers, ice cream, and cake any day! It’s also true that no one loves a good sushi meal quite like Capetonians – we love it so much that it seems like every Cape Town restaurant is now serving the stuff! Over the past few years I have eaten a lot of sushi in Cape Town … a lot. The good, the bad and the ugly I’ve seen it all, so in the spirit of positivity I thought I would share some of my favourites with you. In no particular order, here is my list of top 10 sushi restaurants in Cape Town.
1. Gushi Sushi – Sea Point
Operating from a small but efficient little sushi bar in the Oceans Edge fish outlet on Regent Road Sea Point, Gushi Sushi is where those in the know go for some of the yummiest and freshest sushi in town. And, when I say the sushi is fresh it is FRESH. Gushi Sushi get their fish straight from Ocean’s Edge and I must say it’s quite comforting to know that every bite of fish you put into your mouth has been cut fresh in the store that day. With their signature “Gushi Rolls” and ultra unique sushi, Gushi Sushi is a sushi shop after my own heart and I must insist you visit them for the best sushi in Cape Town … and soon! You can also read my full review of Gushi Sushi here.
Address: 84a Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town.
2. Active Sushi – Green Point
This Cape Town favourite has been around for years and these days they’re sporting a new look and a new, exciting menu. The sushi menu also offers a wide range of new things for dinners, including Banting sushi and deep-fried delights. Of course, the menu also includes all your old favourites like hand rolls, California rolls and the like. I’m not a Banter so I skipped the Banting sushi but I did try the new deep-fried varieties namely the Prawn Tempura (served with sweet chilli dipping sauce – R45) and the deep-fried Salmon Maki (salmon, rice, seaweed, tempura batter, and Active’s signature sauce – R45). The Salmon Maki is a must-try and a real revelation for sushi lovers who want to try something a little different. Of course, they are still offering the famous all-you-can-eat special for R139 per person with unlimited Sashimi and their lunch-time specials with platters at affordable prices. You can also read my full review of Active Sushi here.
Address: Mirage Building, 32 Hudson Street Green Point, Cape Town.
3. Sotano Restaurant – Mouille Point
There’s no better place to spend a lazy summer day than at Sotano Restaurant at the La Splendida Hotel. This spot offers great cocktails and, of course, sushi for those who want a top quality nibble and sip. If you’re looking for a place to dine out with non-sushi eaters (they exist!) then Sotano is also a great choice – their tapas menu is also a must-try and the spot offers a great view of the Mouille Point promenade. But let’s get back to the sushi. From classic prawn, salmon or tuna Fashion Sandwiches to salmon or tuna Hand Rolls and Rainbow Rolls there’s enough to keep sushi lovers super happy at this local favourite. If you have an adventurous side then try the Jalapeno Beef roll (seared beef with ponzo dressing – R75), Volcano Tuna Roll (spicy tuna, avo, and 7 spice sesame oil topped with spring onion and Nori – R68), or the Asian Soya Salmon (thinly sliced salmon with garlic, sesame seeds and soya – R75).
Address: 121 Beach Road, Mouille Point, Cape Town.
4. 1890 House Sushi and Grill – Observatory
It’s all about the sushi at this popular Obs spot. Of course, there are some delicious Thai and Chinese options available for those who don’t eat sushi, but the sushi at 1890 is the shining star of the lot. There’s a reason this joint has so many regulars – that’s right it’s all due to the fresh sushi and great vibe. We recommend the salmon roses, seared tuna roses, Caviar sandwiches, or for a more adventurous choice, the Dragon Rolls with roasted eel.
Address: 40 Trill Road, Observatory, Cape Town.
5. Blowfish Restaurant – Tableview
Blowfish Restaurant offers sushi lovers incredible views and delicious sushi offering that will leave you craving a return visit as soon as you walk out the door. The sushi here is quite unique and they offer some interesting combinations. Try the Halo Roll (prawn, crab, avo, and pineapple topped with seven spice sesame seeds and peanut dressing (R105) or the Grenades (2-piece salmon roses topped with spicy salmon and tempura crumbs laced with spicy mayo and teriyaki dressing – R50). The eatery also has some great specials including half-price sushi every Wednesday and Sunday from 17:00 – 20:00 (sushi belt only).
Address: Dolphin Beach Hotel, 1 Marine Drive, Dolphin Beach, Table View, Cape Town.
6. Kyoto Garden Sushi – Tamboerskloof
This Kloof Nek sushi spot is often referred to as one of the best Asian restaurants in Cape Town. In addition to the other excellent food on the menu, the sushi at this spot is nothing short of excellent. It’s fresh, delicious and the menu offers something very different from other sushi spots in Cape Town. Forget the usual salmon and tuna, how does farmed abalone, scallops and Alaskan King crab sound? If you’re looking for something different then try the Alaskan King crab handroll (R120) or the Shitake Mushroom handroll (R50).
Address: 11 Kloof Nek Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town.
7. Nuri Sushi Factory – CBD
This self-serve sushi joint in the Cape Town CBD offers sushi lovers a laid-back treat of note. Place your order at the counter and then grab a seat at one of the cafeteria-style tables or have your meal on-the-go to enjoy at home or in the office. I love that Nuri offers sushi lovers something different from the usual Calfornia rolls, fashion sandwiches, and hand rolls. They have all those things, of course, but if you want to try something different then give the Hamachi and Cream Cheese rolls (topped with Japanese steakhouse sauce – 4 piece, R30) or the DBL Prawn rolls (steamed prawn California roll wrapped in prawn and avo – 4 piece, R35) a try. Don’t forget to leave space for the sides! I loved the Asian Fries (served with wasabi mayo and sweet chilli dip – R25), Crab & Cheese Spring Rolls (3 pieces, R30), and the Prawn Pops (R40).
Address: 8 Parliament Street, Cape Town
8. Harbour House – V&A Waterfront | Kalk Bay
These excellent seaside restaurants are beyond popular with both locals and tourists and for good reason! It’s all thanks to their winning formula of fresh seafood with a gourmet spin. Their sushi platters are pretty legendary here in Cape Town but if you’re just after a small bite then try a salmon or tuna hand roll (R59) or a prawn or linefish Rainbow roll (R85).
Address: Find the Waterfront branch on the ground floor, Quay Four, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town.
9. Sushi Box – Newlands, Constantia, Woodstock, Gardens
Whether you’re heading out for sushi or want to enjoy some on the comfort of your own couch, Sushi Box should be your new go-to sushi spot. Their takeaway sushi is always beautifully presented in a modern and stylish way – from the custom sushi boxes to the sushi itself, no one offers takeaway presentation like Sushi Box! This growing eatery group is hell-bent on creating a sushi revolution in Cape Town and they’re making a massive success of it one sushi spot at a time. Sushi Box has 4 spots in Cape Town and their menu is contemporary and oh-so-different. Try the Harapenyo Roll (fresh salmon, cream cheese, Jalapeño, avo and crispy onion California roll – wrapped in avo and micro herbs – 10 piece, R91) or the Loaded Rainbow Roll (Rainbow Roll topped with Teriyaki, sesame seeds, sesame oil, micro herbs, and 7 spice – 10 piece, R93).
Address: Lifestyle on Kloof, 50 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town | 8 Cardiff Castle Centre, Kildare Rd, Newlands, Cape Town. Visit their website for more information.
10. Umi Restaurant – Camps Bay
Situated at The Marly Boutique Hotel in Camps Bay, UMI offers delicious sushi with a killer vibe. If it’s glitz and glam you want then this is the spot for you. The modern Japanese restaurant is known for its chic decor and equally chic food and the sushi is no exception. Try the UMI House Roll (crab, Japanese mayo-topped salmon, tuna, white fish and avo – R145) or the Kara-Age Roll (baby squid with spicy mayo – R95).
Address: The Marly Boutique Hotel, Camps Bay, Cape Town.
