Updated on 4 February 2022

Whether you’re a strict traditionalist or you like your salmon roses served with a dollop of mayo and topped with a tempura prawn, we’ve put together a list of some of the best sushi restaurants in South Africa. Serving everything from new-style sashimi to crunchy bamboo rolls, these sushi spots will test your chopstick skills with their gloriously fresh selection.

• Johannesburg
• Pretoria
• Durban
• Cape Town

Johannesburg

Big Mouth (Sandton)

Located in the hip Nelson Mandela Square, Big Mouth, as its name suggests, boasts an extensive sushi menu. Choose from favourites such as the S.U.V roll, Bigmouth rainbow roll and rock shrimp tempura roll. Big Mouth also has a wide range of vegetarian sushi offerings such as the tempura corn roll, vegetable handroll, vegetable California roll, vegetable maki, vegetable fashion sandwich and vegetable nigiri, as well as a vegan seeded California roll. The restaurant’s innovative menu, along with its consistency in terms of food quality and service make it a firm favourite for sushi lovers in Joburg. Big Mouth can accommodate 160 people at its restaurant currently, in keeping with social distancing norms.

Catch (Bedfordview)

With a sizeable sushi menu featuring items such as caterpillar roll, rainbow reloaded, springbok sushi and rock shrimp tempura roll, Catch is sure to whet your appetite. Known for its fresh and varied seafood menu, Catch also offers a choice of classic sushi, signature sushi, new-style sashimi and sushi platters featuring 12 pieces of assorted sushi. For the vegetarians, the cucumber and cream cheese roll, and avo and cucumber and vegetarian California rolls are popular choices. To sweeten the deal, Catch offers a 30% discount on its sushi and dim sum items all day on Tuesdays and Sundays, and from Wednesdays to Saturdays between 12 and 6pm. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

So Yum (Hyde Park)

Boasting an elaborate Asian menu, So Yum is known for its authentic Asian cuisine. Sushi and dim sum are what the restaurant specialises in, with sushi hot-sellers being the Chicago roll, 4×4 roll, traditional sushi and vegetarian sushi options such as vegetarian California rolls, vegetarian fashion sandwiches, avo maki and cucumber maki. The restaurant does not offer outdoor seating. Reservations are required on weekends.

Yamato Japanese Restaurant (Illovo)

Since its opening in 1995, Yamato has been serving authentic Japanese cuisine to discerning Joburg diners. Touted as the first restaurant to serve fashion sandwiches, Yamato is also popular for its daily set menus available from Mondays to Fridays, which include Japanese favourites and a sushi set. Some of the most popular items from the large sushi menu include the salmon platter, salmon roses, salmon California roll and the spicy tuna nigiri sushi. Vegetarian favourites include the avocado roll, vegetable California roll, pumpkin tempura California roll and vegetarian fashion sandwiches. Outdoor seating is available, but seating space is limited, so reservations are required for larger groups.

Sushi at Yamato. Photograph courtesy of the restaurant.

John Dory’s (Bedfordview)

Known for its family atmosphere and value-for-money meals, John Dory’s is famous for its fresh seafood and varied sushi options. Some of the most popular items from the sushi menu include prawn avalanche, The Bomb, salmon rainbow rolls, prawn tempura and salmon maki. Among the popular vegetarian sushi items are vegetarian futomaki, a vegan platter, prawn vegan sandwich, and avo and cucumber California roll. The restaurant also offers sushi platters (with a choice to build your own), sushi salads and sashimi as part of its sushi menu. John Dory’s offers a 50% discount on all its sushi plates as part of its Half-Price Sushi Wednesdays special. It also has regular in-house promos. Reservations are required.

Yamada Sushi (Waterfall)

If you’re looking for the Japanese-style conveyor belt sushi experience, Yamada Sushi is the place to visit. Popular sushi items include Yamada fried sushi, salmon hand rolls, fashion sandwiches, sushi tiger rolls and chirashi sushi. Yamada also offers a sushi buffet from Sundays to Thursdays for R209 per person. All items are freshly prepared and affordably priced. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating. Reservations are required on weekends.

Yamitsuki (Bedfordview)

Fancy a bite of “fire sushi” or “smoking sushi”? Then head to Yamitsuki, a Japanese restaurant that has been serving innovative sushi to Jozi for the past two decades. The restaurant also has a conveyor belt sushi experience. Alternatively, you can take your pick from sushi-with-a-twist items off the extensive menu such as devil roll, pink panther roll, prawn fries roll, salmon, strawberry and cream cheese fashion sandwich, lockdown platter, vegan roses, veggie heaven roll, and the vegetarian poke bowl. Yamitsuki also offers a daily sushi lunch special R104, which includes eight salmon fashion sandwiches and three spinach and cream cheese dumplings. And every Monday, patrons can enjoy a buy-two-get-one-free sushi plate from the belt. On Tuesdays, all pink sushi plates are priced at R44 (with 88c per pink plate donated to the SPCA).

Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant (Norwood)

Forget the usual nigiri sushi, sashimi, hand rolls, maki and California rolls. Instead, head to Hokkaido where you can experiment with bamboo rolls, bamboo hand rolls, special sushi platters and the sushi lunch box. The restaurant also serves all the popular sushi varieties, and there are a number of vegetarian sushi offerings as well. For the ultimate sushi experience, try the sushi buffet that’s available on a daily basis and priced at R219 per person. Hokkaido has a unique recipe for its sushi rice and can tweak any sushi item on its menu, as per customer requests. Outdoor seating is available. Reservations are recommended on weekends.

Jungle Sushi & Teppanyaki (Bedfordview)

Looking for a place that serves a quick yet authentic Japanese or Chinese meal? Jungle Sushi & Teppanyaki does just that, with a teppanyaki table that is also extremely popular. The restaurant has unique sushi offerings as well, which can be ordered as part of a sushi boat, platter or à la carte. Some interesting ones include the Japanese oyster special, pineapple prawn dragon roll, roasted salmon cheese roll, crab caviar nigiri, roasted salmon nigiri, salmon skin California roll and the oyster sashimi with sushi vinegar. Vegetarian options include the vegetarian sushi platter, dragon veg California roll, vegetarian maki and hand rolls. To end your meal, you can try the fried ice-cream or teppanyaki pancakes. The restaurant is currently running a daily buy-one-get-one-free promotion on all its single sushi plates. Jungle Sushi & Teppanyaki offers private seating, as well as indoor and outdoor seating. Reservations are not required, except for the teppanyaki table.

Fishmonger (Illovo)

Freshly made sushi, Norwegian salmon and custom platters are three things that Fishmonger is known for. With a wide-ranging menu, a set menu and a separate sushi menu, there is lots to choose from. Unique items from the sushi menu (apart from the interesting-sounding sushi platter names) include the Adidas roll featuring salmon, cream cheese and strawberry, gunken maki featuring cucumber skin and salmon, salmon slipper, and the reloaded salmon. Salmon roses, caviar rolls and the Norwegian salmon salad are also popular, as are the maki, California rolls and fashion sandwiches that are all available in vegetarian versions, too. Fishmonger also offers a three-course set menu, which includes some sushi items. Outdoor seating is available.

Mizuki Sushi & Asian Tapas (Parkmore)

At Mizuki Sushi & Asian Tapas, you can enjoy a variety of unique sushi items and Asian-style tapas, all at reasonable prices. Some of the most popular sushi items include Mizuki’s 4×4, salmon aburi, tiger roll, mini hand rolls, Hiroshima roll, and the 18-piece Mizuki platter. The restaurant also offers vegan and vegetarian sushi such as the vegetarian California rolls, avo maki and vegetarian fashion sandwiches. Mizuki also offers a “Japanese dining experience” comprising seven dishes including soup, starters, tapas and mains for R299. Patrons can also enjoy a daily special offer comprising a 40-piece sushi sharing platter priced at R249. Both these deals can be enjoyed when you buy an online Mizuki coupon from Hyperli. The restaurant has limited seating options and reservations are required on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For enquiries, call 066 006 0000.

Tataki (Fourways)

Offering Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisine, Tataki also has a daily sushi buffet priced at R179 per person. Alternatively, you can take your pick from the many sushi platters on offer or choose from the à la carte sushi menu. Popular sushi items include the rock prawn maki, angel maki, salmon teriyaki gift, sushi burger, salmon cake and the prawn tempura gift. Vegetarian maki, hand rolls and California rolls are also popular from the vegetarian sushi offerings. Outdoor seating is available. Reservations are essential and can be made by calling 011 465 6882. 

Golden Rose (Sandton)

With interesting sushi combo platters to choose from, Golden Rose’s sushi bar is ideal for a tasting experience or for larger groups. Some of the unique sushi options include the strawberry rainbow, karate roll, Venus roll, teriyaki tuna roll, rising sun roll, spicy salmon maguro, toro toro and salmon tower. For vegetarians, there is a 12-piece vegetarian box and a 24-piece vegetarian platter to choose from, both of which include assorted vegetarian sushi. Besides sushi, Golden Rose is also known for its Chinese cuisine and chef’s specials meals. For enquiries, call 010 226 9050. 

King of Sushi (Fourways)

Formerly called YuMe Sushi Bar, King of Sushi offers a wide range of Japanese cuisine, dim sum, poke bowls – and, of course, sushi. From the sashimi selection, you can try the salmon with mango and chilli, seared salmon sriracha, sesame salmon, or the sashimi cucumber sailboats. For an interesting twist, you can experiment with the sushi on fire, chicken liver California roll, springbok rose, beef rose, kenjo cooked sushi rolls, salmon mince rolls or the deep-fried fashion sandwiches. There are several vegetarian sushi items on the menu as well, with interesting combinations combining tofu, shitake mushrooms, avo, cucumber and more. If you’re looking for variety, King of Sushi has a choice of light platters, sushi platters and a set menu – all of which have assorted sushi options. The 50-piece party platter is ideal for a large group and includes most of the popular sushi items from the menu. For reservations and enquiries, call 011 469 0558. 

Pretoria

Kream (Nieuw Muckleneuk)

This restaurant, one of the longest running in Tufan Yerebakan’s stable, remains one of Pretoria’s favourite eateries. They have settled well into their new space after relocating from Brooklyn Bridge, as evidenced by the large number of cars in the restaurant’s basement parking. It’s a glamorous restaurant with imposing artworks studding the walls of the various spaciously laid-out rooms. The waiting staff are always smartly dressed and well trained, offering good suggestions and recommendations, and if you struggle to find something to drink from the wine list, there is always a cellar to peruse. They offer classic sushi, but also innovative reinterpretations such as crocodile rainbow rolls made from fried crocodile tail fillet, smoked crocodile carpaccio, avocado, a crust of crispy onion, sweet chilli mayo and teriyaki sauce. Also try the springbok roses, made from sushi rice wrapped in smoked springbok carpaccio, curry and apricot Japanese mayonnaise, chives and a teriyaki sauce, or the spiced seared tuna sashimi served with wasabi mayonnaise, pickled ginger and teriyaki sauce.

Ming Sushi (Centurion)

This tiny restaurant in a strip mall close to the University of Pretoria offers a good selection of sushi at very affordable prices. There are large bags of colourful prawn crackers, wasabi nuts and other nibbles available, while a constant flow of take-outs and delivery orders fly out of the doors. A few modern bleached wooden tables and chairs provide sit-down dining, but this is a sushi eatery for a quick bite or to hang with a few friends. The drinks are predominantly soft drinks. The sushi is all made to order (so be patient) and the selection ranges from sashimi and salmon roses to tempura prawn bamboo rolls and sushi salads as appetizers, as well as maki, nigiri, California rolls, sushi sandwiches and battleship bean curd sushi in tuna, prawn, crab and avocado options. They also have hand rolls and sushi salad bowls, and a variety of platters ranging from R95 to R257.

Fireroom Sushi & Grill (Erasmus Park)

This is one of those trendy new eateries, located in the recently completed Castle Gate Shopping Centre, where theatrics are the order of the day. They have a whole section of “sushi on fire”, meaning that what one orders is bruléed tableside. Their fire rolls are basically California rolls with salmon, jalapeño, kewpie mayo, cream cheese and yakitori sauce, while the Sushi Braai consists of rainbow rolls with prawn, salmon, tuna, peppadew, and avocado, served with a port and sesame seed reduction. They offer a selection of signature sushi platters such as the dragon rolls plate, tiger rolls plate or candy roses that are made from salmon roses and cream cheese with a cherry glaze, finished with popping candy. If you prefer a more traditional take on sushi, they do also have some more standard and traditional options. It may all sound slightly too far-fetched, but in fact the food is of high quality and standard, the service is great, and they have nice seating that looks out onto the central piazza. The wine list also features several high-end Champagnes as well as local bubblies and wines.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Fireroom (@fireroomsa)

Ichiban (Rietfontein and Queenswood)

This local brand, initially a single standalone shop in the Rietfontein Pavilion Centre, has grown to include a few other restaurants, primarily in the northern suburbs of Pretoria. As is often the case, the brand also offers food from other Asian cuisines such as Thai and Chinese, but these days the sushi makers behind the sushi counter cannot keep ahead with demand. During the hard lockdown, they were determined not to be affected by the restrictions and some of the measures put in place, such as large, clear plastic curtains separating the seating area from the take-out order/collection area, remain in place. They offer standard maki, California rolls, hand rolls, nigiri, fashion sandwiches, sashimi, roses and salad sushi. Their speciality sushi includes futo maki, eel maki, sushi cakes, fried sushi and Sakura rolls. Their platters include a delightful “love” platter in pretty pinks with the sushi displayed as a big heart with a smaller wasabi heart alongside.

Wok n Roll (Pretoriuspark)

The branch in Woodlands Boulevard offers two sizes for most of their sushi selections, usually four or eight pieces, which helps bigger tables to order something for everyone. The restaurant is light and airy, mostly in white and cream with a distinct modern contemporary design. The yum yum rolls consist of crab salad, pickled radish, sweet bean curd, avocado, with salmon, caviar, spring onion and mayo, all served with teriyaki sauce. There are emerald rolls, dragon rolls and even a KFC roll that is, of course, made from crispy seasoned chicken, cucumber, avo and black pepper and served with sesame oil, “yummy sauce” and spring onion. Other items to try include sandwich boxes of sushi, mystery rolls, and an inspiring selection of platters such as the Natsu Platter with salmon California rolls, salmon rainbow rolls, seared tuna sashimi and crab tempura maki.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by woknroll.woodlands boulevard (@woknroll_woodlandsboulevard)

YamakaDo (Waterkloof)

A small restaurant in Waterkloof Corner Shopping Centre offers a few small tables inside and out. However, the large and imposing sushi bar is what draws in the crowds. They currently run a special where you pay for any two of the same plates to receive a third one free – good value for money. Their maki comes in the standard salmon, tuna or prawn options, but could also be enjoyed with salmon skin, pickles or kampyo (a type of dried gourd). Interesting choices of California rolls include spicy butterfish, while the nigiri also includes inari nigiri (the deep-fried tofu pocket) apart from salmon, prawn, tuna, crab and others. This is a fun, easy place to meet friends or introduce a new sushi convert to the style of dining.

The Grillroom & Sushi Bar (Brooklyn)

A relatively new restaurant in Brooklyn Bridge (in the space previously occupied by Kream), the space is elegantly furnished with smart light fittings, designer furniture and art, while the glassware, cutlery, napkins and cocktail coasters (although disposable) are of high quality. There is a DJ station to ensure a lively vibe, ample parking and loads of tables (including a large table inside the glass wine cellar for private functions) – this is obviously a restaurant where one comes to be seen. The servers are informed, attentive and friendly, and delicious olive oil is served with the complimentary bread on arrival. Their wine list is considered and comprehensive, with some great choices such as Mulderbosch Cap Classique, Le Lude Brut and Benguela Cove “Joie de Vivre” Brut all available in full bottles as well as by the glass. Sushi purists may not approve of some of the interpretations, such as crispy tempura prawns on top of the tiger rolls, or the crunch sushi, made with salmon or tuna, crab and avocado, wrapped in nori, crumbed in panko, deep-fried and served with teriyaki sauce. However, if you prefer your sushi simpler and leaner, the menu also lists bamboo rolls, rainbow rolls, fashion sandwiches and other options.

Wing Wah (Faerie Glen)

This little eatery in the Faeriedale Shopping Centre offers an impressive sushi bar surrounded by built-in cubicle banquettes for a little more privacy. Try their California rolls with cashews, salmon and cream cheese or California rolls with salmon and caviar. There is also a great selection of rice paper maki – often those made in a tear-drop shape to resemble the petals of a flower, or the strawberry rainbow roll, which seems to be a firm Pretoria favourite. They offer several well-priced platters, such as the red combo or the red platter, primarily featuring salmon, but also a vegetable sushi platter that would not stand back for any sushi made with protein or fish.

Oyama Sushi (Lynnwood Ridge)

The eatery of husband-and-wife team Gabriel and Ives Leung is a small, unassuming gem. Situated in the bunker-like underbelly of the Gift Acres strip mall, the ambience and food will be hard to beat for authenticity and value. There are a few small tables outside, but the real charm and delight lies inside, where Mr Leung, with a slick silver ponytail, presides over the open-plan kitchen. The rest of the space is taken up by small built-in black banquettes along the one wall of the shop, each with a traditional Noren curtain at the top of each cubicle. They offer some interesting beverages including traditional Japanese beers such as Kirin prime and lager, Asahi Super Dry Black, Suntory The Premium Malt, Premium Yebiso and Sapporo Black Label, as well as sake and seasonal plum wine. The comprehensive menu lists a variety of other Japanese dishes such as ramen, stir-fry yakiudon and hakata yakisoba or donburi (that lovely bowl of rice with various toppings), but it is the sushi one should get into here. Their hana rolls (small sushi rice ball wrapped in fish), rice paper maki, inari and sashimi should not be missed. The sushi is presented and served in beautiful crockery with non-disposable chopsticks for a real eat-out treat.

Durban

Bamboo Sushi (Umhlanga Rocks)

The all-you-can-eat sushi buffet and killer specials are what draw crowds to this popular spot. The buffet offering includes a wide variety of sushi (including sashimi) and is offered seven days a week for lunch and dinner. While the conveyor belt churns out all the classics, there are also some interesting options like sweetened crispy prawns, salmon and crab rolls, salmon or tuna bamboo rolls, and seared nigiri with teriyaki.

A sushi selection from Bamboo Sushi Lounge. Photo supplied.

Green Mango (Umhlanga)

This eatery first garnered a reputation for fine Thai and Japanese fare while these cuisines were still gaining popularity. Now at the Umhlanga Arch, the sushi menu is extensive and features fresh favourites of sashimi, maki, nigiri, California rolls and temaki. There are also chefs’ recommendations of spicy salmon roses, crispy rolls, and KZN rolls with a hit of chilli.

Jack Salmon (Glenashley)

Jack Salmon scores big with its fresh-from-the-sea promise. Enjoy the views and tuck into seafood favourites like the bam bam roll with tempura prawn, chilli-bean mayo and fresh cucumber, or the prawn fusion California roll with spicy creamy prawns and a sticky soy reduction. They also do glorious platters and sushi salads. Look out for their daily 30% discount for a sneaky midweek lunch or early dinner.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jack Salmon Fish House (@jacksalmonfishhouse)

Fireroom Zimbali (Zimbali)

The sushi at this new hotspot is on fire, literally. Open at the beautiful The Capital hotel in Zimbali, the restaurant specialises in a unique take on sushi and grills. All the trademarked “sushi on fire” is flamed table-side for that extra wow moment. Enjoy options like the fire roll, which is a crispy California roll with salmon, jalapeño, kewpie mayo, cream cheese, and a yakitori sauce, or the Sushi Braai with a rainbow roll of prawn, salmon and tuna with peppadew, avo and a port and sesame reduction. If you’re after something a touch more traditional, they have that too along with some signature sushi that isn’t flamed or smoked.

SandBar (Umdloti)

Sparkling sea views, cocktails and sushi: what more could you ask for? This Umdloti favourite is always buzzing and the perfect spot to perch after a beach session, but be sure to book a spot! On the sushi front, take your pick from one of the platters or build your own with everything from tuna and salmon roses, spicy tuna bean curd and salmon bamboo rolls to classic California rolls and fashion sandwiches. There are also ample veggie sushi options to choose from.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SandBar Restaurant (@sandbarkzn)

Tommy’s Sushi (Glenashley, Morningside and Kloof)

Tommy’s has garnered a cult following from Durbanites. Takeaways are the name of the game here, so you can enjoy this at home, on the beach, in the park, wherever! Enjoy their buy-one-get-one-free deal and tuck into all the classics as well as some chef’s specials like the tuna or salmon crunch and wasabi parcels. Platters are abundant here, too, making it a great spot for catering a party.

Cape Town

1890 House Sushi and Grill (Observatory)

This is one of the most underrated sushi restaurants in Cape Town, with Japanese food artistry of the highest order. The conveyor belt is convenient for a quick bite, and is always well stocked with favourites like seared tuna salad, spicy prawn on bean curd, and caviar sandwiches.

One of the sushi plates available from the extensive menu at 1890 House. Photo supplied.

Active Sushi (City Bowl)

Fresh, creative sushi combinations are complemented by fast, happy and helpful service here. Value for money and well-made sushi are what keeps diners happy.

Firefish (V&A Waterfront)

This sophisticated harbour-side eatery in the V&A Waterfront boasts stunning views, a traditional sushi offering, and contemporary sushi styles. If you are on a carb-controlled diet, you’ll be interested in their “No Rice Roll” filled with cucumber, prawn, salmon, tuna, avocado, wasabi aioli and salmon roe.

Manga (Sea Point)

The name Manga references the iconic style of Japanese comic books and at this quirky sushi spot, expect nuances of Asian pop culture on their eclectic menu like the “Volcano Tuna Roll” and “Crazy Salmon” – marinated salmon and avo with seared salmon.

Blowfish Restaurant (Table View)

The main reason to be here is for SASSI green-listed fish and fresh sushi. The offfering of the latter is vast and well known in these parts, with interesting options like citrus-and-soy sashimi, seven-spiced prawn inari, zebra rolls with black and white rice, butterfly rolls with strawberries and prawns, and creamy spicy salmon rolls with a spicy creamy mayo.

Haiku (City Bowl)

The cuisine here is superlative, although portions can be on the sparing side. Highlights include the Haiku sashimi, consisting of a deliciously umami-rich trio of tuna in mild chilli ponzu, salmon in yuzu and halibut with chilli peanuts, and the dragon roll with tempura soft-shell crab.

Harbour House (Kalk Bay and V&A Waterfront)

The kitchen at this sea-facing restaurant sends out favourites from the sushi bar. Enjoy California rolls, fashion sandwiches, hand rolls, maki, rainbow rolls, deep-fried futo maki, and new-style sashimi. Undecided? Order one of the generous platters.

Seafood Selection at Harbour House. Photo supplied.

Izakaya Matsuri (Green Point)

Chef-patron Arata Koga produces top-quality sushi: fresh fish, perfect portions and interesting options like eel, mackerel and octopus will please. The salmon aburi sushi is simple perfection, scorched with piping-hot sesame oil.

Sushi Box  (Constantia)

In the heart of the Heritage Market at Constantia’s Uitsig Wine Estate, you’ll find this delightful sushi haven in the vineyards. Their creative signature sushi menu features the spicy “Harapenyo roll” packed with salmon, cream cheese, crispy onions and jalapeno wrapped in avo.

Kobe Sushi Bar (Newlands)

Aside from serving all the usual sushi and sashimi, the skilled chef puts his own spin on dragon rolls, dynamite rolls and tiger rolls. If you like the heat, try the hot, hot, hot box of wasabi parcels.

Kyoto Garden Sushi (Gardens)

Kyoto offers so much more than your average sushi spot: you’ll experience the delicacy, subtlety and enduring flavours of Japanese cuisine. There are scallops, salmon roe, sea urchin, Alaskan king crab, kabeljou, and toro big-eye tuna. Order it in sushi-style or sashimi, or ask for the chef’s creation.

A dish at Kyoto Garden Sushi. Photo supplied.

Nobu Cape Town at One&Only (V&A Waterfront)

The modern Japanese cuisine here plays with textures and flavours in an overwhelming range of innovative dishes. Kick off with arancini-style crispy rice cubes served with hot-buttered soy. The salmon sashimi tacos are delicious, and the new-style sashimi dishes are delicate, light and glorious.

A sashimi dish at Nobu. Photo supplied.

Obi Restaurant (City Bowl)

Sushi legend Papa San joined forces with chef Ben Bettendorf to open this urban eatery. There are three pages of inside-out sushi rolls organised under the main ingredient (salmon, prawn, vegetarian, tuna) and some Papa San trademarks, sashimi and maki, with enough range to suit the traditionalists as well as the adventurous.

The Obi salmon inside-out rolls. Photo by Linda Scarborough.

Three Wise Monkeys (Sea Point)

Before tucking into a bowl of ramen or poké, order some good sushi to start. Tuck into fresh seared yellowfin tuna with ponzu, rainbow reloaded rolls, avo maki, California and samurai rolls, salmon roses, and nigiri.

Wang Thai (Lagoon Beach)

Beautiful sea views are complemented by a superb range of Asian-infused dishes. The sushi here is top class, with options of sushi salads, maki, sashimi, fashion sandwiches and rolls. If you’re looking for something a little different, opt for the chef’s speciality of yappy maki with cream cheese and smoked salmon, tiger rolls with prawn and avo, or wasabi parcels with salmon, wasabi sauce and caviar.

Willoughby & Co. (V&A Waterfront)

From Cali rolls to the famous 4×4 rolls with creamy rock shrimp, each bite of sushi is well made and full of freshness and flavour. If you can’t nab a table at this always-buzzing spot, wait in line and enjoy a free wine taster or order a takeaway portion to enjoy by the harbour.

Genki (Stellenbosch)

Genki has been winning the hearts of Stellenbosch aficionados for years. Apart from varied sushi that includes new-style sashimi, tataki, hand rolls, reloaded rolls, nigiri and roses, there are platters to delight those with bigger appetites, as well as the popular tempura.

Oceans 8 (Somerset West) 

Authentic and innovative, Oceans 8 is worth the drive if not to try their “Sushi Shooter”, then for their “Russian Roulette” with tempura prawn, spicy mayo, salmon, avo and a surprise ingredient! 

Have we missed one of your favourite sushi spots? Share the love in the comments below.