San Antonio may be best known for homegrown specialties like Tex-Mex and barbecue, but that doesn't mean we shy away from celebrating other cuisines.
Case in point? Japanese and Japanese-inspired fare, especially sushi, are increasingly common in the Alamo City. We're talking anything from nigiri and sashimi to specialty rolls and chirashi.
If you're looking to nosh on sushi but don't know where to start, this list of essential spots will get you rolling. (Pun intended.)
Essential San Antonio sushi restaurants for Japanese-inspired dining
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Jun 23, 2023 at 3:54 pm
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Photo via Instagram / shiro_riverwalk
Shiro Japanese Bistro
107 W. Jones Ave., shirossan.com
Shiro specializes in West Coast contemporary Japanese cuisine. The sushi menu features a variety of specialty rolls, including a selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Adventurous diners can also choose from the “I’ll leave it up to you” menu, which includes a variety of nigiri, sashimi and chirashi options curated by the chef.
107 W. Jones Ave., shirossan.com
Shiro specializes in West Coast contemporary Japanese cuisine. The sushi menu features a variety of specialty rolls, including a selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Adventurous diners can also choose from the “I’ll leave it up to you” menu, which includes a variety of nigiri, sashimi and chirashi options curated by the chef.
Photo via Instagram / eat.food.travel.eat
Niki’s Tokyo Inn
819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn
Since 1970, Niki’s Tokyo Inn in Beacon Hill has offered traditional Japanese tatami seating and a sushi bar you’ll want to score a coveted seat in front of. Go solo, or take several friends, but get there early for the best results.
819 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 736-5471, facebook.com/nikis.tokyo.inn
Since 1970, Niki’s Tokyo Inn in Beacon Hill has offered traditional Japanese tatami seating and a sushi bar you’ll want to score a coveted seat in front of. Go solo, or take several friends, but get there early for the best results.
Photo via Instagram / yellowfishsushi
Yellowfish Sushi
Multiple Locations, yellowfishsushi.com
This self-proclaimed “Japamex sushi bar” features an extensive menu of traditional and not-so-traditional menu items, including fried and baked roll options.
Multiple Locations, yellowfishsushi.com
This self-proclaimed “Japamex sushi bar” features an extensive menu of traditional and not-so-traditional menu items, including fried and baked roll options.
Photo via Instagram / rzapata_sa
Koi Kawa
4051 Broadway, (210) 805-8111, koikawasushi.com
Into nigiri and sashimi? Alamo Heights joint Koi Kawa is the spot for you. Chilled tuna, mackerel, salmon, shrimp, squid and octopus rest atop lightly vinegared beds of sticky white rice in a delicious display of sushi chef artistry. Of course, the Broadway eatery offers an impressive selection of specialty rolls for those that prefer their sushi in that form.
4051 Broadway, (210) 805-8111, koikawasushi.com
Into nigiri and sashimi? Alamo Heights joint Koi Kawa is the spot for you. Chilled tuna, mackerel, salmon, shrimp, squid and octopus rest atop lightly vinegared beds of sticky white rice in a delicious display of sushi chef artistry. Of course, the Broadway eatery offers an impressive selection of specialty rolls for those that prefer their sushi in that form.
Michael Karlis
Umiya
11075 W I-10 Suite 200, (210) 455-0299, umiyasa.com
Corpus Christi-based sushi restaurant Umiya opened its first San Antonio location in 2022, serving all-you-can eat soups, salads, hibachi and sushi. The new eatery, which also includes a full bar, has taken over the far Northwest San Antonio space that formerly housed Drew Brees' Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux.
11075 W I-10 Suite 200, (210) 455-0299, umiyasa.com
Corpus Christi-based sushi restaurant Umiya opened its first San Antonio location in 2022, serving all-you-can eat soups, salads, hibachi and sushi. The new eatery, which also includes a full bar, has taken over the far Northwest San Antonio space that formerly housed Drew Brees' Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux.
Photo via Instagram / tongsthai
Tong’s Thai
1146 Austin Highway, (210) 829-7345, tongsthai.com
Alamo Heights fixture Tong’s Thai has been serving traditional Thai food since 1995, but the sushi bar deserves its due too. Order the fan favorite Ariel Special roll with a glass of plum wine.
1146 Austin Highway, (210) 829-7345, tongsthai.com
Alamo Heights fixture Tong’s Thai has been serving traditional Thai food since 1995, but the sushi bar deserves its due too. Order the fan favorite Ariel Special roll with a glass of plum wine.
Photo via Instagram / botikapearl
Botika
303 Pearl Parkway #111, (210) 670-7684, botikapearl.com
Though Botika is so much more than just a sushi bar, Chef Geronimo Lopez and his team have lined up an array of 12 sushi options available at their restaurant: six rolls each on the lunch and dinner menus respectively. Botika’s focus on fine Japanese dining is complemented by an elaborate contemporary menu and dining room at a prime location in the Pearl.
303 Pearl Parkway #111, (210) 670-7684, botikapearl.com
Though Botika is so much more than just a sushi bar, Chef Geronimo Lopez and his team have lined up an array of 12 sushi options available at their restaurant: six rolls each on the lunch and dinner menus respectively. Botika’s focus on fine Japanese dining is complemented by an elaborate contemporary menu and dining room at a prime location in the Pearl.
Photo via Instagram / she_drinks_sa
Sapporo Sushi and Asian Fusion
5638 W. Hausman Road, (210) 314-4423, sapporosa.com
This Northwest San Antonio sushi outpost offers a modest selection of basic Japanese entrees plus a selection of unique sushi rolls. Sapporo’s fresh nigiri, savory shoyu ramen and miso soup are hard to beat.
5638 W. Hausman Road, (210) 314-4423, sapporosa.com
This Northwest San Antonio sushi outpost offers a modest selection of basic Japanese entrees plus a selection of unique sushi rolls. Sapporo’s fresh nigiri, savory shoyu ramen and miso soup are hard to beat.
Photo via Instagram / stpaulsquare
Suck It Asian Kitchen
1167 E. Commerce St., (210) 564-9062, chefsuckit.com
Suck It restaurant group has spent the last couple years expanding their empire in San Antonio and while their most recent project: Suck It Mixology Bar may be getting may be getting the most attention right now, Suck It Asian Kitchen is still slinging out quality sushi rolls to delight San Antonians.
1167 E. Commerce St., (210) 564-9062, chefsuckit.com
Suck It restaurant group has spent the last couple years expanding their empire in San Antonio and while their most recent project: Suck It Mixology Bar may be getting may be getting the most attention right now, Suck It Asian Kitchen is still slinging out quality sushi rolls to delight San Antonians.
Photo via Instagram / godai_sushibar
Godai Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant
11203 West Ave., (210) 348-6781, facebook.com/GodaiSushiSA
Tried-and-true Northside spot Godai has a classic Japanese menu: all the usual sushi suspects, in addition to an assortment of rice and noodle bowls.
11203 West Ave., (210) 348-6781, facebook.com/GodaiSushiSA
Tried-and-true Northside spot Godai has a classic Japanese menu: all the usual sushi suspects, in addition to an assortment of rice and noodle bowls.
Photo via Instagram / piranhaizakaya
Piranha Izakaya
260 E. Basse Road, (210) 822-1088, piranhaizakaya.com
Formerly known as Piranha Killer Sushi, Piranha Izakaya graces the Alamo Quarry Village with hot and cold appetizers, sushi and seven kinds of Japanese ramen. Appetizers range from glistening edamame to takoyaki, or fried octopus balls.
260 E. Basse Road, (210) 822-1088, piranhaizakaya.com
Formerly known as Piranha Killer Sushi, Piranha Izakaya graces the Alamo Quarry Village with hot and cold appetizers, sushi and seven kinds of Japanese ramen. Appetizers range from glistening edamame to takoyaki, or fried octopus balls.
Photo via Instagram / sukebansushi
Sukeban
1420 S. Alamo St. Suite 101, (210) 562-3231, sukebansushi.com
In Southtown’s Blue Star Arts Complex, you can expect a certain level of hip. What you might not expect, however, is a menu specializing in contemporary Japanese fare that’s enhanced by carefully curated wine, bubbles and cocktails. With an edgy atmosphere accompanied with a funky playlist that makes this Southtown gem a fun spot to imbibe in, Sukeban offers an array of authentic Japanese drinks — not to mention the creative rolls and sauces.
1420 S. Alamo St. Suite 101, (210) 562-3231, sukebansushi.com
In Southtown’s Blue Star Arts Complex, you can expect a certain level of hip. What you might not expect, however, is a menu specializing in contemporary Japanese fare that’s enhanced by carefully curated wine, bubbles and cocktails. With an edgy atmosphere accompanied with a funky playlist that makes this Southtown gem a fun spot to imbibe in, Sukeban offers an array of authentic Japanese drinks — not to mention the creative rolls and sauces.
Photo via Instagram / sakecafesushibarsa
Sake Cafe
19179 Blanco Road Suite 101, (210) 408-6388, sakesushisa.com
Don’t let the strip-mall facade fool you: Sake Cafe offers an impressive selection of noodles, rice, rolls, soups, salad and apps. There’s something for everyone at this Stone Oak-area spot.
19179 Blanco Road Suite 101, (210) 408-6388, sakesushisa.com
Don’t let the strip-mall facade fool you: Sake Cafe offers an impressive selection of noodles, rice, rolls, soups, salad and apps. There’s something for everyone at this Stone Oak-area spot.
Photo via Google Maps
Osaka Steakhouse & Sushi
Multiple Locations, osakasteaknsushi.com
The bento boxes are a must-try at this sushi restaurant with locations off Broadway in San Antonio and Bandera in Helotes. From 3-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 3-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday, the Broadway spot has daily happy hour specials, while the Bandera location features two- and three-roll chef specials.
Multiple Locations, osakasteaknsushi.com
The bento boxes are a must-try at this sushi restaurant with locations off Broadway in San Antonio and Bandera in Helotes. From 3-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 3-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday, the Broadway spot has daily happy hour specials, while the Bandera location features two- and three-roll chef specials.
Photo via Instagram / sushiseven
Sushi Seven
Multiple Locations, sushi-seven.com
This Stone Oak eatery’s menu has a slew of options including tempura, kushiage (or deep-fried kebabs), fried rice and teppanyaki, not to mention the 40-plus rolls and full-to-bursting bento boxes.
Multiple Locations, sushi-seven.com
This Stone Oak eatery’s menu has a slew of options including tempura, kushiage (or deep-fried kebabs), fried rice and teppanyaki, not to mention the 40-plus rolls and full-to-bursting bento boxes.
Photo via Instagram / sushishima
Sushishima Japanese Restaurant
Multiple Locations, sushishima.com
Sushishima offers plenty of sushi and sashimi, as well as ramen, tempura and other Japanese entrees, at its Castle Hills and Stone Oak locations.
Multiple Locations, sushishima.com
Sushishima offers plenty of sushi and sashimi, as well as ramen, tempura and other Japanese entrees, at its Castle Hills and Stone Oak locations.
Photo via Instagram / kinthaiandsushi
Kin Thai and Sushi
22211 I-10 W Access Road Suite 1102, (210) 474-0959, kinthaisushi.com
This Dominion-area sushi spot just up the road from Friedrich Wilderness Park is not for the faint of heart, at least in terms of menu size. The menu is substantial, including entrees, sushi bowls, nigiri, sashimi, salads and more than 30 varieties of rolls.
22211 I-10 W Access Road Suite 1102, (210) 474-0959, kinthaisushi.com
This Dominion-area sushi spot just up the road from Friedrich Wilderness Park is not for the faint of heart, at least in terms of menu size. The menu is substantial, including entrees, sushi bowls, nigiri, sashimi, salads and more than 30 varieties of rolls.
Photo via Instagram / nama_ramen
Nama Ramen
6526 Babcock Road, (210) 641-2888, linktr.ee/namaramen
While constructing their elaborate dishes, the kitchen at Nama focuses on plating: their sushi platters are decked out with bountiful orchids and specialty rolls, all of which are well worth waiting in line for.
6526 Babcock Road, (210) 641-2888, linktr.ee/namaramen
While constructing their elaborate dishes, the kitchen at Nama focuses on plating: their sushi platters are decked out with bountiful orchids and specialty rolls, all of which are well worth waiting in line for.
Photo via Instagram / sushihayasa
Sushi Haya
226 W. Bitters Road, (210) 370-9332, sushihayaus.com
Sushi Haya's extensive menu offers bento boxes, rolls, sushi and sashimi, along with Japanese and hibachi entrees. The all-you-can-eat offer holds guests to a few standard rules, including a two-hour time limit.
226 W. Bitters Road, (210) 370-9332, sushihayaus.com
Sushi Haya's extensive menu offers bento boxes, rolls, sushi and sashimi, along with Japanese and hibachi entrees. The all-you-can-eat offer holds guests to a few standard rules, including a two-hour time limit.
Photo via Instagram / sushizushi
Sushi Zushi
Multiple Locations, sushizushi.com
Spread across multiple locations in San Antonio, Sushi Zushi brings premier sushi delights with a variety of nigiri, sashimi, specialty rolls and chirashi bowls.
Multiple Locations, sushizushi.com
Spread across multiple locations in San Antonio, Sushi Zushi brings premier sushi delights with a variety of nigiri, sashimi, specialty rolls and chirashi bowls.
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