Brian Nagele
Baltimore, known for its diverse culinary scene, offers a taste of Japan’s finest with its best sushi spots. These restaurants are a testament to the artistry and precision of Japanese cuisine, where expert chefs transform the freshest seafood and ingredients into exquisite edible works of art. From traditional nigiri and sashimi to creative and innovative rolls, Baltimore’s sushi restaurants cater to both purists and those looking for a fusion of flavors. Each establishment has its unique charm, whether it’s a cozy neighborhood gem or a sleek and contemporary sushi haven.
Azumi
725 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21202
(443) 220-0477
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Located in the heart of Baltimore’s downtown waterfront district, Azumi is exactly the type of high-end sushi experience that we love. The restaurant overlooks the harbor across from the famous Federal Hill Park and National Aquarium and offers sushi as fresh as you could wish. We highly recommend visiting the Flame Room on your visit, where you can watch chefs prepare hibachi with a live DJ in the background. What about the sushi? You have to try the Azumi Tasting Menu, where you’ll enjoy top fresh picks straight from the chef. Order their sake flight to accompany your meal, and you’ll never want to leave.
Chiu’s Sushi
608 S Exeter St, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 752-9666
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Only steps away from Azumi in Harbor East, Chiu’s Sushi is a classic family-friendly Japanese restaurant. They focus on Asian fusion and have some of the best sushi rolls in the city, too. Chiu is a bit more affordable and is ideal for a lunch or family dinner downtown after a day exploring the harbor or riding the ferry to see the city’s architecture. Order from their extensive menu or opt for the omakase menu to sample the chef’s best recommendations of the day. The most popular roll on the menu is the Dragon Roll, but we also recommend the Golden Shrimp Roll with shrimp tempura, kani, mango, lobster, tabiko, and mango sauce. If some people in your group are hesitant to try sushi, the menu includes delicious ramen dishes and other Japanese fares.
Kiku Sushi
1017 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 468-4468
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Kiku Sushi sits across the harbor from our first two recommendations – in Federal Hill’s charming and historic neighborhood. Federal Hill is next to Inner Harbor and boasts excellent shopping, dining, and beautiful historic residential spaces. Kiku Sushi, nestled in a charming street, is unassuming and practical. The food is anything but. Locals love visiting Kiku Sushi, which has a relaxed, divey atmosphere and some of the freshest Baltimore sushi. For reasonable prices, you can order a wide range of sushi stuffed with fresh fish and filling. Try the Dynamite Roll, and don’t miss the lunch specials! Outside of sushi, we also love their pork and shrimp dumplings.
Minato
1013 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 332-0332
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Minato is the perfect stop for dinner or Happy Hour in the Mount Vernon Cultural Arts District. Mount Vernon is Baltimore’s hip cultural center, just a quick 10-minute drive north of the harbor. You could spend days exploring this neighborhood’s museums, monuments, boutiques, and performance venues. And for anyone searching the “best sushi restaurants Baltimore,” Minato is a must. The vibe is perfect for young professionals, a post-work networking crowd, or even a sophisticated date night. We recommend sampling the Happy Hour menu, especially their Boston Maki Roll and one of several inventive cocktails. They also have fantastic catering options with full setup and an on-site sushi chef.
Nanami Cafe
907 S Ann St, Baltimore, MD 21231
(410) 327-9400
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Nanami Cafe is a staple in the trendy waterfront neighborhood of Fells Point. Once a thriving shipbuilding port, Fells Point is one of Baltimore’s oldest and most eclectic neighborhoods. Enjoy outdoor dining right along the cobbled waterfront or the cozy interior in the winter months. The interior has cozy wooden decor, and the sushi is often served in little wooden boats to celebrate the waterfront theme. While all the sushi and sashimi is incredibly fresh, we recommend trying to sea urchin – the biggest sea urchin dish we’ve ever had! They also have a good list of sake, beer, and wine, to accompany your meal and sip while you watch boats on the harbor.
RA Sushi Bar & Restaurant
1390 Lancaster St, Baltimore, MD 21231
(410) 522-3200
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RA Sushi is also located in Harbor East right near the Fell’s Point waterfront district. The restaurant sits along a small inlet with a quieter vibe off the main drag. Yet you’re still only a block or two from the water and nightlife. You can opt for indoor dining in their sophisticated low-light bar and dining room or sit under patio umbrellas in good weather. RA Sushi draws a trendy crowd and has one of the best Happy Hours in town. The menu focuses on fusion dishes and includes highlights like the octopus sashimi, the Viva Las Vega roll, and even mango ceviche tacos. Don’t miss the sake sangria while you’re there! It comes in three flavors: red port, white peach, and rosé lychee.
Shoyou Sushi
1450 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 685-2989
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Shoyou Sushi belongs to the Riverside neighborhood in South Baltimore. The historic area is popular with young professionals and features charming renovated rowhomes and the sprawling Riverside Park. Shoyou blends the youthful vibes of the neighborhood with classic Japanese design, serving up clean lines, natural wood, and a comfortable atmosphere. All of the menu items are prepared with fresh fish that is delivered daily. The menu features an extensive list of handmade rolls and nigiri, with playful names like “How Dare Unagi Me?” with a half-filet of bake eel and the “Who’s Your Daddy?” roll with spicy tuna and shrimp tempura.
Yama Sushi Bar
1030 W 41st St, Baltimore, MD 21211
(410) 387-4377
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Yama Sushi has two locations, but we recommend the one in Baltimore’s family-friendly Hoes Heights neighborhood. The restaurant is a local gem. There’s nothing pretentious about this place – you’ll just find Japanese drinks, comfortable booths, and excellent sushi. Go for the lunch box specials or evening sake and sushi combos. The quality and value at Yama Sushi Bar are outstanding. We recommend trying the Spicy Beach roll or the chef’s choice of sashimi. You’ll also find incredibly fresh appetizers and desserts.
Katana Sushi
845 S Montford Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 522-7100
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Located in the bustling waterfront neighborhood of Canton, Katana Sushi is a must-visit spot. We love the historic painted red-brick corner building with its classic but updated facade. Canton is a hugely popular neighborhood for newcomers to Baltimore, situated next to trendy nightlife, shopping, and two great parks. Katana is a complete Japanese restaurant offering sushi, sashimi, ramen, and more. They also have a full bar with great cocktails, sake, wine, and beer. You can’t go wrong with the tuna predator roll or anything with the spicy mango habanero sauce.
Kona Grill
1 E Pratt St #103, Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 244-8994
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Kona Grill might be a chain, but the quality and consistency make them one of our favorite destinations in any city. In Baltimore, the Kona Grill is right in the heart of downtown’s Inner Harbor district. The restaurant is part of a bustling shopping district, gives a chic steakhouse vibe, and is an excellent spot for after-work meals or weekend brunch. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from with their Japanese-American fusion menu. The smoked salmon sashimi is delicious. Try it along with any of their appetizers for a beautiful meal.
Mizu Sushi
2224 Fleet St, Baltimore, MD 21231
(410) 522-0888
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Mizu Sushi is a neighborhood staple at the border of two of Baltimore’s trendiest districts – Canton and Fell’s Point. You’ll find Mizu on a quiet neighborhood street just a few steps from the water and buzzy nightlife. It’s a classic sushi joint with an extensive menu, no-nonsense vibe, and excellent fresh seafood. Mizu is a great spot to bring your family or come for the lunch and dinner specials. Try the Mongolian Roll on the list of Chef’s Specials or the Rock ‘N’ Roll if you like tempura.
Naked Grill Sushi & Yakitori
2748 Lighthouse Point E, Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 534-8888
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Naked Grill Sushi & Yakitori sits on a waterside wharf in Canton called Lighthouse Point. The neighborhood gives a nautical vibe with a waterfront promenade and expansive boat docks. The sushi restaurant has some of the freshest fish, fruits, vegetables, and fantastic views nearby. It’s a modern hip take on classic sushi and Japanese dining. The menu includes an assortment of traditional Japanese and Thai dishes, all fresh and packed with flavor. The yakitori – or skewered meat – is fantastic, and for sushi, we recommend trying the Dynamite Roll. Their mango and sticky rice dessert is also a must!
Sizka Restaurant
1030 S Linwood Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224
(443) 708-3723
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In the south end of Canton, not far from the Lighthouse Point, you’ll find our favorite Japanese Fusion restaurant, Sizka. Sizka means tranquility and peacefulness, and the restaurant delivers. Nestled in a historic fire hall on a charming Canton street, this sushi spot is the perfect spot to refresh on a busy day on the town. Sizka is an excellent place for omakase. They have a BYOB policy, and the chef is friendly and takes great pride and skill in the work. Plop down with a bottle of wine, ask the chef for the omakase menu, and enjoy your next few hours!
Sushi Hana
6080 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21209
(410) 377-4228
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Sushi Hana is a local chain with top-notch sushi and an elegant ambiance. The restaurant is located in an upscale shopping center called Lake Falls Village, about a fifteen-minute drive north of downtown. The restaurant is committed to the freshest ingredients and quality hand-prepared food. Try any specials recommended by the chef. The specials change regularly and feature a fantastic roundup of traditional and innovative flavors. If you want to go with something more predictable, the crispy mango roll is as fresh as they come.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Tripadvisor.com and Secretbaltimore.com.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60811-c38-Baltimore_Maryland.html
https://secretbaltimore.com/best-sushi-baltimore/
https://ichisushi.com/sushi-places-in-baltimore-maryland/
https://www.opentable.com/cuisine-in-metro/baltimore-restaurants/sushi
https://foursquare.com/top-places/baltimore/best-places-sushi
https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/85727/best-sushi-restaurants-and-sushi-bars-in-baltimore
