Top 10 Sushi Restaurants in Joburg!
If you ask me, sushi is officially the best thing since sliced bread. But really, a bland piece of bread has nothing on a delicious sushi roll. While Joburg might not exactly be a coastal city, its inhabitants sure do love a good sushi meal and almost everywhere you go there’s a new joint serving their version of sushi. I lived in Joburg for three years and while I was there I ate a lot of sushi… 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 Johannesburg.
1. Hashi – Rosebank
Words cannot describe how good this sushi is! If you love being adventurous with your food then this is the spot for you. Expect to find unique delights like the Tropical Tempura (vegetable tempura, cream cheese, spring onion and strawberry – R40), Special Alaska (salmon, avo, and cream cheese topped with salmon, wakame, and masago – R60) and Special Dragon (prawn tempura and cream cheese topped with salmon, avo and spicy and Hashi sauce – R60) on the menu.
Find Hashi at The Zone at Rosebank – Shop FF20B, (Upstairs next to Primi Piatti) | 011 447 8328 | info@hashi.co.za.
2. YuMe Sushi – Fourways & Parkhurst
This trendy little sushi spot is perfect for a quick bite to eat. The sushi is delicious and arrives quickly. Take your pick from the ready-to-go sushi belt or order from the colour coded menu. On the menu you’ll find all the popular classics like salmon and tuna Maki and Handrolls and California rolls as well as some out of the ordinary additions like the Kobe Roll (tempura beef fillet with Teriyaki sauce) and the Gong Roll (tempura fried tuna, asparagus and melted cream cheese). They also have a 3-for-2 special on Tuesdays – choose any three sushi plates of the same colour and only pay for 2!
Find YuMe Sushi Bar at Montecasino: 011 511 0169, Parkhurst: 011 447 8984, Clearwater: 011 675 0890, and Bel Air: 011 704 7182.
3. The Blackanese Sushi and Wine Bar – Maboneng
This Asian-African experience in the trendy Maboneng Precinct fuses African flavour with Japanese cuisine. Their yummy sushi can be enjoyed throughout the week and on Saturdays and Sundays guests can relax whilst they prepare tasty prawns on the braai. The menu offers a wide range of sushi options including all the old favourites and a few African inspired dishes. For a real treat go on all-you-can-eat Tuesdays and pay R130 per person for unlimited sushi from 18:00. The restaurant also offers regular sushi classes at R300 per person (minimum 10 people).
Find The Blackanese at 20 Kruger Street, Maboneng Precinct | 011 024 9455.
4. Catch – Bedfordview
With its bold décor and Asian-inspired menu, Catch is bound to be your new favourite sushi spot in Joburg east. For a quick meal and little bit of ‘dinner theatre’ take a seat at the sushi bar so you can pick and choose the dishes that catch your eye. If the belt isn’t your cup of tea then grab a table and peruse the menu for some unique offerings. Try the Soft Shell Grab Maki (crispy soft-shell grab roll with caviar and spicy mayo – R105) and new-style sashimi options like the Spicy Seared Tuna Tataki (wit Ponzu teriyaki sauce and wasabi mayo – R120).
Find Catch at Bedfordview Centre, corner Smith and Van der Linde Road, Bedfordview. | 011 615 0155 | info@catchfishgrill.co.za.
5. So Yum – Hyde Park
With a wide selection of sushi, dim sum, noodles and other Asian dishes on offer, So Yum is a haven for sushi lovers. The soul of this eatery definitely rests in Dim Sum, but their sushi is also all kinds of delicious. With everything from California Rolls to Fashion Sandwiches, Maki, and Handrolls on the menu, there’s something to suit even the most avid sushi connoisseurs here. They also offer Dessert Sushi classes for kids who want to learn the ancient art if sushi making in a fun way.
Find So Yum at Hyde Park Corner, Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and William Nicol Drive, Hyde Park | yum@sosushiyum.co.za.
6. Koi – Several Locations
You can’t do a list of the best sushi spots in Joburg and leave out KOI! This unique eatery offers Asian expertise combined with contemporary style and to be honest, it’s hard to beat when it comes to sushi. Thanks to their unique flavours and impeccable quality, KOI offers diners food that is always a cut above the rest. With branches in Sandton, Rosebank, Lynnwood and Fourways, you never have to travel very far to get a taste of their fabulous menu. I love the Rainbow Reloaded roll (prawn California wrapped in salmon and tuna and topped with teriyaki, mayo and caviar – R135) and the Firecracker Roses (salmon roses topped with spicy mayo and tempura – R114).
Click here for more info on the various branches in Joburg.
7. Beluga – Waterfall Corner
Beluga is most well known for their incredible half price sushi & cocktail specials. From Monday to Saturday from open-19:00, and all day on Sundays you can tuck into their delicious sushi and cocktail menus at just half the price! Their sushi menu is one of the best around, and with sushi this fresh and delicious it’s hard not to love Beluga. I adore the Seared tuna sandwich (avo, sesame seeds, topped with seared tuna, teriyaki may – 98) and the Firecracker Roll (Tempura tuna, avo, mayo, and sesame seeds – R94).
Find Beluga at Waterfall Corner, Maxwell Dr & Woodmead Drive, Midrand | 010 596 8970.
8. Gwefey – Morningside
Situated in the stylish World Trade Center in Sandton, Gwefey Asian Cuisine is Sandton’s best kept secret! Combining ultra-stylish décor and exotic Asian cuisine, Gwefey is bound to satisfy your every craving. Their menu is all about exploring new tastes and flavours and while there’s loads to choose from on the menu, the sushi is a winner of note. Take advantage of their weekly sushi specials including 50% off on Sushi at Gwefey Asian Cuisine on Saturdays from 12:00 -17:00 and all day on Sundays.
Find Gwefey at The World Trade Centre, corner West Road South and Lower Road, Morningside, Sandton | 011 783 7226 | info@gwefey.co.za.
9. Mizu – Randburg
This upscale champagne, sushi, and oyster bar offers a sophisticated setting, perfect for dinner with family and friends. Offering stunning views, this spot allows you to sip on a glass of the very best champagne and nibble pieces of yummy sushi whilst overlooking Joburg’s southern suburbs. When visiting this chic spot, I recommend ordering a platter or two to share with friends. The Uchi Platter (Nigiri, Sashimi, Roses, Inside Uut Rolls, and a salad of your choice – R230) is the perfect lunch for two while the Chi Platter (Nigiri, Sashimi, Roses, Inside Out rolls, Rainbow Rolls, Wasabi Parcels, and Gift Wrapped Salmon – R305) is a great dinner treat for a party of four.
Find Mizu at Lifestyle Business Park, Corner Of Beyers Naude & Ysterhout Avenue, Randpark Ridge, Randburg | 010 5007966.
10. Yamitsuki
With its stylish decor and unique Asian fusion menu offering everything from sushi to noodles, Teppanyaki, Dim Sum and oriental curries, Yamitsuki is the place to go for an Asian feast of note. Must-try items on the menu include the Prawn & Dynamite Fashion Sandwich (prawn, avo and cucumber with dynamite mayo) and the Mango, Chilli & Salmon Rainbow Inside Out Roll (salmon inside out roll with mango, salmon, chilli, and dynamite mayo). Don’t forget to try their weekly specials including 3-for-2 Mondays and R35 pink plate Tuesdays.
Find Yamitsuki at 55 van Buuren Road, Bedfordview | 08611 SUSHI (78744).
