Essential San Antonio sushi restaurants for Japanese-inspired dining
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.)
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shiro_riverwalkShiro 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.
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eat.food.travel.eatNiki’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.
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yellowfishsushiYellowfish 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.
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rzapata_saKoi 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.
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.
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tongsthaiTong’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.
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botikapearlBotika
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.
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she_drinks_saSapporo 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.
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stpaulsquareSuck 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.
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godai_sushibarGodai 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.
