Top sushi experiences in Edmonton
There’s good sushi, and then there’s unforgettable sushi. Hearty slices of melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, creative rolls that delight the eyes and stomach, and high-quality fish are some of the surprises you’ll find at these Edmonton sushi spots.
Furusato Japanese Restaurant
10012 82 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6E 1Z3While the menu at this Whyte Avenue treasure is extensive, don’t be tempted by all the soups, salads and entrees. Go straight for the sushi and sashimi. It’s so delish and fresh — everything from the yellowtail to the salmon to the tuna belly is first class. They also serve several kinds of maki, including a deep fried yam and seaweed roll that is very popular. The list of special rolls is crazy long, so you’ll never want for choice.
Mikado
10350 109 St NW, Edmonton AB T5J 4X9This is not only one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in Edmonton but also one of the most popular. The sashimi is the freshest you’ll find in this land-locked province, and the portions are generous. The salmon sushi and the massive Philadelphia roll –smoked salmon wrapped around rice, with cream cheese and asparagus tucked inside –are always sure bets. And, all of the restaurant’s three locations offer a gluten-free menu for diners with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
Japonais Bistro
11806 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5K 0N7This quiet spot on Jasper Avenue is one of the newer sushi restaurants in town, but has already received accolades, including runner-up for Best Japanese on Avenue magazine’s 2014 Best Restaurants list. If you’re having trouble picking just a few items from the huge menu, the jalapeno yellowtail is always a crowd pleaser. The supersize, customizable bento boxes make it a good spot for lunch, as do the affordable and delicious maki rolls.
Oranj Sushi Bar
1648-8882 170 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5T 4M2Located on Bourbon Street within West Edmonton Mall, this sushi bar alone is worth the drive to the mall, even if you aren’t shopping. The avocado roll is massive, with creamy slices of the green fruit both secured on the outside and sheltered within the rice. This is definitely not food court sushi – but is almost as fast. The salmon sashimi is a popular choice, and maki can be done with brown rice on request.
Yokozuna Japanese Restaurant
The dark wood interior, the dim light, the spectacular sushi – it all adds up to the perfect date spot for two sushi lovers. While the location is a bit off the beaten track, don’t be fooled by the average exterior – the quality of the sushi is superior. If you’re going with a group of friends, book one of the private tatami rooms for a fun experience.
Maki Maki Japanese & Vietnamese Restaurant
8109 101 St NW, Edmonton AB T6E 3Y9Thanks to their late hours and location just off the bustling Whyte Avenue strip, Maki Maki is a popular last stop after a night on the town. In fact, a friend now refers to it as “Nappy Nappy,” thanks to an infamous post-sushi nap he once took there. While the friendly waitresses giggled at him, they didn’t stop bringing the oh-so-good rolls. Big eaters should go for the sashimi boat; otherwise, stick to the dozens of creative maki rolls that have made this restaurant’s reputation.
Sabu Sushi Bar Restaurant
7450 82 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6B 0G2Also located on Whyte Avenue, Sabu is easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. But what it lacks in obvious charms, it makes up for in originality and taste. A fan favourite is the bagel roll, the restaurant’s take on the traditional Philadelphia roll, with the added crunch of cucumber and green onion. To push beyond the norm, try the tai carpaccio – red snapper in a delicate, citrusy yuzu sauce. Taste trumps exterior charm every time.
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