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Nothing But Authentic! 10 of the Best Sushi You’ll Ever Taste in South Africa

| Last Updated: March 2025

We all know that for truly authentic sushi, Japan is the ultimate destination. But since I haven’t made that trip yet, I won’t let that stop me from enjoying amazing sushi right here at home.

South Africa’s diverse culinary scene means we don’t have to travel far to find top-notch sushi. There’s no shortage of incredible spots for you to explore.

I’ll share where you can find them—because great sushi is closer than you think. Sāikō!

Sushi Box (Kloof Street)

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Address: 50 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town 
Phone: +27 721 716 512
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 
Website: http://sushibox.co.za/
Price Range: RR

Sushi Box offers a menu that brings together classic Japanese flavours with a local twist. You’ll find classic favourites like California rolls and innovative ones like the bold and spicy dragon roll.

If I have to pick one favourite, that’ll be their tiger roll for R85. It’s a delicious mix of tempura shrimp, imitation crab, avo, and spicy mayo, all wrapped in sushi rice and seaweed. The crispy shrimp and creamy avo combo hit just right, with a kick of spice to keep things interesting.

Beyond authentic sushi, they have fresh oysters, tuna salad, and linefish carpaccio for seafood lovers. 

Tip: Go for their rock pool platter. It’s loaded with rainbow and prawn California rolls topped with spring onion and a special tempura sauce to dip in.

Aiko Sushi (Cape Town City Centre)

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Address: 4 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Phone: +27 214 180 064
Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
  • Sunday – 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Website: http://www.aikosushi.co.za/
Price Range: RR

Aiko Sushi, formerly Active Sushi on Bree, is the spot to hit if you’re craving a sushi feast. They have an all-you-can-eat deal for R249, making it easy to indulge in an array of sushi without breaking the bank. 

You also got the classics like sashimi, maki, nigiri, and salmon handrolls. But if you want to try something unique, they also have burgers, doughnuts, and burritos—all made with sushi! 

As someone who likes to try new things, I went and tried their sushi doughnut for R95. I always thought that doughnuts should be sweet, but this dish proved me wrong. The crispy tempura batter, soft sushi rice, and spicy mayo come together nicely.

Tip: Save some space for dessert so you can try their Malva Pudding. It has the right amount of sweetness that cleanses your palate after indulging in sushi.

Izakaya Matsuri (Green Point)

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Address: 6, The Rockwell, 32 Prestwich St, Green Point, Cape Town
Phone: +27 214 214 520
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Price Range: RR

Izakaya Matsuri brings a taste of Japan to Cape Town with its traditional yet inventive sushi. The restaurant’s Japanese screens and subtle Asian décor sets the mood for a relaxed dining experience. 

Beyond sushi, the menu includes noodles, yakitori, tempura, and gyoza, giving you plenty of options to mix and match. 

My go-to here is the California roll for R95. The mix of creamy avo, sweet crab stick, and crisp cucumber, all wrapped in seasoned sushi rice, makes for a perfect bite. The tobiko on top adds a little taste of the sea.

Tip: Check their UberEats page for promotional sushi platters in eight, twelve, or twenty-four pieces.

The Bigmouth Sushi & Grill (Sandton)

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Address: Shop No 13 & 14 of Nelson Mandela Square Corner Maude &, 5th St
Phone: +27 106 342 890
Operating Hours:

  • Monday – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
  • Tuesday to Saturday- 11 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
  • Sunday – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Website: http://www.thebigmouth.co.za/
Price Range: RRR

Experience the flavours of New York, L.A., and London without leaving South Africa at The Bigmouth Sushi & Grill! Their menu blends global influences, offering sushi favourites like Philadelphia rolls, rainbow rolls, and edamame beans. 

Plus, their Josper grill adds an authentic smoky char to grilled dishes!

I’m all about their rainbow roll. It’s a perfect mix of crab stick, avo, cucumber, and tuna, wrapped in seaweed and sushi rice. The sesame seeds and tobiko on top add a satisfying crunch. At R162 for five pieces or R244 for ten, it’s worth the splurge!

Tip: Pair your sushi with the Sake To Me cocktail—a bold mix of sake, ginger, green tea, pineapple, and lime for the perfect balance of spice, earthiness, sweetness, and tang.

Yamitsuki Sushi Teppanyaki Dim sum Bar (Germiston)

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Address: 55 Van Buuren Rd, Bedfordview
Phone: +27 114 550 380
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.yamitsuki.co.za/
Price Range: RRR

Yamitsuki Sushi Teppanyaki Dim Sum Bar is the place to go for fusion, creative, and out-of-the-box sushi. This one-stop spot blends traditional sushi, noodles, and teppanyaki with bold Asian fusion flavours. 

Plus, their conveyor belt setup lets you grab whatever catches your eye as it rolls by!

I had to try their famous flaming sushi, and it did not disappoint! Served tableside with a dramatic flambé, it was a visual treat. The light smokiness from the flame and the caramelised sauce added a perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours—definitely worth the hype!

Tip: Visit during their anniversary for deals like a sushi and dim sum lunch combo for R98 or a teppanyaki special for R98. 

SUKI Sushi & Asian Cuisine (Gqeberha)

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Address: 55 Prospect Rd, Walmer
Phone: +27 415 811 111
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/sukiwalmer
Price Range: RR

SUKI Sushi & Asian Cuisine brings a fresh twist to sushi by blending local and Asian flavours. You’ll find familiar favourites like California rolls, aburi nigiri, and fresh salmon, alongside more inventive options like the Suki rock ‘n roll, tempura hosomaki, and Four Queens. 

My top pick is the Suki crunch bomb, a crispy tempura prawn roll drizzled with spicy mayo and topped with crunchy tempura crumbs. The contrast of crispy and creamy textures makes every bite seriously satisfying!

If sushi isn’t your thing, they have sizzling beef, angry beef, and honey chicken for a hearty meal.

Tip: Pair your sushi with their refreshing Margarita Sunrise. The tangy flavours perfectly balance the rich and delicate sushi.

Parafish Sushi (Durbanville)

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Address: 36 Main Street Shop 31, De’Ville Centre Western Cape
Phone: +27 219 797 341
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: https://parafish.co.za/
Price Range: RR

For a buzzing vibe to go with your sushi, head to Parafish Sushi. With upbeat music and a lively dining area, it’s the kind of place where you can enjoy good food in a fun setting. Plus, their sushi is great value, packing in more fish and less rice for a satisfying bite.

They serve all the classics, from maki rolls to California rolls, but their menu goes beyond the usual. You’ll find unique creations like the strawberry star, caviar roll, ebi roll, and salmon roses. 

My go-to is their salmon roses—fresh slices of salmon wrapped around sushi rice with a delicate layer of seaweed. The rich, buttery texture melts in your mouth, making each bite smooth and indulgent.

Tip: From Monday to Thursday, grab their sushi combo deal—buy any two sushi combos and get a free sushi platter!

TANG Asian Luxury Restaurant & Bar (Waterfront)

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Address: Shop 153, V&A Waterfront, 19 Breakwater Blvd
Phone: +27 766 528 972
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Website: https://www.tanghospitality.com/
Price Range: RRR

TANG Asian Luxury Restaurant & Bar takes inspiration from modern Japanese izakayas and classic Cantonese cuisine. Beyond sushi, the menu features standout dishes like Peking duck, black cod miso, dim sum, and wok-fired specialties. 

While it leans on the pricier side, the use of premium ingredients and authentic cooking techniques ensures every dish is worth it. 

I tried their New-Style sushi, and it was a game-changer! These rolls and nigiri were topped with spicy mayo, teriyaki, wasabi, and caviar, adding layers of richness and creaminess. The mix of fresh seafood with bold sauces was a luxurious treat.

Tip: Can’t make it to their Cape Town location? There’s another branch in Sandton!

Bamboo Sushi Lounge (Umhlanga)

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Address: 78, Protea Mall, 1/3 Chartwell Dr
Phone: +27 315 612 705
Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Sunday – 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Website: https://bamboosushi.co.za/
Price Range: RR

For a fresh take on sushi, head to Bamboo Sushi Lounge in Durban. Alongside traditional sushi, inventive options like crumbed calamari, Asian duck, beef, tempura fish, and smoked marlin are also on the menu. 

I’m all about their beef sushi—tender marinated slices served with sushi rice and seaweed. The rich, savoury, and slightly sweet flavours balance perfectly with the vinegared rice and umami-packed seaweed, creating a bold yet refreshing bite.

If raw fish isn’t your thing, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy, from dim sum to wok-style dishes.

Tip: Try their Special Dishes—a daily rotating sushi creation that brings something new and exciting to the table.

Salmon & Brine (Paarl)

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Address: Vendôme Wine Farm, Arboretum
Phone: +27 646 818 464
Operating Hours:  

  • Monday to Saturday – 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Sunday – 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Website: https://salmonandbrine.co.za/
Price Range: RR

Salmon & Brine in Paarl is a top spot for Japanese fusion sushi with a stunning backdrop. Set on a wine farm, it offers breathtaking views of oak trees, vineyards, and mountains. 

Their sushi menu features top-quality seafood, with options like tiger rolls, rainbow rolls, and seared tuna. 

One of my favourites is the spicy salmon tartare for R150. The finely diced salmon mixed with a spicy sauce delivers a bold, fiery kick, while avocado and crispy wonton chips add a perfect contrast of textures.

Tip: Time your visit for late afternoon to catch the sunset over the vineyards and mountains. It’s an unforgettable view!

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