Bells HardingstoneJohannesburg has become a true haven for sushi lovers, offering everything from traditional Japanese dining rooms to innovative fusion spots and lively conveyor-belt experiences. The city’s sushi scene has evolved dramatically, with establishments now recognised for their fresh ingredients, creative presentations, and authentic techniques.
Whether you are seeking a high-end dining experience in Sandton, a kosher sushi spot in Glenhazel, or a casual conveyor-belt lunch, Johannesburg delivers exceptional options for every palate and budget. Here is a guide to twenty of the best sushi restaurants in the city.
Top 20 Sushi Restaurants in Johannesburg
1. Yamato Japanese Restaurant
Since 1995, Yamato has been a cornerstone of authentic Japanese dining in Johannesburg . Located in Melrose North, this family-run establishment serves sushi, sashimi, tempura, and ramen prepared according to traditional methods. The restaurant prides itself on fresh, high-quality ingredients and has become a favourite for those seeking a sophisticated setting and rich menu . Reviewers consistently praise the freshness of the spring rolls and the overall presentation, with many considering it the best Japanese food in Johannesburg . Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.
2. Yamitsuki
Founded in 2000, Yamitsuki in Bedfordview is one of Johannesburg’s most established sushi destinations . The restaurant introduced the conveyor-belt concept to South African diners and offers a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere . The menu features inventive creations like the Mango, Chilli & Salmon Rainbow Inside-Out Roll and the Devil Roll . Beyond sushi, Yamitsuki also offers teppanyaki, dim sum, and noodle dishes. The restaurant runs daily lunch specials and weekday promotions like buy-two-get-one-free sushi plates on Mondays .
3. Kanpai
Located in Rosebank’s Keyes Art Mile, Kanpai is a study in Japanese culinary precision fused with South African soul . The master chefs follow the traditional edomae philosophy, focusing on freshness and texture. The menu features delicate sashimi, gourmet tapas including gyoza and Korean short ribs, and a seafood platter with fresh oysters and prawns . Kanpai also sources sustainable seafood through the WWF SASSI initiative, ensuring green-listed species are prioritised . It is a top choice for a refined, luxurious sushi experience.
4. Kōl Izakhaya
Inspired by Tokyo’s high-end izakayas, Kōl Izakhaya at Hyde Park Corner blends Japanese tradition with South African flair . It was awarded Best Sushi in the 2025 FindMy Food Awards . The restaurant is known for its robata-grilled dishes cooked over Japanese binchotan charcoal and an exceptional sake selection . Diners can enjoy impeccably prepared sushi alongside unique small plates in a vibrant, contemporary setting .
5. The Big Mouth
Located at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, The Big Mouth is a contemporary diner with a global culinary influence . The restaurant offers an extensive sushi menu featuring the S.U.V roll, Bigmouth Rainbow Roll, and Rock Shrimp Tempura Roll, alongside many vegetarian options like a vegan seeded California roll . The vibrant, trendy atmosphere makes it a popular choice for sushi lovers seeking a lively dining experience .
6. SOSUSHI
Located in the Kosher World Centre in Glenhazel, SOSUSHI is a consistently enjoyable and appetising kosher restaurant . Customers frequently praise the incredible freshness and flavour, with perfectly seasoned rice and melt-in-your-mouth fish . The restaurant features a conveyor belt system where diners can pick their desired sushi and pay at the end . An added convenience is that the waitress will bring your order along with the credit card machine to your car .
7. FireRoom Sushi & Grill
Situated at Montecasino in Fourways, FireRoom Sushi & Grill offers an elevated dining experience that combines fresh sushi with grilled dishes . The restaurant is known for its remarkable fusion of flavours and is a popular destination for those seeking a sophisticated meal in a lively entertainment complex .
8. Hashi Fusion Japanese Cuisine
Hashi is a genuine Japanese restaurant located in Linden that offers an extensive selection of unique sushi rolls . Using fresh fish and expert craftsmanship, the menu features creative options like Tropical Tempura, Special Alaska, and Special Dragon . The restaurant is known for its stylish yet relaxed setting and friendly service.
9. Catch Bedfordview
Catch in Bedfordview is known for a sizeable sushi selection including the Caterpillar Roll, Rainbow Reloaded, and Rock Shrimp Tempura Roll . The restaurant runs a 30% discount on sushi and dim sum all day on Tuesdays and Sundays, and on certain afternoons from Wednesdays to Saturdays . It also offers classic sushi, new-style sashimi, and seafood-focused dishes.
10. Japa Express Sushi Bar
A respected Rivonia sushi bar with a strong Uber Eats rating of 4.7, Japa Express is a popular choice for sushi delivery in the area . The restaurant is known for its consistent quality and fresh sushi, making it a reliable go-to for takeaway.
11. Yamada Sushi
Located in Waterfall, Yamada Sushi offers a Japanese-style conveyor-belt sushi experience with items like salmon hand rolls and chirashi sushi . The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat style buffet priced at R209 per person from Sundays to Thursdays . Reservations are required on weekends .
12. So Yum
Located in Hyde Park, So Yum offers an elaborate Asian menu with a focus on sushi and dim sum . Popular items include the Chicago Roll and 4×4 Roll, alongside vegetarian sushi options . The restaurant has limited seating and reservations are required on weekends .
13. Mizuki Sushi & Asian Tapas
Located in Parkmore, Mizuki offers creative sushi like the 4×4, Tiger Roll, and an 18-piece Mizuki platter . The restaurant also offers vegan and vegetarian sushi options. A seven-dish Japanese dining experience is available for R299, and a daily 40-piece sushi sharing platter is priced at R249 via Hyperli coupons . Seating is limited and reservations are required on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays .
14. Tataki
Located in Fourways, Tataki offers a daily sushi buffet priced at R179 per person . The menu features a variety of sushi platters and à la carte options, including Rock Prawn Maki and Prawn Tempura Gifts . Outdoor seating is available and reservations are essential via their contact number .
15. Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant
In Norwood, Hokkaido is known for its daily sushi buffet priced at R219 per person, with a unique sushi rice recipe . The restaurant offers bamboo rolls and can tweak sushi items on request . Outdoor seating is available and reservations are recommended on weekends .
16. King of Sushi
Formerly YuMe Sushi Bar in Fourways, King of Sushi offers sashimi, sushi-on-fire options, novelty roses, and party platters including a 50-piece party platter for groups . It is a great option for group dining and celebrations .
17. Golden Rose
Located in Sandton, Golden Rose is a sushi bar with combo platters and unique rolls like the Strawberry Rainbow, Venus Roll, and Toro Toro . Vegetarian 12- and 24-piece boxes are available on the menu .
18. Fishmonger Illovo
Known for freshly made sushi, Norwegian salmon, and custom platters, Fishmonger Illovo offers unique items like the Adidas Roll (salmon, cream cheese, and strawberry) and Gunken Maki . Outdoor seating is available at this Illovo location .
19. Jungle Sushi & Teppanyaki
Located in Bedfordview, Jungle Sushi offers teppanyaki theatre plus sushi boats and platters with items like the Pineapple Prawn Dragon Roll and Crab Caviar Nigiri . Vegetarian sushi platters are available. The restaurant runs a daily buy-one-get-one-free promotion on single sushi plates. Teppanyaki table reservations are required .
20. Oriental Cuisine & Sushi Bar
Located in Alberton North, Oriental Cuisine is a popular spot for Chinese cuisine and sushi, with a 4.2 rating . Customers rave about the crab stick sushi and vegetable spring rolls, praising the freshness and quality of the food . The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices compared to other similar restaurants, making it a great value option .
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine Focus | Location | Key Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamato | Authentic Japanese | Melrose North | Since 1995, traditional sushi/sashimi | $$$ |
| Yamitsuki | Creative Sushi | Bedfordview | Conveyor belt, teppanyaki, dim sum | $$ |
| Kanpai | Luxury Japanese | Rosebank | Edomae philosophy, sustainable seafood | $$$$ |
| Kōl Izakhaya | Izakaya-Style | Hyde Park | Best Sushi Award 2025, robata grill | $$$ |
| Big Mouth | Contemporary | Sandton | Extensive menu, vegetarian options | $$ |
| SOSUSHI | Kosher Sushi | Glenhazel | Conveyor belt, car delivery | $$ |
| FireRoom | Sushi & Grill | Montecasino | Elevated dining, entertainment complex | $$$ |
| Hashi Fusion | Creative Japanese | Linden | Unique rolls, fresh fish | $$ |
| Catch | Sushi & Seafood | Bedfordview | 30% discount Tue/Sun | $$ |
| Japa Express | Traditional Sushi | Rivonia | High delivery rating | $$ |
| Yamada | Conveyor-Belt | Waterfall | All-you-can-eat buffet, R209 | $$ |
| So Yum | Asian Fusion | Hyde Park | Weekends need reservations | $$ |
| Mizuki | Creative Sushi | Parkmore | R299 dining experience | $$ |
| Tataki | Buffet Sushi | Fourways | R179 daily buffet | $$ |
| Hokkaido | Japanese Buffet | Norwood | R219 daily buffet, tweakable items | $$ |
| King of Sushi | Creative Sushi | Fourways | Party platters, group dining | $$ |
| Golden Rose | Sushi Bar | Sandton | Unique rolls, vegetarian boxes | $$ |
| Fishmonger | Sushi & Seafood | Illovo | Norwegian salmon, custom platters | $$ |
| Jungle Sushi | Sushi & Teppanyaki | Bedfordview | BOGO deal, sushi boats | $$ |
| Oriental Cuisine | Chinese & Sushi | Alberton | Affordable, generous portions | $ |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Look for Daily Specials: Many sushi restaurants offer excellent value through daily promotions. Catch has 30% off sushi on Tuesdays and Sundays . John Dory’s runs Half-Price Sushi Wednesdays . Yamitsuki offers a daily lunch special at R104 and buy-two-get-one-free on Mondays .
Conveyor-Belt Options: For a fun, interactive experience, Yamitsuki, SOSUSHI, and Yamada offer conveyor-belt sushi where you can pick your favourites as they pass by . This is a great way to try a variety of items.
Kosher Sushi: SOSUSHI in Glenhazel is a highly-rated kosher establishment with conveyor-belt service . It is known for its freshness and generous portions.
Sustainability Matters: Kanpai prioritises sustainable seafood through the WWF SASSI initiative, using green-listed species like Yellowtail and pole-caught Tuna . This is a great choice for environmentally conscious diners.
Booking is Recommended: Many top sushi spots have limited seating or are very busy on weekends. So Yum, Mizuki, Tataki, Hokkaido, and Yamada all recommend or require advance reservations .
Budget Guide: Prices range from affordable options like Oriental Cuisine (under R200 per person) to mid-range conveyor-belt spots (R200-300 per person) to premium fine-dining experiences like Kanpai (R500+ per person).
Conclusion
Johannesburg’s sushi scene has evolved into a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape. From the authentic, decades-old traditions of Yamato to the creative flair of Yamitsuki and the award-winning excellence of Kōl Izakhaya, the city offers something for every sushi enthusiast. Whether you are seeking a kosher meal, a conveyor-belt adventure, an all-you-can-eat buffet, or a fine-dining experience, these twenty restaurants represent the best of what Johannesburg has to offer. With daily specials, sustainable seafood options, and a range of budgets to suit every diner, the city’s sushi scene continues to impress and delight.