Cape Town’s sushi scene is a vibrant reflection of the city’s coastal location and diverse culinary landscape. From world-class fine dining establishments with panoramic harbour views to hidden local gems serving affordable, high-quality rolls, the Mother City offers exceptional sushi experiences for every palate and budget. This guide highlights twenty of the best sushi restaurants in Cape Town, based on reputation, freshness, and overall dining experience.
Top 20 Sushi Restaurants in Cape Town
1. Willoughby & Co
Located in the V&A Waterfront, Willoughby & Co has been a Cape Town institution since 1996 and is the first name most locals mention when sushi comes up. Despite being inside a bustling shopping mall, it attracts long queues almost every day of the week. Owner Jens Tibshraeny has earned a reputation for faultless sushi, from classic sashimi and nigiri to signature plates like the Oyster Shooter, soaked in sake and ponzu, or the blackened salmon with miso sauce. The blonde-wood Scandi-chic décor and cosy booths create a dining atmosphere far removed from typical mall settings. Open daily from 12pm to 10pm.
2. Obi
Opened by sushi legend Hatsushiro Muraoka, affectionately known as ‘Papa San’, alongside chef-partner Ben Bettendorf, Obi is a love letter to authentic Japanese cuisine. Located on Long Street, the restaurant features high ceilings, wood-panelled walls, and an atmosphere that transports you to Japan. The menu offers a modern twist on classic sushi plates, with perfectly cooked sushi rice and generous cuts of fresh fish. Inside-out rolls are the star of the menu, alongside a selection of line fish sashimi. On a budget? Look out for the lunchtime bento box specials. The ramen is also excellent for those seeking something beyond sushi.
3. Kyoto Garden Sushi
At the top of Kloof Street lies Kyoto Garden, acclaimed as one of South Africa’s finest Japanese restaurants. Owner Scott Wood goes to enormous lengths to source top-quality products, from Alaskan crab to proper wasabi root. The sushi here is more traditional, with a focus on sashimi that celebrates the delicate flavour of the seafood, avoiding heavy sauces or deep-fried rolls. There is an excellent selection of imported Japanese sake, served warm or chilled, and the black sesame seed ice cream is a must for dessert. While dining here is on the higher end of the price spectrum, the experience is well worth it, especially with early evening and winter specials to watch for.
4. 1890 Sushi House
Tucked away on a tranquil side street in Observatory, 1890 Sushi House remains a well-kept local secret. Founded in 2001, the restaurant takes pride in offering an extensive menu of must-have dishes, including prawn tempura California rolls, sweet sticky tuna, seared tuna, and dragon rolls. Ask if the delicious roast eel, unagi, is available – it is a standout. Solo diners often prefer the lively sushi counter near the entrance, while the intimate rear dining rooms provide cosy tables perfect for group gatherings. The restaurant is also available for events catering.
5. Salushi
Long cherished as a go-to sushi spot in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, Salushi has found its latest residence in a renovated house tucked behind Cavendish Square mall. The menu features an extensive selection of California rolls, maki, and hand rolls, along with house specialities like the Fiery Tiger Roll – a spicy seared California roll with salmon, wrapped in prawn and avocado. Every plate is made to order, ensuring freshness, so expect a brief wait that will be well worth it. The cosy-chic ambience features wooden floorboards, exposed brick, and a hidden courtyard for sunny days.
6. Nuri Sushi
With seven branches spread across the city, Nuri Sushi is a solid bet for well-priced sushi in Cape Town. The menu is enormous, with a range of classic and gourmet sushi that can be ordered per portion or as one of their many platters and combos. Watching your carbs? The rice-free sushi is your go-to. Nuri is big on takeaways and delivery, making it a good option if you need a fix of sashimi at short notice, but you can also sit-down and dine in at most branches. The inner-city Cape Town, Sea Point, and Claremont branches have the best vibe.
7. Konnichiwa Sushi Bar
Pullman Cape Town’s signature sushi bar, located just off Bree Street, opened in March last year. Led by acclaimed chef Ernest Tsosane, whose career spans some of South Africa’s most celebrated Asian restaurants including Nobu Cape Town, Konnichiwa offers a refined selection of Japanese-inspired dishes. The menu blends classic favourites such as sashimi and nigiri with Rainbow Rolls and Wagyu Aburi – all prepared to order daily using only the finest sustainably sourced ingredients. Guests can watch the chefs at work from the sushi counter, which is visible from the street A lunchtime offer provides 20 pieces of sushi with a glass of wine or soft drink for R180 per person.
8. TANG Cape Town
An outpost of the hugely popular original in Johannesburg’s Nelson Mandela Square, TANG Cape Town dishes up a pan-Asian experience in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. With glorious mountain and harbour views, the extensive al fresco seating is the place to be when the weather is fine. Alongside classic sushi, the focus is firmly on ‘New-Style’ sushi, featuring inventive rolls and nigiri fired up with spicy mayo, teriyaki, wasabi, and caviar to make each bite a flavour-bomb. The menu also features Black Cod Miso and meaty cuts done on the robata grill.
9. Sevruga
Located at the V&A Waterfront, Sevruga is larger and more accessible than many of its competitors, with a menu that ranges from traditional to more creative rolls. The tuna tataki is one of the better starters in Cape Town, and the sunset views over the working harbour make it work as both a food destination and an experience. The chic, modern space combines luxury dining with fresh, sustainable ingredients, making it perfect for romantic dinners and business lunches.
10. Codfather Seafood & Sushi
This Camps Bay classic is best known for its fresh fish offering, with diners choosing their seafood selection from the large display counter. But the busy sushi counter at Codfather is an equally good reason to visit, especially if you are in a hurry and not in the market for an extended dinner. At the counter, you will find a sushi ‘train’ serving up an array of freshly made rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and maki . They are all on colour-coded plates, allowing you to balance the size of your appetite with the depth of your pockets. Impressive wine list to boot.
11. Haiku
Haiku offers a smart and traditional setting for an unforgettable culinary tour through East Asia. This stylish and glamorous venue presents a tapas-style dining experience, showcasing the best of Chinese dim sum, Japanese grills, and sushi. The menu’s must-have dishes, including steamed duck buns, spicy prawn har gau, Peking duck, and sizzling lamb with coconut rice, demonstrate the incredible diversity and skill of the regiment of chefs hailing from key provinces in China, Japan, and Thailand. The elegant ambience, featuring stone, paper, wood, water, and soft lighting, perfectly complements the bold flavours.
12. Hamachi Claremont
This local-friendly sushi spot takes a little finding, tucked down a side road in Claremont, but if you are after quality sushi with few frills, and at very affordable prices, then it is worth seeking out. The Hamachi menu is extensive – and runs to Chinese and Thai dishes too – with dozens of different sushi plates combining classic and contemporary creations. If the menu feels overwhelming, you might be better off simply opting for one of the many platters, which also deliver good value . If you have a serious sushi craving, sign up for their all-you-can-eat deal at R240 per person.
13. Karate Sushi Yaku
On a busy street corner in Claremont, you will find the quirky Yaku Culture Zone. Alongside a store selling anime and fantasy characters and an Asian grocery packed to the rafters with imported foods, Karate Sushi Yaku serves up an impressive collection of sushi plates and platters. It is a little more expensive than other takeaways in the area, but you get what you pay for: generous cuts of fresh fish, perfectly cooked rice, and a wide range of poke bowls, sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. They are also one of the few places in town to offer unagi (eel), here either roasted or in a teriyaki sauce.
14. Harbour House
With a location right on the breakwater of Kalk Bay Harbour, Harbour House offers front-row tables with a close-up ocean experience. The restaurant boasts an extensive seafood menu, with grilled line fish consistently highlighted as a standout, while their sushi menu is reliably excellent and competitively priced. The experience is one of laid-back luxury – waves crash right up against the windows, giving you a front-row seat to the ocean . They also have a branch at the V&A Waterfront with sleek glass walls.
15. Sushi Box Constantia
Nestled on the picturesque Uitsig wine estate, Sushi Box Constantia stands out among its seven city-wide locations for its idyllic setting. Tables spill out from a charming whitewashed cottage onto a sunlit terrace, offering breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the vineyards of Constantia. While the menu includes a variety of value-driven combo plates and platters that cater to traditional tastes, Sushi Box embraces a thoroughly modern style with ample use of mayonnaise and sauces. Nevertheless, it remains a go-to spot for high-quality sushi at reasonable prices, set against a stunning backdrop.
16. YU Restaurant
Situated in the stylish Onyx Hotel in the Foreshore, YU Restaurant is perfect for a pre-show bite before heading to the Artscape, a pitstop to skip traffic, or a romantic date. The warm, inviting space features cosy wood textures, dim lighting, and Japanese murals. As for the sushi, watch the chef in action as everything from classic sashimi, maki, and handrolls to signature dishes like marinated seared tuna with burnt yuzu mayo, avo, and crispy potato bits are prepared in the open kitchen.
17. Mr Lin’s Sushi & Thai
Located in Observatory, Mr Lin’s Sushi & Thai offers a killer combo of sushi and Thai dishes, all under one roof. Their menu is huge, with tons of sushi and sashimi options, all made with fresh ingredients, alongside Thai classics like fragrant curries and noodle soups. Feeling adventurous? Try their Japanese ramen or have a hot pot social with friends. They deliver through Mr D Food, so you can enjoy their food from the comfort of your couch.
18. Best of Asia
In Noordhoek, Best of Asia offers a delightful exploration of both Chinese and Japanese cuisines. The restaurant boasts a menu that features perfectly cooked sushi, spring rolls, and salmon, enticing visitors with a variety of delectable choices. For those who appreciate a good wine pairing with their meal, Best of Asia offers a selection of wines to complement the flavours of the dishes. Beyond the delectable food, this restaurant is renowned for its great service and friendly staff, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable dining experience.
19. Catch 22
With a location right on the seafront at Table View, Catch 22 is the perfect spot for a platter of sushi after a long walk on the beach. There are tables on the streetside terrace or upstairs with a bit of a sea view. The menu offers a wide range of sushi options that shake up the classics, including traditional rolls, signature spins, poke bowls, and carpaccio. A unique option is the vegan ‘tu-no’ sushi featuring tomatoes marinated in soy-vinegar, and the Fish & Chips sushi roll with fried white fish and avo.
20. Nobu
From the warm greeting of ‘irashaimasu’ (welcome!) upon entering Nobu, it is clear this is not your average sushi restaurant. Chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa’s global empire introduced its first African outpost at the One&Only Cape Town hotel in 2009 and continues to dazzle guests. Alongside signature Peruvian-Japanese fusion dishes, Nobu boasts some of the city’s finest sushi . Sit at the counter for a front-row view of sushi masters expertly crafting traditional sashimi and nigiri, or try the innovative new-style sashimi. While Nobu may be a splurge, it is well worth it for a memorable dining experience, especially for special occasions.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine Focus | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willoughby & Co | Classic & Signature Sushi | V&A Waterfront | Since 1996, queues daily |
| Obi | Authentic Japanese | Long Street | Papa San, sushi legend |
| Kyoto Garden | Traditional Sushi | Gardens | Alaskan crab, proper wasabi |
| 1890 Sushi House | Classic Sushi | Observatory | Hidden gem, unagi available |
| Salushi | House Specialities | Claremont | Fiery Tiger Roll, courtyard |
| Nuri Sushi | Affordable Sushi | Multiple | Rice-free options, delivery |
| Konnichiwa | Modern Sushi | City Centre | Chef Tsosane, R180 lunch special |
| TANG | New-Style Sushi | V&A Waterfront | Harbour views, flavour-bombs |
| Sevruga | Creative Sushi | V&A Waterfront | Sunset views, tuna tataki |
| Codfather | Sushi Train | Camps Bay | Colour-coded plates, wine list |
| Haiku | Asian Tapas | City Centre | Dim sum, stylish venue |
| Hamachi | Affordable Sushi | Claremont | All-you-can-eat deal |
| Karate Sushi Yaku | Takeaway Sushi | Claremont | Unagi eel, anime store |
| Harbour House | Seafood & Sushi | Kalk Bay | Ocean views, competitive pricing |
| Sushi Box | Modern Sushi | Constantia | Wine estate views |
| YU Restaurant | Contemporary Sushi | Foreshore | Open kitchen, pre-show dining |
| Mr Lin’s | Sushi & Thai | Observatory | Huge menu, delivery |
| Best of Asia | Chinese & Japanese | Noordhoek | Friendly service, great vibe |
| Catch 22 | Sushi & Seafood | Table View | Beachfront, vegan sushi |
| Nobu | Luxury Sushi | V&A Waterfront | Global brand, omakase |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Bookings are Essential: For top establishments like Kyoto Garden, Obi, Willoughby & Co, and Nobu, reservations are strongly recommended. Obi is described as very popular, and bookings are a must to ensure you get a table. 1890 Sushi House also recommends booking for group gatherings.
Budget Expectations: Prices vary widely. Hamachi offers an all-you-can-eat deal at R240 per person, making it a great value option. Konnichiwa has a lunchtime offer of 20 pieces of sushi with a drink for R180 per person. Nobu and Kyoto Garden are premium fine dining experiences with higher price points. Nuri Sushi is a reliable, well-priced option with multiple branches.
Location Grouping: Sushi restaurants are concentrated in several areas: V&A Waterfront (Willoughby & Co, TANG, Sevruga, Nobu), City Centre (Obi, Konnichiwa, Haiku, YU Restaurant), Southern Suburbs (Salushi, Hamachi, Karate Sushi Yaku, Harbour House), and suburbs (1890 in Observatory, Sushi Box in Constantia, Best of Asia in Noordhoek).
Sustainability Tips: For a more sustainable sushi fix, opt for tuna over salmon. Yellowfin, longfin, and bigeye tuna are all abundant in local waters, especially in the summer months. This way you can enjoy super-fresh sashimi while reducing food miles.
Many restaurants are accommodating to plant-based eaters. Obi has fantastic vegetarian options, including an aubergine starter and Korean vegetable rolls. Catch 22 offers a vegan ‘tu-no’ sushi featuring tomatoes marinated in soy-vinegar.
Conclusion
Cape Town’s sushi scene is a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape, offering everything from the legendary, queue-worthy Willoughby & Co and the authentic artistry of Obi and Kyoto Garden to the affordable, high-quality offerings of Nuri Sushi and the global luxury of Nobu. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a quick takeaway, or discovering a hidden gem in the suburbs, the Mother City delivers exceptional sushi experiences that showcase the best of local seafood and Japanese culinary tradition.