Top sushi restaurants in Cape Town

Plant-based sushi, traditional Japanese-style cuisine and even sushi with zero waste

Last update: 3 November 2020

Get your chopsticks ready for the 11 best sushi spots in Cape Town – according to you, our readers. Try everything from traditional Asian eateries to vegan sushi platters with zero waste. Plus, have a glass or two from a personal collection of Japanese whisky or some refreshing saké (Japanese rice wine). 

SALUSHI IS A CAPETONIAN FAVOURITE
Salushi is according to reader Adrienne Cloete, “the only place in Cape Town that makes consistently great sushi”. According to owner, Grant Isaacs, “Our Bon Bon gifts pretty much put us on the map, but our salmon springboard, Ramaphosa, tuna treat and Cavendish prawn are slowly taking prominence.”

Hours: Monday - Sunday, 12pm - 10pm

6 Cavendish St, Claremont | 065 038 2106 | salushiexpress.co.za 

PLUSHI PLATTERS SERVES SUSHI WITH ZERO GUILT

"Plushi Platters 100%!” gushes Chelsea Mac, “Their attention to detail is impeccable, and they cater for the future". This artisanal vegan sushi restaurant is perfect if you're looking for a delicious and sustainable meal: it's a zero-waste restaurant with plastic-free packaging. Head chef Daryl Surtees recommends you try her favourite, the tofu crunch roll. "Who doesn't love fried food? Paired with zingy pickled red cabbage, fresh avocado, ginger & lime mayo with a sweet chilli sauce, it's perfection." 

Hours: Deliveries happen on Wednesdays, 6pm - 1pm and Saturdays, 2pm - 4pm. All orders should be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Delivery only | +27 72 488 0578 | plushi.co.za

ACTIVE SUSHI: A SUSHI-LOVERS HAVEN
Active Sushi on Bree gets Albert Laubscher's vote, and Andrea Cornelissen agrees. Cornelissen assures us that she's "never had a bad experience. The sushi is always top class". If you want to venture out and try one of their specialities, the flaming VIP is packed full with salmon, prawn, avo, rice, seaweed and then drizzled with their Bree signature sauce. The dish then gets a final sear on the top with a cooking torch, to add a gorgeous caramelised finish.  

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 11:30am - 4pm and 5:30pm - 10pm

4 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre | +27 (0)21 418 0064 | activesushi-onbree.co.za

KYOTO GARDEN DOES AUTHENTIC JAPANESE SUSHI 
Monica Caspani suggests Kyoto Garden: ”It's the one and only real Japanese Restaurant in town". Nestled right on trendy Kloof Street this award-winning Japanese restaurant is a self-proclaimed “shrine to Japanese cuisine”, according to their website. What would pair perfectly with your sushi is Kyoto Garden’s personal collection of Japanese whisky. It’s something you probably won’t find in your general bottle store, so be sure to ask for a glass next time you visit. 

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 5:30pm - 11pm

11 Kloof Nek Rd | Gardens | +27 (0) 21 422 2001 | kyotogarden.co.za

SUSHI BOX HAS MOUNTAIN VIEWS 
Sushi Box has the best of both worlds: the hustle and bustle of Kloof Street and the stunning views of Cape Town's mountains. What Natasha Moloney loves most is the "amazing team, awesome sushi and mountain views while you eat". For Rosa Jansen, it's their edgy menu that makes it her favourite spot. If you want to try something weird but wonderful, they've got a new vegan menu. The first dish you should try is the spicy vegan caterpillar roll with red cabbage, tuna, avo and their spicy house sauce. 

Hours: Monday - Sunday, 12am - 9pm

50 Kloof St, Gardens | 072 171 6512 | sushibox.co.za

IZAKAYA MATSURI IS DE WATERKANT’S HIDDEN GEM

“Izakaya Matsuri is an absolute hidden gem in de Waterkant,” says Taryn Lambert. Marietjie Mellet agrees: “I travel all the way from Johannesburg to Cape Town - just to have my favourite sushi.” You have to try their tempura-Matsuri crunch roll, made with tuna, salmon, line fish, avo and cream cheese. If you’re feeling hungry, their sashimi and nigiri sushi platters come in three options: salmon and tuna, salmon only and a deluxe platter. Beyond these enticing dishes, they also have a range of Japanese saké and beers. 

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 11:30am - 10pm

6, The Rockwell, 32 Prestwich St, Green Point | 021 421 4520 | izakayamatsuri.com 

1890 IS AFFORDABLE AND TASTY
"Without a doubt, 1890 in Observatory," says Chantal Cantin. This wonderful little sushi house and grill is one of the most popular sushi spots in Cape Town, and for good reason. Leila Badsha assures us that "1890 House is the best" and for Lizanne Putzier "1890 House Sushi in Obs is defo on the top five list for the best sushi in the Cape". For the average student, you'll be chuffed to know that their prices are very reasonable and they have a vibrant, friendly staff to make you feel welcome. 

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 12am - 3pm and 5pm -10:30pm

40 Trill Rd, Observatory | 021 447 1450 | 1890.co.za

WILLOUGHBY’S IS A CAPE TOWN INSTITUTION 

For Kulsum Moosa, "each bite is a fine dining experience. It's one of the few sushi joints that still have authentic Japanese chefs making their magic". Do yourself a favour and sink your chopsticks into the Jalapeno Salmon Sashimi: thinly sliced salmon with a drizzle of jalapeno ponzu dressing. But the Salmon Grenades – salmon roses filled with spicy salmon, dressed with chilli mayo and sweet soya sauce then topped with spring onions and tempura – are easily Willoughby's crowd-favourite dish.  

Hours: Monday - Sunday, 12pm - 10:30pm

Shop 6132. Lower Level, V&A Waterfront | +27 (0) 21 418 6115 | willoughbyandco.co.za

EARTH DELI SERVES SUSHI ON THE BEACH
Next time you head out for a surf or a beach walk in Muizenberg keep an eye out for the quaint little coffee shop Earth Deli. Take it from Alexzandria Brown, who says "Earth Deli has the best plant-based sushi. It's innovative and interesting. You have to work harder to recreate the right textures and flavours, and they hit the spot." 

Hours: Monday - Sunday, 9am - 6pm

5 Lourensford Rd, Stuart`s Hill | 021 852 8012 | thebluewater.co.za

OBI SUSHI'S INSIDE OUT ROLLS ARE DROOL-WORTHY
For Sarah Herrington, her favourite sushi restaurant is "Obi Restaurant - they have the most delicious, authentic and fresh sushi, service is always friendly, and I love the atmosphere. They also serve sake and Japanese beer!" Do your taste buds a favour and order a portion of their inside out rolls. They have a wide selection of salmon, vegetarian, prawn and tuna rolls. If you're up for it, you should order a portion of each and share with friends next time you visit Obi Restaurant on Long Street.

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 12pm - 2pm and 6pm - 9:30pm

14 Long St, Cape Town City Centre | 021 418 4040 | obirestaurant.co.za

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