Milwaukee offers some great cuisines that come from many divergent cultures worldwide. One of the tastiest and healthiest is the Japanese specialty of sushi. At one time, people had to visit Japanese islands to experience sushi. This is no longer true, with sushi found in every corner of the globe, including Milwaukee.
As you know, we have traveled all over the world, and when we decided to make our home base in Milwaukee, we were a little nervous about the food scene and what our options would be. Milwaukee has not disappointed!
We typically go out for sushi in Milwaukee at least once a month. Most places offer sushi takeout. We just prefer to dine and get fresh sushi. Here are our top ten places to find the best sushi in Milwaukee.
1. Hungry Sumo
Located in the Bay View area is the smooth-vibed Hungry Sumo. This sushi bar serves quality Asian food made from the freshest ingredients. With friendly service, this eatery provides innovative creations at reasonable prices. Hungry Sumo is one of our favorite restaurants and on our best restaurants in Milwaukee article too.
With teak wood surfaces, the decor pays homage to traditional sushi bars. Diners can peruse an extensive menu with items that include sushi and more. The combo sets allow visitors new to sushi to sample different types. The Sashimi, Nigiri, and Maki come in both traditional and modern styles. The tempura is crisp and crunchy while retaining its flavor and moisture.
Further to the sushi, guests can enjoy Thai, Chinese, and even ramen (we have never ordered ramen, but friends say it is good). Everything is good. The taste, quality, and creativity are shown in all the dishes.
So you might be thinking, ” if this is the best sushi in Milwaukee, what should I order?” We always order a handful of rolls, but some of our favorite sushi rolls are summer, spicy tuna, Godzilla, and the drogon. Whatever you do, order the Sumo Pork Bun for an appetizer, they come as an order of two, and the meat just melts in your mouth.
They do not take reservations and are always busy. We always go and put our name in and then head over to one of the neighboring bars. Usually, we go to Vanguard and grab a drink or two until they text us that our table is ready. On our last visit, we waited about 30 minutes for our table.
- 2663 South Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee
- Menu
2. Koi
This family-run restaurant serves up quality sushi in Milwaukee without the downtown prices. Koi can be found on Milwaukee’s south side near to Mitchell’s Airport. The Asian-inspired decor, including an aquarium, creates a peaceful ambiance.
With an American Asian style, guests can sample dishes like the Hawaiian Roll, the Koi Rolls, Crispy Rolls, and Spicy Tuna are star menu items. Ordering is slightly different. You simply by marking your choices on the boxes of a menu card. The first time we visited, we had a few questions, and the waiters were able to answer them and help us pick out a few sushi rolls to pick out.
- 552 W Layton Ave, Milwaukee
- Menu
3. Kyoto
Located in Greenfield, Kyoto is a little off-the-beaten-track. However, let us tell you that it is worth the effort of searching. It is only about 20 minutes from downtown, and 20 minutes from where we live too, and we drive here often.
Kyoto restaurant plates up beautiful sushi. Guests delight in the artistic and exacting talents of the sushi chefs. The sushi sashimi lunch gives diners a lot of food to try for a great price. The Miso Soup is tasty, but adding crab, scallops, or shrimp help elevate it.
You cannot get sushi to go or delivery. Kyoto is dine-in only, but they are open seven days a week. We never have to wait long for a table. They have a large dining room.
- 7453 W Layton Ave, Milwaukee
- Menu
4. Rice N Roll Bistro
If you find yourself on the East Side or downtown and are looking for the best sushi in Milwaukee, head to Rice N Roll. This intimate little restaurant fuses the flavor and foods of Japan and Thailand.
Rice N Roll is a family-run business offering guests inventive culinary dishes. Working creatively, they are dedicated to conveying the natural flavors of ingredients. Seasonal produce is utilized with dishes created and cooked from scratch.
They first opened in 2014. This award-winning restaurant delights in pleasing its customers. The sushi bar is based on the designs of traditional Japanese eateries. With tables also available, groups and families can also eat happily. With large portions, diners can enjoy an unusual and exciting culinary experience. Their Red Curry is another favorite dish of ours if you are craving something other than sushi.
The colorful dishes preview the explosion of flavors that follow when tasted. We suggest trying the sushi combination platters, crispy Calamari, or spicy Tom Yum. The chefs take inspiration from their childhood food and create greatness. Closed Mondays, the restaurant provides eat-in, take-out, and delivery options.
5. Kawa Ramen & Sushi
Combining the Japanese staples of ramen and sushi, this restaurant is exceptional. Located in the 3rd Street Market Hall, guests can expect great culinary moments. If you have non-sushi-loving friends, there are several other food options in the market hall.
They are known for their ramen. It is probably the best ramen in Milwaukee. The ramen bowls are made to order with deep, flavorful bone broth. The noodles are bouncy, and their chew shows the quality of cooking. The ramen is dine-in only, and they only sell 120 bowls a day. That may seem like a lot, but they sell out of ramen daily.
Back to the sushi. We usually get two rolls of sushi and one bowl of ramen when we visit. Using the freshest ingredients, the chefs also prepare sushi items on demand. The love that goes into the food is obvious with the dishes’ quality.
Kawa is open seven days a week. Remember that their ramen is only available for dine-in, but pick-up and delivery are available for other items.
- 3rd Street Market Hall, 275 West Wisconsin Ave, Suite 100, Milwaukee
- Menu
6. Screaming Tuna
If you are in downtown and looking for the best sushi in Milwaukee, head to Screaming Tuna right on the riverside. Screaming Tuna takes pride in using sustainable catches for its menu. Affiliating with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the restaurant is one of a kind.
While caring for the environment, they also do so for their customers. Offering something to cater to every guest’s dietary requirements or tastes. From crispy pork belly to delicate sushi rolls to gluten-free and vegan. This multiple award-winning restaurant merits a visit from all sushi lovers in Milwaukee. Even those who are not enamored with sushi can find something delicious to savor.
Diners can expect clean, flavorful dishes using locally sourced and fresh ingredients. They are closed on Mondays. Screaming Tuna offers pick-up, delivery, and dine-in.
- 106 West Seeboth St, Milwaukee
- Menu
7. Jin’s Sushi Seafood & Bar
This large and roomy restaurant and bar bills itself as cozy and welcoming. The floor-to-ceiling cherry tree that greets guests epitomizes this belief. Aimed at the higher end of the sushi and seafood dining experience. The restaurant incorporates a well-stocked bar with a double-sided water feature.
The food quality is as delightful as the decor is spectacular. With a wall of polished tanks which house the shellfish and seafood. The live lobsters and fish remain as fresh as possible until their preparation. Diners can be assured that the quality of the sushi is extremely high. Serving traditional Japanese cocktails alongside the food, the culinary journey here is profound.
Jin’s is open seven days a week, offers discounts for large orders and is available for take-out or dine-in.
- 7401 West Barnard Ave, Milwaukee
- Menu
8. Fujiyama
Fujiyama is a contemporary Japanese restaurant specializing in sushi and hibachi located in West Allis. Hibachi is translated as ‘fire bowl’ and normally contains seafood, meat, and veg. The traditional aspect of the restaurant can be felt in the preparation of the sushi. Guests can openly watch the sushi masters expertly cutting the fresh seafood.
The quality and freshness is guaranteed with a high level of hygiene. The cultural aspect of the wood decor adds to the authentic Japanese ambiance. The hibachi, noodles and other dishes allow diners to experiment with their choices. The tantalizing aromas and flavors that the chefs create will tempt many. The restaurant is open seven days a week, and food can be ordered online.
Fun fact, the first time I ever tried sushi was at Fujiyama back in college.
- 2916 South 108th St, Milwaukee
- Menu
9. Kanpai
Kanpai opened in 2012 with a mission to bring Japanese fusion cuisine to Milwaukee. In creating its own style, the restaurant remains unique in the city. They are another great downtown Milwaukee sushi restaurant. If you are in town for one of the festivals at the Summerfest grounds, Kanpai is super close.
Some of our favorite dishes are starting with the Truffle Parmesan Akami, getting the spicy combo, or Sweet Potato Teriyaki. More traditional menu items are also offered, and guests will not be disappointed.
- 408 East Chicago St, Milwaukee
- Menu
10. Spicy Tuna
Located opposite the VA hospital in Milwaukee is Spicy Tuna restaurant. Offering a variety of artfully presented sushi alongside ramen and other dishes. The cozy interior provides a great Japanese atmosphere and dining experience. Owner and head chef Matt attentively creates and serves delicious food.
Serving hours are Monday to Saturday between 11 am to 8 pm. With delicious cocktails and drinks and luxurious desserts complimenting the mains. Guests are treated to an exceptional and personal dining experience without a doubt. There is an online prior ordering option available for take-out orders. And take out orders totaling over $40 get a free order of egg rolls!
- 4823 West National Avenue, Milwaukee
- Menu
