Sushi is one of those foods that when you love it, you really, really love it. Those who don’t care for it on the other hand…well, all I can say is maybe they haven’t had the right sushi. As you can probably tell, I happen to fall into the first category. And there’s nothing I love more than to convert someone who only thought they didn’t like sushi into a sushi lover with the perfectly made roll. Of course, in order to do this, you have to have the right sushi – and that means finding the right sushi restaurant.
Being the foodie town that it is, Richmond does not disappoint when it come to good sushi. With tons of sushi restaurants, from elaborate to simple, finding a good spot in the city is difficult only in that you have so many places to choose from. But, this is one task I am not hesitant to undertake.
In order to bring you a list of some of the best sushi restaurants in the area, we looked at quite a few. For us, good sushi restaurants use the freshest ingredients, combine the perfect flavors and offer a variety of styles so that sushi newbies can learn the art of eating sushi at their own pace. With that in mind, we judged our favorites by the following traits:
- Top quality ingredients
- Good menu selection (offering both traditional and creative flavor combinations)
- Reasonable prices.
The following five places made the grade with flying colors. Of course, you don’t have to just take our word for it – try them out for yourself. And in the meantime, if you have a favorite spot that missed our list, let us know by dropping us a line at [email protected].
5. Sticky Rice
Sticky Rice RVA / FacebookIt’s hard to imagine creating a list of the best sushi in Richmond without including Sticky Rice. And it’s no wonder. This Fan-area favorite is pretty much a one-stop shop. It’s a bar, it’s a restaurant, it’s the consummate hipster hangout. I mean, they serve tater tots…in a bucket. But don’t let all the extras take away from what we’re really here to talk about – and that’s their sushi. With traditional nigiri and sashimi, plus maki and tempura on the menu, sushi purists have plenty to choose from. But if you’re the more adventurous type (and yes, we realize the irony of that statement when talking about eating raw fish), then you’re going to love the rolls. For example, the Godrizza offers crunchy shrimp, avocado, cream cheese, spicy sauce and cucumbers with tempura crunchies and tobiko, all topped with wasabi mayo, scallions and eel sauce. I know, right?! Even better, their weekly specials include half-price sushi on Mondays, as well as karaoke and trivia nights. And that means that Sticky Rice is not just great food – it’s also a lot of fun.
Why we love them: Sticky Rice includes everyone in their delightful – and delicious – menu. Not only is there a kids’ menu, but they also provide a full section devoted to vegetarian and vegan options, with many gluten-free selections available, as well. And for those of us who find that with families, time constraints and any other number of reasons, eating out at a cool Fan hangout isn’t always in the cards, then get it to go. With the option to carry out, you can still have all your favorite Sticky Rice rolls right in your own home.
Contact:
2232 West Main Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 358-7870
Osaka Sushi River Road / FacebookAs the name implies, Osaka Sushi and Steak provides a menu that goes well beyond just sushi. And in some cases, that might mean that the sushi gets a bit lost in the mix. But not at Osaka Sushi and Steak. Starting with the finest ingredients, this upscale establishment blends flavor and artistry to create dazzling and delectable plates. With options that range from traditional sashimi to flavorful rolls like the Power Roll (shrimp tempura with seared filet mignon, tobiko, spicy mayo and Ponzu sauce), this is the place to satisfy even your strongest sushi cravings. But if you happen to have some pickier palates in the group, fear not. With vegetarian rolls available, as well as an extensive menu that also includes steak, lamb, chicken and seafood, Osaka Sushi and Steak ensures that every one will go home happy.
Why we love them: While I, personally could eat my weight in sushi, I know that it’s not for everyone. Chances are, we all have that one friend or family member that will simply refuse to join in if the word “sushi” is mentioned. Osaka solves the issue of picky palates by offering a menu that is built for everyone – although, in the interest of full disclosure, it’s not the cheapest spot on our list. But believe me when I say it’s worth it, because from noodles and rice to delicious soups and salads, everyone will find a dish that they love. And if you happen to be the sushi lover in the crowd, you won’t have to sacrifice, because Osaka’s sushi is every bit as good as it looks.
Contact:
5023 Hugenot Road
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 288-8801
3. Sushi Box
Sushi Box / FacebookIf you’re looking for a high-end sushi experience with all the bells and whistles, this may not be the place for you. If you’re looking for really great sushi, a casual atmosphere, quick service and great prices, then you’ve hit the jackpot. Sushi Box is the go-to for always fresh, always filling sushi that won’t break the bank. With warm lighting and the option of ample bar seating or casual tables, Sushi Box is perfect for a quick bite or a complete meal for the whole family. The extensive menu includes fresh rolls, sashimi, tempura rolls, baked rolls, combo platters, noodles, salads, bowls and much more. The best part? The restaurant menu includes pictures of the dishes so that if you’re new to the sushi game, you’ll know just what you’re getting.
Why we love them: When you’re in the mood for takeout or delivery, sushi is probably not your first thought. And that’s not because you don’t want it, but because “sushi to go” conjures up images of pre-made rolls at the grocery store. And not to knock grocery store sushi, but…well, you know what I mean. Sushi Box, on the other hand, offers their full, super fresh menu to go. So, if for whatever reason you don’t feel like dining in, then simply order online for delivery or takeout and enjoy some of the city’s best sushi right in the comfort of your own home. Always fresh and always delicious, Sushi Box will redefine how you do takeout.
Contact:
11458 Belvedere Vista Lane
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 320-1115
2. Tokyo Sushi
Toyko Sushi Richmond / FacebookFrom the beautifully selected Japanese décor to the the delicately prepared dishes, Tokyo Sushi adheres to Japanese tradition – and nowhere is that more evident than with their sushi. Featuring ingredients picked at the peak of freshness, Tokyo Sushi is considered one of the best sushi restaurants in the Richmond area by many. Their offerings include a full menu of traditional sushi, sashimi and rolls, plus an impressive selection of specialty rolls and combination entrees. And I’m not here to tell you what to do, but if you’re looking for a suggestion, then all I have to say is “Earth Quake.” It’s spicy salmon, cucumber and spicy crab topped with spicy tuna and red snapper – and it’s a little bit of heaven.
Why we love them: Unlike many things that you can find in local restaurants, sushi is not one of those things that you can easily re-create at home. So, you might be willing to pay a premium for the privilege of eating something so fresh, so tasty and so challenging to make. But Tokyo Sushi gives you premium sushi without the premium price. It’s not fast food cheap, of course, but it’s so reasonable that you might just find yourself craving sushi more often…which really isn’t such a bad thing after all.
Contact:
10274 Staples Mill Rd
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 501-0999
1. Hiro Sushi
Hiro Sushi / FacebookIf you follow the Richmond Mom “best of” series, then you know that we like to find those places that aren’t always the most obvious choices. With its strip mall setting, Hiro Sushi is easy to overlook, but don’t let the humble exterior fool you. What you’ll find inside this Midlothian treasure is food that is simply out of this world. Praised for their incredibly fresh offerings, Hiro Sushi serves up beautifully plated sushi that tastes every bit as good as it looks. The menu includes something for everyone – from traditional sushi, sashimi and rolls to noodles, rice dishes, bento box specials, soups, salads, and a kids’ menu. And whether you choose to sit at the bar and watch the chefs work their magic or you decide to enjoy the super casual tables and booths, one this is certain – you’re going to go home happy.
Why we love them: If you’ve ever tried to make sushi (and I have) then you know that it’s not a task that can be undertaken casually. It is an art form from start to finish. And at Hiro Sushi, they truly capture the art. Not only are the ingredients fresh and the flavors perfectly balanced, but the presentation takes Hiro Sushi up a notch in our book. Far from just an assembly line operation, the plates are carefully crafted with a visible attention to detail – from flower garnishes to delicately drawn (and fully edible) images. After all, if you’re going to eat amazing food, it might as well look good, too.
Contact:
9958 Midlothian Turnpike
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 323-8108
