The best sushi in Edinburgh

Sleek and understated, Kanpai boasts some seriously good sushi. The dining area is smart – all wooden panels and dim lighting – and the staff are impeccably dressed. The restaurant provides a varied selection of freshly prepared sushi, all presented on beautiful platters adorned with flowers. Watch the chef prepare your sushi right in front of your very eyes and sit back, soaking up the wonderful atmosphere. Whether you opt for one of the delectable Hand Rolls, some Nigiri and Maki or Soft-Shell Crab Tempura, you’re guaranteed to leave satisfied – after all, Kanpai was crowned winner of the Good Food Award in 2020. Prices are high, but the service and dishes are truly impeccable. You won’t regret a visit.

Located in uber-cute and quaint Stockbridge, Kenji Sushi has built quite the reputation for itself since its opening. Hokusai wave prints line the walls and the benches are all prettily adorned with woven straw. The interiors are intimate and homely, and the staff are on hand to offer their recommendations. Prices are low (most starters come in under £4) and even the dramatically presented Sashimi plates come in under a tenner. The sushi is top-notch, but don’t overlook the side dishes: the Roast Duck Rice – sticky sweet with Miso Sauce – is not to be missed. If you have any room to spare, order some of the Ice Cream filled Mochi or the Banana Katsu with black sesame ice cream. 

Harajuku Kitchen prides itself on creating a “unique and exciting eating experience”, where the team adheres to the fundamentals of Japanese cooking: respecting ingredients and their natural flavours. The speciality sushi rice bowls are particularly popular (the Bara Chirashi is a real highlight, complete with assorted seafood and an egg omelette) each accompanied by miso soup. The sushi itself is equally pleasing – opt for a Deluxe Sushi Platter if you’re planning to share, where you’ll find some veggie bites alongside the more classic fish-based options.

Sister to Kanpai Sushi, Yamato offers up equally delicious sushi – but is often less booked up than the Grindlay Street branch. The insides are beautiful, pale pink origami light shades contrast prettily against the restaurant’s wooden walls and tables, and tatami-mat style woven seat covers add to Yamato’s overall style and charm. The menu is extensive, offering up classics like Salmon and Avocado Hand Rolls, as well as more unusual numbers, like Grilled Wagyu Gunkan Nigiri. Why not sample some of the fine Sake on offer; we recommend a bottle of the Kasumi Tsuru Kimoto Karakuchi – full-bodied, deep, mildly-fragrant and dry, you won’t find a more traditional drink to accompany your sushi outside of Japan.

Craving some seriously laid-back sushi? Then head to Bentoya where you’ll find fresh and local produce served in abundance. The customer service is superb, and the menu is extensive. Why not start with the Black Cod in Kataifi Pastry or the Salt and Pepper Soft Shell Crab? The fish is always fresh and the plates are beautifully presented. Prices are extremely reasonable too, making Bentoya a real crowd-pleaser.

Noto is one of Edinburgh’s most unique restaurants. An independent, New York inspired restaurant with a love for Asian cuisine focusing on food for sharing and small domaine wine producers, this is a hidden gem. The produce served is of the highest quality, with ingredients including cured Loch Etive trout, braised wagyu cheek and miso cured cod. Book a table and we guarantee you’ll be booking another visit right after you’ve been.