While enjoying sushi with a sea view on the Atlantic Seaboard is a delight, be prepared to pay a premium for the experience. For a more budget-friendly indulgence, consider exploring the suburban sushi scene.
When visiting these sushi restaurants in Cape Town, opt for a more sustainable fix by choosing tuna over salmon. Yellowfin, longfin, and bigeye tuna are abundant in local waters, especially during the summer months. This way, you can enjoy super-fresh sashimi while reducing food miles.
1.Obi
Hatsushiro Muraoka, affectionately known as ‘Papa San’, is a celebrated figure among Cape Town’s sushi enthusiasts, showcasing his culinary prowess at the inner-city kitchen, Obi.
Collaborating with co-owner and chef Ben Bettendorf, Muraoka brings a modern twist to traditional sushi dishes, featuring impeccably prepared sushi rice and generous portions of fresh fish. Highlights include their inside-out rolls and a selection of linefish sashimi.
For those craving something beyond sushi, their ramen is highly recommended. If you’re watching your budget, keep an eye out for their lunchtime bento box specials.
- Location: Shop 2, 14 Long St, Cape Town City Centre
- Times: Tuesday to Saturday | 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 9:30pm
- Contact: 021 418 4040| [email protected]
2. 1890 Sushi House & Grill
1890 Sushi House isn’t stumbled upon by chance. Tucked away on a tranquil side street in Observatory, Cape Town’s boho-chic suburb, it remains a well-kept local secret.
Known for its exceptional sushi, including the highly recommended roast eel (unagi), the restaurant offers affordability without compromising quality.
While they also serve a small selection of stir-fry and Chinese dishes, the true essence of 1890 lies in its sushi offerings. Solo diners often prefer the lively sushi counter near the entrance, while the intimate rear dining rooms provide cosy tables perfect for group gatherings.
- Location: 40 Trill Rd, Observatory
- Times: Monday – Saturday | 12pm – 9:30pm, Sunday | 12pm – 9pm
- Contact: 021 447 1450| [email protected]
3. Willougby & Co.
Despite its location within a bustling shopping mall, don’t let that deter you from experiencing Willoughby’s, where long queues are a testament to its exceptional reputation.
Owner Jens Tibshraeny is renowned for his impeccable sushi, ranging from classic sashimi and nigiri to inventive dishes like the Oyster Shooter infused with sake and ponzu, or the blackened salmon with miso sauce.
Step inside to discover the inviting blonde-wood Scandi-chic décor and cosy booths that create a dining atmosphere far removed from typical mall settings. Once you indulge in their sushi, you’ll understand why Willoughby’s is so highly acclaimed.
- Location: 19 Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Shop 6132
- Times: Monday – Sunday | 12pm – 10pm
- Contact: 021 418 6115| [email protected]
4. Kyoto Garden Sushi
At the top of Kloof Street lies Kyoto Garden, acclaimed as one of South Africa’s finest Japanese restaurants and conveniently located next to Publik, a top-notch wine bar.
Owner Scott Wood is dedicated to sourcing premium ingredients, including Alaskan crab and authentic wasabi root, ensuring each dish showcases top-quality flavours.
The menu at Kyoto Garden emphasises traditional sushi and sashimi, highlighting the delicate tastes of seafood without heavy sauces or deep-fried rolls. Pair your meal with an impressive selection of imported Japanese sake, served either warm or chilled, and don’t miss the black sesame seed ice cream for dessert.
While dining here may be on the higher end of the price spectrum, the experience is well worth it, especially with early evening and winter specials to watch for.
- Location: 11 Kloof Nek Rd, Gardens
- Times: Thursday – Friday | 12pm – 11pm, Saturday | 5pm – 11pm
- Contact: 021 422 2001 | [email protected]
5. Salushi
Salushi, long cherished as a go-to sushi spot in Cape Town’s serene Southern Suburbs, has found its latest residence in a refurbished house tucked behind the upscale Cavendish Square mall, making it an ideal choice for a post-shopping refuel.
Their extensive menu features all the sushi classics—California rolls, maki, and hand rolls—alongside a selection of house specialities. Local patrons rave about the Fiery Tiger Roll, a tantalising creation of spicy seared California roll with salmon, enveloped in prawn and avocado.
Each dish is prepared to order, ensuring freshness, so expect a brief wait that promises to be well worth every moment.
- Location: 6 Cavendish St, Claremont
- Times: Monday – Saturday | 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
- Contact: 065 038 2106
6. Karate Sushi Yaku
Looking for top-notch takeaway sushi in the Southern Suburbs? Head to Yaku Culture Zone in Claremont, conveniently located opposite the famous ‘Train Park’.
Amidst stores offering anime characters, an Asian grocery brimming with imported goods, and a bubble tea counter (the latest craze in Cape Town?), Karate Sushi Yaku stands out with its impressive array of sushi plates and platters.
While slightly pricier than other local takeaways, the quality speaks for itself. Expect generous portions of fresh fish, perfectly cooked rice, and a diverse selection that includes poke bowls, sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi.
They’re also one of the few spots in town offering unagi (eel), prepared either roasted or in teriyaki sauce.
- Location: 64 Belvedere Rd, Claremont
- Times: Monday – Saturday | 11am – 8pm, Sunday | 11am – 3pm
- Contact: 071 736 2711
7. Sushi Box Constantia
Sushi Box Constantia, nestled on the picturesque Uitsig wine estate, 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.
- Location: Spaanschemat River Rd, Constantia
- Times: Monday – Sunday | 11:30am – 8:30pm
- Contact: 072 799 5722
8. Harbour House, Kalk Bay
When it comes to seafood with a view, Harbour House reigns supreme. Located on the breakwater of Kalk Bay Harbour, its front-row tables offer a close-up ocean experience, with the chance of a saltwater splash during high tide.
The restaurant boasts an extensive seafood menu, with grilled line fish consistently highlighted as a standout. Additionally, their sushi menu is reliably excellent and competitively priced. Complementing the dining experience is a fine selection of wines from local estates.
- Location: Harbour, Main Rd, Kalk Bay
- Times: Monday – Sunday | 12am – 1opm
- Contact: 021 788 4133
9. Deep South Eatery
Nestled along the picturesque False Bay coastal road, Deep South Eatery beckons both tourists and locals alike, making it a perfect pitstop for those journeying to Cape Point.
Despite its tourist appeal, it retains a local charm where patrons can casually stroll in from the beach with sandy feet and keep their dogs close by. Known for its unpretentious vibe, the eatery surprises with its outstanding sushi offerings.
Highlights include a diverse selection of vegetarian sushi and a hearty ‘sushi salad’ for those with a big appetite.
- Location: 12 Glen Rd, Glencairn
- Times: Monday – Friday | 12pm – 9pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am – 9pm
- Contact: 021 773 0220
10. Nobu
From the warm greeting of ‘irashaimasu’ (welcome!) upon entering Nobu, it’s clear this isn’t your average sushi restaurant. Chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa’s global empire, spanning numerous restaurants worldwide, 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.
For a unique twist, consider opting for local springbok over traditional choices like salmon or tuna. While Nobu may be a splurge, it’s well worth it for a memorable dining experience, especially for special occasions.
- Location: One&Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Times: Monday – Sunday | 6pm – 11pm
- Contact: 021 431 5888
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