I love Berlin’s sushi scene, its both dynamic and diverse, with something to suit every taste and budget. From high-end omakase experiences that bring the precision of Tokyo’s finest sushi counters to creative fusion spots and budget-friendly sushi bars.
Whether you’re craving expertly crafted nigiri, innovative sushi rolls, or all-you-can-eat delights, here I suggest some of the top sushi restaurants to check out on a foodie visit to Berlin.
What Makes Sushi in Berlin Special?
Berlin has emerged as a top destination for sushi lovers, blending authentic Japanese cutting edge techniques with the city’s innovative food culture. The influence of Japanese master sushi chefs has elevated the city’s sushi scene by emphasizing high-quality ingredients and precise craftsmanship. Most of Berlin’s sushi restaurants source seafood from vendors who prioritize responsibly, with many establishments focusing on sustainability and traceability practices.
Omakase-style sushi has gained popularity, offering an intimate and immersive experience where chefs showcase their expertise through carefully curated tasting menus. Berlin’s creative spirit has also inspired trendy fusion sushi restaurants that integrate unique flavors and global influences.
Our Guides’ Favorite Sushi Bars
We have scoured the city to find the sushi masters who treat their craft with the utmost respect and technical precision. Our selection focuses on establishments where the quality of the rice and the temperature of the fish are the primary concerns. We look for chefs who maintain the elegant simplicity of traditional Japanese techniques within a modern Berlin setting. Book a food tour with us to learn more.
Gingi’s Izakaya
Gingi’s Izakaya in Berlin offers an authentic Japanese dining experience, with the traditional ambiance and a focus on fresh sushi offerings. Much of the interior décor is reminiscent of traditional Japanese izakayas designed to create a comfortable setting, while making you feel transported to Tokyo.
The sushi menu at Gingi’s Izakaya emphasizes freshness and quality. The specials, which vary daily based on available ingredients, typically include a variety of sashimi featuring different fish types.
Gingi’s Izakaya (€25-45) – Rykestraße 45, 10405 Berlin, Germany.
893 Ryōtei
Photo credit: 893 Ryōtei
893 Ryōtei is truly a secret gem, offering a unique fusion of Japanese and South American cuisine. The restaurant’s exterior is disguised with graffiti and tinted glass, giving it an edgy, urban feel that contrasts with its refined interior.
The innovative fusion menu at 893 Ryōtei stands out with sushi and sashimi selections that are prized for their freshness and quality. The menu features a variety of options, including traditional nigiri and creative rolls that reflect the restaurant’s fusion concept.
One of their signature dishes that blew me away was their Sashimi Taquitos, which blend Japanese sashimi with a Mexican twist. It made me feel like I was simultaneously in Mexico City and Tokyo, while sitting in Berlin.
893 Ryōtei (€75-100+) – Kantstraße 135/136, 10625 Berlin, Germany.
KUCHI
Photo credit: KUCHI
Kuchi in Berlin’s vibrant Mitte district, offers a blend of traditional and contemporary sushi dishes in a casual, izakaya-style setting. This mid-range-priced restaurant provides a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that’s suitable for both casual dining and special occasions.
The menu at Kuchi features a variety of sushi options, including classic nigiri, sashimi, and creative maki rolls. I particularly enjoyed their Nigiri DeLuxe flight which featured perfectly fresh sake salmon, maguro tuna, white fish, ika squid, tamago, ebi shrimp, unagi eel, and ikura salmon roe.
Kuchi (€15-30) – Gipsstraße 3, 10119 Berlin, Germany.
Go-To Omakase Experiences
We believe that an Omakase meal is a unique opportunity to trust the chef’s expertise and explore the tastiest seasonal seafood available. Our team has identified the intimate counters where the interaction between the diner and the maker is part of the experience. These venues offer a curated journey through flavors and textures that represent the pinnacle of raw fish preparation. Book a food tour with us to learn more.
Sasaya
Sasayain Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg district offers an authentic Japanese dining experience, focusing on traditional sushi offerings. The dining room has a cozy and intimate atmosphere with minimalist decor and warm lighting that replicates a genuine Japanese dining experience.
The menu at Sasaya focuses on traditional sushi, emphasizing the freshness and quality of ingredients. Their menu features a variety of nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls, prepared with meticulous attention to detail. I was particularly impressed with the knife work of each preparation, which was impressive for a mid-range sushi restaurant outside of Japan.
Sasaya (€20-35) – Lychener Str. 50, 10437 Berlin, Germany.
Aki Tatsu Sushi
Photo credit: Aki Tatsu Sushi
Aki Tatsu Sushi has multiple locations in Berlin, but I prefer the budget-friendly sushi buffet at Adalbertstraße 90. The dining room has a casual, relaxed atmosphere, suitable for both quick lunches and informal dinners.
The buffet offerings at Aki Tatsu include a variety of sushi options, with traditional nigiri, maki rolls, and sashimi as some of their most popular dishes. I personally appreciate their Set B sushi experience which includes 6 Sake Maki, 2 Nigiri, 4 California Inside-Out, and 5 Toronto Rolls.
Aki Tatsu Sushi (€10-20) – Adalbertstraße 90, 10997 Berlin, Germany.
Where to Find Sushi in Berlin
Berlin’s sushi scene is spread across its diverse neighborhoods, with each offering unique dining experiences to fit the local vibe.
The Mitte district is home to some of the city’s top sushi restaurants, including Michelin-recommended spots and stylish fusion eateries. This could be a top option to stay and dine if you’re seeking high-end omakase or modern Japanese cuisine.
Charlottenburg is known for its sophisticated dining scene and boasts sushi restaurants that blend tradition with innovation. Many of the sushi restaurants here offer fresh, high-quality sashimi and nigiri.
Whereas the Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain areas of Berlin tend to cater to a younger, trendier crowd with affordable, high-quality sushi bars. Including all-you-can-eat options and conveyor belt sushi restaurants.
Reservations are highly recommended at fine-dining sushi restaurants as omakase and premium sushi spots tend to book out quickly. Many high-end restaurants offer online booking, and calling ahead can help secure a last-minute table.
If you’re looking for takeout or delivery, spots like Ishin and Aki Tatsu offer reliable options with fresh ingredients. Visiting during off-peak hours in the early evening or after the usual lunch rush will help avoid long lines and excessive wait times.
Provenance and Sourcing of Berlin’s Sushi
We find that the best sushi bars in Berlin are increasingly looking toward the North and Baltic Seas for sustainable, high-quality seafood options. By utilizing regional catches like char or trout, these chefs reduce the environmental impact of long-distance air freight for traditional species. We believe that this local adaptation creates a unique “Berlin-style” sushi that is both fresh and ecologically responsible. Transparency regarding the origin of the fish is a hallmark of the city’s top-tier sushi establishments.
Berlin’s Dining Etiquette
We suggest sitting at the counter whenever possible to witness the craftsmanship involved in shaping each piece of nigiri. It is traditional to eat sushi in one bite to experience the intended balance of flavors and textures simultaneously. We find that many high-end spots prefer you use your hands for nigiri, though chopsticks are perfectly acceptable for sashimi or rolls. Remember that seasoning your rice with too much soy sauce is considered a slight to the chef’s careful preparation.
Sources:
Gingi’s Izakaya. (n.d.). Gingi’s Izakaya Berlin. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://www.gingis-izakaya.de/
893 Ryotei. (n.d.). 893 Ryotei Restaurant. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://893ryotei.de/
Akitatsu. (n.d.). Akitatsu Japanese Cuisine. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.akitatsu.online/index.php
Kuchi. (n.d.). Kuchi Restaurant – Mitte. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://kuchi.de/restaurant/mitte/
Sasaya. (n.d.). Sasaya Japanese Restaurant Berlin. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from http://sasaya-berlin.de/
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Berlin food tours. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/berlin/
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