Sushi in Milwaukee? Is it any good? At one time, people had to visit Japan to experience really good 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. While most places offer sushi takeout, we 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 dragon. 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.
2. 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 and get a free order of egg rolls!
3. 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 only dine-in, and they only sell 120 bowls daily. That may seem like a lot, but they sell out of ramen daily.
Back to the sushi. When we visit, we usually get two rolls of sushi and one bowl of ramen. The chefs also prepare sushi items on demand, using the freshest ingredients. The love that goes into the food is obvious in the quality of the dishes.
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.
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 flavors 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 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.
5. 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 helps elevate it.
You cannot get sushi to go or have it delivered. Kyoto is dine-in only, but it is open seven days a week. We never have to wait long for a table. They have a large dining room.
6. Screaming Tuna
If you are 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.
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.
7. Jin’s Sushi Seafood & Bar
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.
A wall of polished tanks houses 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. Traditional Japanese cocktails are served alongside the food, making the culinary journey here profound.
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 hibachi, noodles, and other dishes allow diners to experiment with their choices. The aromas and flavors that the chefs create will tempt many.
Fun fact: the first time I ever tried sushi was at Fujiyama back in college.
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.
10. 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 the Milwaukee Airport.
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 mark 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.