Craving the best sushi restaurants in Berlin? This BFS guide takes you on a delicious journey through Berlin's top sushi and sashimi spots. From trendy Mitte to charming Prenzlauer Berg, and all the way to vibrant Charlottenburg, we've got you covered.
Unlike London, Copenhagen and the mayor Spanish cities, Berlin lacks a true premium, edomae sushi experience, but the last years have seen a significant rise in sushi and sashimi quality and there are a few places worth talking about.
Unlike other lists, we avoid rankings – because each restaurant on this curated list offers a unique and unforgettable sushi experience. Dive into the descriptions to discover your perfect match, whether you crave melt-in-your-mouth sashimi or innovative maki creations.
So grab your chopsticks, soy and ginger and get ready to embark on a Berlin sushi odyssey. Remember, the freshest fish and expert technique deserve the highest recognition and if you keep raising the sushi bar, one day we might just get a premium sushi omakase restaurant in Berlin!
-
Ishin
The undisputable champion of value-for-money sushi in Berlin. A restaurant power house with two massive locations (Mittelstrasse und Bundesallee are the only real Ishin locations), whose popularity and size puts them in a position to buy high quality seafood. This especially applies to tuna, where Ishin is really the only restaurant in Berlin who can buy whole tunas and therefore offer all the different cuts from the tuna. Rice quality is always very solid and reliable and apart from classical salmon and tuna nigiri and makis, don't forget to check if they have any O-toro tuna belly and Uni. Nothing beats Ishin in terms of value for money and among chefs and business lunch guests alike, Ishin is a shared happy place.
Come for early or late lunch to avoid lines and order the Tuna Toro Sashimi, the Salmon Ikura Rice Bowl, the Uni Maki plus all your favourite nigiris
-
Sasaya
Right form the start we're going to say that the Sushi at Sasaya, one of Berlin's oldest and most popular Japanese restaurants, isn't the best thing to eat here (yes, that's a strange statement for a Sushi Top List, but hear us out). I'm saying this because the smaller, Izakaya-style dishes are really the pro move at this place (the inconsistent sushi rice quality somehow makes the sushi surprisingly underwhelming). However, one of the best value-for-money Japanese sushi/sashimi dishes you can have in Berlin is the Chirashi Sushi Don at Sasaya, a serving of rice with Sashimi off-cuts and for 8 EUR you will enjoy a tremendous and unparalleled Chirashi Don experience.
One of the best places in Berlin for Monday lunch - you need to be there at 12:00 the latest or be one of the lucky few who gets them on the phone.
-
Smart Deli
Another budget tip is Smart Deli in Mitte, this gem of a restaurant is owned by the legendary Yuki and is a very popular lunch spot in the area. While the seafood quality here won't blow any pro sushi eaters away, the rice really is top of the game and the value for money for the food is out of this world. The pro move here are the sushi dons, the maki rolls are great but regulars here always order the Chirashi Sushi Don or the Unagi Eel Don. Pro tip is to stock up on Japanese groceries while you are here, Yuki has a fantastic offering of dried and frozen goods for your pantry.
Go for the Lunch Specials and snag a instant ramen for later.
-
Gingi's Izakaya
Savor the flavors of Japan, Gingi's Izakaya is one of the best destinations for sushi and sashimi in Berlin. With his dedication to traditional Japanese cuisine, Turkish sushi master Gingi offers a great food experience that has managed to stay consistent over many years. Indulge in an array of offerins, from fresh sushi and sashimi. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, Gingi's Izakaya provides the perfect setting to enjoy a casual meal on Prenzlauer Berg's beautiful Rykestrasse.
Stick to the sushi, nigiri, and sashimi
-
The Catch
The Catch is a Japanese-inspired, sushi-focused restaurant in the heart of Charlottenburg and the Berlin counterpart to its Riga sibling. Defined by a sleek, contemporary interior, the space frames an atmosphere that leans intimate while remaining distinctly polished, attracting a cool, West-Berlin crowd. The menu channels a modern interpretation of the Izakaya format, moving between small plates and composed dishes with a clear emphasis on seafood. While not strictly a sushi bar, the selection of creative rolls and precisely cut sashimi forms the core of the offering, built around notably fresh fish.
Go for the crab sushi rolls and the Tuna Belly Sashimi
-
San
SAN in Berlin-Mitte operates slightly under the radar despite being one of the city’s most consistently Japanese-leaning sushi restaurants. The focus is on a broad yet precise menu spanning sushi, sashimi, and small starters, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and clean execution. A minimalist interior and open kitchen keep attention on the craft, while the structure of the menu allows for both quick visits and more extended meals. Centrally located yet low-key in presence, SAN stands out for delivering one of the more traditional and well-rounded sushi experiences in Berlin. Fun fact: The Karaage Chicken here is so good that it earned the restaurant a spot on the list of the best fried chicken in Berlin.
Go for the Chef's Omakase selection and definitely order a portion of the oustanding Karaage Chicken
-
893 Ryotei
If you're in Berlin and looking for a high-end Japanese sushi restaurant, look no further than 893 Ryotei. This restaurant offers an upscale dining experience, with a twist: the exterior is covered in graffiti. A brainchild of renowned restaurateur Duc Ngo, 893 Ryotei is a must-visit for those who appreciate the finer things in life. While the prices are on the high side, the quality of the food and the atmosphere make it well worth it. Especially ths sushi offering belongs to the finest in all off Germany. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or simply looking for a memorable meal, 893 Ryotei is an excellent choice.
Reserve your table well in advance and ask for a seat at the bar. Order from the sushi and raw seafood menu, skip the Nikkei menu items and also get the steak.
-
November Brasserie
November is a higher-end, Japanese-inspired brasserie from the team behind The Catch and Jolie Bistrot. Set in a striking, design-forward space, it stands out as one of the more visually polished dining rooms in Berlin. The menu draws on Japanese flavors while weaving in elements of contemporary European fine dining, with a strong emphasis on seafood. Positioned as an evening destination, it combines a full restaurant experience with a cocktail-driven atmosphere, catering to diners seeking a more elevated, occasion-style setting in the city. November has truly succeeded in establishing itself in the casual fine dining space and remains one of the most talked about restaurants in its space.
Come in the summer and have a seat at one of the outside tables on the beautiful sidewalk
-
Otsuka
Tucked inside a Denn’s Supermarket near Nordbahnhof, Otsuka is a compact sushi counter run by Japanese chef Daisuke Watanabe focusing on a simplistic, omakase-style experience. The menu moves through sashimi, nigiri, and occasional maki, alongside tamago and a simple dessert. Fish selection leans on high-quality European catches such as Spanish tuna, Atlantic turbot, sea bream, and mackerel. The rice is carefully prepared and precisely seasoned, forming the backbone of each piece. With only a handful of seats, the setting remains intimate and centered on the chef’s craft.
No alcohol is served and you can't bring your own bottles, so enjoy your tea. Seats can be reserved via Instagram.
