Kansas may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of sushi, but you’ll be surprised to know that the state has a thriving sushi scene. Kansas has everything from traditional Japanese sushi bars to trendy fusion restaurants. In this guide, I will highlight some of the best sushi restaurants in the state so you can experience the delicious flavors of sushi right here in Kansas.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn about the different types of sushi and what makes a great sushi restaurant. So, indulge in some mouth-watering sushi and explore the best sushi restaurants in Kansas!
What is Sushi?
Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish enjoyed worldwide. It typically consists of vinegared rice combined with various toppings and fillings, most commonly seafood. The dish can be enjoyed in many ways, from simple and traditional to more elaborate and modern variations.
Sushi is often served in bite-sized pieces, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family. It is also commonly enjoyed as a meal on its own or as part of a larger meal. The dish is known for its unique flavors, textures, and beautiful presentation.
There are many different types to choose from when it comes to sushi. Some of the most popular types include:
- Nigiri: A type of sushi that features a small ball of rice topped with a slice of raw fish or other seafood.
- Maki: This type of sushi is rolled up in seaweed and typically includes a variety of fillings, such as cucumber, avocado, and crab.
- Sashimi: A type of sushi that consists of thin slices of raw fish or other seafood, served without rice.
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Best 15 Kanas Sushi Restaurants
1. Sushi Mido
Sushi Mido is one of the top-rated sushi restaurants in Shawnee, Kansas. Located at 6010 Nieman Road, Sushi Mido offers a wide range of Japanese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi, and rolls.
The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is attentive and knowledgeable about the menu.
One thing that sets Sushi Mido apart from other sushi restaurants is its all-you-can-eat sushi option. For a reasonable price, you can enjoy as much sushi as you like, including various rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. The restaurant also offers a la carte options, bento boxes, and other Japanese dishes.
I highly recommend trying the KC Chief’s roll, a spicy tuna and avocado roll topped with salmon and spicy mayo. The Angry Dragon roll is also famous, with shrimp tempura, avocado, and cream cheese topped with eel and eel sauce.
2. Sushi Uni
Sushi Uni is a popular sushi restaurant located in Lenexa, Kansas. As a sushi lover, I was not disappointed and excited to try this restaurant. Sushi Uni offers various sushi rolls and other Japanese dishes that satisfy any craving.
One thing that sets Sushi Uni apart from other sushi restaurants in the area is its lunch special. For only $10.95, you can choose two rolls, get a soup or salad, and two crab rangoons. It’s an absolute steal and a great way to try different rolls without breaking the bank.
Some of my favorite rolls at Sushi Uni include the Rainbow Sushi Deluxe, which comes with 10 pieces of assorted sushi and a rainbow roll, and the Kansas Roll, which is made with tempura fish, cucumber, avocado, and crab stick and topped with eel sauce. The sushi is always fresh and delicious, and the presentation is beautiful.
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3. Sayachi Sushi
Sayachi Sushi is a Japanese restaurant located in Brookside, Kansas City. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with friendly staff that make you feel at home.
The menu at Sayachi Sushi offers a variety of options, including appetizers, sushi, sashimi, and sushi trays. The Sayachi Ceviche is a must-try appetizer inspired by Jarocho, a coastal region in Mexico. The sushi is fresh and delicious, with creative options like the Rockstar Roll, which includes shrimp tempura, crab salad, avocado, and spicy mayo.
One of the unique features of Sayachi Sushi is its Omakase menu, which means “I’ll leave it up to you” in Japanese. This menu lets the chef choose your dishes based on your preferences and dietary restrictions. It’s a great way to try new things and trust the chef’s expertise.
In addition to their food, Sayachi Sushi offers a selection of sake and Japanese beer to complement your meal. The prices are reasonable, and the quality of the food and service is exceptional.
Pros | Cons |
Fresh and delicious sushi | Limited seating |
Friendly staff | No online ordering |
Unique Omakase menu | Closed on Mondays |
4. Prime Sushi Bar
Prime Sushi Bar is one of the top-rated sushi restaurants in Kansas City. Located at 4980 Main St, the restaurant offers a wide range of sushi dishes that are carefully prepared with fresh and bold flavors to dazzle the five senses.
The restaurant’s impeccable eye for presentation is evident in every dish on the menu, making it a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Prime Sushi Bar also prides itself on its inviting atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for a romantic date or a night out with friends.
One of the unique features of Prime Sushi Bar is the use of unique sushi toppings and ingredients, such as fruit and herbs, which are not commonly found in other sushi establishments. The restaurant also offers a full bar and happy hour specials, making it an excellent spot for after-work drinks and snacks.
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5. Sakae Sushi
Sakae Sushi is one of the best sushi restaurants in Kansas City. As I visited the restaurant, I was amazed by the quality of their food. The restaurant offers traditional nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls prepared by their experienced sushi chef, Sam.
Their omakase-style dinner service sets Sakae Sushi apart from other sushi restaurants. This service is available by reservation only and offers a unique dining experience where the chef selects and prepares various dishes for the guests. The omakase-style dining is perfect for those who want to try something new or for those who want to experience the chef’s creativity.
The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a date night or a dinner with friends. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and always willing to help you choose the perfect dish.
Pros | Cons |
Fresh and delicious sushi | Omakase-style dining is only available by reservation |
The cozy and inviting atmosphere | Limited vegetarian options |
Friendly and knowledgeable staff | It can get crowded during peak hours |
6. Drunken Fish
Drunken Fish is a sushi restaurant that offers an extraordinary dining experience. Voted Best Sushi and Favorite Japanese restaurant year after year, Drunken Fish is the most highly-regarded sushi & Japanese dining experience in the Midwest.
With two locations in Saint Louis, Drunken Fish boasts trendy and sophisticated decor, including a one-of-a-kind rooftop patio with a full bar, fire pits, and gorgeous lounge furniture. The restaurant also offers a variety of dishes, from fresh nigiri and sashimi to creative rolls and bento boxes.
One of the most popular dishes at Drunken Fish is the Spicy Butterfly Roll, a must-try for anyone who loves sushi. The roll is made with spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, and avocado and is topped with spicy mayo and eel sauce. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.
Drunken Fish is known for its happy hour specials, live music, and karaoke nights. With rave reviews from hundreds of satisfied customers on Yelp, Drunken Fish is a great place to enjoy delicious sushi and have a good time with friends and family.
7. KC Sushi
If you want a contemporary sushi and grill restaurant that delivers fine dining at its best, KC Sushi is the place to be. As I write this article about the 15 best Kansas Sushi restaurants, KC Sushi is a must-visit restaurant.
What sets KC Sushi apart from other sushi restaurants is the exceptional quality of their sushi. From their signature rolls to their sashimi, every dish is made with the freshest ingredients and expertly prepared by skilled chefs. They also have various vegan sushi options that are among the best in Kansas City 1.
Aside from its exceptional sushi, KC Sushi also offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The staff is friendly and attentive and always goes the extra mile to ensure customers have a memorable dining experience.
If you’re not in the mood for sushi, KC Sushi also has a variety of other Japanese and Asian dishes to choose from. From teriyaki to udon, there’s something for everyone on the menu.
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8. Brookside Sushi
Brookside Sushi is one of the top sushi restaurants in Kansas City that offers a unique dining experience. At Brookside Sushi, I can enjoy a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. The restaurant has a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, which makes it perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
One of the things that I love about Brookside Sushi is its extensive menu. They have a wide selection of sushi rolls, including vegetarian options, and their sashimi is always fresh and delicious. The restaurant also offers a variety of other Japanese dishes, such as udon noodles and teriyaki chicken.
Another great thing about Brookside Sushi is its happy hour specials. From 4-6 pm, they offer discounted sushi rolls and appetizers, making it a great time to try out some new dishes. The restaurant also has a great selection of sake and other Japanese beers, which pair perfectly with their sushi.
9. Oishi Japanese Cuisine & Bar
Oishi Japanese Cuisine & Bar is a fine dining restaurant in Shawnee, Kansas that offers a variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi, teriyaki, and hibachi.
One of the standout dishes at Oishi is sushi. The sushi is made fresh daily and is available at very affordable prices. They offer various sushi rolls, including classic rolls like California and spicy tuna, and more unique rolls like the Oishi roll, which includes shrimp tempura, crab, avocado, and eel sauce.
In addition to sushi, Oishi also offers a variety of other Japanese dishes. Their teriyaki dishes are trendy, with chicken, beef, and salmon options. The hibachi dishes are also great, with options like steak, shrimp, and scallops.
10. Sushi Karma
Sushi Karma is a popular Asian restaurant and bar located in the heart of downtown Mission, Kansas. As the name suggests, they specialize in sushi, but their menu includes unique Laotian dishes and other Southeast Asian staples.
Every piece was fresh and expertly prepared. One of my favorites was the Karma Roll, a combination of crab, avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo. It was both flavorful and satisfying.
Aside from sushi, Sushi Karma also offers a variety of other dishes such as pho, pad thai, and ramen. The portion size was generous and could easily be shared with others.
The atmosphere at Sushi Karma is modern and inviting, with a full bar and plenty of seating options. The staff is friendly and attentive, making for a pleasant dining experience.
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11. Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Blue Sushi Sake Grill is a popular sushi restaurant located in the Power & Light District of Kansas City. The restaurant offers diverse traditional and creative maki, sashimi, and nigiri. What sets Blue Sushi Sake Grill apart from other sushi restaurants is its vegan maki, which is quite famous.
The restaurant’s menu encourages sharing, which is the best way to experience the creative menu at Blue Sushi Sake Grill. The drink menu is also impressive, with an extensive list of premium cold sake, signature cocktails and martinis, beer, and hot teas.
What I love about Blue Sushi Sake Grill is the ambiance. The restaurant has excellent lighting and art depicting Godzilla in Kansas City, which adds to the overall experience.
12. Aso Sushi
Aso Sushi is a Japanese restaurant located in Lenexa, Kansas. They have a variety of sushi rolls, including the Las Vegas roll and the Kansas roll, which were both delicious.
The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to grab lunch or dinner with friends or family. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience.
Customers have raved about the quality and quantity of the sushi at Aso Sushi. The restaurant also offers delivery and takeout options for those who prefer to enjoy their sushi at home.
13. Friends Sushi & Bento Place
Friends Sushi & Bento Place is one of the best sushi restaurants in Kansas City. The restaurant is on W 39th Street, just east of State Line Road and the Kansas University Medical Center. The atmosphere is cozy, and the staff is amicable.
The menu at Friends Sushi & Bento Place is extensive and offers a variety of options. The primary specialty of the restaurant is sushi, and they have many vegetarian rolls. If you’re not in the mood for sushi, they also have a variety of noodle and rice dishes, including fresh ramen soup. Their bento boxes are also trendy.
The prices at Friends Sushi & Bento Place are very reasonable, and the portions are generous. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and offers takeout and delivery options. If you’re looking for a great sushi restaurant in Kansas City, I highly recommend Friends Sushi & Bento Place.
Pros | Cons |
Affordable prices | Limited parking |
Extensive menu | Small restaurant |
Generous portions | No outdoor seating |
14. Ra Sushi Bar Restaurant
Ra Sushi Bar Restaurant is one of the best sushi restaurants in Kansas City. I had the opportunity to dine there last week and was impressed by their inventive sushi, Japanese-inspired cuisine, and innovative cocktails. The atmosphere is high-energy, fun, and subtly sexy, which makes it a great place to hang out with friends or go on a date.
What stood out to me about Ra Sushi Bar Restaurant was their commitment to health and safety. They go above and beyond the local requirements to ensure the health and safety of their guests. They provide sanitized menus and have continuous cleaning and sanitization practices throughout the restaurant.
Regarding the food, Ra Sushi Bar Restaurant does not disappoint. They have a wide variety of sushi rolls, including vegetarian options. I particularly enjoyed the Viva Las Vegas Roll, combining kani kama crab and cream cheese rolled in rice and seaweed, lightly tempura battered, and topped with spicy tuna, crab mix, and sliced lotus root. It was delicious!
They serve Japanese-inspired food in addition to sushi. A range of creative cocktails, such as the Tokyo Mule, a Japanese take on the traditional Moscow Mule, are also available.
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What To Order At Sushi Restaurants In Kansas City?
If you are new to sushi or simply looking for some inspiration, here are some dishes to try when dining at a sushi restaurant in Kansas City:
- California Roll: This classic sushi roll is perfect for beginners. It typically contains crab meat, avocado, and cucumber and is often topped with sesame seeds.
- Spicy Tuna Roll: If you like a little heat, try the spicy tuna roll. This roll is made with raw tuna and spicy mayo and is often topped with green onions or tobiko (flying fish roe).
- Dragon Roll: This is a more elaborate sushi roll that is sure to impress. It typically contains eel, avocado, and cucumber and is often topped with thinly sliced avocado to resemble dragon scales.
- Sashimi: If you prefer to skip the rice and seaweed, sashimi is the way to go. This dish consists of thinly sliced raw fish with soy sauce and wasabi.
- Nigiri: Another popular option is a small ball of rice topped with a thin slice of raw fish. It is often served with wasabi and soy sauce on the side.
When ordering sushi, it is crucial to remember that the quality of the ingredients can make a big difference in the dish’s taste. Look for sushi restaurants in Kansas City that use fresh, high-quality fish and other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated sushi spots in Kansas City?
As someone who has tried many sushi restaurants in Kansas City, I can recommend several top-rated spots. Kabuki Sushi and Sakura Sushi Train are great options for traditional sushi lovers. If you’re looking for a more modern take on sushi, Blue Sushi Sake Grill and Sushi Mido are fantastic choices.
Where can I find all-you-can-eat sushi options in Kansas City?
I advise visiting Kome Sushi and Sushi MO if you want an all-you-can-eat sushi experience! Both restaurants provide an assortment of nigiri, sashimi, and sushi rolls for a set charge.
Can you recommend a new sushi restaurant in Kansas City?
Jun’s Authentic Japanese has quickly made a name for itself with its high-quality sushi and attentive service, making it an excellent choice for those seeking new culinary adventures.
What is the most upscale sushi establishment in Kansas City?
For a genuinely upscale sushi experience, I recommend trying out Sushi Blossoms. This restaurant offers an omakase-style dining experience, where the chef prepares a personalized menu based on your preferences. The restaurant also features sleek and modern decor, making it an excellent spot for a special occasion.
How does the conveyor belt system work at sushi bars in Kansas City?
Many sushi bars in Kansas City, such as Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, use a conveyor belt system to deliver sushi to diners. The sushi is placed on small plates and the belt, moving around the restaurant. Customers can simply take the plates they want as they pass by.
Are there any unique dining experiences at sushi restaurants in Kansas City?
Yes, several sushi restaurants in Kansas City offer unique dining experiences.