Last Updated on January 27, 2023 by admin
Article Written by Kelly Walden
So far from the coast, one might not expect to find a thriving, competitive, and delicious sushi scene in a city like Kansas City. But, as often, when one makes assumptions, one would be wrong. If you’re looking for the best sushi in Kansas City, then look no further.
There are options in our great city for sushi lovers and beginners alike. Whether you want a classic taste of sliced sashimi, creative and delightful rolls, hand-rolled maki, or a taste of the beers and sakis of Japan, Kansas City can deliver. I’ve narrowed it down to my five favorites, but it wasn’t easy!
Table of Contents
Best Sushi Restaurants in Kansas City
Narrowing the sushi options in this town down to just five of the best sushi places in Kansas City was tough. I feel compelled to disclaim that this is only a tiny taste of what Kansas City has to offer its residents in the way of knowledgeably-crafted and fresh sushi.
One of the beautiful things about a city this size is that it’s always ebbing and flowing – new options and vivid locales arise to surprise us all the time! This list is to get you started exploring KC’s sushi scene. This review is also entirely subjective for my whims and tastes and in no particular order. Enjoy our list of the best Sushi in Kansas City!
#1 – Nara
1617 Main St, Kansas City, MO
Quickly becoming a downtown staple, Nara sits minutes from the Sprint Center and directly off the Streetcar Route. I love Nara for its trendy, American-fusion vibe, energized atmosphere, and delicious Nara roll. You can’t go wrong with their sushi menu. They have some of the best sushi in the Kansas City area!
They have lovely sushi classics, sashimi, and creative rolls like their alligator roll! Also an excellent choice for lunch or Happy Hour (Service Industry Night is Tuesday!), Nara is a superb spot for sushi-lovers and those just dipping their toes in. An awesome choice for our list of the best Sushi in Kansas City!
I’d order: A Nara roll, a Sexy Mama roll, and the Congo-Kai sushi (because eating conch makes me feel like I’m in the Florida Keys!)
#2 – Blue Sushi Saki Grill
4705 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS | Blue Sushi
If you’re on the side of the state line, Westwood has a treat for you on the Kansas side. Blue Sushi boasts a sustainable sushi and sashimi menu, great happy hour deals, and shines offering vegan and vegetarian substitutions on their list. The laid-back and airy vibe is inviting, and the fish is fresh.
Large tables and great happy hour deals make it perfect for a group! Some of the best sushi in the Kansas City area! This was an easy choice for our list of the best Sushi in Kansas City!
I’d order A Sake Toro sashimi (Salmon belly from the British Isles), some Uni (a California sea urchin,) and copious of choices from their extensive Sake menu.
#3 – Bob Wasabi
1726 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO
Low-key and unpretentious, Bob’s is likely my favorite sushi in the city. Sit at the bar and watch skilled sushi chefs cut from fresh fillets or order a-la-carte from the cozy tables. Their menu is authentic and genuine to the sushi craft while simultaneously offering unique and more difficult-to-find ingredients.
The sashimi and nigiri are the real stars here, and be sure to ask your server about daily specials since they change all the time! The Chef’s Choice at Bob’s will never lead you astray. Bob Wasabi is one of the best sushi places in Kansas City
I’d order: Always, always, always ask your server. And then obey. Also, the Ama-Ebi, because I can’t resist.
#4 – Friends Sushi and Bento Place
1808 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO
Friend makes a list for not only their fresh and delicious rolls and sashimi cuts but their keenly presented Bento Boxes. Yummy sushi rolls, these efficient and darling Japenese-style lunch boxes, and a cozy location on the trendy 39th street make this a popular spot for lunch and take-out.
(Note, their space is small! Best to plan if you’d like to dine in.) Alongside a creative list of maki, veggie, and classic sushi rolls, dinner options here include a variety of Ramen and Udon noodle soups. Furthermore, this was an easy choice for our list of the best sushi in Kansas City!
I’d order A Bento Box and a BBQ Eel Maki Roll. And A Sapporo or a Kirin Ichiban to wash it down.
#5 – KC Sushi
7753 NW Prairie View Rd, Kansas City, MO | http://kcsushi.com
A gem north of the river, this contemporary-style restaurant consistently puts out high-quality cuts of sushi and sashimi, flavorful rolls, and hibachi-style dinners. The sushi bar is the restaurant’s center, so you get a front-row seat to the rolling and serving. Some of the best sushi in the Kansas City Area!
They boast an all-you-can-eat buffet every Sunday for twenty-five dollars, making this a fun and surprising locale. An easy choice for our list of the best sushi in Kansas City!
I’d order: A house sashimi platter sampling their creative fish and roes. Octopus and Cuttle Fish, anyone?
Bonus Best Sushi in Kansas City – Kobi-Q
1531 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO | Kobi-Q
Bonus sushi! I couldn’t leave off one of my new favorites, a charming hole-in-the-wall vibe in the Crossroads, new-ish to the neighborhood. While not strictly a sushi restaurant, they offer a full sushi and sashimi menu alongside various Korean eats (my favorite is the Bi Bim Bap Bowl).
I had to make a last-minute addition to this cozy locale offering tasty sushi in a fun, creative location. We couldn’t leave this out of our list of the best sushi in the Kansas City area.
I’d order: Seriously, that Bi Bim Bap bowl. Pairing your selection of sushi and sashimi makes a perfect meal.
What is Sushi?
When you think of sushi, some of you may think solely of eating raw fish – a common misconception! (Sashimi is fresh fish of its own, which we will talk about in a minute.) “Sushi” refers to the Japanese method of creating dishes with vinegared rice – often paired with seafood, vegetables, or other meats. When Japanese cuisine landed in the United States in the early 1900s,
these salty rice dishes were the most palatable to the western palate. Look above to find the best sushi in the Kansas City area.
Japanese immigrants would often pair sushi with sashimi, leading to Americans’ popular notion that “sushi” encompasses all raw fish prepared in the Japanese style. Sushi rolls containing rice on the outside even further popularized this concept with Americans.
What is Sashimi?
Sashimi is literally “sliced, raw, protein.” This concept refers only to the slices of raw fish served without rice or other ingredients. If you consider yourself a sushi newb, this might be the part where you turn up your nose, but don’t!
Humans have been eating raw fish since the 8th century, and it’s not as scary as you might think. Some of the best sushi places in Kansas City offer Sashimi.
My advice is to start with the Hamachi, a slice of yellowtail that tastes buttery and sweet. Raw ahi tuna is also a popular choice for its rich flavor and soft texture. Pick a fish you like cooked, and try it fresh!
Luckily for you and all of us, sushi and sashimi are both available in delicious varieties and by skilled chefs and crafters. Stop in one of the above locales, or do your research and find one I missed!
Also, Check out our post about the best coffee shops in Kansas City!