There are so many sushi restaurants in Frankfurt these days that it is hard to know where to start looking. There are also a lot of restaurants that do sushi fusion, sushi + something, etc. And some may actually be pretty good experiences. But that’s not really what we mean when we are after a top quality sushi restaurant. I’m aware that I can be a bit of a sushi-snob sometimes and it comes from the years I spent travelling and working in Japan and how spoiled I became with good quality food. But it also helps me sniff out the great restaurants here rather than the imposters.

And before I jump straight in to my top choices, I’ll just say as well that while Japanese staff or trained sushi chefs from Japan make a big difference (maybe because they also know what it is supposed to taste like?) it is by no means a guarantee of quality or a requirement for authenticity. But it does help me practice my Japanese.  Here I have focused on range and quality/freshness of fish, authenticity of venue and menu, and availability of side-dishes. Fusion menus or ‘innovative’ mixtures often meant that the venue didn’t make my hit list.

And if you have a suggestion, let me know and I’ll go check them out before adding to my list!

1) Sushiko – the only option south of the river that I include also comes in at number 1. Sushiko has been known for years in Frankfurt as one of the best and is definitely still a favourite for me. I just wish they had more space for guests – I guess that’s another reason for the high prices!

2) Sushimoto – a great option with a really good sushi chef from Japan. The restaurant is inside the Westin Grand hotel at Konstablerwache and is priced accordingly. But the selection and authenticity is really outstanding, if not the portion sizes. 

3) Mikuni sushi – this is a very popular place as I just found out with feedback from other expats in Frankfurt! Mikuni is definitely a place that needs booking ahead but its worth the wait. The place has a good selection of fish but the best part was the range of starters and side dishes. If you have ever been to Japan, you’ll know going out for sushi is more than just fish and rice. A variety of mini-dishes with tofu, seaweeds, beens and grilled meets is all part of the experience. Mikuni out performs everywhere else on this. One of the more expensive places though, and with very small rice portions with each piece, you’ll easily be emptying your wallet here on extras!

4) Kushiya Ichikawa – Frankfurt has a relatively big Japanese community, although nothing on the size of Dusseldorf, but it is centred on Hausen where the international Japanese school is. Among other things, this means there are good restaurants around there particularly in Bockenheim. Kushiya Ichikawa is well visited by the Japanese community and has a really authentic experience. It is also very close to two other really good Bockenheim options: T-Style and Fujiwara 

5) Sakura Sushi Cafe – this is a great place just near Hauptwache, not just because of the really good quality fish, but also the great atmosphere, reasonable prices and good portions. I would have put them higher up the list, but the range of fish is a little lacking – too much salmon and tuna for my liking. The staff are super welcoming and helpful, and there is plenty of space either indoors and in the heated garden at the back. The garden is shared with the Chinese restaurant next door, Madame Mei Mei, which is also a great restaurant but for another post.

6) Mangetsu City – slightly breaking my own rules here, as the sushi is good but not exceptional, however the udon noodles and fried options are probably the best in the city. And located right at Eschenheimer Tor is a really easy city option. 

7) Higematsu – a hidden gem just behind Hauptwache and a few metres from Sakura cafe. The front and entrance looks like an old school sushi bar that would be right at home in the side streets of Tokyo and it expands inwards for more seating. The prices are very reasonable and the selection is really good. 

8) Iroha – Another old favourite at Willy Brand Platz that has been around for years. I think they suffered during corona – they were shut for ages and I still don’t think their business has fully returned. It does mean that it seems easier these days to get a table though! 

9) Maruyasu – the last on my list is a funny one as it is inside the food court of Galeria at Hauptwache. But the food is amazing, prices are good, the fish is really fresh and there is plenty of seating. The drawback is that it is a little public in a shopping area so not cozy or particularly comfortable. It is better for a nice lunch on a work day or during a shopping trip.

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