If you love sushi, then you know it can be hard to find a kitchen that prepares it right with truly fresh fish. Finding the best sushi restaurants in Indianapolis doesn’t have to be difficult – you just have to know where to look. The best sushi restaurants in Indianapolis are all about atmosphere, skillful preparation, caring owners and, of course, delicious sushi. Having spent two weeks in Japan myself, here are reviews of eight of the hottest and best sushi restaurants Indianapolis has to offer.
This sushi bar, located in the heart of Broad Ripple, is thought by many to be the best in Indianapolis. Owner and Chef Eli thoughtfully crafts fresh, flavorful rolls in a warm atmosphere. His wife, Nichole, comes up with the unique dessert menu. The sorbets are home-made and delicious. If you love sushi, you should definitely go and give H2O a try!
This insanely popular restaurant by the Keystone Fashion Mall may be a chain, but there’s nothing blasé or cookie-cutter about it. This is my absolute favorite Japanese restaurant. Be sure to start your meal off with a bowl of their delicious house soup. Reservations are a must on weekend evenings (unless you want a 2-3 hour wait), and even a good idea on weeknights. The sushi is freshly prepared by expertly trained chefs, and can be served either in the family-style hibachi grill area, or in the sushi bar area itself. Try this popular favorite – you won’t regret it!
Sushi On The Rocks, 235 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, Indiana; (317) 536-1500
This downtown sushi bar offers fresh and delicious sushi, prepared in both a traditional and non-traditional style. Although the service is sometimes not as good as other sushi bars that I’ve been to, their sushi is excellent. Their Maguro (Tuna) and Ika (Calamari) rolls are excellent. They also offer a full-service bar, and a private dining room which can accompany up to 600 patrons for (very) large parties!
Kona Jack’s Fish Market & Sushi, 9419 N Meridian, Indianapolis, Indiana; (317) 843-1609
According to their website, Kona Jack’s has been named best seafood restaurant for ten consecutive years by Indianapolis Monthly magazine. They claim to have the widest variety of freshly-caught fish in the Midwest. The fish at this popular restaurant, fish market and sushi bar is flown in daily, providing some of the freshest available in Indianapolis. They are known for their wide variety of dishes, so sushi isn’t their primary offering, but it is tasty and prepared well. Kona Jack’s is a chain restaurant, so it lacks the familial warmth of the tiny, couple-owned sushi bars. Fortunately, it makes up for it with a friendly atmosphere, fun décor and great service. Be sure to give Kona Jack’s a try, and check out their website for all of their locations.
Wasabi Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, 5025 E 82nd St #800, Indianapolis, Indiana; (317) 594-1188
This restaurant and sushi bar is located on the north side of Indianapolis near the Castleton shopping district. Although the sushi is good and the ginger dressing is perfectly crafted, the service is hit or miss. I have never had a bad experience there myself, but I know others who have. Be sure you know what you are ordering – if you don’t like the dish, you will have trouble returning it or ordering something else without “eating” the cost.
This downtown Japanese restaurant and sushi bar has an avid following. The lush, dramatic décor complements the freshly prepared sushi. The owner, Umay, is very involved in the quality of Mikado’s food and making sure patrons leave happy. They are known for the freshness of their fish, and also for the other tasty kitchen dishes such as the lamb chops and ribeye steaks.
Sapporo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, 6342 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, Indiana;
(317) 570-7333
This restaurant is also located in the Castleton shopping district, and offers a calming ambiance and delicious sushi. The prices are significantly higher for sushi and sashimi than some other sushi bars, however. The staff and chefs are always very friendly, and they tend to remember you if you go there more than a couple of times.
Asaka Japanese Restaurant, 6414 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, Indiana; (317) 576-0556
Located in the Japanese Steakhouse-rich area of Castleton, Asaka is known for it’s authentic and freshly prepared sushi. The salmon nigiri is particularly delicious. The atmosphere is traditionally Japanese, and very simple and calming. Expect great service when you visit this restaurant.
