Have you ever had one of those days where you’re stuck in a meeting, and all you can think about is diving into a platter of fresh, mouth-watering sushi? But with so many sushi spots in the city, where was a die-hard sushi-lover like me to go? 

Thanks to a local poll (actually, you have my buddy David to thank for that–he ran the city like it was election day!), we finally have Auckland’s top sushi places. And really, when it comes to the city’s best, we only trust what Aucklanders say.

After trying the longlist ourselves, we’ve finally narrowed the options down to only the ones we deem worth trying. So, if you come to our fun city, you know which stops to make!

How much does sushi cost in Auckland?

The cost of sushi in Auckland ranges from $2 to $30 for maki and $10 to $40 for nigiri and sashimi per platter. These prices differ depending on what kind of sushi you pick, the quality, and the types of ingredients used.

How we chose

Quality of Ingredients: We looked for places that prioritise using the freshest fish and ingredients. Fish meat that had just been caught or are still vibrant in colour are some of the qualities we took into consideration.

Variety of Sushi Options: We selected sushi places that offer a wide variety of sushi rolls. We made sure to find sushi places that offer more than three types of sushi, from rolls to some unique chef specials.

Value for Money: Though quality is the best attribute of a sushi place, we also made sure to find a sushi shop that fits the budget. We picked sushi places that meet the average prices for sushi or match the quality and presentation with their asking price.

Staff: A good set of staff guarantees a good time when dining, so we considered this factor. The staff should know all their sushi options and ensure a friendly environment for the customers. 

Ambience and Cleanliness: We chose clean sushi places with an ambience that reflects Japanese cuisine. Hygiene is crucial to ensuring the best preparation process for sushi. 

1. Sushi Train

Sushi Train is highly praised by its patrons for the freshness of their sushi. The options here felt like they were made just moments before being served, which is the exact quality we’re looking for. 

Another strong point is the variety—they offer options from classic nigiri and sashimi to creative rolls and side dishes. We loved the mix of traditional and innovative sushi, which ensured that everyone, including the kids, found something they liked. 

Their reasonable prices for such fresh and tasty sushi are also a winning factor. While it may not be premium sushi, it’s definitely fresh enough that the fair price just makes sense. 

The downside, however, is their serving time. On busy days, it sometimes takes them too long to serve. The good thing, though, is that their generous portions guarantee a full stomach afterwards. 

The restaurant is regularly cleaned, and everything from the dining area to the restrooms is kept spotless. The conveyor belt system is also well-maintained, which is reassuring since the rolls are distributed there. 

Enjoyable food

“We really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. There is a stream of sushi travelling by our table and all we had to do was grab some as it came by. They even made a California Roll special for me. They were great. I will be back.”

Chris Brobin | Google Reviews

Fresh and delicious 

“Always great food. Fresh and delicious! Amazing for the kids and for the parents. Cold beer. My favourites are the Aburi Geso and the salmon volcano!”

Lidiane Costa | Google Reviews

2. Ebisu

From classic nigiri and sashimi to inventive sushi rolls, there’s something for everyone at Ebisu. We particularly enjoyed the prawn sushi roll, which was a delightful twist on a traditional favourite.

Another thing that stood out is their staff’s friendly personalities that enhance the overall experience. One family we interviewed shared their pleasant experience, noting how the staff went out of their way to accommodate their kids.

During our visits, we consistently found the premises to be spotless, which is crucial for any food establishment. Multiple customers confirmed our observations, expressing how the place was the cleanest among the many they’ve been into. 

While many aspects are praiseworthy, a few diners felt that the dining area was a bit cramped, occasionally making for a less comfortable experience. It’s actually more of an upscale resto, which is why it’s more “intimate” than “accessible”.

Thankfully, we found their sushi prices reasonable. Plus, the Japanese + European fusion on their entire menu just makes the classics a little bit more exciting, allowing us to forget the pretty cramped space we were in.

Fine dining experience 

“Set menu $110 per person. We went for two person so $220 plus 2 cocktails and two tap beers . Total costs $293. Sashimi was very fresh We enjoyed everything except the baked salmon, it was a bit salty and powdery . I think its how they made it as I saw another review said the same thing. Atmosphere was great, this is a fine dining area.”

Nu Deziner | Google Reviews

Welcoming service

“Service was very welcoming, fast but not overbearing and overall outstanding. The food was excellent and were spot on for every dish. I had the lamb special and  it was hands down the best lamb I have ever had.I would highly recommend Ebisu to anyone looking for a great atmosphere and even better food.Thankyou and we will be back for more.”

Brandon Kumitau | Google Reviews

3. Katsura Japanese Cuisine

We picked Katsura Japanese Cuisine because of its mouth-watering flavours—all thanks to its top-quality fish. Their rolls have vibrant flavours that can only be savoured on a fresh catch. 

The menu boasts an extensive range of sushi options, from traditional sashimi to seasonally inspired rolls. All of which can be enjoyed at the raw bar where the chef prepares each dish in front of the diners. 

We were particularly delighted by their seasonal specials, which features New Zealand’s seasonal produce and and local seafood. This includes items such as prawns, salmon, and a delicious marinated Japanese mackerel. 

We also appreciated the portion sizes and felt that we got for our money’s worth. Their lunch specials were also very practical in terms of serving, taste, and cost—great for casual meals to dine in or to go. 

However, no place is perfect, and Katsura Japanese Cuisine is no exception. Wait times here can be longer during peak hours, and the delays are frustrating. 

Affordable and enjoyable

“I came back since my last visit on Christmas Eve. I got a booking tonight for the newly opened $69 Sunday 5pm Buffet. It is definitely more affordable than the current Wed-Sat $100 buffet sessions. Well, they didn’t have oyster and scampi for Sunday evening buffet, but I am still glad as I could more focus on the Variety of Sashimi and Tephanyaki. Ah, and there’s a free drink, too. The dessert 🍨 corner was wonderful as they usually do. 😋 I enjoyed this and would like to come back for this.”

Chaeum Jeong | Google Reviews

Great selection of food

“Great service! Good selection of food for the Grand Buffet dinner – Sunday. Staff are all very friendly, food was good. I liked the tempura veges and sashimi best. The only complaint I have are the prawns, they were tasteless but otherwise everything else was fresh and tasty:)”

Karmen | Google Reviews

4. Sushi Pac

Sushi Pac offers a wide variety of sushi choices at reasonable prices. In particular, we loved their Fresh Salmon Avocado roll, with its perfect blend of creamy avocado and fresh salmon.

We also loved their evening promotions, where the remaining sushi is sold at half price. Getting 7 to 9 pieces of sushi for just $7.50 is simply an unbeatable deal. The miso soup for only $0.50 during promo hour is also a great bonus. 

Their team is always polite and attentive, which is a plus when things start to get busy. A frequent visitor shared that the staff actually remember their regulars, which is a major point considering how many patrons they have. 

Occasionally, some rolls can be overly rice-heavy, and the seaweed may turn out rubbery. While these instances are rare, we recommend communicating any preferences directly to the servers to ensure a good dinner experience (they do take note, don’t worry!). 

Wide variety of options

“This is truly one of the most yummy sushi I have ever had. There is a wide variety of options, and the rice is perfectly cooked. I particularly enjoy the tempura prawn nigiri. The prawn are crispy and tender. Also, the salmon nigiri is quite fresh. The staffs are very kind and provides exceptionally attentive service!”

Tong Tong | Google Review

Best sushi place in town

“Best sushi place if your studying at uni! I used to get sushi from here every other day and it never disappointed me, only when my favourite sushi went out of stock! Very kind staff and great sushi!”

Zena Fareen | Google Review

5. Tanuki Japanese Restaurant

Tanuki Japanese Restaurant stands out because of its amazing staff – from the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warm smiles all around. Their knowledge of the menu is also incredible, as pretty much everyone we asked had wonderful recommendations. 

The variety of sushi options available here is also great but not mind-blowing. There are your traditional maki rolls and more adventurous fusions. 

For example, their Salmon & Avocado Roll has this screamy avocado that complements the rich, buttery texture of the salmon. Meanwhile, the Tiger Roll stands out with its breadcrumbed deep-fried prawn and refreshing cucumber, which is the perfect contrast. 

It’s actually their private dining experience on their mezzanine floor that won us over. Available for 18 to 35 guests, the Japanese-decorated area has tatami mats and shoji screen doors that take dining to another level. 

While some diners feel the portions could be more generous, we believe the exceptional taste and presentation make it worthwhile. But if you want a more affordable way to enjoy top-tier sushi, their lunch specials are particularly popular choices.

One of the best

“Booked a table for my wife birthday celebration. First time we had been there. Atmosphere was superb, busy for a Thursday. Staff were outstanding, great service. Food was the best Japanese we had ever had. You have to try the sashimi and soft shell crabs! My wife is planning to head back with friends, and I am looking forward to my next booking”

Mark Dempsey | Google Reviews

Beautiful, fresh sushi

“Pls pls pls have an experience in here! everything was amazing, so beautiful fresh sashimi, nice drinks options and good service!! Ive never seen ever better than Tanuki in New Zealand. Never disappointed! Will definitely come back!”

Winnie Park | Google Reviews