You probably know this already, but I’ll say it again anyway – using chopsticks is a lot harder than it looks. And as someone who has shamelessly survived questionable California rolls, it’s literally the only thing stopping me from eating a hundred rolls in one breath.

This chopstick challenge, however, hasn’t stopped me from my quest for great sushi. Over the years, I’ve explored numerous sushi restaurants in Christchurch, taking my time to savour each bite and earn a few favourites along the way.

Now, if you care about what a sushi-hungry fella like me considers “top-tier,” well, you’re in luck. I’m sharing the best spots in the city because, you know – life’s just too short for mediocre sushi.

How much does sushi cost in Christchurch?

The average cost of sushi per platter in Christchurch ranges from around $6 to $50. Prices differ depending on the sushi you pick, as well as the quality of ingredients. 

How we chose

Fresh Ingredients – We chose sushi places in Christchurch that are known for using the freshest ingredients. This includes fresh fish meat, firm white rice, and top-quality vegetables.  

Authenticity – We picked spots that stay true to traditional Japanese sushi-making techniques. It’s also a plus if the business is run by a Japanese chef or chefs who were trained by a Japanese chef.

Creative Menu Options – We love places that offer a mix of classic sushi and creative, unique rolls. A wide variety of side dishes is also appreciated, especially if they match well with the sushi. 

Friendly Staff – We made sure to highlight sushi places with friendly and attentive staff. Good service can elevate your meal, making you feel welcome and taken care of. It’s all part of the dining experience!

Reasonable Prices – We included sushi places that offer great value for money. Higher-quality sushi should naturally cost more, as should a bigger portion per platter. However, discounts and promotions are just as highly appreciated!

1. Tanoshi Christchurch

Tanoshi Christchurch made our list for its diverse menu, not only for sushi but also for various Japanese dishes. That’s why we see them as a great option if you just want to try Japanese cuisine in one go. 

Despite its high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, the prices are reasonable compared to similar establishments in Christchurch. This makes it a popular choice for quick lunches and leisurely diners on a budget.

We also love how welcoming and helpful the team is. For example, if you have dietary preferences or questions about the menu, the staff members are quick to assist, taking note of any requests you might have.

However, one aspect that we find disappointing is the occasional inconsistency in the service speed. Fortunately, the quality of their sushi makes the wait more tolerable – even for just a bit. 

Good and fair food

“The restaurant is in a side street and easy to reach. We were here for lunch. The food was very good and fair. Although takoyaki was only available for dinner, they were kind enough to make us some. It was very accommodating. We would love to come back.”

M CH | Google Reviews

Wonderful food quality

“The Chashu was melt in your mouth, best pork I’ve had in NZ in a ramen bowl. I have travelled extensively in Japan and highly recommend this restaurant. The sashimi was so very fresh, on the pricey side averaging 3$ a piece but was so wonderful for quality and texture. Worth every penny for a quality bowl of ramen.”

Ms Aurora | Google Reviews

2. Kinji Japanese Restaurant

We chose Kinji Japanese Restaurant for its use of top-quality seafood. They source their fish across New Zealand, so they have plenty of options for bagging the freshest catch of the day. 

The restaurant also shines through in its traditional Japanese ambience, as well as its warm and attentive service. 

Apart from this, their menu features a creative blend of classic and innovative dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes. There are also shared plate options to complement meals—perfect for small groups with varying preferences. 

Their sushis are simply delicious. We particularly loved their exquisite sashimi and perfectly seasoned sushi rice.

Finally, Kinji Japanese Restaurant offers affordable prices – great for regular visits and special occasions. However, we noted that certain sushi rolls (particularly the not-so-popular ones) were smaller than anticipated, which affected our overall experience.

Amazing Japanese food

“Booked for my husband’s birthday. We had fried chicken, sashimi platter, Ocean beef hotpot, and some sushi, green tea ice cream to have our sugar of the day fixed.

The food was yummy and the waitress were friendly.

The restaurant is always busy, so booking is essential, make a booking on their website. It can be a bit of noisy when it is a full house since the place is not spacious. The food quality is very stable, we enjoy their sashimi every time.”

Amy | Google Review

Great food and service

“Great food/service and being able to take a nice bottle of wine is a great way to enjoy your meal love the Green Tea Ice Cream” 

Russell Martin | Google Reviews

3. Mugen Sushi

What amazes us about Mugen Sushi is its outstanding customer service and polite staff. Even during busy hours, nothing feels rushed, and the staff patiently gives recommendations in case your favourite isn’t on the menu.

It was also obvious in every bite that they used fresh ingredients. For instance, their sushi rolls and sashimi tasted exceptionally flavorful. The meat was firm and moist, and the vegetables were crispy and vibrantly natural-coloured. 

It’s also great to see them offer authentic Japanese dishes like their classic chicken udon that’s a best-seller here. They also have inventive combinations and unique specials, so there are plenty of options to explore new flavours. 

However, patrons have noted occasional inconsistencies regarding serving times, especially during closing hours. So, if you want to enjoy a good dining experience, it’s best to arrive early. 

Seriously delicious sushi

“I’d give 10 stars if I could! Fantastic service, seriously delicious sushi, exceptionally clean, lots of seating and parking and best of all … plastic free take-away containers, and they were happy to let me fill my jar so that my snack could be entirely waste free!! Awesome work team! You’ve got a new fan/customer for life!”

Kim Lawlor | Google Review

Accommodating service

“We have been to Mugen Wigram and Moorhouse location. I can definitely say Mugen Moorhouse is better in terms of customer service, friendly staff, and food taste. Also, there’s no limitation in getting wasabi and pickled ginger. The staff always say thank you and accommodating to customers. I would prefer going to Mugen Moorhouse as an avid customer.”

Jane Uy | Google Reviews 

4. KUMO Japanese Cuisine

What stood out best about Kumo Japanese Cuisine is its authentic Japanese sushi menu. Led by master chef Masayuki Suto, KUMO offers exquisite sushi, sashimi, and wagyu beef.

The ingredients here are sourced from select local producers, which is something we like for quality and seasonality. 

The menu at KUMO showcases at least 10 sushi options, which is enough for the average palette. While there aren’t a lot of fusion or innovative dishes, we still like their traditional offerings, which are pretty much all Japanese cuisine (noodles, ramen, etc.).

Despite occasional concerns about their overall prices, we still found the overall experience at KUMO worth the cost, considering the food quality and service received. And with their easy online booking system, they won us over with convenience too. 

Outstanding service

“I have always been a loyal fan of Kumo and have visited this restaurant many times with my family. Their service has consistently been outstanding, with friendly and welcoming staff who always make me feel at home. Every dining experience has been a pleasure, whether it’s the delicious food or the cozy atmosphere, I am always very satisfied. I can confidently say that KUMO is one of my favorite restaurants, and I will definitely visit again. Highly recommended”

Dan Guo | Google Review

Excellent food

“It was excellent. Try their sake. Be mindful of what you pick at the sushi train, it is delicious that you might go over your budget.”

Genilledwight | Google Review

5. Tomi Japanese Restaurant

What stood out best for us about Tomi Japanese Restaurant is the flavour and texture of their sushi rolls. We absolutely loved the melt-in-your-mouth crab sushi, with its delicious fish and perfect portion size.

Tomi caters to both big and small groups, but we appreciate it more for its intimate setting. The place is really cosy and casual, with booths that ensure more privacy if that’s what you prefer. 

Thanks to their set menu, you can try multiple options at a time at a cost that won’t break the bank. But what really got us was the fact that the food quality was always consistent – and this is after making both consecutive and spontaneous stops. 

Their service is also relatively fast, no matter the time of the day. Just take note that if you’re ordering drinks with your meal, you might experience some delay (probably due to the limited stock versus the number of people coming in). 

Hidden gem

“What a hidden gem! The food was top tier, we ordered the crab sushi, duck and eggplant. Stunning presentation. The crab was melt in your mouth, fresh tasting and excellent protion size for a shared starter. The mains were great, the eggplant was on another level! You can tell the chefs really know what they are doing. The atmosphere and staff were also great. 10/10 will eat here again.”

Jerusha Brown | Google Reviews

Fresh and delicious

“Just fantastic. Everything was fresh, service was polite and prompt, and delicious. I would definitely return for another meal.

James Stewart | Google Reviews