
No one needs a good enough reason to indulge their Japanese food cravings but International Sushi Day is a better time than any. It's the perfect day to immerse oneself in a refined celebration of sushi, which could be termed as the epitome of Japanese culinary precision and elegance. Once considered a niche indulgence, sushi has now risen from luxury menus in foreign cities to everyday cravings that can be feasted on in every neighbourhood of Mumbai. As new Japanese eateries and innovative fusion spots pop up across the city, this formerly exotic fare is now delighting palates from Bandra to BKC; proving that Mumbai is in the middle of having a full-blown sushi moment. Take this special occasion as an opportunity to head to one of these restaurants in Mumbai and celebrate the day with a soy-dipped, wasabi-painted mouthful of sushi.
8 MUMBAI RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE THE BEST SUSHI IN THE CITY
1. Donmai, Worli
The restaurant presents a wide array of sushi but a few creations among them deserve special mention. Their Unagi Uramaki is a luxurious roll featuring tender freshwater eel paired with umeboshi and a hint of sansho pepper, an indulgent combination that brings together smoky depth and subtle spice. Then there's the Tofu Uramaki, a favourite among plant-forward diners, which is layered with roasted tomato, tofu, tempura, asparagus, and pickled daikon, delivering a roll that’s vibrant, textured, and remarkably satisfying. For purists, the Nigiri selection is an ode to simplicity, offering clean, precise bites that let the quality of the ingredients take centre stage. The experience here promises to be a sensory journey into the artistry of Japanese cuisine.
2. Thai Naam, Andheri
At Thai Naam, sushi isn't just a dish, it's an art form. From the precision of the rolls to the quality of ingredients, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. The menu is a symphony of tastes, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections. For those seeking plant-based indulgence, the Crispy Asparagus Roll, Avocado and Cream Cheese Roll and Spicy Jalapeño Roll offer crunchy textures, creamy fillings, and subtle spice that come together in perfect harmony. Seafood enthusiasts will be in for a treat with standout options like the California Roll, the tempura goodness of the Volcano Prawn Tempura Roll and the Spicy Tuna Roll, which adds a fiery kick.
3. Sozo Izakaya, Andheri
With a menu crafted to reflect its ethos of elevated comfort food with a global touch, Sozo Izakaya brings together an eclectic selection of sushi rolls for both purists and adventurous palattes. Vegetarian favourites are the Avocado Maki, Veg Dynamite, and Sozo Veg Maki, which offer familiar comfort with a twist of texture and spice. Seafood-forward selections like the Crab Avocado, Shrimp Dynamite, Sozo Shrimp Maki, and Prawn Dumpling speak to the restaurant’s skill in balancing umami-rich ingredients with freshness and depth. Each roll is thoughtfully constructed to deliver contrast like crispy and creamy, spicy and cool, indulgent yet balanced.
4. Otoki, Colaba
"At Otoki, the art of sushi-making is approached with deep respect for traditional Japanese techniques, ensuring an authentic and high-quality dining experience. One of the most fundamental techniques involves preparing sushi rice; which is cooked and seasoned with a delicate balance of black vinegar, mirin, and salt to achieve a sticky yet fluffy texture which forms the foundation of both Maki and Nigiri sushi. For Maki, chefs carefully spread the seasoned rice on sheets of nori, add fresh fillings such as fish or vegetables, and then roll everything tightly using a bamboo mat before slicing into bite-sized pieces. Nigiri, on the other hand, requires skilled hands to shape small ovals of rice, which are then topped with premium slices of fish, sometimes with a touch of wasabi underneath for added flavour and to help the topping adhere. These meticulous processes highlight the precision and craftsmanship that define Japanese cuisine.", says Chef Mohit Singh, Head Chef of Otoki.
5. Eve, Santacruz
Try the Truffle Mushroom Sushi at Eve in Santacruz, a visually arresting dish crafted with umami-rich shiitake and button mushrooms, nestled in fragrant purple rice. Each piece is finished with a silky truffle mayo and a crisp topping of tanuki, creating a symphony of textures that’s both refined and bold. But this roll goes beyond flavour; it’s a culinary experience. A delicate balance of deep forest notes and layered richness, the Truffle Mushroom Sushi speaks to Eve’s ethos: where innovation meets intention, and every dish becomes a little bit of theatre.
6. Millo, Lower Parel
From crisp, delicate rolls to soulful rice bowls, Millo in Lower Parel brings a menu that celebrates Japan’s vibrant culinary spectrum. If you are looking for traditional Japanese delicacies, opt for the Tempura Sushi, featuring crunchy seasonal vegetables rolled in delicate sushi rice, and the ever-popular Avocado Cream Cheese Rolls, offering a creamy, satisfying bite in every maki. You can pair these sushi rolls with other Japanese staples such as Okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake packed with shiitake mushrooms and a dash of togarashi for subtle heat, or Crystal Dumplings that are generously stuffed with seasonal vegetables.
7. Sante Spa Cuisine, BKC
Santé Spa Cuisine serves sushi that is clean, plant-powered, and bursting with flavour. Known for its conscious culinary creations, it reimagines the traditional sushi experience through a wellness lens, using wholesome ingredients without compromising on taste or creativity. Their Avocado Kecap Sushi Rolls are a taste of Asian heritage rolled in purple rice and served with Santé’s signature avo ketchup; this one’s a creamy, tangy twist on the classic. If you are looking for a cheesy delight, opt for Cream Cheese and Asparagus Uramaki, which is a sesame-crusted delight with aromatic mango sauce, fresh asparagus tips, and smooth cream cheese. For a more innovative take on sushi, try the Edamame & Avocado Sushi Cake, which is a stunning layered sushi cake featuring purple and white rice, edamame, and tofu cashew cheese.
8. Someplace Else, BKC
At Someplace Else the diners can indulge in the vibrant creativity of sushi, reimagined with summer-fresh flair and unexpected pairings. Choose from a wide variety of selections, from the Summer Uramaki Roll, which is a blend of creamy tofu, ripe mango, and fresh mint that comes together in a zesty, crisp mouthful, to the California Roll delivers a satisfying medley of avocado, crab, and cucumber, delicately finished with tobiko for that perfect pop. For those who are craving a bit more spice, opt for the Spicy Shiitake Mushroom Roll packs a punch with its chilli-glazed mushrooms and a hint of sesame.
Text by Dayle Pereira, Tasneem Patanwala