Best Sushi In The Twin Cities

While the Midwest may not immediately come to mind when one thinks of sushi spots, the truth of the matter is, there are some great spots to please anyone's fresh fish cravings here in the Twin Cities.

While some may think there aren't even 10 places to list, from my experience and suggestions of others, it seems it's actually tougher to narrow it down to just 10.

I've also learned that sushi can be a touchy subject among enthusiasts. With some rating a place based on its fish freshness and others giving high marks depending on the crunchiness of its tempura, there's no easy way to score a place across the board.

So take this as a sushi starter and let's roll out a conversation on the best bets.

Origami

Downtown:
30 1st St. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Uptown:
1354 Lagoon Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Website

Origami has about as many sushi options as it does awards. With two locations, one near downtown and one in uptown, they've proven they have the goods to make just about any "best" list in the state. (Case in point, WCCO viewers also voted it the best sushi restaurant in Minnesota last year.) The sushi here is always fresh and fantastic, especially the ever-changing special maki rolls. They also boast a large selection of Japanese whiskey and specialty sake. Order the Nine and A Half roll, you won't regret it.

Sushi Fix

862 Lake St. E.
Wayzata, MN 55391
Website

When the concept of a sushi food truck was first introduced, it received its share of skepticism. Sushi from a roaming truck, driving around during the summer months? Are you nuts? Thankfully, the answer is a resounding yes -- nuts for Sushi Fix! Owner Enkhbileg "Billy" Tserenbat has made us all a believer with his inventive menu and super fresh sushi offerings. Those that prefer the dine-in option can check out the Wayzata brick-and-mortar -- where the sake is always flowing and the presentation is on point.

Midori's Floating World Cafe

2629 E. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Website

Being a south Minneapolis resident, I can't help but have a slight bias for my neighborhood joint. Luckily, I've also never been disappointed by the sushi at Midori's. Sitting on the corner of Lake Street in a quaint little spot adorned with hanging umbrellas, Midori's is the perfect locally owned cafe that makes you feel right at home. As a bonus, there's no sticker shock for the sushi they're slinging.

Masu Sushi & Robata

Northeast
330 E. Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Mall of America
Website

Between the colorful walls and the authentic Japanese video games, it doesn't get more fun than a stop at Masu. Whether you're looking for a mid-shopping bite at MOA or a sit down meal along Hennepin Avenue, both locations definitely deliver. Beyond the excellent sushi selection, don't forget to order up a nice, hot bowl of their signature pork belly ramen or some steamed buns for the table.

Shanghai Bistro

324 Main St. S.
Stillwater, MN 55082
Website

Shanghai Bistro, formerly known as Giapponese, has brought a fantastic sushi option to the touristy downtown of Stillwater. The flavors are bold, there's not a bad thing on the menu and the combinations within the sushi rolls are fantastic. Stop by for happy hour for great deals on simple rolls. And be sure to snag a spot on their awesome patio!

Fuji Ya

465 Wabasha St. N.
St. Paul, MN
600 W. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN
Website

Fuji Ya has a great variety of specialty rolls for prices that won't break the bank. In my experiences, the sushi is the same at each location but the atmosphere is 100 times better at the Uptown spot. The dragon roll is probably one of the best I've had.

Sakura

350 St. Peter St.
St. Paul, MN
Website

Sakura's location makes it ideal for a stop before an event at the Xcel Energy Center. Though, really, the sushi here is definitely good enough to merit a trip on its own. The sushi menu may not be the biggest in the Twin Cities but it certainly contains some of the biggest flavor. This is especially true with the lobster and asparagus roll.

Yumi's Sushi Bar

217 Water St.
Excelsior, MN 55331
Website

Sushi by Lake Minnetonka, anyone? If you're looking for a tasty roll by the water, head to Yumi's in Excelsior. The selection here is plentiful and the atmosphere can't be beat. Try a fresh-to-death sushi platter or peruse their list of specialty rolls.

Saji-Ya

695 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN
Website

The atmosphere of Saji-Ya is totally modern and chic, to the point you almost feel transported to a small cafe in Japan. The sushi bar is lit up in a glow-like fashion with plenty of seating both indoors and out to cater to any mood. The tempura is some of the best with its ability to balance a light, non-greasy crunch with crisp flavors.

Wakame

3070 Excelsior Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN
Website

Wakame is a great spot for happy hour sushi -- mostly because they offer HH prices all day until 6 p.m. and even late night happy hour for those night owls. The selection of signature rolls and fresh sashimi is great, with plenty of options for any type of sushi lover. Plus they've even got weekend happy hours (yes, Sundays, too) -- bonus!

Honorable Mention:

Kiku Bistro

2819 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN
Website

Kiku Bistro gets an honorable mention, because let's face it -- sometimes you want sushi but are super lazy. For those who sit on their couch and dream of sushi and just wish it would magically come to their door -- that's when Kiku says, "Be there in 30 to 45 minutes." This is where sushi meets sweatpants, and for that, I must give them props.