Best Restaurants in Essex for Sushi

Sushi is a popular choice amongst foodies and consumers all across the UK - and internationally too. It is typically known to be a lighter and healthier alternative to typical fast food services, because of its natural ingredients and protein-dense meal options. The past decade has seen a rise in takeaway sushi bars as well as restaurants, making it a trending fast-food delivery option on major delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Deliveroo. Sushi has even become a meal deal option across major retailers in the UK, who offer both traditional sushi dishes like Nigiri and Maki, as well as modern dishes like poke bowls. 

Dining out in a sushi restaurant is still the most favoured way to enjoy Japanese cuisine, as the food is often fresher and more affordable, given the delivery charges that are removed. Essex has proven a popular location for top-tier chefs to move out of London and bring their sushi craftsmanship to a county with a significant gap in the Japanese food market. Here are the best restaurants in Essex for sushi.

Koryu Colchester

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience alongside traditional Japanese cuisine, Koryu - located in Colchester - offers the perfect blend of both. It is a popular choice for Essex residents because of its extensive menu of quality sushi dishes. They offer both small plates and classic sushi preparations such as Sahsima - typically raw fish or meat that's cut into fine pieces and is usually served without rice. Alongside a variety of different sushi options, they serve larger plates like their popular katsu curry or udon noodle dishes. Reservations can be made online, where you can also explore their food and drink menus.

Fumiko

If you’re looking for specific restaurants in Romford, Fumiko is a widely popular option. Rated 5 stars on Google, Fumiko offers a Japanese-infused menu where you can choose from their limitless sushi menu, 2-3 set courses and even a bottomless brunch menu. Their unique menu combines traditional Japanese dishes with innovative, contemporary twists. Fumiko is not your typical sushi restaurant. Alongside their one-of-a-kind menu, they bring guests a vibrant and lively atmosphere to enjoy their food in, with live music and regular performances.   

The Sushi Co

The Sushi Co offers a distinctive Japanese dining experience with open kitchens where you can watch your dishes being freshly prepared. Some of their most popular dishes include their crispy crunch rolls and chicken gyozas. Within Essex alone, they have two different restaurant locations - one in Basildon and one in Colchester. The Sushi Co also offers weekly deals and offers, including discounts for lunchtime bookings and family deals available all day. Just because the food is prepared right in front of you doesn’t mean you’ll have to wait long for it to be served. Their chefs assemble your sushi dishes in just a matter of minutes! The Sushi Co stands out for its impressive commitment to sustainability, cooking with ethically sourced ingredients like Scottish salmon.

Maki & Ramen

Unlike most sushi restaurants, Maki & Ramen offer more than just traditional sushi dishes. The nationwide restaurant chain has an impressive story of how it grew from a single franchise to over 20 different locations in the UK. Maki & Ramen’s mission has remained consistent through all of their restaurants - to provide delicious, accessible, and high-quality Asian food to all their guests. Their menu is praised for its inclusivity, which offers both halal-friendly dishes alongside vegan and vegetarian options. Their most-loved sushi dish is their ‘Three Kind Sashimi’ that brings together the freshest cuts of red tuna, salmon and sea bream.

Zebrano

If you’re looking for sushi with a side of premium seafood and sophisticated cocktails, Zebrano should be at the top of your list. Guests can enjoy karaoke and weekends of fun, paired with an appetising à la carte menu. Zebrano is the perfect choice for guests seeking sushi dishes alongside a variety of alternative seafood options, like their seafood linguine and finest oysters. Its late-night DJ and weekend entertainment make Zebrano a popular destination on Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re looking to book a table over the weekend, it's best to get a reservation to avoid disappointment.

Taro Brentwood

Taro is an authentic Japanese restaurant based in Brentwood, but if you’re looking for sushi in London, you can also enjoy its traditional sushi dishes at locations across the city, including Soho and Westminster. Their locations are often more intimate and traditional, serving up a diverse menu of sushi, bento boxes, and Japanese curries. It’s widely enjoyed by sushi enthusiasts across Essex and London because of its generous portion sizes and high-quality ingredients. If you’re open to trying something new, they serve up unique side dishes like their deep-fried gyozas that have customers returning for more. Compared to other restaurants in Essex, Taro’s prices are reasonably priced for the quality and freshness of the food they’re serving.