Unlike our tacos, San Antonio doesn’t have its own style of sushi. (Though spicy tuna rolls with jalapeño are everywhere.) We’ve got everything from minimalist omakase counters to lively izakaya spots. There’s also a growing pop-up scene, with chefs collaborating on creative fusion bites. To bring you this list, we sampled it all—sometimes even packing our own soy sauce to-go. Here are San Antonio’s finest sushi bars.
Goro’s Sushi Restaurant
$ | (210) 349-8117 | WEBSITE
San Antonio can’t claim Goro’s, a local gem that’s been serving sushi lovers for over eight years. But it sure feels like ours when Mia and the team are slicing fish behind the counter. Anything you order will complement the excellent service, but we like to fawn over the customizable veggie roll. The kitchen transforms crisp vegetables into vibrant, almost creamy bites intertwined with fresh herbs and avocado, and it’s all made extra flavorful with a generous drizzle of house-made sauce.
In addition to all the super fresh, generously portioned sushi, you’ve got Goro’s welcoming atmosphere, which is perfect for the first or 100th visit.
Thai Lao
$ | (210) 310-3919 | WEBSITE
Thai Lao has been serving vibrant Thai dishes for years, and regulars from the neighborhood know to order the curry of the day (which always satisfies). If you’re craving something hearty, we love the Massaman Curry with its tender potatoes and peanuts. The Panang Curry with its rich coconut milk and basil is also fantastic. The fresh fried rice at Thai Lao comes with perfectly cooked protein and vegetables, ideal for scooping up with a spoon.
The inside feels like a cozy family spot with warm lighting and wooden accents, like your favorite neighborhood restaurant got a delicious upgrade.
Toroko Sushi
$$ | (210) 277-8004 | WEBSITE
Toroko Sushi isn’t just a sushi bar. The seaweed and squid salad, beautiful presentations, and accommodating service are worthy of an equal amount of praise. But the tuna tower with its stunning arrangement is the stuff of legends, and the special rolls—like the flaming roll or other succulent creations—sell out with a mere mention on social media. The fish is exceptionally fresh and delightfully flavorful and holds up well even after taking a to-go order home.
Toroko also offers some of the most reasonable prices in the city, and it includes fresh sushi that won’t overwhelm your wallet to go along with your favorite Japanese beer or sake.
Piranha Izakaya
$ | (210) 822-1088 | WEBSITE
Piranha Izakaya, the cozy Japanese spot in San Antonio, has a lot of what we’re calling sushi confidence. They do fresh and creative combinations, and they do them really well. That takes shape in rolls like the Latino or nigiri paired with ginger cream. Even a classic chicken ramen gets a boost with a side of Ryu for added spice. No matter what you choose, the kitchen won’t disappoint, and you can wash it down with one of the happy hour specials, like the crisp draft beer or smooth hot sake.
Sumo Sumo Hibachi Bar
$ | (877) 545-7866 | WEBSITE
We’re surprised Sumo Sumo can even fit a hibachi grill in their compact space on the north side. But we’d squeeze into a broom closet if it meant snagging a spicy edamame dish. The seasoning is like a bolder cousin to soy sauce, and there’s a perfect amount of heat that blends smoothly into the beans.
Then there’s the steak and shrimp combo that looks straightforward with tender steak, juicy shrimp, and flavorful vegetables, but hits you hard with rich, savory fried rice that’s cooked to perfection.
Chaba Thai Restaurant
$ | (210) 333-9955 | WEBSITE
Chaba Thai Restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine and sushi, and though they don’t offer alcohol, they were born right here in San Antonio. The best thing on the menu is the Kee mow, a vibrant stir-fry bursting with fresh basil and chili heat. The aromatic notes of the dish are perfect alongside a refreshing Thai iced tea that tastes like sweetened condensed milk over strong-brewed tea.
For sushi purists, head straight to the veggie rolls showcasing crisp cucumber and creamy avocado wrapped in perfectly seasoned rice. It’s totally worth the soy sauce drips that are inevitable when dipping into their generous portions of nigiri and specialty rolls. Relax in the serene, bamboo-accented dining room or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere after the lunch rush and order something off their extensive non-alcoholic beverage menu.
Sushi Seven
$$ | (210) 496-7777 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for fresh, flavorful sushi wrapped up in a place that’s perfect for a quick and casual bite, Sushi Seven is it. This grab-and-go spot in San Antonio is known equally for its friendly service, its generous portions, and its spicy tuna crispy rice. The Alex Roll and Bono Roll are always a good choice. Never skip a Spicy Salmon hand roll for your meal.
Sushiholic
$ | (210) 523-8888 | WEBSITE
Sushiholic might not be from Tokyo, but they’ve brought a bit of buzz with them surrounding their fresh sushi. They stick to the traditions of authentic Japanese cuisine for the most flavorful-to-the-region dishes they can, and based on the perfectly sliced, yet tender sashimi, we believe them. When deciding this was great sushi, the proof was in the peppadews. Specifically, the plump ones that get mixed with spicy tuna and avocado on the San Antonio Rolls.
And, if you’re the person in the group who whips soy sauce out of their pocket for everything, go with the small sashimi plate—the generous layer of salmon and tuna gets draped in a light ponzu drizzle for some nice citrusy harmony.
Kai Japanese Sushi Restaurant
$ | (210) 340-8888 | WEBSITE
This cozy Japanese restaurant makes more than just sushi, but the nigiri is a standout on the menu. Each piece is crafted from premium fish that’s flown in daily, which makes for a firm yet buttery texture. The real winner here is the tempura shrimp in the bento box: a classic dish that went to culinary school and aced its final exam. It’s dressed up with some crisp batter, a little dipping sauce, fresh ginger, and wasabi, with an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Order it as an appetizer, then plan your future reservations accordingly.
El Gallito Sinaloense
$$ | (210) 879-5853 | WEBSITE
El Gallito Sinaloense is a bustling spot in San Antonio that serves up nearly perfect Mexican seafood. Each massive portion is an expert blend of flavors and textures, and a good rule of thumb here is if it’s got ceviche in it, get it. Especially if it’s the ceviche sample, with fresh fish and bright citrus notes. We’re also big fans of the chicharrón de pescado and the aguachiles verdes, with their perfect spice balance.
No matter what you get, the churros will be heartbreakingly crispy and sweet, and the drinks are always mixed with precision. They’ve got lively music and entertainment, but this food deserves to be enjoyed as fresh as can be, so we prefer sitting at a table right away, especially for the big portions at great prices during dinner.
Izu sushi and poke
$ | (726) 300-6388 | WEBSITE
This ghost kitchen in Lombrano food hall takes their poke bowls seriously, with a streamlined assembly line and fresh ingredients laid out for customizing. The create-your-own bowls are compact, but with options for two or three proteins like spicy salmon and tuna, you’ll build a satisfying meal quickly.
Our favorite here is the classic spicy salmon bowl—it’s generously topped with vibrant fish and a healthy mix of veggies, the protein/rice ratio is perfect, and the drizzle of house spicy sauce, though not original, manages to taste like it is. Tuna lovers should mix it up with the three-protein option. Add the provided wasabi sauce liberally across the top and nab an extra side of avocado for dipping, though it costs a bit more.
Kims Galbi
$$ | (210) 662-6699 | WEBSITE
Kims Galbi is more than just a Korean barbecue spot where you cook your own meats. The family-owned vibe is a special kind of warmth that results in a perfect, celebration-ready atmosphere. The meat combo for four is a must for its value—the tasty marinades are ample and the whole thing proves that you don’t need any gimmicks when the food is this fresh.
Savor your bulgogi down to the last bite, then dip what’s left into a generous amount of spicy-sweet tteokbokki sauce with tons of texture folded throughout.
Yippon Ramen
$ | (210) 236-7188 | WEBSITE
Connected to their full-service Japanese eatery, Yippon Ramen offers two styles of ramen: miso and tonkatsu. So, whether you prefer a more savory broth or a lighter situation, they have a bowl for you. Toppings here are pretty standard, but the black garlic ramen has an addition of toro slices poking through the noodles, scallions, and bamboo shoots. Stools inside are a bit wobbly, but they do the trick for a quick dinner.
When the weather cooperates, their gorgeous lantern-lit patio is the spot for slurping noodles and bringing the kids or pup along.
Hero’s Ramen x Sushi
$ | (210) 481-4950 | WEBSITE
For too long, the only way you could get your hands on a truly authentic bowl of ramen in San Antonio would be to book a flight to Japan. But now you can find it at Hero’s Ramen x Sushi. The spicy miso ramen is the greatest version ever to grace this city—they serve it with a rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles, alongside tasty dishes like takoyaki and Tonkotsu ramen.
The atmosphere is lively and fun, especially when popular shows like Demon Slayer are playing on the screens, and the staff is friendly and helpful, making it a delightful dining experience for everyone, including families with kids.
Kona Grill – San Antonio at La Cantera
$$ | (210) 877-5355 | WEBSITE
At Kona Grill, generous plates of stir fry command attention. Here, surf and turf is king, the tender New York strip and succulent lobster that’s perfectly cooked through and lightly seasoned on the outside. There are dishes with hand-chopped salads that stand out brightly, while others have baseball-sized lobster rolls perched generously on toasted brioche buns. All the options are good, but be sure to try the macadamia chicken.
Draped in ladles of creamy sauce and sprinkled heartily with crunchy nuts, you’ll think about it well after you’ve paid the check. You can get your food to go, but it’s best if you dine in at one of the inviting tables throughout the space or the stools at the bar.
Sushihana Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (210) 340-7808 | WEBSITE
You come to this open, welcoming spot in San Antonio for the consistently delicious sushi and perhaps the greatest version of a dragon roll known to the city. The fish-to-rice ratio is on point, and the spicy mayo drizzle is a perfect, pro-move flavor contrast. The lunch menu is outstanding, the tiger roll is always worth a try, and the salmon sushishi is perhaps the freshest and most delicately seasoned of any on this list.
Yummi sushi and grill
$ | (210) 236-8003 | WEBSITE
When the owner checking on your table talks about how he takes pride in every made-to-order roll, chances are you’re about to have a very good sushi experience. That’s exactly the case at Yummi Sushi and Grill, a calm and comfortable spot consistently offering attentive and friendly service. It’s worth planning your entire evening around the sashimi platter alone. We challenge any other sushi in San Antonio to match this melt-in-your-mouth freshness with this elegantly presented rice.
Beyond that, they do a fantastically simple ramen that pairs perfectly with the relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families and couples alike.