Are you looking for the best sushi in Gainesville, Florida?
Well, look no further!
When it comes to staycations and vacations, what makes a destination unique is THE food.
Yes, landmarks and activities matter too, but nothing seems very exciting without good food.
Trust me when I say that no vacation is complete without great foodie options!
You cannot go blindly into a place and assume the food is good.
You need to know beforehand which restaurants and food stops are excellent and worth your money, so you don’t spend a lot and regret it later.
If you’re planning on traveling to Gainesville, Florida, or already live there, and just want a place that serves delicious sushi, then here are all the places that have the best sushi in Gainesville:
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Best Sushi in Gainesville at a Glance:
- Sensei Asian Bistro: Contemporary Asian fusion with a traditional taste that is finger-licking good, the sushi here will satisfy your inner foodie (Try the Wagyu Nigri)
- Hana Sushi: Serves the best sushi at an affordable range so you can always count on this restaurant to fill you up (Try the Hawaiian Roll)
- Volcanic Sushi + Sake Hunter’s Crossing: They bring a special “oomph” to sushi with their super creative sushi rolls while retaining the originality of culture and tradition (Try the Angry Eel Roll)
- Ichiban Sushi: Here you can treat yourself to a wide range of Pan-Asian and sushi menu for a surprisingly affordable price which is why it’s a favorite for locals (Try the Leo’s Bacon Roll)
Keep reading to find out more of my favorite places to go for sushi in Gainesville!
1. Momoyaki
The Momoyaki restaurant believes in treating its customers like family and that’s what I love the most here.
You can enjoy delicious sushi in Gainesville at this location in a familiar setting, or as Penny from The Big Bang Theory puts it: “Family Style.”
Why We Love This Sushi Restaurant in Gainesville, Florida
But it’s not just sushi here, you can find an extensive menu of authentic Korean and delicious fusion cuisine.
Traditional Korean cold noodle dishes that are perfect on a hot Florida day, Kimchi fries and Korean fried chicken to their legendary Momo tacos.
Plus this Gainesville sushi place features Momoyaki Rewards where you can earn points with every order that can be redeemed for FREE yummy food. These also offer 15% off signature sushi so be sure to bring along your college student ID presented.
Best Dishes on the Menu
- Baked Dragon Roll: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado topped with baked salmon, spicy mayo, eel sauce, sesame seeds
- Bagel Roll: Smoked salmon, avocado, cream cheese topped with sesame seeds and scallions
- Salmon Skin Roll: Fried salmon skin, scallions topped with eel sauce, sesame seeds
Location: 1624 SW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32608
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2. Hana Sushi
Indulge in a homely dinner with Hana Sushi, where Japanese cuisine meets comfort in one of the up-and-coming areas of Gainesville.
Hana Sushi serves the best sushi in Gainesville and in an affordable range, so you can always count on this restaurant to fill you up.
Why We Love This Sushi Restaurant in Gainesville, Florida
Hana Sushi has some of the best food combinations in Gainesville.
There is a highly rated sushi bar and lots of delicious items on the menu. If you’re feeling like it, try the restaurant’s signature dishes (they are the BEST).
Not only will you get your favorites like the Dynamite Roll, the Spicy Tuna and Shrimp Tempura Roll, you can enjoy specialty dishes such as:
- Banzai Roll
- Volcano Roll
- Hawaiian Roll
- Chicken Hibachi
- Coconut Curry Chicken
- Garlic Hot and Spicy Tofu
- Chicken Katsu
I love it here because you can come here to chill after work or school or you can get dressed up and have a fun celebration!
This is the place to be if you’re a foodie.
Best Dishes on the Menu
- Gator Roll: Deep fried panko style with crab, avocado, cream cheese, and salmon inside, drizzled with chef-special sauce and caviar
- Hawaiian Roll: Coconut shrimp, cream cheese inside with mango and avocado topped with eel sauce and masago sauce
- Hana Roll: Tuna, spicy salmon, and cucumber inside, topped with spicy tuna, eel, and avocado, soy paper wrapped with spicy mayo, eel sauce, fish egg (no rice)
Location: 3147 SW 45 St Suite 10, Gainesville, FL 32608
3. Mahzu Sushi and Grill
Dubbed one of the best restaurants in Gainesville, there is no doubt Mahzu Sushi & Grill serves the best sushi in Gainesville too.
Delicious sashimi, sushi, tempuras, teriyaki, bento boxes, and harumaki are just some of the appetizing dishes served here just for you.
Why We Love This Sushi Restaurant in Gainesville, Florida
Mahzu Sushi & Grill cultivates its menu through the hard work of professional chefs, who make sure each and every bite you take is one level above excellent.
Just be sure to try the Fuji Mountain Roll and the Gainesville Roll. However, if you’re a true sushi aficionado, then try one of the Omakase Specials (thank me later) !
Best Dishes on the Menu
- G Roll: Shrimp tempura, cream cheese, and spicy kani, topped with salmon, avocado, and mango
- Gainesville Roll: Tuna, salmon, white tuna, lobster, crunch, sesame seed, masago, and spicy mayo wrap soybean paper
- Jimmy Smith: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, kani deep fried with shrimp sauce, eel sauce and hot sauce
Location: 5150 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL 32608
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4. Sensei Asian Bistro
Contemporary Asian fuses with a traditional taste at Sensei Asian Bistro, where having the best sushi in Gainesville is the top priority at this Florida restaurant.
Here you can enjoy a sophisticated setting where finger-licking good cuisines satisfy your taste buds.
On my visit, I was blown away by the care that was put into each dish I tried.
Not only did the sushi satisfy my inner foodie, but the chicken and rice were both cooked to perfection!
That seems like something most restaurants should be good at but take it from me, they’re not.
It’s because of this that I looooove giving praises to Sensei Asian Bistro. They care and that is reflected in the amazing cuisine.
Why We Love This Sushi Restaurant in Gainesville, Florida
Sensei Asian Bistro is a dream work made by a fusion of perfection and taste by the founder who inculcates his knowledge of cuisine art in each and every morsel.
They have strong values here that include:
- Creating a welcoming warm environment to inspire better lives
- Connecting with customers
- Working to the best of their abilities
I truly appreciate knowing the values of a restaurant. It helps me connect more with them on my visits.
Best Dishes on the Menu
- Wagyu Nigri: Seared wagyu, nikiri, himalayan salt
- Zuwaigani Gunkan: Snow crab, osetra caviar, sakura ponzu
- Otoro: Fatty tuna, scallion, matsutake shoyu
Location: 4860 Steve Spurrier Way Suite 10, Gainesville, FL 32608
5. Volcanic Sushi + Sake Hunter’s Crossing
Specializing in sushi, Volcanic Sushi + Sake Hunter’s Crossing brings a special “oomph” to sushi while retaining the originality of culture and tradition.
With their mission of providing outstanding innovative quality food, exceptional service, and ensuring cleanliness, there’s no way you could go wrong eating here.
Plus, they are home to the 3-time winner of Iron Chef of Greater Gainesville so you know you’re in good hands!
Why We Love This Sushi Restaurant in Gainesville, Florida
Here you will be guaranteed to be presented with a warm and welcoming environment.
Volcanic Sushi + Sake Hunter’s Crossing extends its services beyond general dining. You can even enjoy its mouth-watering dishes and cuisine for events and catering.
I like the fact that they are super creative with their sushi rolls.
Yes, they have the classics on the menu but you’ll also be pleasantly surprised with the options such as the:
- Mark II with tuna, salmon, and yellow tail
- Alexander with shrimp tempura
- Barbara with smoked salmon
- Red Dragon with shrimp tempura topped with tuna tartare
Be sure to go over the well-curated menu before your visit.
Best Dishes on the Menu
- Salmon Roll: Inside-out roll with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and asparagus topped with salmon tartare and cilantro
- Rockin Shrimp: Inside-out roll with tempura shrimp, crab, and cream cheese and topped with baked chopped shrimp and lemon butter sauce and drizzled with freshly squeezed lemon, masago, scallions, and eel sauce
- Angry Eel: Escolar, cream cheese, crab, crunch, and sriracha topped with BBQ eel, drizzled with spicy mayo and eel sauce
Location: 5200 NW 43rd St #509, Gainesville, FL 32606
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6. Ichiban Sushi
Bringing its A-game, Ichiban Sushi has been catering to the taste buds of Gainesville for over twenty years now.
Here you can treat yourself to a wide range of Pan-Asian and sushi menu for a surprisingly affordable price which is why it’s a favorite for locals.
Why We Love This Sushi Restaurant in Gainesville, Florida
This avid Florida foodie realizes the worth of having melt-in-your-mouth sushi, so it delights you with not only the best sushi in Gainesville but possibly the best you’ve had.
Just be sure to try the Spicy Salmon Tempura, Diablo Roll, Symphony Roll, and Volcano Roll.
You’ll be so happy that you listened to me!
Best Dishes on the Menu
- Hawaiian Roll: Avocado, mango, banana, and cream cheese, topped with kiwi and eel sauce
- Leo’s Bacon Roll: Bacon, crab, shrimp, scallions, cucumber, topped with avocado, cream cheese, spicy, eel sauce, tempura flakes
- Tijuana Roll: Shrimp tempura, cream cheese, jalapenos, and cilantro topped with lava sauce
Location: 4928 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32606
7. Dragonfly Sushi and Sake Co.
Dragonfly Sushi and Sake Co. is a modern take on Japanese food and invites you to a contemporary Japanese setting for a palatable and unarguably has some of THE best sushi in Gainesville that you must try.
This is one of my absolute favorite places to get sushi in the state of Florida as I’ve also enjoyed the Orlando location as well.
Here you’ll be welcomed into the story of a quaint Japanese village.
As you make your way to your table, you’ll begin your exquisite feast of some of the best sushi and Asian cuisine in the city.
Why We Love This Sushi Restaurant in Gainesville, Florida
I have to first mention the amazing service provided by the staff. Everyone at every level puts care into making your experience at Dragonfly a memorable one.
This Japanese restaurant also takes you on a journey through its globally inspired menu and ensures everyone gets what they want.
- Mango Tango Sushi Roll
- Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
- Beef Bun
- Wagyu Slider
- Cucumber Martini
- Old Fashion
Best Dishes on the Menu
- Slammin Salmon: Baked, crab delight, avocado, asparagus, cucumber, scallion, salmon, spicy sauce, eel sauce
- Smokey Dragon: Salmon, crab delight, red onion, tempura flakes, cucumber, avocado, torched tuna, lemon zest, kobachi, eel sauce
- Mango Tango: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, mango, avocado, tempura flakes, sweet potato curls, peach-apricot reduction
Location: 201 SE 2nd Ave #104, Gainesville, FL 32601
8. Bento (Archer, Gainesville)
Bento is a lively Asian restaurant that is spread across multiple branches in Gainesville alone.
This Asian kitchen has an array of sushi for you to try from your traditional options to ones specific to this region of Florida.
It’s my go-to spot when I want something quickly without losing the quality that’s needed for great sushi.
Why We Love This Sushi Restaurant in Gainesville, Florida
Bento intricately prepares its menu and offers various well-paired combinations and sometimes even discounts for you.
While you’re there, you have to try the Pao Pao Chicken Bento Box, the TNT Sushi Roll, or the Korean Chicken Bento Box. They’re the best dishes on the menu!
Best Dishes on the Menu
- Hot Lava: Shrimp tempura, baked spicy crab delite, cream cheese, avocado and tempura flakes
- TNT: Flame-seared tuna, spicy tuna, cucumber, scallion, spicy mayo and tempura flakes
- Crunch: Tuna, crab delite, cream cheese, avocado, spicy mayo, eel sauce and panko fried
Location: 3841 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608
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9. Sushi-2-Go (University Branch)
Sushi-2-Go’s university branch is a casual setting where simple food becomes animated and lively.
Relish in a delectable menu, and of course, don’t forget to try its sushi: the best sushi in Gainesville according the University students!
Why We Love This Sushi Restaurant in Gainesville, Florida
This places is just pure fun and the menu reflects that too!
Here you can get your sushi fresh and fast with fan-favorites like the:
- Florida Roll
- Mexican Roll
- Sushi Master Roll
Plus, their menu is well-priced, and even their side dishes are amazing. You should also try the honeydew Boba tea: it tastes incredible!
Best Dishes on the Menu
- Chicken Teriyaki Roll: Roasted chicken, cucumber, and asparagus topped with a sweet eel sauce
- Crunchy Roll: Salmon, imitation crab, cream cheese, breaded and fried
- Sushi Master Roll: Imitation crab, tuna, spicy mayo, avocado
Location: 1412 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603
10. Yamato Japanese Restaurant
Yamato Japanese Restaurant is your classic steakhouse where meals become extremely appetizing.
Here you can choose from an all-inclusive menu and try sushi like never before.
Why We Love This Sushi Restaurant in Gainesville, Florida
Yamato Japanese Restaurant offers wonderful specials and discounts like eating free on your birthday!
Something I know you will love.
Plus, you’ll not only enjoy the variety of sushi, but you’ll also love the traditional hibachi dinner with a show that’s perfect for any celebration.
Best Dishes on the Menu
- St. Augustine Roll: Imitation crab, avocado, cream cheese
- Crunchy Roll: Shrimp tempura, fish eggs, scallion deep-fried with katsu crumb
- Philadelphia Roll: Salmon, cream cheese, avocado
Location: 526 NW 60th St, Gainesville, FL 32607
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Sushi in Gainesville
These ten restaurants not only serve you the best sushi in Gainesville, but also give you an eating experience so memorable and delightful, and you will want to keep coming back.
All of these places offer a unique menu that is carefully curated to take care of your hunger cravings.
You might have been looking for plain sushi, but these restaurants will serve sushi so good, that even Gordon Ramsay would approve!
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
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- 15 Best Bars in Gainesville You Must Visit
- What’s the BEST Lunch in Gainesville? These Top 10 Places Will Help You Decide!
- 15 Things to Do in Gainesville at Night: A List of Places to Go When You’re Bored
- What’s the Best Brunch in Gainesville? These are the Top 10 You MUST TRY!
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
Get More Gainesville travel planning tips right here!
(Original Article Date: September 13, 2021/Updated by Editor on May 3, 2024)