Finding the best sushi in Portland doesn’t mean chasing hype. It means knowing where to spot the real treasures—places where fresh fish meets creative craft with quiet confidence. Over the years and dozens of tastings, I’ve uncovered small counters where the rice has a whisper of warmth, and the nori shatters between your teeth. The city’s sushi scene is layered, whether you’re hunting for pristine nigiri or playful rolls that never blur over into chaos.
Portland’s best sushi restaurants span cozy corner spots and sleek downtown counters. Some do only the classics, others dabble in local flavor, but all take their rice and fish seriously. With each visit, I’ve navigated wasabi highs and unlikely pairings, watching chefs build memories one plate at a time. What you’ll find ahead isn’t a list of just good options—it’s a guide to genuine standouts, clear favorites for those who appreciate food that speaks for itself.
Where to find the best sushi in Portland, OR
Here are some of the top spots to find the best sushi in Portland, OR:
- Bamboo Sushi
- Restaurant Murata
- Bamboo Sushi
- Masu Sushi
- Yama Sushi & Sake Bar
- Bamboo Sushi
- Shigezo
- Sho Authentic Japanese Restaurant
- Mio Sushi
- Saburo’s Sushi House
1. Bamboo Sushi
Bamboo Sushi feels sharp and calm from the moment you walk in. Its focus on sustainability sets it apart, but what keeps me returning is the balance in every bite. The line caught albacore and ora king salmon nigiri are distinct, with clean flavors and rice that melts without a hint of mushiness.
For a taste of their playful side, try the Green Machine Roll—avocado and sweet chili blend bright freshness with perfect heat. If you want a classic, order the House Nigiri Set, which shows the kitchen’s respect for both fish and technique.
Here, the mission matters, but so does your dinner. Bamboo Sushi bridges Portland’s mindful attitude with real skill on the plate.
2. Restaurant Murata
Restaurant Murata feels like a portal to old-school Japanese dining: sliding doors, hushed tables, and a steady hand behind the sushi counter. Some Portland regulars will tell you their finest memories happened over a quiet lunch here, and I get it—there’s ease in both the service and the food.
The omakase sushi set is where Murata shines; it lets the chef choose the freshest cuts, sliced thin and presented with classic restraint. I once lingered over their perfectly textured tuna nigiri, the vinegar in the rice quietly shining through.
If you want something lighter, order the chirashi bowl, which layers seasonal fish over just-warm rice—salty, subtle, and never showy.
Murata’s dedication to tradition makes it a standard-bearer in Portland’s sushi scene.
3. Bamboo Sushi
This location of Bamboo Sushi keeps the Northwest vibe relaxed yet refined. Sourcing and sustainability aren’t just buzzwords here—they run deep, and you can taste that care in every piece of nigiri. On my last visit, the chefs worked quietly behind the counter, their attention to detail matched by the gentle hum of happy diners.
The House Nigiri Set stands out with an array of fish, each bite balanced and pristine, with rice that actually tastes like something. For a bit of Portland flair, the Green Machine Roll stacks layers of crunch, creamy avocado, and a kick that lingers playfully.
Bamboo Sushi manages to create food that feels both personal and deeply responsible—a rare find in Portland’s crowded scene.
4. Masu Sushi
Masu Sushi leans into style with its mid-century modern vibe and elevated downtown setting. The light slants in just right at dinner, giving everything a soft glow. Sitting at the sushi bar, I watched the chefs move with steady calm—each slice and roll deliberate and unhurried.
What puts Masu on the map is their chef’s selection nigiri, which is always impeccably fresh. The texture and temperature show the kitchen’s steady hand. If you’re in the mood for something different, the Yasai Roll delivers color and crunch, packed with local vegetables in perfect balance.
Masu’s chef-driven approach and upscale space make every meal here memorable, blending Portland energy with true Japanese precision.
5. Yama Sushi & Sake Bar
Yama Sushi & Sake Bar handles big crowds with easy confidence, especially on busy evenings in the Pearl District. The dining room seems to hum with the sound of happy regulars and first-timers alike. I’ve lingered over long dinners here, finding that every visit delivers new favorites.
For a classic introduction, I always start with their Salmon Nigiri. The fish-to-rice ratio is spot on, and the temperature lands in that sweet spot between cool and just slightly warm. If you crave something bold, the Yama Yama Roll packs layers of flavor—avocado, cucumber, and market-fresh fish brought together with a light brush of house-made sauce.
Yama’s generous portions and consistent quality let you focus on conversation and good food, not frills.
6. Bamboo Sushi
Bamboo Sushi on Southwest 12th Ave brings that signature attention to detail and sustainability, with a bit of city bustle just outside. Inside, the vibe is lively without being rushed, and the menu feels familiar but never stale. My evenings here always kick off with the chef’s selection nigiri, where the seafood is consistently pure and the rice seasoned just right.
The Bamboo Dragon Roll brings a creative twist: perfect for when you want layers of texture without overpowering the fish. If you lean classic, the albacore nigiri has a buttery softness that lingers.
Bamboo Sushi delivers purpose and plate in equal measure. It’s a spot you count on, whether for a quick bite or a longer moment shared with friends.
7. Shigezo
Shigezo brings a bit of izakaya spirit to downtown Portland, where groups gather for small plates and solo diners don’t feel out of place. One visit turned into a long evening spent chat- ting with the sushi chefs while watching orders zip by in quick succession. The atmosphere is warm, open, and inviting for newcomers and regulars alike.
If you’re here for sushi, order the Salmon Belly Nigiri. It’s rich, buttery, and proof that sometimes simple is best. For something shareable, the vegetable rolls are light but never plain—each bite thoughtfully composed.
Shigezo’s kitchen fuses crowd-pleasing flavors with careful technique so that even the most basic order shows off skillful hands.
8. Sho Authentic Japanese Restaurant
Sho Authentic Japanese Restaurant captures a slice of Tokyo along Barbur Boulevard, blending homestyle warmth with serious kitchen skills. When you walk in, there’s a pleasant buzz—families, couples, and solo diners all settling in for plates that taste both personal and precise. My own meal here began with a bowl of clear soup and finished with a lineup of nigiri, each glistening with just the right amount of wasabi.
The real standout is the Chef’s Choice Sashimi Plate. The fish is expertly cut, and the flavors are clean and satisfying without a hint of fuss. If you want a taste of comfort, their Avocado Roll is creamy with a perfectionist’s touch.
Sho’s menu delivers tradition, value, and genuine care—proof that great sushi can feel both elevated and down-to-earth.
9. Mio Sushi
+1 503-221-1469
Mio Sushi has that inviting neighborhood energy—families drifting in, friends meeting after work, and a steady rhythm from the open kitchen. My visits always start with a warm greeting and end with a satisfied nod. The space is relaxed, with just enough buzz to make it lively without ever feeling rushed.
Order the Spicy Tuna Roll for a kick balanced by perfect rice, or dive into the Sashimi Combo to sample the range of fresh cuts. Portions are generous, and the fish arrives smooth, never stringy or bland.
Mio’s consistent quality and approachable prices make it a go-to for regular sushi night in Portland—no pretense, just good food prepared right.
10. Saburo’s Sushi House
Saburo’s Sushi House is the kind of spot where people cheerfully line up out the door, all for legendary portions and straightforward, high-quality sushi. Inside, there’s a no-frills, neighborhood feel that makes every meal about the food, not fancy decor. Every visit I’ve had here has ended with a full stomach and a sense of discovery in just how generous good sushi can be.
The Salmon Sashimi is thick-cut, buttery, and consistently fresh—a real showcase of Saburo’s value. If you love variety, the Saburo’s Combo Platter loads up on the classics with a size and quality combo that’s hard to match in Portland.
For those in search of abundance and honest flavors, Saburo’s is a serious contender on any sushi lover’s list.
More Things to Try in Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sushi restaurant in Portland for a first-time visit?
Bamboo Sushi is a favorite for first-timers. It’s approachable, committed to sustainability, and offers consistent, high-quality sushi in a relaxed setting.
Which Portland sushi spots are best for groups?
Shigezo and Mio Sushi both work well for groups, with varied menus, casual atmospheres, and spaces designed for sharing plates and laughter.
Are there good sushi options for vegetarians in Portland?
Absolutely. Try the vegetarian rolls at Bamboo Sushi or Shigezo, where chefs focus on balanced flavors and fresh ingredients rather than just filler.
Where can I find omakase experiences in Portland?
Restaurant Murata and Nimblefish both offer omakase, with skilled chefs crafting seasonal sushi right in front of you. These spots favor tradition and high-quality fish.
Is sushi in Portland expensive?
It depends. Portland’s sushi ranges from casual, budget-friendly options at places like Mio Sushi to special-occasion splurges at spots like Nimblefish.