The 8 Best Sushi Restaurants in Calgary That’ll Make You Want Fresh Fish 3 Times a Day
Like many other kids, I grew up being a very picky eater.
So when I started expanding my palate as an adult, all my friends kept recommending different dishes that I just had to try. One of the suggestions that often came up was sushi.
They were right, of course. I still remember my very first life-changing bite of sushi. I just couldn’t understand how something so simple and raw could taste so good.
Since then, I can’t go long without ordering a fresh roll of sushi. I think I’ve actually tried most, if not all, of the sushi restaurants in the city just to satisfy my cravings.
In case you’re on the lookout for some, you’ve come to the right place. Listed below are the best sushi restaurants in Calgary that’ll make you think you’ve been transported to Japan.
1. Big Catch Sushi Bar
– Media credit: bigcatchcalgary
Address: 8835 Macleod Trl SW #130
Contact details: +1 403 708 5555
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 8:15 PM
- Tuesday – 4:30 PM to 8:15 PM
- Monday – Closed
Must-order: Ruby Sky Roll
Big Catch Sushi Bar is the kind of place where you take people you want to impress.
The way they present their dishes here is on another level. They even use edible flowers to make each one look like a masterpiece.
Their sushi is very unique as well. They serve ‘oshizushi’ or pressed sushi, which is one of the more traditional ways of preparing this Japanese dish.
What’s even better is that they don’t use any cheap fillers at all. Every single component in their rolls tastes fresh and high-grade.
If you don’t believe us, just one piece from the Ruby Sky Roll is guaranteed to change your mind. It comes topped with a thick slice of fresh bluefin tuna that’s been glazed with a rich, savory Chaliapin sauce.
| Pro tip: Dining at Big Catch Sushi Bar with a big group is fun, but it’s recommended to call in advance. This will give them time to make any adjustments since they don’t have any large tables. |
2. Ke Charcoal Grill & Sushi
– Media credit: kecharcoal
Address: 1501 15 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403 283 3288
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Must-order: Truffle Prawn Roll
Despite being somewhat small, Ke Charcoal Grill & Sushi has a very welcoming atmosphere. Their attentive Japanese waiters ensure that everyone feels heard and taken care of, even when they’re super busy.
Apart from being accommodated, diners are also entertained by watching the chefs. The restaurant’s open kitchen layout allows people to see how the cooks meticulously prepare everything that gets served.
No other dish gets ordered as much as the Signature Truffle Prawn Roll. It’s what we imagine luxury tastes like.
It’s shrimp tempura, wrapped in rice, and topped with avocado, tobiko, and truffle mayo. Each crunchy bite will have you feeling like you’re eating something meant for royalty.
In case you think one roll is not enough to make you feel full, we also recommend getting their Beef or Chicken Yakitori. Their meat is always tender and perfect with a side of rice.
| Pro tip: You can privately host any kind of event or function on the second floor of Ke Charcoal Grill & Sushi. Their friendly and experienced staff will be there to assist you and make sure that everything goes smoothly. |
3. Kinjo Sushi & Grill
– Media credit: kinjo_sushi
Address: 11135 St NE
Contact details: +1 587 755 5888
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Must-order: Scallop Special Sushi
Kinjo Sushi & Grill has been going strong for the past 2 decades. Many choose to come here with their loved ones for its family-friendly atmosphere.
They even have a Kids Menu that can help with introducing authentic Japanese flavors to younger family members.
However, they also have dishes that people of all ages seem to like. Their sweet bubble teas are especially popular and often paired with sushi.
Have we mentioned that their prices are very affordable? Their menu allows diners to order 2 pieces of sushi at a time, so you can easily try as much as you can.
For us, the Scallop Special Sushi is the best. The scallop meat is very delicate and tender, and it has a hint of sweetness to it that we can’t get enough of.
| Pro tip: You can be the first to know about exclusive discounts and limited offers at Kinjo Sushi & Grill. Simply sign up on their website to be part of their Kinjo Community mailing list. |
4. Ryuko South – Japanese Kitchen + Bar
– Media credit: ryuko.yyc
Address: 13200 Macleod Trl
Contact details: +1 403 815 1849
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Must-order: Premium Nigiri Set
Ryuko expertly marries traditional Japanese cooking methods with modern tastes. Even though they only opened in 2022, they’ve already become the go-to for many sushi-loving Calgarians.
A lot of their customers opt for their Daily Nigiri Set, which is perfect whenever the craving for sushi strikes. It comes with some Atlantic salmon, some albacore tuna, and a few chef’s pick pieces.
But if you want something more special, you can go with their Premium Nigiri Set. It’s fresh, visually appealing, and uses fish that’s been imported directly from Japan.
Its contents vary depending on the season, but it always comes loaded with an assortment of flavors. Some are savory and salty, while others are on the sweeter side. It’s a real treat if you’re in the mood for something exquisite.
| Pro tip: You can enjoy Ryuko sushi at home by ordering one of their takeout platters. They have a 20-piece option if you’re eating alone, and an 86-piece option when you want to have a meal with friends. |
5. Sushi Bar Zipang
– Media credit: leseatsyyc
Address: 1010 1 Ave NE
Contact details: +1 403 262 1888
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Must-order: Matsu Set
Sushi Bar Zipang has been one of the most popular sources of sushi in the city for over 15 years. Their chefs’ knife skills are unmatched, with their cuts being known as the cleanest in the city.
It also doesn’t hurt that their portion prices are extremely generous considering their prices. One of their rolls can easily get you full, even without ordering any sides.
We think it’s best to dine here with friends, though, so you don’t feel limited. Their Matsu Set comes with a lot of stuff, so you’ll all get to try different types of sushi.
This set usually consists of an assortment of deluxe nigiri sushi and one of their rolls. Whenever we get it, each of us tends to gravitate to different sushi. However, we all agree that their sushi rice has a sweet quality that deliciously elevates the toppings.
| Pro tip: Sushi Bar Zipang is so popular that it quickly gets busy during peak meal times. Make sure to book a reservation if you plan on eating here during the weekend, or else you’re likely going to have to wait a while. |
6. Sho Sushi Bar & Kitchen
– Media credit: sho.sushi
Address: 7212 Macleod Trl SE #110
Contact details: +1 403 252 5199
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Must-order: Dynamite Roll
Sho Sushi Bar & Kitchen’s goal is to bring Japanese food to Calgary in a fun way. Their menu is meant to be enjoyed with friends while having a good conversation.
We can certify that most of their food is quite exciting, such as their crispy sushi. This is essentially sushi wrapped in a fried wonton skin cup, which gives it a nice, crunchy texture.
However, their Dynamite Roll is what we order the most. The combination of tempura shrimp, smoked salmon, avocado, and black tobiko is incredibly flavorful and satisfying to munch on.
Remember to get their Deep Fried Tempura Ice Cream for dessert. It might sound unconventional, but it’s a unique and delicious sweet treat to end a meal with.
| Pro tip: The best time to eat at Sho Sushi Bar & Kitchen is during their happy hour, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM daily. This is when they offer drinks, nigiri sushi, and rolls at a discounted price. |
7. Shibuya Izakaya Sushi Restaurant
Address: 5010 4 St NE #2
Contact details: +1 403 452 7665
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Must-order: Salmon Passion Set
Stepping into Shibuya Izakaya Sushi Restaurant will have you thinking like you’re entering Tokyo’s most popular district. The decor of this restaurant is heavily inspired by the vibrant and colorful streets of Shibuya.
Diners are also prone to doing double-takes when they see the menu. The prices here are very affordable, despite the quality of the food being excellent.
We suggest taking advantage of this and ordering their incredible 48-piece Salmon Passion Set, which comes with nigiri, sashimi, and rolls. Their salmon is fatty, buttery, and has this melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s super addictive.
But if you don’t feel like eating something raw at the moment, you can also go for their tasty California Maki Rolls. It’s just the right amount of sweet and savory that perfectly hits the spot.
| Pro tip: Shibuya Izakaya Sushi Restaurant is a great choice for those who are looking for accessible dining establishments. They’ve got a huge parking lot and spacious, wheelchair-friendly premises. |
8. Globefish Marda Loop Sushi & Izakaya
– Media credit: globefishmardaloop
Address: 2009 33 Ave SE Suite 1
Contact details: +1 403 249 8866
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Must-order: Japanese Cowboy Sushi Burrito
Globefish Marda Loop Sushi & Izakaya has one of the most diverse menus we’ve ever seen. They offer plenty of traditional Japanese staples, but they also have innovative fusion dishes that we haven’t seen anywhere else.
Their sushi burritos are the perfect example of this. It had us confused at first, but we soon discovered that it was a fun, new way of eating sushi.
If you ask us, the Japanese Cowboy Sushi Burrito is the best one. It’s a mix of tuna, salmon, garlic chips, prawn tempura, coleslaw, and spicy mayo wrapped in pressed sushi rice. The rice acts as the tortilla that keeps everything together.
And for those feeling adventurous, try paying an extra dollar for some wasabi. It’ll feel like your tongue is on fire, but you won’t be able to stop eating until you’ve finished every delicious bite.
| Pro tip: Globefish Marda Loop Sushi & Izakaya is located in a very trendy area, so it’s usually packed with customers during meal times. It might be hard to find parking in front, but they also offer free parking at the back of the restaurant. |