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Culinary

Unbeatable Sushi Spots in Virginia Beach

Matt Meltzer

Top-down view of a table with various dishes including sushi, mussels, and drinks. Hands are reaching for food, and the setting includes napkins and utensils on a wooden table.

While the abundant waters throughout our coastal city lend to us being known for our seafood, sushi might not be the first food that comes to mind when the familiar pangs of hunger strike in Virginia Beach. There is, however, no shortage of options when it comes to finding the popular Japanese dish throughout all of our seven districts. Here are some of our favorite places for fresh, creatively crafted sushi in Virginia Beach. 

Orion’s Roof

Oceanfront

Dining table with assorted dishes including mussels, sushi, and cocktails. Three people are dining, with utensils and glasses visible.
Dining table with assorted dishes including mussels, sushi, and cocktails. Three people are dining, with utensils and glasses visible.

Chef Hisashi Araki celebrates the best of land and sea at Orion’s Roof to elevate Asian-fusion dining to bold new heights. Each menu features the freshest flavors from near and far, with a dazzling display of sushi and sashimi expertly prepared in the Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei tradition.  

Zushi Japanese Bistro

Town Center

Nara Sushi
Two plates of assorted sushi and sashimi on a table, accompanied by small bowls of soy sauce. Chopsticks are placed above each plate and a ceramic cup is visible on the left.

@mg.eats, Instagram

Zushi Japanese Bistro‘s Head Chef and Owner, Kevin Chang, has one philosophy when crafting his fresh sushi dishes: keep it looking fancy, and keep it affordable. And that’s exactly what you get at this sushi spot in Town Center. This is a great place for a nice night out for any occasion, and it won’t break the bank, no matter what you get. We like the Spicy Ocean Sushi Roll, with Scottish salmon sashimi over spicy tuna and crab roll, topped with eel sauce and spicy mayo.

Sakatomo Sushi

Inland

As is the case with many of the best sushi spots in Virginia Beach, Sakatomo Sushi is tucked away within a small, nondescript strip of shops Inland. Sushi and sashimi are available a la carte here and are a great option for something more traditional, include some unique options like escolar, conch, and uni. For specialty rolls, we love the Kamikaze Roll, with fried oyster, dried pork, eel, and spicy tuna.

Nara Sushia

Town Center

Nara Sushi
Two plates of assorted sushi and sashimi on a table, accompanied by small bowls of soy sauce. Chopsticks are placed above each plate and a ceramic cup is visible on the left.

@evo_libra, Instagram

Previously owned by Kevin Chang of Zushi, Nara Sushi‘s next owners have maintained it’s tradition of excellence and their extremely loyal following. This is one of our favorite spots to frequent around lunch time. With wallet-friendly specials and an abundance of fresh sushi options, it’s hard to go wrong here. Try the Deluxe Bento box, which comes with a half spicy tuna roll, soup, salad, steamed rice, and unbeatable tempura. As far as specialty rolls go, order the Oishii Roll, with fresh tuna and salmon, as well as spicy crab, and avocado on brown rice.

Mizuno Japanese Restaurant

Oceanfront

Mizuno Restaurant Sushi
A plate of sushi rolls on a table, with panko-topped rolls and avocado-filled rolls. Edamame, a glass of water, sauce, and other dishes in the background.

@lorettaxwashburn, Instagram

Located in the Hilltop area near the oceanfront, Mizuno is a staple of fine dining sushi options in Virginia Beach. This sleek, contemporary spot offers a well-curated selection of sake and sake cocktails that pair perfectly with any of their masterfully crafted rolls. Mizuno is run by Japanese-born and Tokyo-trained chef, Wataru Mizuno, who pairs his traditional training with many local ingredients on his menu. Their sushi and sashimi is as fresh as it gets and beautifully crafted, and their special rolls won’t disappoint either. When in season, the Spider Roll, featuring fresh soft shell crab, tempuraed whole, with masago and avocado, is one of our absolute favorites. 

Fujiyama Sushi Bar

Chesapeake Bay

Located in the Chick’s Beach area in Chesapeake Bay, Fujiyama Sushi Bar is a traditionally decorated spot that just does sushi right. You can’t really go wrong with any of their rolls but, for a little something different, try the Rock ‘N’ Roll, with spicy octopus, tamago, avocado and spicy tuna.

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  • Restaurants
  • Seafood

Written by Matt Meltzer

Matt Meltzer is a travel and food writer who has written extensively about the United States. He's a former staff writer with Thrillist and Matador Network, and his work has appeared in National Geographic Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler and other national publications. Follow his adventures on Instagram @meltrez1.