12 Of The Most Expensive Sushi Restaurants In America - Tasting Table

Sushi in the U.S. ranges from grocery store options to casual chains and high-end reservation-only restaurants. The most expensive places typically serve omakase, where chefs prepare sushi in real time for each plate. Premium ingredients from Japan are flown overnight on ice, and the chef’s expertise in knife work, fish preparation, and artistry drives the cost. These restaurants are usually small, with about 10 to 20 seats and limited seating times per night. One example is Kyoten in Chicago, opened in 2018 by Chef Otto Phan, which emphasizes ingredient-driven food and uses an exclusive Japanese rice called Inochi no Ichi, the first U.S. restaurant to use that grain.

"Right off the bat, we noticed that these expensive spots all had one thing in common: they are omakase sushi. If you've never dined at an omakase sushi spot, you might be wondering what makes it so unbelievably expensive. First and foremost, omakase is sushi that is made with premium ingredients from Japan that are flown overnight (on ice) to the restaurants. To make each dish, the chef crafts each plate in real-time."

"This is also why the restaurants are so small, and only have one or two seating times per night. Most omakase restaurants have about 10 to 20 seats, give or take. Now, this is never just any regular chef. Omakase chefs are incredibly experienced, with specialties in knife work, comprehensive knowledge on the preparation of fish, and an artistry that can't be taught. When all of this comes together, it ends up costing a pretty penny to dine at a place like this."

"Over in Chicago, one of the most pricey spots that you can eat at is Kyoten. It's only been open for a few years, making its debut in 2018. Chef Otto Phan, the creator of Kyoten, holds a philosophy to make delicious food that is ingredient-driven but is simultaneously respectful to the earth. One thing that makes Kyoten stand out from other sushi restaurants is the type of rice that is used."

"The rice is called Inochi no Ichi, which is considered to be a very exclusive type of rice from Japan. This is the first restaurant in the U.S. to use this specific grain of rice."

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