Amsterdam's sushi scene has evolved dramatically over the past decade. What was once a handful of Japanese-run spots has blossomed into a diverse landscape spanning conveyor-belt chains, casual neighbourhood joints, and Michelin-starred omakase counters. Whether you are a student looking for a quick lunch under €15 or a connoisseur willing to spend €150 on a chef's tasting menu, the city offers options for every palate and pocket. This guide breaks down the best sushi restaurants in Amsterdam by budget, with concrete prices, locations, and practical tips to help you choose.
Before diving in, it helps to understand the different sushi styles available. The complete guide to Japanese dining in Amsterdam explains the spectrum from kaiten (conveyor belt) to edomae-style nigiri. For those new to high-end sushi, our article on omakase etiquette tips offers useful advice on how to behave at a counter. And if you are curious about the difference between omakase and kaiseki, this comparison clarifies the two dining formats.
Budget-Friendly Sushi (Under €20 per person)
Amsterdam has several reliable spots where you can enjoy decent sushi without breaking the bank. These places are ideal for a quick lunch or a casual dinner with friends.
1. Sushi Fan
Located at Ferdinand Bolstraat 24 in De Pijp, Sushi Fan is a popular takeaway and delivery spot. A standard maki roll (8 pieces) costs around €6.50–€8.50. Their lunch special – a bento box with 8 pieces of nigiri, 6 maki, and a small salad – is €13.95. The quality is consistent, though the rice can sometimes be a bit dry. They also offer a loyalty card: buy 10 meals, get one free.
2. Sumo Sushi
Sumo Sushi has multiple locations across Amsterdam, including one at Overtoom 125. They are known for their all-you-can-eat dinner concept. For €24.95 per person (weekday dinner), you can order unlimited sushi from a menu that includes nigiri, maki, and temaki. Lunch is even cheaper at €18.95. The quality is acceptable for the price, though the rice-to-fish ratio leans heavily toward rice.
3. Yama Sushi
Yama Sushi at Javaplein 23 in Oost is a small, family-run restaurant. Their lunch menu (12:00–17:00) offers a set of 6 nigiri and 6 maki for €12.50. The fish is fresh, and the rice is well-seasoned. They also have a popular “Yama Special” roll with salmon, avocado, and cream cheese for €8.50.
For those on a tight budget, the Albert Heijn supermarkets sell pre-packaged sushi trays for around €5–€7. While not restaurant quality, they are a convenient option for a quick bite. If you prefer to make your own sushi, check out our guide to buying sushi-grade fish in Amsterdam for tips on sourcing ingredients.
Mid-Range Sushi (€20–€50 per person)
This bracket offers a noticeable step up in quality. Restaurants here typically use better fish, more carefully prepared rice, and offer a wider variety of rolls and nigiri.
1. Sushi Sushi
Located at Eerste van der Helststraat 51 in De Pijp, Sushi Sushi is a cozy spot with a warm interior. Their omakase-style “Chef’s Selection” (12 pieces) costs €38.50 and includes seasonal fish like yellowtail, sea bream, and occasionally uni (sea urchin). The rice is cooked in a traditional wooden hangiri, giving it a slightly firmer texture. Reservations recommended on weekends.
2. Izakaya
Izakaya at Reguliersdwarsstraat 22 is a Japanese pub-style restaurant that serves excellent sushi alongside grilled skewers. Their “Sushi & Grill” set for two costs €89, which includes 16 pieces of nigiri, 8 maki, and four skewers of yakitori. The sushi here is well-balanced, and the atmosphere is lively. They also have a happy hour (17:00–19:00) with discounted beer and sake.
3. Momo Sushi
Momo Sushi at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 177 in the city centre is known for its creative rolls. A signature roll like the “Momo Dream” (tempura shrimp, avocado, tobiko, and spicy mayo) costs €14.50 for 8 pieces. Their lunch special (12:00–16:00) offers a miso soup, salad, and 6 pieces of nigiri for €16.50. The service is fast, and the location is convenient for tourists.
For a more immersive experience, consider attending a sushi-making workshop. Several cooking schools in Amsterdam offer classes, such as the Japanese Culinary Centre at KNSM-laan 311, where a 3-hour session costs €75 per person.
High-End Sushi (€50–€100 per person)
At this level, you can expect premium ingredients, skilled craftsmanship, and a refined dining atmosphere. Many of these restaurants source fish directly from Japan or from sustainable European suppliers.
1. Sushi Amsterdam
Located at Leidsegracht 38, Sushi Amsterdam is a sleek, modern restaurant with a focus on edomae-style nigiri. Their “Premium Omakase” (15 pieces) is €85 and includes toro (fatty tuna), uni, and occasionally A5 Wagyu. The rice is seasoned with red vinegar, giving it a slightly tangy flavour. The chef, Hiroshi Nakamura, trained in Tokyo for 12 years. Reservations are essential, and the restaurant only seats 14 guests per service.
2. Yamazato
Yamazato is located inside the Hotel Okura Amsterdam at Ferdinand Bolstraat 333. It has held a Michelin star since 2002. The sushi counter offers a “Sushi Kaiseki” menu for €98, which includes 8 courses, among them 5 pieces of nigiri. The fish is flown in from Tsukiji Market three times a week. The setting is formal, with a traditional Japanese interior and a view of the garden. Dress code is smart casual.
3. ROKS
ROKS at Amstel 29 is a stylish restaurant that combines sushi with other Japanese dishes. Their “Sushi Tasting” (12 pieces, including 2 signature rolls) costs €65. The menu changes monthly based on seasonal availability. They also offer a sake pairing for an additional €35. The atmosphere is trendy, with a bar area popular for after-work drinks.
If you are new to high-end sushi, reading our omakase etiquette guide will help you navigate the experience with confidence. And for a deeper understanding of the differences between omakase and kaiseki, this article explains the two traditions.
Ultimate Splurge (Over €100 per person)
For a truly memorable meal, these restaurants offer the pinnacle of sushi craftsmanship in Amsterdam. Expect rare ingredients, meticulous preparation, and impeccable service.
1. Sushi Omakase at The White Room
The White Room, located inside the NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky at Dam 9, hosts a monthly omakase dinner by a visiting chef from Japan. The price is €150 per person, including a welcome drink. The menu features 18–20 courses, with highlights like kinmedai (golden eye snapper) and kuruma ebi (Japanese tiger prawn). Only 8 seats are available, and the event sells out weeks in advance.
2. Sushi at Restaurant Johannes
Restaurant Johannes at Javastraat 148 in Oost offers a “Sushi Experience” for €125 per person. The chef, Johannes van der Heijden, combines Dutch and Japanese techniques, using local seafood like Zeeland oysters and North Sea crab. The meal includes 12 pieces of nigiri, a hand roll, and a small dessert. The setting is intimate, with only 6 counter seats.
3. Private Omakase at Sushi by M
Sushi by M is a private dining concept run by chef Masahiro “M” Tanaka. He hosts dinners at his home in Amsterdam Zuid for groups of 4–8. The price is €175 per person, and the menu is entirely seasonal. Recent dishes included Hokkaido scallops with yuzu kosho and otoro with caviar. The experience lasts about 3 hours. Reservations are made via Instagram direct message.
For more options, see our list of the best omakase restaurants in Amsterdam.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sushi Restaurant
To make the most of your sushi dining experience, consider the following:
- Check the menu online – Many restaurants post their menus with prices on their websites. This helps you gauge the cost before you go.
- Reserve in advance – High-end omakase restaurants often require reservations weeks ahead. Budget spots usually accept walk-ins.
- Ask about the rice – Good sushi rice should be slightly warm, seasoned with vinegar, and have a distinct grain. If the rice is cold or mushy, the quality is likely low.
- Look for seasonal specials – Fish like sanma (Pacific saury) and kohada (gizzard shad) are only available at certain times of year. Seasonal menus indicate a chef who values freshness.
- Consider takeaway – If you are on a tight budget, many mid-range restaurants offer takeaway at lower prices. For example, Sushi Sushi has a takeaway menu with discounts of 10–15%.
If you are interested in the broader context of Japanese dining in Amsterdam, the complete guide covers everything from ramen to izakaya. And for those who want to try making sushi at home, our supplier guide lists fishmongers that sell sashimi-grade fish.
Related Articles
- The Complete Guide to Japanese Dining in Amsterdam
- Best Omakase in Amsterdam
- Omakase Etiquette Tips
- Omakase vs Kaiseki: Understanding the Difference
- Where to Buy Sushi-Grade Fish in Amsterdam