Sushi is not exactly the easiest cuisine to find in Lagos, especially if you don’t know where to look. However there are a number of establishments that do provide sushi and it is often expensive (bring your special wallet). In case you are wondering on the fundamentals – what is sushi? Sushi is essentially vinegared rice served with seafood toppings, either cooked or raw. The other common term is Sashimi, which is sliced raw fish. It is usually salmon or tuna.
Fun fact: Sushi did not originate from Japan. It is believed that Chinese introduced it to Japan in the 7th century. That’s right!
Also, on the subject of using chopsticks, don’t worry if you can’t work it – just eat it with your bare hands like you do at your local mama put. That’s how it was originally intended according to Susumu Yajima, a sushi chef based in Tokyo.
Here is Ofadaa’s updated list of Lagos restaurants serving the very best sushi:
Shiro Lagos
Water Corporation Road, Near the Landmark Center, Oniru Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos
Shiro Lagos definitely adds diversity to the Lagos restaurant scene. Just the decor alone makes the point, lavish and exquisite featuring the Buddha and relief carving – definitely too much and would impress most. Like everything else about Shiro, the sushi menu is expensive but totally worth the experience and ambience.
Izanagi
19B Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Located within The Blowfish Hotel in Victoria Island, Izanagi is one of the best restaurants in Lagos by some measure. Under the watchful eye of Emiliano Duenas, who was poached from his 10-year sushi gig in Lebanon, you’re in good company. The menu is rather extensive, caters to every sushi lover and is certainly not cheap. Welcome to “Little Tokyo” in Lagos.
Bunyaki at Bungalow
1296 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos / 9 Adekunle Fajuyi Way, Ikeja, Lagos
Bungalow is a collection of restaurants featuring a range of cuisines from around the world including Lebanon, Mexico (Habanero’s) and Japan (Bunyaki). Recently added a new purpose built outpost in Ikeja which is welcome addition for the Mainland. Marcel Karam & his team at Bungalow have managed to pull off the impossible by combining fine dining with an comprehensive menu whilst maintaining quality of food and service. Bunyaki is one of the city’s original sushi bars in Lagos. The good news is if Bunyaki doesn’t work for you, you’ve real options next door.
Mayumi
Lagos Oriental Hotel, 3 Lekki-Epe Express Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
Mayumi is located within the Lagos Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island. Part of the unique experience at Mayumi is the teppanyaki style dinning, where the chef prepares the meal on the grill whilst entertaining folks around the square table. Great romantic spot with a view to capture the sunset over Five Cowrie Creek. Don’t get carried away, we can here for the sushi basket.
Shogun Sushi Bar
1390 Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
By now, you have probably noticed a trend. Most of the Sushi spots in Lagos are in Hotels. Shogun Sushi Bar is no exception; it is located in Avenue Suites. We recommend making a reservation as the seating is limited.
Bonzai
1303 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Bonzai was one of the first sushi spots to open in Lagos. Bonzai is located above Al Diwan and great spot for a secluded date night. Don’t forget to try the amazing cheesecake on the menu.
Fusion at Lagoon
1C Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Another spot for sushi is Fusion in Victoria Island, which is co-located with Churrasco at Lagoon. Easy to get confused at this spot given market place restaurant theme menu. Don’t be discouraged. Fusion gets fresh fish daily from the Atlantic Ocean which is part of the reason it’s a favourite spot with the both locals and expats.
Sakura Lagos
2A Saka Jojo, Off Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Our biggest mistake was not discovering Sakura Lagos earlier. Also don’t be too discouraged that Sakura is now co-located with Double Four, a long standing Lebanese restaurant in Lagos. Not much has changed except now you can get Lebanese food and shawarma if you don’t want Japanese food without changing your seat. Sakura still offers masterpieces ranging from Teppanyaki and Sushi, to Tempura and Yaki Soba Noodles. This is also a great spot for a romantic date.
