Though sushi originated in Japan, it’s become a popular dish worldwide. Sushi rolls range in price from $10 to more than $100, begging the question: What is the most expensive type of sushi?
The most expensive sushi in the world was the Karat Chef’s five-piece nigiri roll dish, covered in gold leaf and diamonds. This dish was created in 2010 and was valued at almost $2,000. But the priciest sushi available right now is the omakase dinner from New York City’s Masa restaurant.
Let’s explore and rank the priciest sushi around the world, helping you choose a luxury-quality sushi dinner experience that you won’t soon forget!
Why Is Sushi So Expensive?
Sushi is a rolled combination of raw fish, seaweed, and delicate rice. However, the priciest sushi utilizes some of the most expensive seafood in the world! But rare, high-quality ingredients are only one of the factors influencing a sushi roll’s price.
The most expensive sushi meals consist of multiple rolls and top-notch side dishes. They’re also curated by world-class sushi chefs with decades of sushi-rolling experience.
For example, omakase sushi dinners are made on the spot and are always unique. They consist of sushi rolls chosen by the chef, making each omakase unique.
No two omakase dinners are precisely alike, and this uniqueness is one of the reasons why they’re pricier than regular sushi like the California roll. As a result, you’ll find that chef-chosen omakase dinners are some of the most expensive sushi dishes on the planet!
Most Expensive Sushi: Summary List
- Karat-Chef Gold Nigiri Sushi
- Masa’s Omakase Dinner
- Hashiri’s Chef’s Table Omakase
- Sushi Ginza Onodera’s Kiwami Dinner
- Sukiyabashi Jiro’s Random Sushi Course
- NAOE Miami’s Chef’s Choice
- Kurumazushi’s Omakase Course
- O Ya’s Omakase
- Nobu’s Newport Beach Omakase
- Morisushi’s Omakase
10. Morisushi’s Omakase
If you find yourself looking for an extravagant sushi experience while in Los Angeles, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to dine at Morisushi. That said, you’ll likely need to make a reservation in advance, as this Japanese restaurant creates some of the most beloved sushi in the city.
The menu at Morisushi is deceptively simple. You’ll have the option to choose between a standard omakase (starting at $160) and a nigiri omakase (starting at $125). You can also upgrade either experience by selecting a premium version.
But the sushi you’ll find here is anything but typical.
Why It’s Expensive
One of the reasons the omakase dinner at Morisushi is so expensive is its exclusivity. You’ll only be able to experience the magic of Morisushi between 6 pm and 10 pm, as the restaurant keeps to short dining hours.
High-quality ingredients and high customer demand also keep prices here comparatively high. The chef (who is in clear view at all times) only uses the freshest and most flavorful ingredients.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re tired of standard sushi rolls stuffed to the brim with white rice, then you’ll love dining at Morisushi. The nigiri omakase here consists of open-faced sushi fish delicately placed over perfectly-cooked rice, allowing the flavor of each cut to shine.
9. Nobu’s Newport Beach Omakase
Nobu is a Japanese restaurant with locations all around the globe. However, the Newport Beach, California, Nobu restaurant is home to the chain’s priciest dish: The Newport Beach omakase dinner.
Though you can order individual nigiri and sashimi pieces, the omakase is bound to be the better choice. Though it costs $185 to enjoy this multi-piece dinner, you’ll get to try the most popular and decadent sushi available from Nobu.
After all, each piece of sushi at Nobu Newport Beach costs between $6 and $16! So, choosing the omakase dinner might help you save money while dining here.
Why It’s Expensive
Newport Beach is one of the swankiest, upscale areas in California. As such, it’s no surprise that it would be home to some of the best and most luxurious sushi restaurants, including Nobu.
Nobu sushi is relatively expensive because it’s made by experienced chefs and consists of fresh Japanese seafood, including octopus and Japanese eel. However, diners eager to try other types of Japanese cuisine can also enjoy a night out at Nobu.
After all, the menu here features dishes like ribeye steak and baby artichoke salad. This combination of top-notch sushi and multiple dining options makes Nobu one of the priciest options.
Is It Worth It?
Considering the comparatively high price-per-piece for Nobu sushi, ordering omakase is an excellent choice. Besides, diners that choose the omakase sushi dinner can enjoy bites of the highest-quality Bluefin tuna and kinmedai (golden-eye snapper). What’s not to love?
8. O Ya’s Omakase
If you find yourself in Boston and you’re craving sushi, you can find the most expensive omakase in the city at O Ya. Priced at $250 per person, this sushi dinner consists of more than 20 individual dishes, including some hot sides.
Consequently, it’s impossible to leave O Ya without a full belly and satisfied taste buds. You can add curated beverage pairings for an additional $150, bringing your total potential spending to $400, not including tax or gratuity.
Why It’s Expensive
O Ya omakase is expensive due to its astounding quality and range of dishes. While some omakase dinners might consist of only a handful of sushi pieces, this omakase is plentiful and includes unique side dishes.
Is It Worth It?
Because the O Ya omakase is both comprehensive (you’ll get to enjoy more than two dozen courses) and high-quality, it’s one of the best-value luxury sushi experiences in the world. So when you choose this restaurant, you’re sure to get your money’s worth.
7. Kurumazushi’s Omakase Course
New York City is known for its diverse cuisine, and Kurumazushi is no exception. This Japanese restaurant is one of the few upscale sushi restaurants that serves lunch, dinner, and dessert!
Still, the omakase course might be the most popular (and priciest) option. It consists of sashimi and nigiri sushi handpicked by the expert-level chef and costs about $300. But, of course, prices may be higher depending on the rarity of the fish used to create your meal.
Because the chef chooses the pieces, you’ll experience a memorable meal each time you order the omakase course at Kurumazushi.
Why It’s Expensive
This omakase dinner is pricey due to its ever-changing nature and top-notch quality. Diners who order the omakase course receive both nigiri and sashimi sushi, resulting in a comprehensive and luxurious dining experience that’s impossible to replicate.
Is It Worth It?
Kurumazushi’s omakase course might not be worth the price if you’re not a fan of exceptional-quality sushi. But if you’re looking to enjoy one of New York City’s best sushi dinners, you’ll want to reserve a spot at Kurumazushi.
6. NAOE Miami’s Chef’s Choice
Kevin Cory is the resident sushi chef at NAOE Miami, one of the top-rated Japanese restaurants in Florida. In fact, the Forbes Travel Guide rates NAOE Miami as a five-start restaurant!
One of the most exquisite dishes is the Chef’s Choice sushi dinner. But, of course, at more than $350 per person, it better bet out of this world.
Why It’s Expensive
You could visit NAOE Miami each night and never have the same experience twice. That’s because Chef Cory serves different dishes each night, using only the freshest and most luxurious ingredients each time.
The only way a dining experience at NAOE Miami could get more luxurious is if the managers installed one of the most expensive bonsai trees in the dining area!
This high level of opulence is reflected in the price tag for each dish.
Is It Worth It?
The meals you’ll find at NAOE Miami are expertly crafted and delicately prepared. Considering this restaurant’s popularity and unforgettable dishes, the meal prices are absolutely reasonable.
5. Sukiyabashi Jiro’s Random Sushi Course
The 2011 film Jiro Dreams of Sushi introduced the world to one of the finest sushi chefs, Jiro Ono. But did you know that you can meet this hardworking sushi master for yourself while visiting Japan?
Of course, to come face-to-face with Jiro Ono, you’ll need to visit his sushi restaurant. Fortunately, you won’t need to spend several minutes deciding what to order, as Sukiyabashi Jiro’s Random Sushi Course is the only item on the menu.
Depending on the season and each seafood ingredient’s availability, you can enjoy bites of sea urchin, mackerel, and clam while dining at Jiro Ono’s restaurant.
But while you can’t predict the precise sequence of sushi pieces, you can anticipate the price for this randomized meal. The Random Sushi Course costs about $380 (¥44,000) per person.
Why It’s Expensive
The almost $400 price tag for this omakase-style dinner results from top-notch ingredients and incredible fame. Jiro Ono is a beloved sushi chef who’s in high demand at all times. As a result, he needs to charge high prices to ensure he can serve his patrons the best possible sushi at all times.
Is It Worth It?
If Jiro Dreams of Sushi sparked your interest in sushi, you might be surprised at how affordable Sukiyabashi Jiro’s Random Sushi Course is. After all, the film made Jiro Ono a sushi legend, and getting the chance to try his handmade sushi for yourself is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
4. Sushi Ginza Onodera’s Kiwami Dinner
While sushi in Japan can be an exciting experience, you can also enjoy high-quality sashimi and nigiri in The Big Apple! New York City is overflowing with top-rated sushi restaurants, and Sushi Ginza Onodera is one of the best.
Located in swanky Manhattan, this restaurant serves a $450 sushi dinner that’s sure to fill your stomach and delight your palate. The Kiwami dinner is incredibly comprehensive, consisting of eight appetizers, nine pieces of nigiri, miso soup, and dessert.
Why It’s Expensive
Sushi Ginza Onodera is one of the most beloved Japanese restaurants in New York City, a place that’s well-known for its refined and diverse cuisine. As such, a table here is always in demand.
But complexity is another reason why the Kiwami dinner is pricey. Unlike other sushi dinners, this is a multi-course meal that is sure to satisfy.
Is It Worth It?
The Kiwami dinner is more than worth the high price, especially considering how much exquisite food you get! That said, drinks aren’t included, which can be a little disappointing for some diners.
3. Hashiri’s Chef’s Table Omakase
Dining at the Chef’s Table of an upscale restaurant is the dream of chefs and foodies alike. But securing a spot at this famed table is easier said than done.
A restaurant’s Chef’s Table is often exclusively reserved for world-renowned chefs and high-profile diners. Unfortunately, this exclusivity makes it nearly impossible for the average person to experience the high-level dining experience that Chef’s Table meals provide.
But at Hashiri (located in San Francisco), you can make the dream of dining at a Chef’s Table a reality. That said, you’ll need to reserve your spot at least two weeks in advance and spend $500 to enjoy this top-notch sushi experience.
Why It’s Expensive
The Chef’s Table is incredibly exclusive, typically catering to the most famous clients. Additionally, the Chef’s Table is a private affair, far removed from the hustle and bustle of a common dining area.
The sushi menu for the Chef’s Table is a culinary journey curated by expert-level chefs, which also adds to the high price. Still, few upscale restaurants offer the chance to dine at this legendary table.
Is It Worth It?
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a private and personalized sushi experience, you’ll likely find that the $500 Chef’s Table price tag is reasonable. After all, most folks have to spend decades making a name for themselves in the culinary world to get a spot at this table.
2. Masa’s Omakase Dinner
The Masa restaurant in New York City might be the finest sushi restaurant in the world. It also holds the title for the most expensive sushi restaurant, as an omakase dinner here will cost you $650 or more!
If you’re looking to take your sushi eating to the next level, you can opt for the Hinoki Counter Experience. Though this experience will set you back $800 (more when accounting for taxes and beverages), you’ll get to treat your tastebuds to Wagyu beef, one of the most expensive steak cuts on the planet.
Why It’s Expensive
Dining at Masa is an expensive experience because each visit is unique. Chef Masa is one of the world’s most treasured sushi chefs, and he uses the highest-quality ingredients when creating his hand-rolled sushi.
Each omakase is different, and there’s no set menu. Instead, Chef Masa creates dishes based on ingredient availability and quality.
There are few opportunities to watch a master sushi chef work, and Chef Masa is in high demand. So, if you’d like to treat yourself to an experience at Masa in New York City, you’ll want to reserve your spot several months in advance.
Is It Worth It?
If you’ve dreamed of having one of the world’s top sushi chefs prepare dinner for you, dining at Masa could be more than worth the high price tag. Each omakase experience lasts approximately two hours, and the sushi you’ll enjoy is unlike anything else on the planet.
1. Karat-Chef Gold Nigiri Sushi
If you’ve ever dreamed of eating gold-covered sushi, you’re not alone! Chef Angelito Araneta Jr.’s created a decadent five-piece nigiri roll dish in 2010 that featured edible gold sushi covered in inedible diamonds and pearls. This meal was valued at almost $2,000!
Araneta Jr. (often called the Karat Chef) is well-known for crafting luxurious gold-covered dishes. His five gold-wrapped nigiri rolls were so over the top that they landed him a spot in the Guinness World Records as the world’s most expensive sushi.
Unfortunately, this incredibly luxurious sushi dish isn’t available to diners. Instead, it was a one-time
Why It’s Expensive
Some sushi rolls are pricey because they’re made with the world’s most expensive spices. Others feature rare types of seafood.
But it’s not challenging to understand why these sushi rolls were the most expensive ever made. Not only was each roll wrapped in 24-karat gold leaf, but it also contained delicate foie gras (duck liver), one of the priciest ingredients in the world.
But on top of that (literally), Chef Araneta Jr. adorned these nigiri rolls with pearls and a smattering of diamonds. Consequently, each sushi roll was worth its weight in gold!
Is It Worth It?
Valued at about $400 per roll, these nigiri rolls are officially the most expensive sushi on the planet. Chef Araneta Jr. likely found that his hard work was more than worth it, as he now holds an official title for creating the priciest sushi.
If these delicious, glittering sushi rolls ever make it a menu, they’ll be more than worth the expense. After all, Chef Araneta Jr. sprinkled each roll with diamonds and pearls.
So, when you finished eating these gold-wrapped nigiri rolls, you’d get to enjoy some expensive take-home souvenirs! But, of course, these rolls aren’t currently available.
What Is the Most Expensive Type of Sushi?
The most expensive sushi tends to be omakase dinners consisting of multiple sushi rolls. The priciest of these sushi dinners are served at exclusive sushi counters or chef’s tables.
If you’re interested in treating yourself to an exquisite and one-of-kind sushi experience, you’ll want to visit the Masa restaurant in New York City. But, any of the sumptuous dishes (and restaurants) listed above are bound to leave your tastebuds tingling with delight.
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