$$ · Beltline · Japanese
Ryuko
Japanese-owned, with a menu full of dishes you rarely see outside Japan. Warm lighting, wood everywhere and service that stays calm on a packed night. The South location is home to Sushi Jun, an Air Canada Best New Restaurant finalist, where Chef Jun serves omakase at the counter. Beacon Hill is the newest.
Must try: Beef Tartare, Soft Shell Crab Roll, the Rolls Royce Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll, Beef Ishiyaki, Hojicha Tiramisu.
$$ · Sunalta · Japanese
Curtis Creek
Tiny, family-run and the closest thing to a meal in the Japanese countryside you'll find in Calgary. The owners are warm, the fish is fresh, and the menu rewards ordering widely.
Must try: The Curtis Roll, Miso Eggplant, Haskap Ice Cream.
Pro tip: Closed Sundays and Mondays, and seating is limited.
$$ · Bridgeland · Ramen bar
Shiki Menya
Arguably one of the best ramen spots in Calgary, and the line out the door proves it. You'll catch yourself bobbing along to the playlist while you slurp. Classic bowls for traditionalists, new-school bowls for the adventurous, and great snacks on the side.
Must try: Yuzu Ramen, OG Mazemen, Aburi Char Siu, Gyoza.
Pro tip: Lunch only, 11 to 3, Monday to Saturday. Arrive early, and bring your own container if you want leftovers. They don't do takeout.
$$$ · East Village · Japanese, vegetable forward
Nupo
Chef Darren MacLean's (Shokunin, EIGHT) omakase counter. Vegetable-forward Japanese cooking, tea-centric cocktails and an omakase experience that put it on Canada's 100 Best for 2026. The perfect spot for your foodie friends.
Pro tip: Book the omakase well in advance.
$$$ · Downtown · Japanese, sushi
Sukiyaki House
Fantastic fresh sushi, beautifully plated, with unique dishes you won't find elsewhere. The service will have you coming back.
Must try: Agedashi Tofu, Miso Sablefish, and whatever sashimi is on special. It's always worth the splurge.
$$ · Mission · Sushi
Hana Sushi
Opened by Chef Matsumoto in 1998, Hana is one of Calgary's oldest sushi spots and still one of the best. Rolls, sashimi, tempura and less traditional dishes like poke. With a menu this good, it's hard not to leave fuller than you planned.
$$ · Haysboro · Sushi
Big Catch Sushi Bar
A not-so-hidden secret in a little strip mall, and one of the best sushi spots in the city. Beautifully plated, incredibly fresh fish, balanced flavours and a team always adding something new.
$$ · Inglewood · Sushi
Ari Sushi
High-end fish without omakase prices. A small, friendly room on 9th Avenue where the nigiri is the reason to go, and the lunch sets are a great way to try a bit of everything.
Must try: O-Toro, Torched Wagyu, Hamachi, the Crispy Roll.
Pro tip: Reserve, because the room is small and walk-ins get turned away. Open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.