Get Your Sushi Fix At These Five New Orleans Spots

If you feel like traveling to a city that’s a world all on its own, New Orleans is the place to go. Rich in history, culture, and just plain old fun, this piece of Louisiana will have you wondering where it’s been all your life. Go to the French Quarter to revisit the past, catch some jazz for sounds of the town and if you can, and surround yourself with colorful beads and souls during Mardi Gras!

Of course, this Louisiana city isn’t just known for these stellar attractions. Food is central to any city’s culture, and New Orleans is no exception. In fact, food is likely one of its main attractions. Known for its beignets, muffulettas, and gumbo, you’ll be hard-pressed to find such wholesome, interesting flavors elsewhere. But did you know New Orleans also has quite an extensive sushi scene? Well, you do now. 

You can find everything from your basic California roll to things more Avante Garde. We strongly recommend you check it out! 

Whether you know someone who’s traveling to New Orleans for the first time or is a proud resident who loves to try new eats, give them the gift of GiftYa! With the pre-paid card you’ve sent them, your favorite foodie can choose from a wide array of our partnered restaurants in New Orleans to find their next go-to spot--including some of the destinations listed below. Keep reading for more!

1. Asuka Sushi & Hibachi

New Orleans’ Immersive Ode To Japanese Cuisine, Complete With Sushi And More!

7919 Earhart Blvd I Gert Town I asukaneworleans.com

Asuka New Orleans has something for everyone. Connecting old classics like a warming miso soup and spicy tuna roll combo with innovations, you’re sure to find something you enjoy! If you’re in the mood for something adventurous, look no further—order one of Asuka’s creative specialty rolls. We recommend none other than the Louisiana roll. With tempura shrimp, snow crab, and crawfish, you’ll ultimately get a delicious Japan meets Louisiana flavor profile. 

Not a sushi person? No worries. This spot carries delicious cooked options, like teriyaki and hibachi. If you’re feeling thirsty, there’s an assortment of sake, wine, and beer, along with non-alcoholic options for those who may not want to partake. 

Though hibachi isn’t an in-person option right now, you can still order it off the menu! Asuka is currently open for takeout and delivery. 

“Ordered from Asuka this past Friday night, and we’re still talking about how good it was! Got a variety of dishes...steak hibachi, hibachi, hibachi chicken noodle, shrimp tempura appetizer, back salmon app, tuna tataki, salmon box, and Rocky roll. All were done to perfection. This may be our new house standard! Thank you, Asuka!!” -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Asuka Sushi & Hibachi Restaurant.

2.  Geisha Sushi Bistro

A Japanese Restaurant Known For Its Ethereal Ambiance, Fusion, And Sushi Rolls

111 Tchoupitoulas St I Central Business District I geishaneworleans.com

If you’re feeling up for it and need a break from your own four walls, why not go for some beautifully executed Japanese cuisine? With plenty of precautions taken, Geisha Sushi Bistro is open for takeout, delivery, and indoor dining. What’s fun about Geisha is that they allow themselves to be inspired by another Asian cuisine--Vietnamese. If you’re looking for something interesting, warm, and soothing during the colder months, there’s plenty of pho-like udon and soba to choose from for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. 

Their traditional Japanese food speaks for itself. For some food that’s presentation reflects it’s taste, order the Yakitori to start and an assortment of rolls and sashimi for your main. Still hungry for dessert? We recommend some mochi for a sweet and colorful treat for a lovely end to a delicious meal! Here, you can find plenty of choices, all made with care for their taste and presentation. 

“I was very impressed with this Japanese themed restaurant that offered a few Vietnamese inspired dishes. As much as I love Cajun food, it was nice to have a little break from the Creole food offerings after having been in New Orleans for a few days. I went with the spicy Vietnamese soup that was offered on the day I visited. It was different from traditional Vietnamese soup in that they used udon instead of the traditional rice noodles. The broth was very rich and complex.” -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Geisha Sushi Bistro.

3. Haiku Sushi

A Japanese Restaurant With The Best Sushi And Ramen At A Reasonable Price

4430 Magazine St I Garden District I haikunola.com

Another popular sushi restaurant in NOLA, Haiku Sushi, offers an extensive menu. While their sushi gets rave reviews for its originality and a large selection, they’re also well known for their warming ramen. Try some tonkotsu broth with a spicy twist--your belly and tastebuds will thank you later. Looking for some noodles sans soup? They’ve got you covered with the stir fry section of the menu. You can choose between udon, soba, and Korean-style kimchi udon. How perfect for a cold winter’s day!

As of late, Haiku Sushi is open for outdoor seating and takeout. 

“I’ve always been hesitant to try Ramen at restaurants because they usually lack flavor. This was FAR from the case with this place. This was the most flavorful Ramen I have ever tasted. Everything was perfect. It was spicy but tasty and spicy. Not simply just spicy. I didn’t need any soy sauce or other addition. I will definitely be going back! -Yelp Review.

Purchase a GiftYa card for Haiku Sushi.

4. Daiwa Sushi Bar & Japanese Cuisine

A New Orleans Sushi Restaurant With Great, Authentic Tastes Of Japanese Cuisine

4100 Veterans Memorial Blvd I Metairie I daiwasushi.com

Since it opened its doors in 2011, Daiwa Sushi has been trying to perfect one thing: sushi. Focusing on each element--the fluffy rice, the freshly caught fish, an assortment of toppings. Whether you go for a simple California roll or one of their many unique specialty rolls, it doesn’t matter. They seek to create rolls that everyone will enjoy!

And if you’re in the mood for something cooked, rest assured, their focus on sushi doesn’t take away from the taste of the warmer dishes. Go for the Chicken Katsu Don or Unagi Don, and you’ll wonder why you’ve never ventured further into Japanese cuisine. 

“Daiwa is my favorite sushi place in NOLA. The menu is huge, and I love all of their innovative specialty rolls. Portions are generous, and prices are reasonable. I also love that they do their hot dishes and entrees really well. I’ve been to the Westbank location so many times I’ve lost count, but this was my first time at the Metairie location.” -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Daiwa Sushi Bar & Asian Cuisine.

5. Oishii Sushi House

A New Orleans Sushi House That Gets Just About Everything Right

5163 General De Gaulle Dr I Algiers I facebook.com/Oishii-Sushi-House

Are you searching for your new favorite sushi restaurant? Well, look no further. Since they opened their doors in 2015, both New Orleans residents and visitors have been loving this spot. Though it’s a smaller venue, the food packs quite the flavorful punch. And what’s more, you certainly have your pick. There are no-rice rolls for those who want a light treat, vegetarian rolls for meatless eaters, and a haul of specialty rolls for patrons looking for food decadence. 

“Definitely one of my favorite sushi joints on the Westbank. Their Okinawa Roll is absolutely to die for, and I love their Takoyaki (fried balls filled with chopped up octopus). And the prices are very wallet-friendly, and the rolls are HUGE! I try to come whenever I’m in the neighborhood. If you’re ever in the area, don’t hesitate to try this place.” -Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Oishii Sushi House.

Don’t get us wrong--native New Orleans cuisine is genuinely incredible. It’s filled with flavor, culture, history, and stories. And yet, there’s a whole sushi scene in this magical city just waiting to be discovered. If you’ve gotten this far, you have a head start in getting a flavor lesson in Japanese cuisine. Complement your crawfish boils with the fresh taste of sashimi, or go crazy and get that over-the-top roll! And while you’re at it, take your loved ones with you. See seafood in a whole new light, and you won’t regret it, we promise.