Sonoma County knows sushi, and there’s no shortage of worthy contenders in the North Bay. But not all nigiri are created equal. To get my vote, sashimi has to shine. Rice temperature and seasoning matter, and the deft flicks of hand-forming can make or break a piece. That said, I can also be found happily stuffing my face at all-you-can-eat sushi bars, because sometimes more is more.
My top picks are hard-won after years of eating at sushi restaurants across Sonoma County. Some longtime favorites dropped off the list after disappointing showings, while others have been added. I’m still heartbroken over the loss of Hana Japanese in Rohnert Park, but newcomers like Shiki Sushi — and a rediscovery of Osake in Santa Rosa — give me hope. Here are my top-ranked picks for sushi.
The Best of the Best: Sushi Kosho
Sitting at the top for several years now is Sebastopol’s quietly excellent Sushi Kosho, the place I go for my birthday when I want sushi done exactly right. Chef Jake Rand’s dedication to traditional Japanese techniques shows in every detail. After years of study in Japan, he has developed a style rooted in restraint and precision. The nigiri is expertly seasoned and elegantly formed, letting the fish do what it came to do. The miso soup is housemade, while small plates like chilled spinach with miso dressing and puffed rice pearls, eggplant with honey and karaage — bites of fried chicken — put a toothy grin on my face every time. Don’t miss the Japanese whiskies or the creamy cheesecake with yuzu curd. 6750 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-827-6373, koshosushi.com
Asahi Sushi
Owner Nobuyuki Asahi’s connection to Japanese seafood culture runs deep. Raised in Japan, he spent time with his grandparents at Tokyo’s famed Toyosu fish market, an experience that informs his commitment to sourcing exceptional fish. Seasonal imports from Japan complement local catches, resulting in standout hamachi, rich tuna, delicate scallops and sought-after Mendocino uni. The restaurant’s focus on quality ingredients and restrained preparation places it among Sonoma County’s best. 335 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-395-0487, asahisushiandkitchen.com
Splurge: Sushi by Scratch
When I reviewed Sushi By Scratch in 2024, I may have been a little salty about the whole spectacle. Time has softened me slightly. The semi-permanent Healdsburg pop-up with an A-list following is part of a growing empire of 10-seat sushi speakeasies offering a carefully choreographed meal that’s equal parts interactive theater and 13-course omakase. Based in Los Angeles, the concept has become a siren song for diners ready to spend $185 per person, plus a 20% service charge, on a two-hour pageant of luxurious imported fish, chef banter and ingredients that occasionally wander into “because we can” territory. It’s fun, no lie, and there’s real skill behind the counter. But the experience still feels as much about the show as it does about the sushi. Reservations required. 106A Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707-579-7916, sushibyscratchrestaurants.com/healdsburg
Old School: Osake
After 43 years in the restaurant business, chef Gary Chu is part of the fabric of Sonoma County. You’ll still usually find him behind the sushi bar at his Santa Rosa restaurant, where he uses excellent ingredients for nigiri and sashimi while still leaning into the fun of rolls like the Marilyn Monroll, made with shrimp tempura, avocado, scallops and crab salad. A long list of traditional Japanese maki filled with pickles, natto or mushrooms is a boon for purists. 2446 Patio Court, Santa Rosa, 707-542-8282, osake-sushi.com
Sake 107
A chef-selected nigiri assortment is the move here. Standout selections often include Hokkaido uni, ocean trout, salmon and bigeye tuna, each prepared with a light touch that highlights the fish itself. 107 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-241-7580, sake107.com
Umé Japanese Bistro
A favorite among serious sushi enthusiasts, Umé favors simplicity over embellishment. The rice is lightly seasoned, the fish is generously sliced and the overall approach is refreshingly restrained. 8710 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor, 707-838-6700, umebistro.com
Kiraku Sushi & Ramen
Not every sushi meal needs to be a special occasion. Kiraku excels at the kind of dependable, midweek dining that keeps regulars returning for California rolls, tempura and comforting bowls of ramen. Kiraku Sushi is a sister restaurant to the also-excellent Ippinn Udon & Tempura. 1985 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-800-7699, kirakullc.com
Sushiko
Tucked into an unassuming shopping center, this modest sushi bar is a neighborhood gem I frequent. The lunch special with five nigiri and a roll for under $25 is a deal considering the high quality of the fish. What I dream about, however, are their crab puffs, crispy little nuggets filled with snow crab, topped with macadamia nuts, tobiko and yuzu aioli. 6265 Commerce Blvd., Suite 174, Rohnert Park, 707-585-2774, sushikojapanese.com
Haku Sushi
A downtown favorite of the business lunch crowd, Haku specializes in creative rolls with playful names — asking for a “Funny Feeling Down There” or “Silent But Deadly” is kind of priceless. Quality can vary, but the restaurant stays on my list for a casual sushi fix. 518 Seventh St., Santa Rosa, 707-541-6359, hakusushi.website
Oishii Sushi
A sprawling menu of 65 rolls runs from the traditional to the over-the-top — the kind of creations that send sushi purists to the fainting couch. Case in point: the jalapeño bomb roll, made with cream cheese and crab stuffed into jalapeños, then topped with shrimp, avocado, spicy mayo, unagi sauce and Sriracha. Nigiri and sashimi are solid, if not exceptional, and there are plenty of options beyond raw fish, including teriyaki, katsu and other kitchen standards. 1950 Piner Road, Suite 110, Santa Rosa, 707-308-4528; 90 Mark West Springs Road, Suite 130, Santa Rosa, 707-757-8718, oishiisushibarandgrill.com
Raku Ramen
A dependable destination for both ramen and sushi, Raku Ramen & Rolls emphasizes responsibly sourced ingredients and careful preparation. The ramen is the real draw here, with rich broths, springy noodles and plenty of warming comfort, especially on a cold day. Sushi feels more like a supporting player than the main event, but it’s still fresh, satisfying and worth ordering alongside a bowl. 2424 Midway Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-623-9668, rakuramenandrolls.com
Otoro
An expansive menu and generous portions make Otoro a strong choice for a quick sushi meal in Healdsburg. With plenty of rolls, bento boxes and sashimi options, everyone gets something they like. 1280 Healdsburg Ave., Suite 101, Healdsburg, 707-756-3932, otorohealdsburg.com
Shige Sushi
Tiny but mighty, Shige Sushi’s original Cotati location seats just 22 guests. The cozy room hides a surprisingly wide-ranging menu, from Japanese comfort food to polished sushi, though my most recent visit wasn’t quite the home run I’d hoped for. Still, there’s a lot to like, including crisp karaage, spicy poke salad, nigiri and sashimi. Fans of elaborate rolls will find plenty to keep them busy. A larger kitchen at the Sonoma location has allowed the restaurant to expand its offerings while keeping the quality that has earned Shige a loyal following. 8235 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, 707-795-9753; 19161 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-933-9331, shige-sushi.com
Paradise Sushi
Paradise Sushi’s all-you-can-eat format remains a popular option throughout Sonoma County, and I’ve had plenty of fun, tasty meals there. But for the most part, this is more about volume than finesse. It’s a favorite for folks who like to eat sushi like it’s going out of style. Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park and Petaluma, paradisesushi.net
