Top Sushi Restaurants in Indianapolis for Discerning Diners

Once you've eaten average Sushi, you never want a repeat performance of that experience. Having sampled some of the best sushi restaurants in Indianapolis, here are some we'd consider among the best in the city:

I have to start with Ocean World. In fact, even as I write this, I know we'll be dining there tonight. When we dine out, it is one of our favorite sushi restaurants in Indianapolis. One of the most amazing features? If you look closely, you'll see an entire wall of shimmering glass which gives the illusion that the restaurant is at least two or three times larger than it is. Amazing!

The atmosphere is very nice, too. If you are sensitive to the sight of stuffed fish on the walls, be aware that they are there but so are stunning carved glass sculptures, varied but tasteful decor and items from beach and sea.

Typical menu items and prices:

I go for the Sashimi Delight nearly every time, consisting of raw fresh fish, shredded carrots, rice and salad. The cost? $21.95. There is so much in this meal that I often eat the rest as a late night snack or for lunch the next day.

One family member has loved the Calimari since he was a toddler and it only costs $5.95 but is an appetizer serving size (plenty for our son). We've never been disappointed with the oysters ($7.25) but the main attraction is the sushi. For variety, I suggest the Sushi- sashimi combo for $24.95. You'll get six pieces of nigiri sushi, one roll and fresh fish and rice.

The service here is excellent and waiters and waitresses will get to know you almost immediately.

Special information or tips: Warm, moistened cloths arrive before dinner and chopsticks are available. Children are welcome. Expect Ocean World to be busy and noisy, especially on weekends. A separate sushi bar is available for those who want Sushi a la carte. Call ahead for reservations or carry out.

Location and hours:
Ocean World
1206 W. 86th St
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 848-8901

Hours:
Lunch: Mon - Fri: 11 -2

Dinner: Mon- Thurs - 5 -9 pm
Fri - Sat - 5-10
Sun: 4-9 pm

Our next choice that makes our list of best sushi restaurants in Indianapolis is Kona Jack's Fish Market and Sushi Bar. Clearly, we aren't the only ones who feel this way since it made the top ten list for Indianapolis Monthly's Best Seafood restaurant, year after year. Full of dark wood, large aquariums and intimate atmosphere, Kona Jack's has widespread appeal for Indianapolis diners.

Sushi choices and prices:

Try the California roll ($7.00) if you like crab, cucumbers and avocado combinations. For those who prefer their sushi on the spicy side a tuna roll, consisting of tuna, baby radishes and various hot spices and sauces, ought to satisfy ($7.00). There are also specialty rolls in the $13.00 price range.

Special information or tips: If you come here more than once, you'll develop a preference for your favorite area. Some parts are quieter than others and offer views of huge aquariums.

Kona Jack's Sushi Bar location and hours:
9413 N. Meridian Street
(317) 843-1609

Hours:
Mon - Sat: 11 am to 10 pm.
Closed Sunday

Among the best sushi restaurants in Indianapolis for those who live the Carmel area is Kona Grill. It caters to those who aren't on tight budgets and who are fairly hip or upscale. A huge aquarium is a focal point and plenty of plants add to the atmosphere.

Sushi choices and prices at Kona Grill:

If you want some unusual sushi, this is the best sushi restaurant in Indianapolis to find that. You could even get an octopus roll for $4.25 for two pieces or smoked salmon sushi for $5.00. There are vegetarian sushi rolls as well, even though I believe sushi traditionally contains fish.

Special tips: Check out the website at www.konagrill.com/about_us.php to see how lovely this sushi restaurant in Indianapolis actually is, both inside and out. Great for romantic evenings, dates or a nice evening out with friends or family.

Location and hours for Kona Grill:

Kona Grill
14395 Clay Terrace Blvd
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 566-1400

Hours: Call ahead for times

Definitely edgy, no question about it, but always ranked high in the best sushi restaurants in Indianapolis top ten list is Naked Tchopstix (yes, the name is quirky and catchy, as is the decor and food). Expect a very modern atmosphere here.

Typical menu items and prices: If you don't particularly like raw fish, you can get cooked fish in your sushi at Naked Tchopstix. Sweet shrimp sushi is $7.99 and if you feel adventurous, check out the sea urchin roll at $7.99. You can also get convention tuna or other sushi for a very modest price and vegetarian rolls are available.

Special tips: Broad Ripple is known for both its eclectic mix of people and its heritage, with a mix of artists, night clubs and bars and often a relatively young crowd. You might luck out and see John Mellencamp walking down the street as we did one night, after an art show at The Art League, located nearby.

Be sure you don't mind lots of red walls when you eat because you'll find them here. Curbside delivery is available, definitely adding to the best sushi restaurant in Indianapolis when it comes to convenience. Ask about the Sake bomb.

Location and hours for Naked Tchopstix:

6253 N. College Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 4446220
(317) 252-5555

Hours:
Weeknights: 11-10 pm. Open till 11 on Wed.
Thurs - Sat 11 am to midnight.

While we prefer Ocean World, we have friends who'll argue that Sakura Japanese restaurant deserves top honors as one of the best sushi restaurants in Indianapolis. We understand why because we also love dining here. Although it is located alongside busy Keystone avenue, they've upgraded the decor and you'll find it pleasant inside.

Sakura menu items and prices:
The spicy crab roll is our favorite, bar none. You can also check out the sushi bar if you don't mind sitting on bar stools.

Special information: Heart healthy options are available.

Location and hours for Sakura Japanese restaurant:
7201. North Keystone Avenue
Indianapolis Indiana 46240 -3243
(317) 259-4171

Hours:
Mon- Thurs: 5-9:30
Fri: 5-10:30 pm
Sat and Sunday: 5-9:30 pm
Lunch hours are generally from 11:30 am to 2 pm.

For those who absolutely want to go with the crowd favorite when it comes to best sushi restaurants in Indianapolis, I'd have to suggest H20 Sushi. Unusual name and also a very unique restaurant. If you are a purist, keep in mind that you'll have to expand your flavor palette and be open to diversity. The chefs here aren't afraid to push the envelope when it comes to flavor combinations. We like that. Hopefully, you will , too.

Typical menu items and prices for H20 Sushi Bar:

The T and A (tuna and avocado) roll at $7.50 is definitely a conversation starter, if only for the name itself. Catchy names are a feature of the menu selections so perhaps you'd like to select something called The Orange which has crab, salmon and even basil inside (yes, basil) for $9.00. Whatever you pick, it is likely to be fresh, making this a definite standout for sushi restaurants in Indy. They even have a Joe Pesci roll (shrimp, jalapeno, avocado and cilantro).

Special information: Check out the unique dessert menu, from creme brulee to ice cream and even biscotti. This one has a widely international flair, even though the emphasis is on sushi.

Hours and location for H20 Sushi Bar:

1911 Broad Ripple Avenue
Indianapolis In 46220
(317) 254-0677

Hours: opens at 5:30 pm. Stays open till 9:30 Tues - Thurs. Open till 10:30 on weekends. Closed Sunday and Monday.

If you are a fan of peanut dressing on your salad, you're likely to find Wasabi on 82nd to be one of the best sushi restaurants in Indianapolis. Known for its spectacularly fresh fish (not so easy to find in a city far from the ocean), their rice is always what we consider perfectly cooked. These kind of details matter to diners.

This is located in a strip mall so don't expect tons of atmosphere. Allow time for dining, too. A rushed meal isn't the order of the day here. Square plates and a contemporary design are what makes this sushi bar and restaurant in Indianapolis special. Even the glasses are square-shaped!

Typical menu items and prices at Wasabi on 82nd: The Mistake Roll is our favorite. I confess that it is all we eat here. Yes, it is that good! For seven dollars, you get six pieces of whatever fish is mixed together in these (ingredients may vary). They are always delicious.

Location and hours for Wasabi on 82nd:

5025 E. 82nd St.
Indianapolis, IN
317-594-1188

Hours:
Dinner: 4:30 -9 pm through Thursday
Open till 10 on Friday.
Lunch: hours vary but the restaurant is often open from noon till 3 (call ahead to be sure).

If Wifi is a must for you, you might want to consider another one of the best sushi restaurants in Indianapolis, Maneki Neko. Another major draw? Chefs who will cook food right at your table if you want something besides just sushi.Typical Japanese decor but with real flair when it comes to service and even showmanship!

Typical menu items and prices at Maneki Neko:

The Sushi Special includes your choice of any two rolls for $7.95. You can select from such choices as Tuna Roll, Salmon, Veggie Roll, Calamari and even Asparagus Tempura Roll. For those who like Sashimi, you can get a five flavor combination of tuna, salmon, shrimp, clam, white fish and octopus for $15.99.

Special tips: reservations are recommended. As noted above, Wifi is available.

Location and hours for Maneki Neko:

200908 Greyhound Pass
Carmel, Indiana 46032
(317) 844-0702