The Oxford Sushi Edit: Where to Find the Freshest Rolls, Sashimi + Japanese Flavours
- Lilian Ariss
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
There’s something about sushi that transcends the idea of just grabbing a bite. It’s not just food—it’s theatre. The artfully plated rolls, the glisten of fresh salmon, the whisper-thin slices of tuna fanned like petals. It’s the clink of chopsticks, the gentle pour of soy sauce, the quiet anticipation before that first melt-in-your-mouth bite. Whether you're sitting at a sleek sushi bar or diving into a sharing platter with friends, it’s a whole experience.
And Oxford, with is catching up on the world's love affair with sushi and rising to the occasion. From elegant rooftop views and omakase-style menus to cosy neighbourhood gems, the city's sushi offer is growing.
So, whether you’re planning a stylish date night, a catch-up over cocktails and sashimi, or just seriously craving spicy tuna, these are the best sushi spots in Oxford right now.
🍣 Sticks’n’Sushi – Sleek, Stylish & Sky-High
Located on the rooftop of Westgate, Sticks’n’Sushi is where Japanese tradition meets Danish design—and the result is seriously chic. Their extensive menu blends classic sushi and sashimi with indulgent yakitori skewers, all served with a panoramic view of Oxford’s skyline. It’s date night perfection or a brilliant spot for a group catch-up with cocktails. Don’t miss the black rice rolls and the scallop ceviche.
🍱 KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar – Bold Flavours, Beautiful Plates
📍 kibou.co.uk/locations/kibou-oxford
Tucked away on Little Clarendon Street, KIBOU serves up colourful, contemporary Japanese food in a stylish, plant-filled setting. Their sushi platters are designed for sharing, and their fusion dishes—like soft-shell crab tempura rolls and wagyu tataki—are both beautiful and bold in flavour. With a creative cocktail menu and an inviting garden terrace, it’s a top pick for warm evenings and vibey dinners.
🍜 Edamamé – Authentic, Cosy & Full of Soul
A tiny, family-run gem just off Broad Street, Edamamé has been a go-to for authentic Japanese food for over 25 years. While their daily menu features homestyle donburi and noodles, Thursday nights are Sushi Night, when fresh maki, nigiri, and miso soup take the spotlight. It’s no-frills, no bookings, and no better place to experience Japanese cooking made with heart and tradition.
🍤 SHIN Japanese Kitchen & Bar – Sleek Fusion & Grilled Goodness
📍 shin-oxford.co.uk SHIN brings a refined edge to Headington with its modern take on Japanese dining. The menu is a mix of creative sushi rolls (like avocado salmon dragon rolls), beautifully plated sashimi, and sizzling Japanese BBQ skewers straight from the robata grill. Interiors are moody and minimal, with ambient lighting and great service—ideal for a stylish dinner out. Pair your rolls with sake or an Asian-inspired cocktail and settle in for the full experience.
🍣 Koto Japanese Restaurant – Izakaya Comfort in Jericho
Tucked away on Walton Street, Koto feels like a little slice of Japan in the heart of Jericho. Cosy, laid-back, and full of flavour, it’s perfect for casual dinners where the focus is all on the food. The sushi is reliably fresh and generous, and the menu goes well beyond rolls—think gyoza, ramen, tempura, and delicate sashimi. It’s the kind of place locals swear by.
🍤 Sushi Corner – Cowley Road’s Hidden Gem
Don’t let the modest shopfront fool you—Sushi Corner on Cowley Road is doing big things. With an extensive menu of sushi, bento, donburi, and Japanese mains, this spot consistently impresses with its fresh ingredients and generous portions. Great for takeaway or casual dine-in, and a hit with students and locals alike who want proper sushi without the bells and whistles.
🍚 Taberu Japanese Restaurant – Unpretentious and Always Fresh
📍 https://taberuoxford.co.uk/ Situated on St. Clements Street, Taberu is a low-key gem known for its warm service, fair pricing, and surprisingly top-notch sushi. The fish is fresh, the menu classic, and the atmosphere welcoming. It’s not flashy, but it’s one of those neighbourhood spots that quietly earns a loyal crowd of regulars—and for good reason.
For more delicious discoveries, keep eating with Discover Oxford. 🍣
