Chesapeake, VA, sprawls along the water, a sprawling tapestry of waterways and neighborhoods where sushi bars dot the landscape. From tucked-away gems in shopping plazas to sleek spots with river views, the options are vast. Navigating this delicious sea of nigiri and sashimi can be overwhelming. Let this guide steer you to the freshest catches and most inventive rolls in town.
YamaChen’s Sushi
$ | (757) 819-7776 | WEBSITE
Since this is a guide about Chesapeake, it’s time you learn the golden rule of the area. If you’re craving divine sushi and top-notch service, head to YamaChen’s Sushi and settle into their clean, relaxing dining room. The atmosphere feels welcoming and laid-back, with simple wooden tables, soft lighting, and neat packaging on display for takeout orders. Come for a weeknight dinner or stop by on a weekend and enjoy their complimentary small plates and desserts.
Tanko Japan
$ | (757) 487-8855 | WEBSITE
This convenient spot in Chesapeake feels very much like a quick and satisfying meal for those in the neighborhood. For starters, the whole operation is focused on hibachi and Japanese dishes to go, and the service reliably gets your order ready efficiently. Whether you’re picking up hibachi chicken, spicy tuna rolls, or that notably good rice, a meal here will inevitably involve appreciating the solid value and decent quality.
But once the hibachi chicken and other Japanese dishes hit your takeout container, you won’t be focused on anything but the tasty food and convenient experience.
Crazy Buffet & Grill
$ | (757) 233-6838 | WEBSITE
Crazy Buffet & Grill is a casual Asian-American buffet, and on weekends, families gather around the large central hibachi station until closing. Sometimes, there’s even a lively energy that fills the space. It’s a great place to come with a group and load up a bunch of plates for the table, like hibachi specialties, American classics, and a side of vegetarian options. If you need something warm and satisfying, or just need a reason to go back for seconds, head straight for the hibachi grill.
Poketastic
$ | (757) 410-3089 | WEBSITE
We can’t count the number of times Poketastic’s excellent poke bowls have been there for us. This vibrant spot is tucked away in a cheerful shopping plaza, which means you never have to worry that they’ve run out of fresh ingredients, and you can pair your Shrimptastic Poke Bowl with a crisp soda all afternoon. Order your poke nachos and customizable bowls by the handful, and soak in the atmosphere with a soundtrack ranging from upbeat pop to smooth jazz.
Kagura Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (757) 410-9686 | WEBSITE
Dining at Kagura Japanese Restaurant, an all-you-can-eat sushi spot that offers a $25 lunch buffet, is one of the most satisfying meals you can have in Chesapeake. Turns out, sitting by the indoor koi pond, enjoying complimentary miso soup, and watching the peaceful, uncrowded dining room might be the best way to experience endless sushi. Between each round of fresh tuna and salmon rolls, the attentive server will quickly bring additional gyoza or kid-friendly noodles if you ask.
You’ll always hear the soft trickle of the pond, and there’s a cozy ambiance in addition to that excellent service.
Sakura Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (757) 410-4577 | WEBSITE
Scoring a huge selection of all-you-can-eat sushi at affordable prices is reason enough to do a happy dance at Sakura. If you need more convincing, just take in the clean establishment with its friendly staff and lively atmosphere where kids enjoy the food. Come with friends, get some delicious yellow tail sashimi and fan-favorite rolls like the crystal roll or golden lobster roll, and chat the evening away while the fast kitchen keeps your plates coming.
Yu-Mi Sushi
$ | (757) 410-8259 | WEBSITE
Either you’re a die-hard Yu-Mi regular, or you’ve somehow missed this gem. (If it’s the latter, fix that immediately.) This intimate sushi spot has just enough tables for a quiet date night over salmon hand rolls, and a cozy counter where you can sip sake, nibble on veggie gyoza, and watch the single TV’s gentle glow while the friendly server checks on you.
Shiki Sushi & Hibachi
$ | (757) 546-9338 | WEBSITE
Shiki Sushi & Hibachi draws couples, families with kids, friends catching up, and every other dining situation we can imagine. It’s a perfect spot for a casual weeknight dinner, and if you come for their popular lunch, you can choose from both sushi staples and Japanese comfort food like teriyaki chicken and miso soup. Portions are generous, noise levels are moderate, and you’ll see a lot of happy faces around the room.
Daikichi Sushi Bistro
$$ | (757) 549-0200 | WEBSITE
Daikichi Sushi Bistro runs on fish. They focus on high-quality sushi like the signature Daikichi roll with its artful presentation, the Berry Tuna with exceptional flavors, and nigiri options that are spot on every time. This spot also makes the best spicy cucumber salad we’ve had anywhere in Chesapeake, and you can pick up a Volcano Roll for around $14. Stop by this small, quiet establishment for lunch or dinner, and read all about the different specialty rolls they keep in rotation here.
And check out their friendly, attentive staff, who contribute to the warm and genuine atmosphere.
Tokyo
$$ | (757) 410-9912 | WEBSITE
Stepping into this place any evening feels like discovering a hidden gem in Chesapeake—from families with toddlers to couples enjoying a quiet dinner, everyone seems genuinely content. But Tokyo isn’t just about the cozy atmosphere—come here for sushi and rolls so fresh they taste like they were prepared moments before reaching your table. The dragon roll and Hampton roll are particularly excellent, and the sashimi platter practically melts in your mouth.
Geisha Japanese Steakhouse
$$ | (757) 769-7271 | WEBSITE
Geisha Japanese Steakhouse does hibachi-style dining with classics like Shrimp & Scallops, Tokyo Special, and Chicken with fried rice. Their hibachi remains a favorite, thanks to perfectly cooked seafood and meat, so you should come hungry for the interactive show. Just know that this place is fun, family-friendly, and accommodating. You won’t need to splurge—you can get a fantastic meal here for $25 or less.
Inaka Sushi and Hibachi Chesapeake
$$ | (757) 698-4475 | WEBSITE
Inaka Sushi and Hibachi Chesapeake is a fantastic place to dine. The sushi menu is approximately four times the size of the hibachi menu, and on it you’ll find phenomenal sashimi, lots of custom rolls, and an entire section dedicated to nigiri. The best place to start, once you’ve settled down at your table in the quiet, beautifully set dining room, is with the chef’s selection. The fresh fish melts little by little, the meal inching closer towards perfection as you keep eating.
But don’t overlook the service, which is far more attentive than typical restaurant interactions. Snag a seat at the sushi bar, start with some beautifully presented sashimi, and then use chopsticks to enjoy some expertly crafted rolls.
Mikado Japanese & Thai Restaurant
$$ | (757) 842-6488 | WEBSITE
Long lines snake outside the door for hibachi chicken teriyaki, Panama Curry, and sushi rolls. Mikado Japanese & Thai Restaurant sets itself apart from other Asian spots by offering a bunch of uncommon fusion dishes, and while varieties like Thai options and vegetarian adaptations are interesting, the real reasons to come here are the hibachi entrees.
There are several different kinds, but our favorite is the chicken teriyaki, which turns the fresh ingredients into a rollercoaster of savory and sweet flavor.
Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
$$ | (757) 420-0950 | WEBSITE
At Kyoto, there are flames leaping from the hibachi grill, and the fried rice is so buttery it could easily pass as a side dish on its own. It’s a lively, entertaining place that nails the whole “we’re a restaurant, but also a show” thing. Kyoto does this so well, in fact, that it’s a bit of a scene, so book ahead if you want to secure a hibachi table or sushi bar seat.
(Reservations are recommended, and the hibachi seating fills up fast.) Wherever you sit, start with a show, like the chef’s onion volcano (with flames, jokes, and flying shrimp) or their version of a teppanyaki performance. The food falls somewhere between traditional Japanese cuisine and hibachi comfort—try the chef’s special (we liked the filet mignon cooked tableside with garlic butter), the California rolls, and that fried rice.
Yama Sushi
$$ | (757) 410-4000 | WEBSITE
You know it’s a destination when there’s always a wait. This sushi bar is one of our top picks in the area for a satisfying sit-down meal or takeout. If you want something more substantial, get a specialty roll—ideally the Superman—or, for a snack, grab a few pieces of sashimi with fresh, clean flavors.
Ang’s Sushi Bistro
$$ | (757) 842-6900 | WEBSITE
Ang’s Sushi Bistro opened in Chesapeake back in 2010, and it’s been a local favorite for sushi lovers ever since. With its clean, modern décor and cozy wooden booths, the place feels welcoming and relaxed, and still serves fantastic, fresh sushi. Get the Sakura roll, and let the delicate flavors of tuna and avocado mingle with the perfectly seasoned rice.
Japan Samurai
$$ | (757) 405-0035 | WEBSITE
The family-run hibachi spot is our go-to destination when we need a moment of entertainment in the middle of the week. They serve teppanyaki-style dishes, sushi, and kid-friendly options, and, in a nod to the name (a warrior from Japan), you’ll find some theatrical flair in the show.
Our go-to experience here is the hibachi show with Chef Steve, who prepares each dish with distinctive flavors and origami surprises—but they also have a ton of family-friendly options, and a consistent menu of delicious food. The atmosphere has a cozy vibe, though some areas appear dim, but the food quality greatly outshines the lighting, and we’re always eager to return.
Osaka Ramen & Sushi
$ | (757) 277-9433 | WEBSITE
At this reliable neighborhood spot, you can grab a bowl of ramen for lunch, or pick up some sushi to enjoy for dinner. It’s one of our favorite places to stop by for tsukemen dipping ramen, karrage, and takoyaki, as well as fresh sushi from the specials board. They have a clean, simple dining area inside, but you’ll appreciate the wall of art that adds a beautiful touch to the space. Whatever you order, try a side of their osaka bao.
Sakura Sushi and Grill
$ | (757) 800-5748 | WEBSITE
The best thing at Sakura Sushi and Grill isn’t the sushi, it’s the tender, juicy, hibachi steak cooked right at your table. The thin, smoky slices melt in your mouth like butter, and it’s served on a sizzling platter and finished off with a mound of fried rice and a bunch of vegetables on the side. The other standout options are the generous sushi rolls and the complimentary extras, and if you can’t decide between them, go all out with the combination platter that has both.
Oishi Sushi
$$ | (757) 382-0011 | WEBSITE
For fresh sushi rolls and amazing seafood, head to Oishi Sushi. This family-owned spot is best known for its fantastic sashimi, and it’s a great option for a casual lunch with a wide variety of affordable specials. The service is outstanding, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who accommodate dietary restrictions like gluten-free options.
Once the place gets busy in the evenings, it’s a warm and relaxing choice for groups to enjoy a meal out with plenty of vegetarian options and a kid-friendly atmosphere.