Nantes may sit inland, but its proximity to the Atlantic coast and its position as a thriving gastronomic hub mean the city has developed a deep appreciation for fresh seafood. Over the last decade, the restaurant scene here has evolved beyond traditional brasseries to embrace modern Japanese technique and presentation. The result is a diverse landscape of sushi counters, omakase experiences, and cozy neighborhood spots that rival those in larger European capitals.
Finding a truly exceptional sushi restaurant requires looking beyond the conveyor belts and all-you-can-eat buffets. The best spots in Nantes prioritize the quality of the rice, the precision of the cut, and the provenance of the fish. Whether you are a purist looking for silky slices of salmon nigiri or an adventurer seeking creative fusion rolls, the city offers something to satisfy every palate and budget.
Navigating the dining scene in a city like Nantes can be overwhelming, especially with the constant influx of new openings. This guide cuts through the noise to highlight establishments that consistently deliver on freshness, atmosphere, and value. We have evaluated kitchens based on their sourcing practices, the skill of their itamae (chefs), and the overall dining experience they provide.
From the historic center near the Château des Ducs de Bretagne to the trendy streets of the Bouffay district, excellent sushi is never far away. Whether you are a local looking to switch up your regular rotation or a visitor hoping to balance out the rich, buttery cuisine of the region, this list offers a curated selection of the city’s finest.
Below, you will find a handpicked selection of the 12 best sushi spots in Nantes. These restaurants represent the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine in the area, each offering a unique take on traditional and contemporary sushi.
Sushi Umami
| Address | 7 All. Duquesne, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 10:15 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 10:15 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 10:15 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 10:15 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 10:15 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 10:15 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 7:00 – 10:15 PM |
| Phone | 09 63 04 62 58 |
Great food, unfair flavours. Very helpful staff for English speakers.
Food was ok, but expensive for what it is.
Some pictures show dishes with specific sauces (also in the descriptions) but they come with others.
This new place in Nantes is very good
Excellent !
Super
Kyoto
| Address | 13 Bd de Stalingrad, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:15 PM, 6:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 72 02 34 00 |
We went to Kyoto 44 for dinner with our two kids. We chose the largest platter and added some noodles, dumplings, and tempura prawns. The food was excellent. The sashimi was very fresh, all 3 different skewers were great, and the kids loved their noodles with a bit of everything. Value for money is fantastic. If we lived nearby we would come regularly.
Great Japanese restaurant very close to where we stayed while visiting Nantes for a few days. The good was simple and good, and i enjoyed the bento box with salmon, and it was nice to also get soup. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was nice, very quiet with soft music playing.
My permanent residence is a place where sushi shops are abundant, so I'm a bit of a sushi snob. I'm so glad we found this place. It let me satisfy the sushi craving I had since moving to Nantes. The sushi selection was not expansive, but what they had was well made, with fresh ingredients and simple tasty. The cheese roll was a surpsie. Yes, it is straight up cheese, rice and seaweed. I liked it but it might be a bit too unusual for some. My SO had the poke bowl and it was large and by her accounts the best poke bowl she has had in Nantes. We will definitely be making visiting here again.
Loved it. They spoke better English than I did French. Poke bowls were very full and not expensive.
Absolutely loved this place. The food was delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented. The staff were friendly.
NANIWA by EDO
| Address | 5 Rue Santeuil, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 02 40 47 53 91 |
Perfect! I was there with my husband yesterday and we had a lovely dinner at Ninawa. The fish was so fresh, the sushis were impeccable. The staff was super friendly and spoke in English with us. The ambient is super cozy and the toilet really cute. There are not many seats, so I recommend booking in advance. I recommend this restaurant for sure! Everything was perfect. 🍣😍🥰
We stopped here because of the very good reviews and we were not disappointed at all. It was the best sushi we ever had so far! 😋
Excellent sashimi, with friendly and efficient service.
The portions are very generous, a main course would have been enough without an entree.
Tiny place with little space to sit, but adequate room for dining in.
Would recommend!
Great sushi... (They know what is sushi.....) Miso soup was good but missing a bit miso for my taste.
The finest fish and trimmings I’ve had in a long time
Myoko
| Address | 8 Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 02 40 73 41 49 |
We came here while traveling and happened to come across this restaurant. The owner and staff were incredibly warm and welcoming.
We ordered the pork ramen — it was nice and delicious. We also got a platter which the kids loved. Sushi is tasty as well.
We love it. We’ll definitely come again on our next trip!
This was such a great place for lunch. The service was fantastic, helpful and friendly. Food was fresh and delicious.
A cozy place where you are warmly received and served quickly. Many thanks to the owner of the restaurant, who let me into their establishments before opening and asked his colleagues to serve me quickly. That day I was very hungry and was looking for a place in Nantes where I could have a quick and tasty meal, especially with an option for vegetarians.
A solid five🌟 for service , atmosphere and the dishes. The ramen is simply excellent 😍
The prices are excellent for such generous portions. I'll be happy to come here again))
Excellent food, nice atmosphere at a very reasonable price.
Excellent value, delicious sushi and sashimi
ikimasho
| Address | 4 Rue de Colmar, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Found this place on google maps during my stay at the nearby Novotel. The interior decor is designed to give an impression that the shop consists of multiple smaller stalls but it’s in fact one entity. Waitstaff were efficient and attentive. Food-wise, this place lives up to its positive reviews! I ordered the paitan ramen and it was solid! From the broth to noodles to toppings and etc., can’t fault anything. Will surely be visiting again when I’m back in Nantes!
What a delightful experience. The welcome, waiting to be seated, the team working around us, the food, the balance with the ingredients, the love for the process the chef had. What a find.
I tried the Iekei Shiitake Ramen today. As a Japanese, here is my honest take:
The Good: I can feel the passion and effort in the Ramen bowl, especially considering the ingredient limitations in France.
The marinated egg was perfect and authentic. The noodles were solid.
The Bad: The Chashu was tender but lacked depth in flavor and taste.
The Critical Issue: The soup was lukewarm. For a Japanese person, a hot soup is the "soul" of ramen. Even with great flavor, the wrong temperature spoils everything.
It’s a shame because the quality is otherwise high. I see a lot of potential here, so I hope the temperature issue will be improved.
WHAT A GOOOOOOD RAMEN! delicious, I took the shitake one, but they all look very yummy. one of the best I have ever had. it is beautiful inside also.100% recommend
Ikimasho is a really good ramen spot overall. The broth was flavorful and the toppings were well prepared, especially the egg and pork.
Everything tasted great, but I feel like the noodles could be a bit better in texture and freshness to match how strong the rest of the bowl is.
Still a satisfying meal and definitely worth trying if you’re in the area.
EDO
| Address | 49 Bd de la Liberté, 44100 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 6:30 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 40 36 42 78 |
Overhyped place at best. The sushi is average. The server was just plain rude. We went to celebrate my friend’s birthday and we were welcomed by a very frustrated woman who made us feel as if eating there was a favour being done to us. None of us will ever go back there again. Additionally I asked for sweet sauce twice and she just humiliated me by emphasising sushi is supposed to be had with salty soy sauce, I don’t care how it is “supposed” to be had if I’m paying for my food let me take care of my flavours. A very disappointing experience indeed!
Best sushi in Nantes without a doubt. The fish are seasonal and change depending on what is available so you are always surprised and discover something new.
Best sushi I have had in France. Fish is fresh and the rice is amazingly perfect. You can tell they select every ingredient with extreme care. Really nice owners too!
Fresh fish, wide range and taste so good !!
Highly recommended
Everything you want to see in a Japanese restaurant. Came in for the Omakase and was very pleased. Excellent service. Coming back soon.
Ficii
| Address | 21 Rue de Strasbourg, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 02 28 44 55 76 |
The balls have a good texture and are surprisingly fun to play with 😌😌
Overall everything here is very affordable, tasty, quality and fresh. The interior, except for the picture is basically gold, cozy, yellow lights, ivy covered walls and a mirror. We'll def be coming back for more. 💝
Bubble tea was awesome! Added a picture after taking few sips. I am planning coming back for the sushi.
It’s was so good! One of the best sushi I’ve ever had!
As a tourist and choose a random pick, this is the best sushi i’ve eaten here. Served with a smile always, cool and comfortable space. recommended
The quality of the food is not good anymore
Nawaki Fusion Sushi & Thaï
| Address | 6 Rue des Carnavaliers, 44300 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:30 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 09 61 03 25 04 |
Excellent
Excellent !
Excellent 👌
Top
A fantastic discovery in Nantes! The food is excellent, the dishes are generous, flavorful, and prepared with high-quality ingredients. The cocktails are simply incredible, perfectly balanced, and truly delicious.
A huge thank you also to the young man at the reception, who was remarkably kind. He took the time to advise us with a smile, both on the dishes and the cocktails, and his recommendations were perfect. Such a warm welcome really makes all the difference.
The service was quick, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the whole team is fantastic. I wholeheartedly recommend Nawaki and will definitely be back!
SUKO Sushi - Petit Port
| Address | 87 Bd Gabriel Lauriol, 44300 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 02 28 30 79 40 |
Enfin un restaurant japonais dans le quartier ! C'est une super nouvelle.
J'ai eu le plaisir de tester aujourd'hui et tous les produits achetés étaient très bons. Le service était impeccable et les serveurs gentils et chaleureux. Je reviendrai avec plaisir !!!
Les sushis étaient tous tellement bons que je n’arrivais pas à choisir, merci la team SUKO et Nolan pour l’accueil au top
A wonderful welcome from truly friendly and welcoming staff; we had a delicious meal!
A great find, we'll be back.
Excellent service, very good food
Shokudo Rond Point de Rennes
| Address | 23 Bd des Frères de Goncourt, 44300 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 6:30 – 9:45 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:45 PM, 6:30 – 9:45 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:45 PM, 6:30 – 9:45 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 1:45 PM, 6:30 – 9:45 PM Friday: 12:00 – 1:45 PM, 6:30 – 9:45 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: 6:30 – 9:45 PM |
| Phone | 09 83 51 06 12 |
Top !!!
Top
I discovered them by coincidence, not too long after they had opened. Frankly, i thought it would be another asian fastfood type of establishment, but it wasn't! They prepare everything or almost before your eyes, thus assuring you that your meal is FRESH. My favorite remains their katsu curry, i hope they're still doing it.
The staff is also very polite and generous, they offered me a drink because my order "took more time than anticipated". Truly precious people. I hope for the best for you all!
We got takeout. We ate well. It wasn't amazing, but it was good.
Note: they don't accept holiday vouchers.
Having been to Shokudo several times, I feel terrible not recommending this establishment, as I'm so delighted with the impeccable service.
The food is fresh, delicious, and prepared with care and attention. The staff is very pleasant and professional, and the very short wait is always a pleasant experience in this calm and welcoming atmosphere. Today they were out of sushi (shortly before closing), so I opted for some excellent appetizers instead, and the server kindly offered me a truly delicious tiramisu, which I plan to order again next time.
10/10, don't miss it! 😋
Tori Ya
| Address | 12 Pl. du Pilori, 44000 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
We order Udon Tantanmen with maximum spicy and it was so good
- the broth was very thick and full of flavour
- add on yasaï with the marinated bambou was the best idea, and sour from bambou make the experience even better
- the Udon was perfect chewy
And the gyoza was also on point
As an Asian, I approved this 👌
The location is so easy to access, and the store next to ramen is an anime mango store, you can also check it out after you finish eating
The service was magnificent and very polite and they also give you good advice on food, I love the enery of the staff here!
Definitely going to got back for more!!
Disappointing experience, and not one I will be rushing to repeat.
I follow a lower carb diet and made a simple, polite request to have a smaller portion of noodles in my ramen. I was not asking for a discount, I was not being difficult. I offered to pay the full price without hesitation. The request was met with surprising resistance, apparently escalating to the chef who took personal offence at the suggestion.
What made this particularly baffling was that the chef in question did not appear to be Japanese. I was expecting the kind of authentic, disciplined approach to ramen that you find in Japan, where the craft is taken seriously. Instead the kitchen appeared to be helmed by a Frenchman who was oddly territorial about noodle portions in a cuisine that is not his own.
The food itself did not help matters. The broth was bland, lacking the depth and complexity that good ramen demands. If the chef is going to be precious about the dish, it should at least taste like the effort was warranted.
Simple customer requests around dietary preferences are not an attack on the menu. They are normal. A restaurant that cannot accommodate a politely made, fully paid-for modification while also serving underwhelming food has a lot to sort out before it earns the right to be precious about anything.
Would not return.
A specialized Japanese restaurant that focuses on high-quality chicken-based ramen. The menu features a variety of dishes prepared with free-range chicken, including flavorful broths such as the black garlic oil shoyu and the spicy jigoku paitan. A great place for those seeking authentic Japanese flavors made with carefully sourced local ingredients.
Good enough, that we went there two days in a row. Super nice staff, great food - a very easy to recommend place.
I had a wonderful experience at Tori Ya. The food was absolutely delicious and tasted very authentic. The staff were extremely friendly and attentive to our needs, which made the whole dining experience even better. The atmosphere was also very pleasant, making it a great place to enjoy a meal. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to try authentic Japanese cuisine!
makoto
| Address | 14 Rue Louis Blanc, 44200 Nantes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 02 59 16 60 08 |
A very good experience.
The meal was beautifully presented and very filling.
Just be sure to arrive early as there isn't much seating.
A taste of Japan, with one of its most popular forms of cuisine: the bento. 120% recommended, I'll be back regularly!
The food is simply delicious, all the ingredients are high quality and full of flavor! The service is great, and there's a lovely atmosphere in the restaurant. 🙂 I highly recommend it! 👍🏻
We were eagerly awaiting the opening! Authentic, home-style Japanese bento, just like you'd find in Japan. We'll gladly return to try other daily bento specials.
Very good bento box, the quality/price ratio is excellent.
Tips for Enjoying the Best Sushi in Nantes
To truly appreciate the sushi scene in Nantes, it helps to understand a few local nuances. Dining etiquette, timing, and ordering strategies can significantly enhance your experience. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned connoisseur, these practical tips will help you navigate the city’s Japanese culinary landscape like a local expert.
- Book ahead for prime dinner hours. The most popular sushi spots in Nantes are often intimate spaces with limited seating. If you plan to dine between 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM on a Friday or Saturday, a reservation is essential to avoid a long wait or disappointment.
- Embrace the lunch menus. Many high-end sushi restaurants offer a "formule midi" (lunch set). These sets often include a selection of sushi, miso soup, and a salad at a significantly reduced price compared to the evening à la carte menu, offering excellent value.
- Ask about the daily catch. While salmon and tuna are staples, the best chefs in Nantes often receive special deliveries from the Atlantic coast. Ask if there are any seasonal fish or shellfish available that aren’t on the standard menu, such as sea bream (daurade) or scallops (Saint-Jacques).
- Understand the local fusion style. Nantes has a vibrant creative scene, and this influences the food. Don’t be surprised to see sushi rolls incorporating local ingredients like goat cheese, beetroot, or even elements of French gastronomy. Keep an open mind.
- Go easy on the soy sauce. High-quality sushi rice is already seasoned with vinegar and the fish is often brushed with a specific sauce by the chef. Over-drenching your sushi in soy sauce masks the delicate flavors and can be seen as an insult to the chef’s craft.
The sushi scene in Nantes is a testament to the city’s ability to embrace international cuisines while maintaining a distinct local character. It is a city where tradition meets innovation, and where the quality of the ingredients is always the star of the show. Exploring these restaurants is not just about eating; it is about experiencing a cultural exchange between France and Japan.
Whether you choose a minimalist counter where the chef prepares each piece in front of you or a lively dining room perfect for groups, you are guaranteed a memorable meal. Use this guide as your starting point, trust your palate, and enjoy the journey through the best sushi that Nantes has to offer.
