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Guide to Sushi in Southwest Missouri
From classic tuna rolls to smoked salmon nigiri, there are plenty of new and familiar sushi tastes to try in Springfield. Take a look at a few picks for where to plan your next sushi night out.
by Tessa Cooper, Rose Marthis
Nov 2023
Photo by Brandon Alms
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You know you’re going to land on sushi when you’re brainstorming the best place for a stellar dinner out. It has the most color, the most artfully prepared dishes, the most options for impressing whoever it is you want to impress. A first date? An out-of-town client? A birthday lunch with your best friend? Go get some sushi. And Springfield is the perfect place to do it. Local sushi options have grown exponentially over the years and there’s never been a better time to embark on a culinary adventure. From classic tuna rolls to smoked salmon nigiri, there's plenty to choose from. Whether you're looking for new places to eat in Springfield or can't decide between a few favorites, read our guide to local sushi spots.
Photo by Tessa CooperBask in a luxury setting as you eat at Ariake Sushi and Robata.
Ariake Sushi and Robata
1110 E. Battlefield Rd., Springfield, 417-501-1675
Is it a special occasion or simply high-time to treat yourself? If so, Ariake is the obvious choice for where you should go for sushi. Here, you can bask in a luxe setting while enjoying top-shelf sake and top-tier nigiri. We recommend starting your meal off with either oysters or tuna cigars, the latter of which is a show-stopper of an appetizer that arrives at your table in a cigar box filled with smoke. As far as the sushi menu goes, consider trying the otoro (fatty tuna) nigiri, which is incredibly smooth and tender. The crispy yasaimono is another stand-out choice with its pats of crispy rice. However, it's the bright, fresh toppings of mango, avocado, asparagus, lemon and cilantro that will make you crave this dish long after you go home. Save room for dessert because they've got mango sorbet, matcha crème brûlée and blueberry mousse cake on the menu. Take a look at our full review of Ariake Sushi and Robata for more.
Photo by Brandon AlmsCraft Sushi Rolls and Bowls allows you to customize your sushi roll.
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Craft Sushi Rolls and Bowls
251 East Sunshine Suite 116, Springfield
1282 E. Republic Rd, Springfield
417-319-5887
If you're craving an umami flavor but are short on time, you don't need to settle for grocery-store sushi. Craft Sushi Rolls and Bowls allows you to customize your sushi roll, and they'll get you in and out quickly. You simply hop in line and tell the person working the counter what you want in your roll, then watch them assemble it in real-time. The build-your-own menu even allows you to order a sushi bowl rather than roll, and you'll get to pick your protein, veggies, sauce and toppings. Craft Sushi now has two locations, so it's even more convenient than ever to snag a roll made your way.
Han The Sushi Man
1901 E. 32nd St., Ste. 7, Joplin, 417-208-5060
Hein Han has quite literally made a name for himself in the Joplin sushi scene. His restaurant, Han The Sushi Man, is a go-to spot for raw and deep-fried sushi alike. If you're not sure what to order, you can't go wrong with getting something off the section of the menu that lists Han's favorites. The Louisiana Roll is one of his recommendations, and it includes unexpected ingredients such as spicy crawfish and asparagus. As an extra initiative to get you to dine in for lunch, Han throws in your choice of a free soup or salad with your meal.
Photo by Brandon AlmsHaruno Sushi Bar & Grill is an ever-popular Springfield nightlife destination.
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Haruno Sushi Bar & Grill
3044 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-887-0077
With more than 20 types of sake and multiple signature martinis to choose from, Haruno Sushi Bar & Grill has positioned itself as a Springfield nightlife destination. They even offer a late-night special that runs from 9 p.m. to as late as 11:15 p.m. on the weekends. As far as the sushi is concerned, you've got plenty of options. The restaurant's namesake roll levels up a basic California roll with a topping of tuna and avocado, and you can never go wrong with the Sex in the City roll with chopped, baked and fried crab rolled in seaweed and rice. The T-N-T roll is as spicy as it sounds, thanks to the addition of sriracha, but a hot meal is just an excuse to order an extra drink to cool your palate.
Photo by Brandon AlmsHinode has been keeping Springfield well-fed via fresh sushi rolls decked with eel sauce and hibachi combos for more than two decades.
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Hinode Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi
4301 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-877-1777
129 N. Massey Blvd., Nixa, 417-374-7807
For more than two decades, Hinode has been keeping Springfield well-fed via fresh sushi rolls decked with eel sauce and hibachi combos. They even offer cooked nigiri if raw isn't your thing. But if you're having a hard time choosing, you can always let the chef decide for you by ordering the nigiri sample. If you're someone who tends to feel a little unsatisfied with just sushi alone, you can order a side of noodles or fried rice to sneak in a few extra carbs. Hinode is an ideal place to go for a birthday dinner. You can add a dragon celebration to your reservation, and a dragon will appear at your table (have your cameras ready), and the staff will sing you their Japanese happy song. Oh, and the best part? It comes with a dessert platter, so this add-on will be the best $11 you could ever spend. Due to its unwavering popularity in Springfield, Hinode opened a second location in Nixa in 2017.
Hibachi Steak & Sushi
1332 E. Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-881-8188
Hibachi Steak & Sushi is a must-visit for any yakisoba lover. With your choice of veggie, chicken, steak or shrimp, you can slurp up the noodles exactly the way you like them. But now, onto the sushi menu. You'll find all the classics on the list, like your basic California roll or salmon roll. But if you're in the mood for something a little different, we recommend ordering the Tornado roll, which features spicy mussels, spicy crab and snow crab. For those of you who are always on the prowl for a good deal, Hibachi Steak & Sushi also offers all-day specials.
Photo courtesy KaiKai has been a downtown Springfield, Missouri staple for more than 15 years.
Kai
306 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-832-0077
Kai has been a downtown Springfield staple for more than 15 years, and after one bite of their tuna sashimi with miso yuzu, you'll understand why. On the appetizer front, they've got 20 options to choose from, including oh-so-fresh lobster spring rolls and delicacies like octopus salad (for the more adventurous eater). If you like your sushi fried, you've got to try the tempura-battered Yummy roll with spicy crab and sweet chili sauce. Kai is a great option for an after-work pick-me-up or late-night eats. Happy hour deals run daily from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and they also offer different discounted specials from 9 to 11:30 p.m. And we'd be remiss if we didn't mention their fruit-forward cocktails like the Fuji apple sake paired with green apple vodka, triple sec, plus cranberry and lime juice.
Photo by Brandon AlmsKarai Ramen and Roll is the perfect place to try something new.
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Karai Ramen and Roll
640 W. Republic Rd ste100, Springfield, 417-319-5225
A sushi roll makes an excellent appetizer for a steamy bowl of ramen, so you could definitely say that Karai Ramen and Roll has a great business model. It's also a good place to try nigiri for the first time, especially since the price point starts at just under $3 for two pieces. If you prefer your salmon smoked and covered in rice, try out the Philly roll. It features other familiar ingredients like cream cheese and egg grilled Japanese-style. Take it from us and definitely say yes to looking at the dessert menu. You just might find that you do have room after all for a delectable green tea crème brûlée.
Maru Sushi and Grill
1745 W. James River Rd., Ozark, 417-485-6278
When you want sushi but your partner wants Chinese, getting a meal at Maru Sushi and Grill is a win-win situation. Not only do they offer a robust sushi menu, but you can also order cashew chicken or sweet and sour chicken served with fried rice and a crab rangoon. If you're not big on raw sushi, never fear. Maru serves 16 different cooked, baked and even a few on-fire rolls. If you're bringing a group of 3-4 sushi aficionados with you, consider splitting a sushi boat. It features the chef's choice of four rolls, 12 nigiri, seaweed salad, squid salad and miso soup.
Mitsu Neko
1819 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417-336-1819
Down in Branson, Mitsu Neko doles out sushi rolls filled with unexpected ingredients like mango and nigiri with colorful heaps of roe, all arranged beautifully on platters. The seafood-forward menu also includes entrees like glazed teriyaki salmon with garlic butter sauce and a Chirashi platter, which features various fruits of the sea, like shrimp resting on a bed of rice. Mitsu Neko serves baked, fried and fire rolls, so never fear if you're not a fan of raw sushi. Oh, and don't sleep on the dessert because there's nothing like rounding off your meal with some Mochi ice cream.
Photo courtesy MoMo Sushi & GrillMomo Sushi & Grill has already established itself as a main player in the Springfield sushi scene.
MoMo Sushi & Grill (Springfield)
2767 W. Republic Rd. Ste. 120, Springfield, 417-360-1067
Momo Sushi & Grill opened in 2022 but has already established itself as a main player in the Springfield sushi scene. Their most popular offering is the Samurai roll, which features tempura shrimp rolled with spicy crab and a generous dousing of eel sauce and spicy mayo on top. For a little extra protein, order the Agedashi tofu as an appetizer, which is deep-fried tofu soaked in temp sauce. But fair warning, it's so good that you might not want to share. If you're ordering your sushi to-go, you can give the kitchen a head start by placing your order online for pick-up directly on their site. Or, stay in and opt for delivery.
Read reviews for MoMo Sushi & Grill (Springfield).
MoMo Sushi & Grill (Branson)
120 N. Sycamore Ste. 100, Branson, 417-320-6125
No matter what brings you to Branson, MoMo makes a great lunch or dinner option. Did you come extra hungry or ready to share? Direct your attention to the Paradise Platter on the menu. It comes with eight pieces of nigiri, 12 pieces of sashimi, a rainbow roll and a seaweed salad. If not everyone in your group is a sushi fan, no prob. MoMo doesn't skimp on their other offerings. They'll plate up chicken yaki udon noodles or beef fried rice if you just say the word. And if all else fails, just order an appetizer of crab rangoons and everyone will be happy.
Nakato Japanese Steakhouse
2615 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-881-7171
It's hard to name a more iconic Springfield Japanese restaurant than Nakato. This true institution has been serving up hibachi and nigiri flights since 1995. Make sure to take your time with the menu because there are nearly 30 sushi rolls to choose from. If you're having a hard time deciding between shrimp, salmon or crab in your roll, you can actually go with all three and order the seafood roll. For a roll with some variety in texture, we recommend the crunch roll, which gets its name from the tempura flakes tucked inside.
Photo by Brandon AlmsNiji Sushi Bar & Grill produces sushi with fresh ingredients delivered daily.
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Niji Sushi Bar & Grill
3938 S. Lone Pine Ave., Ste. 100-B, Springfield, 417-851-1707
Tucked away inside Galloway Village, Niji Sushi Bar & Grill produces sushi with fresh ingredients delivered daily. You can sneak a few greens into your meal right from the start with an appetizer of boiled and seasoned edamame, which are soybeans. Or, listen to your craving for something fried and get the calamari tempura. For your main course, you obviously can't go wrong with any of the house rolls. But for more of an overall sampler of what all the menu has to offer, go with a bento box. Depending on which one you order, you'll get four pieces of either a California, avocado, or shrimp tempura roll, plus other savory delights like noodles, fried rice or a house salad.
Ocean Zen
4117 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-889-9596
Unlike the majority of sushi restaurants in Springfield, Ocean Zen offers a drive-through and convenient online ordering. However, it's hard to resist the option to enjoy your meal at the restaurant, which features a chic, spacious interior. Plus, chances are that your crab wontons and rainbow roll won't even make the car ride home since it takes serious willpower to wait to eat them. The cocktail menu is another reason to dine in, especially if a Mai Tai is calling your name. The menu draws inspiration from the Pacific Rim and combines it with Euro-Asian cooking techniques, and you aren't limited to just ordering sushi. For example, you can order the crispy wok chicken with your choice of black bean garlic or a sweet Thai chili sauce.
Ohana Japanese Steakhouse
310 W. Battlefield Rd., Springfield, 417-823-7788
If you like your sushi with a side of entertainment, Ohana Japanese Steakhouse is a good go-to. Grab your friends and gather around the hibachi table, and watch your chef cook up your Sukiyaki steak and calamari. As far as the sushi goes, the Ahi Tuna Tower is a great option if you're up for trying something new because it's not your average sushi roll. Rather than arriving at your table in a bite-sized format, it comes as one medium-sized stack atop a round bed of rice. Ohana also offers a special kids' menu, so it's a great place to bring the whole family.
Photo by Brandon AlmsOMO Japanese Soul Food whips up comforting bowls of ramen with pork broth, spicy curry and satiating sushi rolls alike.
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OMO Japanese Soul Food
2101 W. Chesterfield Ste. B 102, Springfield, 417-755-7214
The name here says it all. OMO Japanese Soul Food whips up the most comforting bowls of ramen with pork broth, spicy curry and satiating sushi rolls alike. There's nothing like making your way to this Chesterfield Village restaurant on a cold day and warming up with a pot of green tea before digging into your sushi. On your first visit, you can't go wrong with an OMO Box, which is essentially a bento box. You'll get your choice of protein (we suggest the Mount Fuji chicken) and either a California or veggie roll, plus edamame, salad and rice. If you find yourself a loyal fan of OMO Japanese, try out its sister business, Kung Fu Taco.
Sakura Japanese Sushi Bar and Grill
3230 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-882-8000
Sakura Japanese Sushi Bar and Grill is perhaps the coziest sushi joint in 417-land. There's nothing quite like sitting in one of the wooden booths with a pot of jasmine tea, especially on a rainy day. We're big fans of the Sam's roll because we love a good tempura batter roll. The ingredients inside this roll are pretty simple and classic. Think avocado, cream cheese and crab. However, it's the small bit of jalapeño tucked inside that gives it just the right amount of heat, and you can always level it up with a little bit of wasabi on top. To add a little contrast to your spicy meal, order a mochi ice cream. You never know what the flavor of the day will be, but we're always extra happy when it's green tea.
Sushi Village
1440 W. Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-890-1016
Do you always get a thrill at the sight of a sushi roll on fire? If so, you should add Sushi Village to your rotation. They offer a dozen fire rolls to choose from, and they're packed with classic sushi ingredients like shrimp tempura, avocado and cucumber. Sushi Village also makes a great lunch stop, especially if you prefer the option to order a smaller portion. For a roll with an impressive presentation, go with the dragon roll, which comes to your table on a wooden dragon boat. Sushi Village also shares a space with Korean Kitchen, so you can pair your sushi with an order of chop suey or soybean paste stew.
Umi Japanese Restaurant
3046 S. Kimbrough Ave., Ste. 100, Springfield, 417-882-1110
Umi Japanese Restaurant is a gem tucked away in the corner of the Battlefield Market Place. No visit is complete without a starter of crab poppers. If you're a fan of crab rangoons (honestly who isn't?), then you will love these breaded delights filled with crab and cream cheese. There's one roll in particular that keeps people coming back to Umi, and that's The Geisha. It features all the makings of a classic, delicious sushi roll, such as shrimp tempura, crab and cream cheese. However, it's the toppings that make it a feast for the eyes and a delight to the tastebuds. It features bluefin tuna, fresh tempura shavings, sweet mayo and eel sauce. The bright orange masago and green onion create a little contrast and add an acidic, salty taste.
Wayo Japan
2119 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-886-0300
There's one thing that sets Wayo Japan apart from the other sushi joints in 417-land, and that's the attention to detail that Fred and Kira Lee Hubbell put into their craft. Every ingredient that makes its way to your sushi roll is prepped fresh from scratch, even down to the sauces. Wayo offers discounted lunch portions, so it's a great mid-day spot to take a client meeting or catch up with a friend. They keep things pretty simple on the sushi side of things and offer a California roll dinner option of 4 to 12 pieces. Expect a sushi menu filled with the classics, like a cucumber roll and eel roll, as well as riffs on classics like a deep-fried California roll dubbed the Glenstone roll.
