In the heart of the Coachella Valley, there’s a wide variety of options when it comes to the culinary scene. Palm Springs may be 105 miles away from the ocean, but the master sushi chefs of the desert never fail to produce delicious quality sushi. Whether it’s a date night, celebratory dinner, or you’re just craving some sushi, here are our top 5 sushi restaurant picks in the Palm Springs area.
1. Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey
Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey, located on Palm Canyon Drive, offers an interesting cross-cultural experience. While Sandfish offers the customers high-grade sushi and whiskey, they’re ultimately known for their Scandinavian sushi! If you’ve never heard of Scandinavian sushi before, this may make you curious to try it. Engin Onural, the owner of Sandfish, traveled to Scandinavia and grew fond of the culture. He was so captivated that he was inspired to create a masterpiece of a restaurant by combining Japanese and Scandinavian culture and food. Did we mention that Engin Onural was nominated “Best Chef of America ” in 2016? If you’re a sushi lover who cares about high-quality fish and whiskey, Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey is the perfect spot for you. Don’t miss out on a unique fine dining experience.
Update: Sandfish is bringing their sushi-and-whiskey experience beyond the Greater Palm Springs area in the summer of 2022 with a second location in Phoenix, Arizona’s Melrose District!
2. Musashi Japanese Restaurant
Located off Route 111 in Palm Desert is the restaurant of executive sushi chef Masao Arai. Musashi is one of those places where you can order anything on the menu and you will be extremely satisfied with the taste of whatever you order. They offer a wide variety of classic Japanese dishes with high-quality fish for an affordable price. One customer (Ghazal Babai) said of Musashi, “My family and I have been going here since I was little and it’s always a 10/10. Their sushi is so fresh and amazing. I also recommend the Chilean Sea Bass special. Warm and welcoming staff, Masao is the head sushi chef and he is so talented and kind. Highly recommend it!”
3. TAKA SHIN
TAKA SHIN, located on Palm Canyon Drive, embodies true authentic Japanese nigiri. The aesthetics of the restaurant might convince customers it’s an ordinary restaurant, but don’t let your eyes deceive you. If you’re a big fan of fish quality and authenticity, TAKA SHIN is a must when you’re in the Palm Desert area. TAKA SHIN is not a place for specialty rolls and sushi casuals. They were approved as an official Japanese Food Supporter from the Japan Trade Organization. If you have a soft spot in your heart for authentic Japanese culinary art, then TAKA SHIN is the perfect spot for you.
4. MITCH’S on El Paseo Prime Seafood
Located on the far end of the El Paseo strip, MITCH’S offers upscale fine dining service. Although MITCH’s isn’t recognized as a sushi restaurant we had to add them to our list for their surf-n-turf sushi. It’s simply to die for. They offer their delicious surf-n-turf, prime steaks, and fresh seafood followed by specialty sake and wine selections; the perfect combination to complement their sushi and seafood. Mitch’s might not be recognized as a sushi restaurant, but they have solidified their spot on our top 5.
5. The Venue Sushi Bar & Sake Lounge
The Venue is another incredible dining experience for sushi in the Palm Springs area. This establishment is owned by Engin Onural, who is also the owner of our number 1 pick, Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey. Unlike Sandfish, The Venue provides a traditional Japanese menu selection complemented with an excellent wine and sake list. They offer indoor and outdoor patio seating with a view of El Paseo strip. If you’re looking for a spot with great customer service, fresh fish, and beautiful presentation, The Venue is the perfect spot for you.
BONUS: If you’re looking for a hidden gem, check out Otori Sushi in Cathedral City. It lacks the atmosphere of the other sushi spots on this list, being tucked away in an unassuming strip mall. But adventurous sushi enthusiasts won’t be disappointed by their offerings, served in generous portions by an attentive staff. And at a fraction of the cost of the other sushi options in the Coachella Valley, it’s perfect for a low-key date night. It even made our list of most romantic restaurants in the Greater Palm Springs area!
What type of cuisine is your favorite in Palm Springs? Let us know, and it just might be the topic of our next blog!
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Contributor, designer & admin for JohnHart Gazette.
