My Honest Take: The Best Sushi in Birmingham (and the one you need to dodge!)

Let's face it, Birmingham isn't Tokyo (or London). While our Second City has an undeniably cracking food scene, when it comes to sushi, the options can feel a little... limited. But fear not, my fellow raw-fish fanatics! As your trusty guide in the culinary jungle, I’ve been on a mission to find the best sushi in Brum, from the proper stuff to the "I'm-so-skint-I-could-cry" sushi.

The Proper Stuff: Takumi Japanese Restaurant

Sushi and sashimi platter

Sashimi Donburi

When I'm in the mood for a decent, no-nonsense sushi experience, I head to Takumi. Tucked away in the Chinese Quarter, it's a little slice of Japanese calm amidst the city's buzz. The decor is simple and clean, with a central sushi bar that makes you feel like you're getting the real deal. And the sushi itself? It's proper. The rice is spot on - perfectly seasoned and not a mushy mess like you find in some places. The fish is fresh, the cuts are generous, and the selection is solid. It's a proper sushi experience without the London price tag.

Rating

Food: 4/5 - Decent entry-level proper sushi.
Service: 4/5 - Friendly and attentive.
Decor: 4/5 - Clean, tidy, and appropriately Japanese.
Value: 4/5 - Good value for what you get.
Overall: 4/5 - My go-to for a reliable sushi fix.
Estimated cost per person: £25 - £40

The "Let's-Go-Wide-and-Eat-Everything" Spot: Tokyo Izakaya

Tokyo Izakaya shop front - Google Image

For those nights when your friends can't agree on what Japanese food they want, Tokyo Izakaya is the answer. It’s an izakaya (a Japanese pub, for the uninitiated), which means a wider menu and more variety. While the sushi selection isn't as extensive as Takumi's, it's still very respectable. The main event here is the sheer choice of dishes. You can get your sushi platter, your katsu curry, some tasty yakitori skewers, and wash it all down with a pint. It's a great spot for a social meal and a solid choice for decent Japanese fare.

Rating

Food: 3.5/5 - Decent overall, with sushi a touch behind Takumi.
Service: 4/5 - The staff are lovely and welcoming.
Decor: 4/5 - Clean and well-presented.
Value: 4/5 - Excellent value for a central location.
Overall: 4/5 - A great all-rounder for a mixed group.
Estimated cost per person: £20 - £35

The "I-Need-Japanese-Food-and-I'm-Broke" Option: Sakura at Asia Asia Food Hall

AsiaAsia Food Hall - Google Image

We've all been there. It's the end of the month, your bank account is looking as empty as your stomach, but you have a sushi craving that won't quit. Enter Sakura, located inside the Asia Asia Food Hall. Now, let me be clear: this is not a traditional sushi restaurant. It’s a food hall vendor. But for £12, you can get a teriyaki bento with salmon sashimi. A whole bento box! Or a sashimi donburi for £15! You cannot beat that value anywhere else in Birmingham. Yes, the food hall itself is a bit of a chaotic mess, and you have to use a special prepaid card (which is a minor faff), but for the price, who's complaining?

Rating

Food: 3/5 - It's decent for what it is.
Service: N/A - It's self-service, so you're on your own.
Decor: N/A - It's a food hall. It's loud, it's busy, embrace the chaos.
Value: 5/5 - Unbeatable. Seriously.
Overall: 3.5/5 - Generous portions and exceptional value, but don't expect a fine-dining experience.
Estimated cost per person: £12 - £20

The One to Avoid: Kyoto Sushi and Grill

Kyoto Sushi and Grill - Google Image

Ah, the "all you can eat" model. It sounds so tempting, doesn't it? Unlimited sushi, grill, and fried food for just £34. It's the kind of deal that makes you think you've found a loophole in the system. But believe me, you haven't. I made the mistake of going here once, and I can assure you, I won't be back. The quality is just… sub-par. It's like supermarket sushi, and you're paying £34 for it! I’m a firm believer that I’d rather pay for one quality meal than an endless parade of mediocre food. Quantity over quality is a lie, and Kyoto Sushi and Grill is a prime example.

Rating

Food: 1/5 - Low-quality, mass-produced sushi.
Service: 4/5 - Service is good actually.
Decor: 2/5 - A bit tired.
Value: 2/5 - Not worth £34 for food of this standard.
Overall: 2/5 - A big no from me.
Estimated cost per person: £34

The One That's a Maybe: Gaijin Sushi

Finally, we have Gaijin Sushi. It’s often touted as Birmingham’s "best," but my two previous visits a few years ago left me unimpressed. The sushi was average, and the rice was, dare I say it, very average. Yet, it was pricier than Takumi. However, I’ve heard whispers of a change in ownership, and perhaps, the quality has improved. I'll give it a third chance eventually and report back. But for now, it's not on my go-to list.

Verdict: Takumi offers the best overall sushi experience for a fair price in Birmingham.

Restaurant Information

Takumi Japanese Restaurant

Address: 35 Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4BJ
Telephone: +44 121 439 3838
Website: http://www.takumi.uk/

Tokyo Izakaya Birmingham

Address: Unit 3, 4 Lower Severn St, Birmingham B1 1PU
Telephone: +44 121 616 2627
Website: https://www.tokyoizakaya.co.uk/

Asia Asia Food Hall (Sakura)

Address: 10 Pershore St, Birmingham B5 4RX
Telephone: +44 121 666 6777
Website: https://www.asiaasiafoodhall.com/