We all dance to a different tuna when it comes to dining. Indulge us as we engage in some roll play, with these Madison sushi superlatives — rounding up a few of the most highly celebrated spots in town.
The social butterfly award
🍱 Takumi — A neighborhood favorite where everyone knows your name + hibachi, for our non-fish-friendly companions.
📍 4222 E. Towne Blvd.
⏰ Mon.-Sun., 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Pro tip: Treat the staff with the respect + appreciation they deserve and they just may remember you on your second visit — neighborhood regulars get the best service of course.
Best place to take a date
🍱 Red — A swanky, downtown sushi locale with upscale Japanese cuisine + an elevated bar program.
📍 316 W. Washington Ave.
⏰ Sun.-Thurs., 4:30-9:30 p.m. + Fri-Sat., 4:30-10 p.m.
Pro tip: Make a reservation ahead of time. While the ambiance and food quality are sure to impress, nothing derails a date like an unexpected wait time of an hour plus.
Most likely to carry-out well
🍱 Yume Sushi — A centrally located, cost-effective sushi spot with foolproof techniques for packing hot + cold food for travel.
📍 449 State St. 2nd floor
⏰ Mon.-Sat., open at 11 a.m. and Sun., open at 12 p.m.
Pro tip: Even though Yume is an expert on carry-out, the dining room is fairly easy to grab a table in. This makes for a great last-minute spot or can be ideal for larger parties.
Best bang for your buck
🍱 Tokyo Sushi — A low-key, fairly priced sushi venue supporting a substance over flash dining ethic.
📍 1133 Williamson St.
⏰ Tues.-Sun., open at 11 a.m.
Pro tip: the Tokyo lunch special might just be the best sushi deal in town. Let’s just say, come prepared to eat.
Most likely to satisfy the whole group
🍱 Tavernakaya — A modern, Asian-fusion eatery celebrating a mix of Asian comfort foods from authentic Chinese dumplings to traditional Japanese sushi.
📍 27 E. Main St.
⏰ Closed on Tues. Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. + Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Pro tip: Keep the good times rolling at one of the TK Late Nite events, featuring a mix of Latin, House, Reggaeton, R&B + other DJs to dance under the Capitol lights.
With soy many spots to choose from, we couldn’t possibly list them all — drop us a note and let us know which superlative you’d give your go-to sushi spot in Madison.
