The best sushi of the year is enjoyed in Naples, but quality restaurants are on the rise throughout Italy

The Gambero Rosso Guide identifies over 400 establishments throughout Italy where Japanese gastronomic tradition is respected with quality. Omakase, izakaya, sake, and Japanese mixology are now commonplace here. A list of the best establishments, region by region.

Its origins are lost in the mists of time, a humble dish for the poorest farmers of the Empire of the Rising Sun, where rice was originally used only to preserve gutted and salted fish because its fermentation created an acidic environment in which bacteria could not grow, and the fish could be preserved for months, transported, and stored. However, when the fish was ready to be consumed, the rice was thrown away. Then it was discovered that instead of throwing away the fermented rice, it could be used by boiling it with a little vinegar instead of fermenting it, so it could be eaten alongside the fish or used in an infinite number of variations with raw fish, seafood, vegetables, and sometimes fruit. And over time, sushi exploded as a true global culinary trend that today, two millennia after its birth, spreads seamlessly from street food to grand Michelin-starred restaurants.

Its secret? The freshness of the ingredients, the aesthetics of the dishes, and the variety of available combinations, a symbol of healthy and trendy cuisine in line with the growing concern for health and a balanced diet, which has undoubtedly contributed to its global spread: sushi is often seen as a light and nutritious option, rich in omega-3s and low in fat. White rice provides energy-giving carbohydrates, fish provides protein and "good" omega-3 fats (salmon and mackerel are particularly rich in EPA and DHA), nori seaweed provides nutrients composed of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iodine, and iron, and vitamins such as AC and E, and other vegetables, such as carrots and cucumber, even if present in sushi in minimal quantities, provide a complex of vitamins and minerals.

Sushi is now widespread in Italy. Italians' passion for Japanese culinary tradition is evident throughout the country, with the proliferation of omakase counters, the constant growth of elegant fine-dining establishments, the boom in izakaya, and an ever-increasing interest in sake and Japanese mixology. Gambero Rosso's 2026 Sushi Guide is therefore useful, providing a snapshot of Italy's sushi scene, reviewing 230, a significant increase over last year. The best establishments are awarded Tre Chopette (Three Chopsticks), and there are 42 in total, a significant increase over last year's edition of the Guide.

There are four Special Awards: this year's newest addition is Ruri Kaiseki in Naples's elegant Chiaia district, in Vicolo Santa Maria Cappella Vecchia, where a long, hand-crafted oak counter carved from a four-century-old trunk hosts twelve diners every evening, who participate in a true ritual.

The sake promotion awards go to Iyo Omakase in Milan and Enosake in Rome. The best wine list award went to Uni Restaurant in Cervia, while the best mixed drinks selection was awarded to Sentaku Izakaya in Bologna. A brand new addition to this edition is the appendix dedicated not only to the best takeaways, but also to specialty shops and izakaya, for those seeking an authentic and informal experience without sacrificing quality.

"Japanese cuisine in Italy has reached a level of maturity unthinkable just a few years ago. In the restaurants featured in the Guide, we find the complexity of cooking methods, ingredients, and traditions that makes Japanese cuisine so incredibly fascinating. And today we're seeing increasingly interesting cross-pollinations, both in terms of flavors and restaurant models," comments Lorenzo Ruggeri, editor-in-chief of Gambero Rosso.

The Special Awards

New Kenji Mundi Riso: Ruri Kaiseki (Naples)

Sake Promotion – JFC Italy: IYO Omakase (Milan) and Enosake (Rome)

Best Wine List – Spinelli: Uni Restaurant (Cervia)

Best mixed drink: Sentaku Izakaya (Bologna)

The Three Wands

Compared to the previous edition, the number of establishments that have won the Tre Bacchetta, the highest recognition for quality and service, has increased to 42. Milan remains at the top of the ranking (12 awarded, with 4 new entries), followed by Rome (6 awarded, with 2 new entries) and Turin (3 awarded, with 1 new entry).

AGENDA NEWS

LE PETIT RESTAURANT JAPONAIS AVIGLIANA [TO]

KENSHO TURIN

MIYABI TURIN

WASABI TURIN

LOMBARDY

AZABU10 MILAN

HATSUNE ZUSHI AT RONIN MILAN

ICHIKAWA MILAN

IYO KAISEKI MILAN

IYO OMAKASE MILANO

IYO RESTAURANT MILAN