Having spent years in Southeast Asia, I developed high expectations for sushi, from budget-friendly options to premium delicacies.
When I moved to Medellín in 2021, I was intrigued and skeptical about the local sushi scene.
To my surprise, while sushi here leans heavily toward a Westernized style, the quality is truly impressive.
Medellín offers a variety of sushi experiences, from traditional rolls to unique creations inspired by the annual Sushi Master event, which challenges restaurants to come up with innovative dishes that often remain on their menus.
Below are my top sushi recommendations in Medellín to satisfy your cravings.
Let’s dive in!
With seven locations in Medellin, Sushi Light is a staple in the city’s sushi scene.
Its extensive menu features 28 different rolls, and because it has so many choices, it’s a very accessible place to enjoy sushi.
The menu includes:
One of the standout features is that you can order rolls in halves, allowing you to try multiple flavors in one visit.
Sushi Light is also famous for its 2×1 promotion on Tuesdays, making it a hot spot for sushi lovers.
Keep in mind that not all sushi rolls are included in the promotion and it can get very busy, so plan your visit accordingly.
Also, during that day, you can’t pay by card. Only cash.
The menu extends beyond sushi to include dishes like Pad Thai and Poke Bowls, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
I’ve visited Sushi Light countless times, especially on Tuesdays, and have never been disappointed.
A quick look at Google Maps Reviews and it’s fair to say that Sushi Light can measure itself with the top sushi restaurants in the city.
For sushi snobs, you probably will verdict this place as a Westernized sushi place, but it’s hard to find an authentic sushi place in Medellín.
Most of us will absolutely love Sushi Light, and especially during promotion Tuesdays, it’s a really great place to get value-for-money and delicious food!
💰 Price: Expect to pay COP 25,000 for a half roll and COP 40,000 for a full roll.
Sushi Market is yet another top choice, with 11 branches in Medellin and a strong presence in other major Colombian cities.
Like Sushi Light, its menu is packed with creative rolls that cater to a variety of tastes.
From classic rolls like the California to fusion versions with Colombian gastronomy, including Chicharron (crispy fried-pork belly) rolls.
Half rolls are available too, allowing you to experiment with flavors and textures easily.
It’s hard to compare Sushi Market with the previously recommended restaurant as both are quite similar.
To my knowledge, Sushi Market does not have a great promotion like Sushi Light, which is a bit of a pity.
Also, the lack of spiciness indicators on the menu can be a bit of an issue for those who can’t handle any spiciness, so you may need to ask the staff if you prefer mild or spicy options.
Sushi Light does this better and their menu contains far more information.
But in terms of flavors and variety, Sushi Market is an excellent option and like Sushi Light, the internet is full of great reviews, confirming my opinion as well.
💰 Price: Like Sushi Light, half rolls cost 25,000 COP, while full rolls are priced at 40,000 COP.
Part of the La Pampa family of restaurants, Kabuki stands out for its focus on quality Japanese cuisine.
The atmosphere here is more refined compared to Sushi Light, making it a great place for a more sophisticated sushi experience.
Sushi Light and Sushi Market feels a bit more chaotic, while Kabuki is a great place for comfort dining.
The sushi menu is much smaller as this restaurant not only serves sushi, but it does include traditional favorites like:
Kabuki’s Provenza location offers a unique advantage: you can order off the La Pampa menu, making it a great option for groups with diverse dining preferences.
So, in the same building, you can find an Argentinean Steak House menu, as well as Peruvian options and Asian-influenced creations.
They also serve Tepanyaki, which is great for sharing.
For a more complete dining experience, Kabuki is a far better option compared to Sushi Market and Sushi Light.
And let me be clear on the food: expect top-notch dishes full of exciting flavors and textures.
The sushi rolls can be very crunchy, or comfortingly smooth.
When the bill arrives, you will be surprised that for all of this, you almost pay the exact same as at Sushi Market and Sushi Light.
But those franchises do offer more sushi options.
💰 Price: Expect to pay 30,000 COP for a half roll and 45,000 COP for a full roll.
Have a look at our most extensive food article with all sorts of restaurant recommendations in Medellín. From there, you can also navigate to specific
Medellin’s sushi scene offers a mix of classic and innovative options, making it a haven for sushi enthusiasts like me.
These are just a few of my favorites, but I’m always on the lookout for more.
This is an ongoing-project, so stay tuned as I’ll be updating this list with more recommendations soon!