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The 7 Absolute Best Sushi Spots In Cedar Rapids, Iowa (2025 Guide)

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Finding truly exceptional sushi in the Midwest can feel like a quest, but Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has quietly built a vibrant and diverse Japanese dining scene that goes far beyond the basic California roll. Whether you are searching for a high-end hibachi and sushi experience, an all-you-can-eat feast, or the best spot for a quick, fresh lunch, the options in Linn County are better than ever, especially with exciting new additions in the downtown area that have opened as recently as late 2024 and early 2025.

This definitive guide, updated for December 26, 2025, cuts through the noise to bring you the freshest, most highly-rated, and unique sushi destinations in Cedar Rapids and the immediate surrounding area, focusing on quality, atmosphere, and value to satisfy every craving.

The Top 7 Sushi Destinations in Cedar Rapids and Surrounding Areas

The Cedar Rapids sushi landscape is defined by a few long-standing favorites and a new wave of restaurants catering to specific dining intentions—from casual takeout to upscale date nights. Here is the breakdown of the best spots to get your raw fish fix.

1. The Best Overall & Most Consistent: Sushi House

For many local sushi enthusiasts, Sushi House remains the benchmark for quality and consistency in Cedar Rapids. Located on Edgewood Parkway SW, this establishment has garnered a loyal following by mastering the dual arts of Japanese and Chinese cuisine, offering a comprehensive menu that appeals to all palates.

  • Why it Ranks High: Diners frequently praise the freshness of the fish and the extensive menu, which includes both expertly crafted sushi and popular Asian dishes like Crispy Ginger Beef or the Grand Prawns with Honey Walnut.
  • Signature Rolls: Be sure to try their legendary Dragon Rolls, including the King Tuna Roll, the spicy Fire Dragon Roll, or the vibrant Orange Dragon Roll. The Spicy Crabmeat Crunch Roll is another fan favorite.
  • Atmosphere Note: While the food quality is often described as unrivaled in Cedar Rapids, some long-time patrons note that the ambiance can be "lacking in atmosphere," making it a perfect choice for high-quality takeout or a casual, food-focused dining experience.

2. Best for All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) & Downtown Vibe: Izumi Sushi & Hibachi

The newest and perhaps most exciting addition to the Cedar Rapids sushi scene is Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, which has taken over a prime downtown location at 221 2nd Ave SE, filling a long-standing gap in the area.

Izumi’s main draw is its highly popular All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) menu, a rarity for quality sushi in the Corridor. This concept allows guests to order a wide variety of appetizers, sushi, rolls, and hibachi items for a fixed price, offering incredible value.

  • AYCE Pricing (as of late 2025):
    • AYCE Lunch (Adults): Approximately $20.95
    • AYCE Dinner (Adults): Approximately $30.95
  • What to Expect: The menu is extensive and includes everything from classic rolls and sashimi to hibachi steak and shrimp tempura. It's a casual fine dining experience that is perfect for large groups or those with an insatiable sushi appetite.

3. Best for Date Night & Hibachi Experience: Oyama Sushi & Steakhouse

When the occasion calls for a more upscale, vibrant dining experience that caters to both sushi lovers and steak enthusiasts, Oyama Sushi & Steakhouse is the top choice. Located on Council Street NE, Oyama is known for its dual focus, offering a full hibachi grill experience alongside its extensive sushi bar.

  • The Vibe: Oyama provides a "delightful Japanese eatery that transforms dining into an art form," making it ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, or a sophisticated night out. The atmosphere is friendly and the setting is vibrant.
  • Must-Try Rolls & Dishes: Their specialty rolls are complex and creative, including the American Dream Roll (rock shrimp tempura), the spicy Demon Roll, and the popular Perfect Roll. For non-sushi items, the Twin Lobster Tail Hibachi and the Lover’s Dinner for Two are excellent choices.
  • Topical Authority Note: Oyama’s ability to execute both high-quality sushi and impressive hibachi makes it a true culinary gem in Cedar Rapids, satisfying diverse dining preferences under one roof.

4. The Best Value & Half-Price Deals: Mandarin Spice Asian Grill

If you are searching for the best sushi deal in the area, look no further than Mandarin Spice Asian Grill. While technically located just outside Cedar Rapids in the Marion/Hiawatha area, its reputation for value is well worth the short drive.

Mandarin Spice is famous for its regular Half-Price Sushi Days. This promotion makes their sushi incredibly affordable, allowing you to sample a wide variety of rolls without breaking the bank. It's a fantastic spot for students, families, or anyone looking to maximize their sushi budget. Be prepared for a potential wait on these popular deal days, as the word is out among locals about the great deal.

5. Best for Quick, Fresh, & Healthy Lunch: Ohana Poke Shop

While not a traditional sushi restaurant, Ohana Poke Shop deserves a mention as the highest-rated establishment in the Cedar Rapids area for fresh, raw fish preparations. Poke is essentially deconstructed sushi served in a bowl, and Ohana has mastered the art.

  • Focus: Custom-built poke bowls with fresh fish (tuna, salmon, etc.), rice, and a wide array of toppings and sauces.
  • Rating & Price: It boasts an exceptional 4.7/5 rating and is categorized as a mid-range price level ($$), making it the perfect spot for a quick, healthy, and satisfying lunch.

6. Newcomer for Variety: Golden Apple Buffet

Another fresh entity to hit the Cedar Rapids dining scene is the Golden Apple Buffet. This new, large-scale buffet promises a wide selection of Asian cuisine, including a dedicated section for sushi.

While a buffet-style sushi bar may not appeal to purists, it offers unparalleled variety alongside Chinese, Pho, and Hibachi items. It’s an ideal choice for large families or groups where everyone wants something different, providing an accessible way to sample various rolls in a single sitting.

7. Consistently Good Alternatives: Red Ginger and Coyle's

Rounding out the top choices are two other establishments frequently mentioned by locals for their reliable quality: Red Ginger and Coyle's Hibachi Chef.

  • Red Ginger: Often cited in local discussions as "consistently good," Red Ginger is a solid, reliable choice for quality sushi and Japanese fare.
  • Coyle's Hibachi Chef: Primarily known for its hibachi, Coyle's also offers a sushi menu that is popular enough to land it on multiple "best of" lists for the area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cedar Rapids Sushi

Is there All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) Sushi in Cedar Rapids, Iowa?

Yes, the newest and most prominent AYCE option is Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, located downtown. They offer both AYCE lunch and dinner menus that include a wide selection of rolls, appetizers, and hibachi dishes for a fixed price.

Which Cedar Rapids Sushi Restaurant is Best for a Date Night?

Oyama Sushi & Steakhouse is widely considered the best choice for a date night. Its vibrant setting, combination of high-end sushi and steakhouse fare (including hibachi), and friendly atmosphere create a memorable dining experience.

Where can I find the best value or affordable sushi in Cedar Rapids?

The best value can be found at two places: Mandarin Spice Asian Grill on their famous half-price sushi days, and Izumi Sushi & Hibachi for its AYCE lunch option, which is priced at approximately $20.95 for adults.

Are there any good sushi spots outside of Cedar Rapids?

For those willing to travel a short distance, locals often recommend Sushiya in North Liberty and Soseki in Iowa City as excellent, high-quality alternatives that further expand the region's Japanese dining options.

The 7 Absolute Best Sushi Spots in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (2025 Guide)
sushi cedar rapids iowa
sushi cedar rapids iowa

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