The Best Sushi and Sashimi Restaurants in Perth for Premium Seafood Lovers

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1. Premium Seafood Experience in Perth

Exploring the best sushi and sashimi restaurants in Perth has become something of a local ritual for seafood lovers who demand freshness, craft, and depth of flavour. While the city isn’t traditionally associated with Japanese cuisine the same way Sydney or Melbourne often are, Perth has quietly built a reputation for offering remarkable premium seafood selections. This shift began around the early 2010s when local chefs started partnering directly with Western Australian fisheries to source line-caught tuna, Shark Bay scallops, and even Margaret River abalone to elevate their raw seafood menus.

One memorable example many Perth food communities still talk about is the 2019 “Bluefin Weekend”, when a leading Japanese restaurant brought in an entire Southern Bluefin tuna from South Australia, carving it live in front of diners. That single event put Perth’s high-end Japanese dining scene on the national map and signaled a new era of premium sushi and sashimi culture in WA.

Today, diners who chase refined texture, pristine cuts, and carefully balanced flavour profiles will find that Perth’s top restaurants deliver experiences on par with international standards. Whether it’s delicate snapper sashimi sliced moments before service or melt-in-your-mouth salmon belly presented with minimal seasoning, the city has become a quiet paradise for raw-seafood enthusiasts.

Restaurant Mariama

SydneyCouncil of the City of SydneyNew South Wales

Centre d'affaires de, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

2. Chef-Driven Craftsmanship and Evolving Techniques

The artistry behind sushi and sashimi in Perth is heavily influenced by chefs trained in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido who have chosen to settle in Western Australia. Many of them bring decades of apprenticeship under traditional masters, yet they adapt their craft to incorporate local ingredients in inventive ways. This blend of respect for tradition and appreciation for regional produce gives each restaurant a distinct identity.

For instance, some Perth omakase bars prefer to cure locally sourced ocean trout in kombu harvested from Tasmania, giving the fish a gentle umami lift while keeping its buttery texture intact. Others experiment with hot-smoked bonito flakes shaved directly onto sashimi plates, a technique inspired by Kyoto kaiseki experiences. These thoughtful touches reveal a level of craftsmanship that deeper diners can immediately appreciate.

The rise of reservation-only omakase counters has also reshaped customer expectations. Diners no longer come just for a meal; they're looking for a guided journey, a direct interaction with the chef, and moments that feel intimate and unrepeatable. This personalised approach is partly why Perth’s sushi and sashimi restaurants have developed a loyal local following. The more transparent the preparation, the deeper the trust built between chef and guest.

Samosorn Thai Sydney

SydneyCouncil of the City of SydneyNew South Wales

Central Plaza Food Court 5050 Pitt St, Myer, 436 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

3. Local Stories and Signature Tastes That Define Perth

What makes Perth’s Japanese dining scene particularly compelling is its relationship with the region’s coastline. Western Australia’s seafood is known globally for its clarity of flavour, partly due to the state's vast ocean environments and sustainable fishing practices. Local chefs often highlight this by serving sashimi that emphasises natural taste rather than heavy seasoning or sauces.

One example many long-time diners recall is the rise of “WA kingfish sashimi with finger lime pearls,” a dish that turned into a miniature trend during the mid-2020s. Its bright citrus burst, paired with the oily richness of kingfish, became synonymous with Perth’s identity—modern, clean, playful, and deeply tied to regional produce. This signature style allowed the city to distinguish itself from the more traditional offerings seen on Australia’s east coast.

Stories like these help diners understand why Perth’s sushi and sashimi scene feels so personal. Many restaurants remain family-run, with menus shaped by generational techniques and local inspirations. Some chefs even share tales of early-morning visits to Fremantle fishing docks, recounting how they choose the perfect fish for the day based on smell, resistance, and the way the scales glisten in the morning light. These glimpses behind the scenes add warmth and authenticity that modern diners appreciate.

4. Where to Explore More Premium Sushi and Sashimi Choices

For anyone planning a deeper journey into Perth’s finest raw-seafood experiences, exploring regularly updated recommendations can be incredibly helpful. Dining trends change quickly, with new omakase bars opening and established venues refining their menus based on seasonal catches. If you want well-curated suggestions for restaurants, premium seafood selections, or complementary services, visiting Sydney Eats Explorer is an excellent way to discover options best matched to your taste and expectations.

The platform’s tailored insights make it easier for diners—whether locals or travellers—to navigate the evolving food landscape. Especially for those who value premium seafood, having reliable guidance helps ensure each dining experience feels intentional, memorable, and truly worth the journey.