I haven’t always been a sushi person. For years, it felt like an intimidating world of raw fish and fancy rolls I couldn’t pronounce. But after venturing out a bit, I was pretty impressed.

Utah Valley may not be coastal, but you’d be surprised at how vibrant and fresh the sushi scene is here.

Whether you’re new to sushi or a longtime fan, these places offer something special. Not just great food, but great vibes, presentation, and stories behind every roll.

Here are my top picks for some of the best sushi in Utah County:

5. Oishii Sushi

Location: 902 State St, Orem, UT 84057

Oishii Sushi keeps things low-key, but don’t let that fool you. The fish is fresh, the flavors are clean, and the menu features some surprisingly creative sushi rolls. It’s a cozy, humble little spot that delivers big on quality. 

The fish here is fresh, flavorful, and handled with care. We ordered the Otoro Nigiri and were instantly transported. It tasted like a mouthful of ocean, but in the best way possible.

You know that feeling of diving into a wave as a kid and tasting saltwater and sunshine? Yeah, that. It’s simple sushi done right, and sometimes, that’s all you need.

4. Five Sushi Brothers

Location: 445 Freedom Blvd 200 W, Provo, UT 84601

If you want sushi with personality, Five Sushi Brothers is your spot. It’s fun, casual, and full of creativity. We tried the Zachary Binks, a lemon roll with avocado, cucumber, and crab in the center, layered with Atlantic salmon, then topped with lemon slices, green onion, and a drizzle of eel sauce. It was citrusy, light, and absolutely perfect. 

I also ordered fresh salmon nigiri and (of course) gyoza, because I get gyoza with just about every sushi meal. It’s a rule at this point. The vibe here is late-night sushi with your best friends kind of energy.

3. Nori Sushi Bar & Grill

Location: 821 NW State St, American Fork, UT 84003

Nori is sleek, modern, and packed with flavor. It’s great for both sushi newbies and adventurous eaters. We kicked things off with sushi-grade calamari, tempura-fried and paired with a bold chili sauce, and wow, that was a way to start. 

For rolls, we had the Xanax, made with shrimp tempura and cream cheese, topped with smoked salmon and avocado, and the Summer Fling, which stole the show. Picture this: shrimp tempura, avocado, tuna, strawberries, lemon slices, spicy mayo, and eel sauce. Yes, strawberries on sushi.

And yes, it totally worked. Sweet, spicy, fresh. Like summer in a bite.

2. Shoga Sushi Bar

Location: 386 E University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84058

Shoga delivers on both style and substance. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy well-crafted sushi in a chill atmosphere. You can really tell that there’s passion in the art form of sushi making here.

Every piece is thoughtfully prepared and beautifully plated. The vibe is also surprisingly romantic. Soft lighting, intimate seating, and a calm, elegant energy make it a great spot for date night.

One of the coolest things is that you can even choose to let the chef surprise you with whatever he’s feeling that day, which makes for a pleasant and delicious adventure. We went with a classic Vegas Roll, fried with cream cheese, that was rich and satisfying. We also got the Sake Maki, a simple salmon roll, done beautifully. It hit all the right notes.

1. Under Wraps

Location: 1043 S Valley Grove Way Suite F, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062

Under Wraps is a whole vibe. The atmosphere is electric. You’re literally watching anime while eating some of the most beautifully plated sushi in Utah Valley.

We started with pork belly lettuce cups that were next-level. Black garlic BBQ sauce, pickled onions, peanut sesame, and butter lettuce came together in pure magic. 

Then came a shrimp tempura hand roll, some of the most flavorful smokey seared wagyu sashimi I’ve ever tasted, and delicate salmon and striped sea bass nigiri. Every bite was a flavor bomb, and the presentation was absolutely stunning. It’s the kind of place that makes you fall in love with sushi, and honestly, just dining out in general.

Each of these sushi spots brings something unique to the table. Whether it’s bold creativity, traditional craftsmanship, or just pure good vibes, Utah Valley has something to offer every sushi lover.

I found myself craving some of these rolls days after going, which has never really been a thing with sushi and me. So grab your chopsticks, order some gyoza, and dive into an ocean of fishy flavor. You might just surprise yourself like I did.