We had a fabulous meal there last night! This is a intimate, relaxed and highly authentic spot for super fresh sushi. Warm service. It was also great value for money. We'll definitely be back! read more

From the outside, this small Japanese restaurant doesn't look like much, but what it lacks in appearance it makes up for in taste. Located on Light St. in Federal Hill, it is within walking distance of the Harbor and downtown Baltimore. The inside of the restaurant is cozy - with seating for only about 20-25 people at a time. The decor is modest, but the atmosphere is still very comfortable. The sushi chef (who I think is also the owner) works behind the bar in the center of the restaurant. Though this was my first time there, the friend that I went with was a regular and quickly struck up a conversation with the staff. The sushi was amazing and the selection was fantastic. The miso soup is delicious (and priced well at $1.75 for a good sized portion). They also make a great Sashimi salad that has fresh raw salmon, tuna, and yellow tail in a soy-based sauce with noodles, avocado, and wasabi. From the sushi menu, my friend told me that everything is good and recommended the spicy tuna and spicy salmon rolls. Being afraid of the spicy recommendations, I had the shrimp tempura roll with avocado, the Philly roll, and the Horizon Roll (which had tuna, salmon, red snapper on the outside & masago, avocado, and asparagus inside). Everything was delicious and the presentation, while modest, was very nice. Even though we went at 8 p.m. on a Saturday night, we were seated right away (though I was told that the later in the night it gets the more chance you have of encountering a wait). The service was excellent and within 5 minutes of getting seated we had already put in our drink orders. The prices were reasonable and dinner for two ran about $40 with tip. I highly recommend this place and cannot wait to go back and bring some other friends along! read more

Quality? Good (check). Prices? Very reasonable (check). Service? Just the owner that night, who is very sweet (check). So the New Yorker in me was completely baffled as to why is this place almost empty when everywhere around is has a 1-2 hour wait? Take this restaurant, transplant it to New York, and it would likely command a 30 minute wait time on Saturday evenings. Regardless, this place is GOOD. The chef's homemade spicy sauce used on the spicy rolls were excellent (actually hot too!) and the fish was very fresh. Portions were more than generous. There was a little more than necessary rice, but the rice itself was very good too so I didn't mind that much. If I lived in Baltimore, this may help feed my once a week sushi habit. But alas, I do not, so Baltimoreans, take advantage of this place! read more

I came here with my boss and his boss after a conference at the convention center in downtown Baltimore. It was a not bad walk, so it seems the location is quite nice. The neighborhood that this restaurant is situated in is truly cute as hell and I hope I can get back to Baltimore at one time or another to explore more of that part of town. Walking it, the seating area is on the smaller side, but it still offers a fair amount of seats. There is wine and beer in a fridge near the front of the restaurant, so it's not quite BYOB. The man who waited on our table was the same man who made our sushi. It came out very quickly, the miso soup was absolutely killer and the salads were very VERY fresh. The sushi and sashimi came out in a wonderful display with the sashimi coming out on what appeared to be a large sea vessel. Absolutely adorable and set a good mood for the meal. The sushi and the sashimi were killer top to bottom. All fresh, all very delicately placed on the plates for us and all neatly put together and in HUGE quantities. Couldn't ask for a better place tucked away near the harbor. read more

Out of all the sushi I've had (and I've had a lot), this is my favorite place!! Not only is the food amazing, but the people are very friendly!! read more

This is a gem in the city. My family friends and I usually drive up about half an hour North to Cockeysville for sushi because we didn't think other good sushi places existed. Today's experience changes everything. They have just about the best chirashi I've had in a long time and their appetizers are also phenomenal. Tempura comes out super crispy and not at all greasy. The fish all taste super fresh, the cooked fish is perfect, and the sushi rice is just the right amount of sweet and savory. I am so happy to have found this place and will for sure return soon! No more 30 minute drives for great sushi for me! read more

This is by far the best sushi place in Baltimore. I highly recommend the house salad, spicy philly, Kiku special, hamachi special, and dynamite rolls. They are all absolutely spectacular. Every time I'm in Baltimore I stop by and I am never disappointed. If I lived in the area, I would live on light street just so I could go eat here every day. The owner is the nicest guy, with such a knack for his craft. If you don't try this place, you're seriously missing out. It is unparalleled in quality, taste, and creativity. read more

Kiku Sushi - Dynamite, spicy philly, spicy tuna, and Hamachi special rolls! Amazing! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

As a former sushi chef, I give this place my full seal of approval. The quality of the fish is excellent and the technique of the rolls shows the chef/owner is a real pro. Not too much rice and and the proportion of ingredients inside is perfect. One example of how Kiku stands out is the spicy tuna roll. Rather than a mashed up mix of minced toro and hot sauce, they use whole slices of lovely tuna and a really yummy Sriracha aioli! that's the way I used to make it back in the day and it is superior to any other version. It's not a huge place, but it's cozy and the atmosphere is homey and welcoming and the owner is VERY friendly! And to round it all out, the prices are really, really good. We got four rolls and it was only around $25. GO ASAP! read more

Fresh fish. They even added a few extra nigiri to my order. This will be my new spot.

It's not like Kiku is bad. I've never had a horrible experience there. It's just always kinda 'meh." I guess my point is this: I've never been to Kiku Sushi because I'm all like, "Man I am craving some Kiku right about now!" The five times I've been are for the following reasons: -Wait at Thai Arroy was too long -Wait at Abbey Burger was too long -Home Slyce was not as nearby as we thought -Federal Hill Festival food was too overpriced -Saw someone we knew in the window who offered to buy us saki That alone should give you a clue that there are much better places to grab food in Federal Hill. Personally, I think Matsuri is a lot better. I end up at Kiku because there is never a wait and they have some good specials. The other day I got soup, salad, and four rolls for $12.95. Not too shabby. The sushi is OK. Not too flavorful. Fresh enough. Nothing special. No frills. Just one waitress and its always the same lady. I think her husband must be the sushi chef. If you need a quick meal and are craving sushi, Kiku will do the trick. I just don't think its a destination with the abundance of great sushi not too far away (I'm lookin' at you Sticky Rice!) read more

I was really looking forward to this place because it came highly recommended. But I was completely disappointed. I ordered edamame -- they came out nearly 15 minutes later completely soggy, like old beans had been re-boiled. I ordered the daily sushi special, which came with salad and soup. The soup and salad were nice -- the soup even had bits of tofu in it and some seaweed. The waitress completely forgot my friend's soda, even though we were only one of 3 tables in the place. The sodas weren't fountain drinks, but instead were plastic Coca-cola bottles. Let's just say I rarely never finish off a plate of sushi. I love sushi so much I will find room for it in my stomach if and when possible. But of the 3 rolls I ordered, I left 2 on the plate. The California roll was okay, but the spicy tuna and the spicy salmon were not. First, I didn't order those rolls -- I ordered a rainbow roll special -- which I'm sure I said fairly clearly to the waitress. But when it comes to sushi, I don't mind that much, and I didn't complain when she brought the wrong dinner. But the spicy rolls were just disgusting. It had a horribly fishy taste -- it definitely tasted off -- and the "spice" was just sort of dabbed on to the end of the rolls, not actually mixed into the fish. I really hope that this isn't typical for this place, and I'd try it again based on others' reviews, but this one visit was pretty horrible. read more

Best sushi ever. We go here every Friday. Everyone is so nice. Servings are generous. Best place to get sushi in Baltimore, and we have tried them all. read more

The Good: Kiku sushi has become our go to sushi spot since moving to Baltimore. There were a lot of misses at other places before finding Kiku. The napkin art work on the walls are a cool decorative touch that took a couple visits to actually notice. Tori, owner/chef, reminds me of Hattori Hanzo from Kill Bill, and he is a skilled chef. I have only ordered the nigiri and sashimi. The ratio of rice to fish is perfect; he does not put any wasabi on the nigiri and with the quality and freshness of the fish you don't need it. The Bad: It is a one man operation and if you happen to go when it is busy you are going to have to wait. Let's say you show up starving and there are two tables ahead of you, grab a 22 oz Sapporo beer out of the fridge and check out the napkin art work on the walls. The Ugly: Parking can be a pain in the ass depending on how busy it is on Light. read more

This is my go to sushi restaurant, lots of competition in Federal Hill. It is great, family owned, very friendly. Great food very fresh, and delicious. read more

They are generous with fish unlike other sushi places, even on the side ginger and wasabi. First order and happy with the food.

I'm in town for the day and wasn't feeling great so I just wanted some simple sushi ( I know not what most people want when sick). Anyway the place was cozy and they had a very large selection of sushi. My roll I can't remember what exactly I got.. but it was really good. My only gripe is as others have said.. this place was crazy slow. I knew this going in and thought I'd be ok since I had no place to go, but it was slow even with those expectations. It got to the point where I actually just got up and walked over to the table where my waitress was watching TV and asked for the check. I was 100% sure she wasn't coming over to ask any time soon. read more

I've lived in Fed Hill for about 2 years now, about a block from this place and am just now trying it for the first time. Came down for lunch today. It's legit. Top quality sushi and reasonable prices. Friendly owners too. Surprised no one I know has really talked this place up yet. And this is the first time I've ever been inspired to write a positive Yelp review about food! read more

Kiku has been my go-to sushi place for the past two years. Always excellent service and food. Lately I have even been getting extra food with my meal for no charge. The rice is to die for and the salmon cannot be beat. Great prices for the area. read more

Great prices and great food. The menu items are creative. If I'm ever back in Baltimore, I would come back here. I only give 4 stars because the service was a little inattentive. read more

This place surprised me - the food is excellent. It's a pretty small place, which is fitting with the decor. The owner is super nice and runs everything himself. Rolls are very fresh, and very flavorful especially if you like spicy food. This dude's home-made spicy sauce is awesome, and the portions are generous too. Spicy salmon and Hamachi Special rolls were my favorite read more

Kiku Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

Wow! We go to sushi all the time and tonight we decided to try a new spot! Sunday night at 6:30 we came in sat and had our appetizers in 5 min. Cold beer DELICIOUS SEAWEED SALAD Sushi was amazing The owner is the chef which I think is very fun! GREAT FOR A DATE NIGHT very quiet and friendly service read more

Fresh and delicious. Literally a one man operation. I was fortunate to be the only customer, but I imagine if it gets busy (which it must!) it could take a while. I tried the red snapper and yellow tail sushi, spicy tuna roll, and the house special horizon roll. Horizon was outstanding. Grab a beer from the fridge as you walk in and enjoy! read more

"Hole is the wall sushi?" they questioned "wait and see, its not what you think, its better" i said. This one man show, is just what we were looking for in a sushi place. I advise you don't go starving and that you order an app. the pot stickers are great, and the seaweed salad is addictive. I loved that you are able to choose your level of spicy on the spicy rolls, this is a perfect place to admire 16 year old polaroid pics while drinking a beer. read more

One of the best levels of service when it comes to personal service! The food was equally impressive. Definitely have to eat there to experience local sushi that's reasonably priced with excellent quality read more

Great local spot. Fish is very fresh. Menu has a few delicious classic items but a lot more featuring shrimp and avocado. The husband and wife duo that run the shop are very friendly. He may even offer you extra sauces to try and ask your opinion! read more

Came here with my fiancé for a mid-week dinner date. It's under new ownership and the new owners are pretty awesome and very nice. It was cold and rainy outside and they gave a complimentary bowl of miso soup for each of us which was very nice of them! I've been craving some good sushi and this place did not disappoint! Everything was great. It was fresh and definitely fulfilled my craving. I would come here again in a heartbeat! read more

I am shocked at all the positive reviews. Went here twice - both experiences were PAINFULLY slow... because the owner is also the sushi chef. Both times he was the only employee present making dinners for those in the restaurant and those calling in takeout. I understand there was nothing he could have done in that moment, so we patiently waited, however, as a business owner you should see that as a weakness and hire a staff! Due to him being tied up, service was terribly slow and tables were not cleaned off after people left. In addition, there is no ambience. You could hear a pin drop in there. As for the sushi, I thought it was very good. read more

Good prices, great food. Fantastic waitress which was a plus. I walked in with a few friends and was treated very well. Definitely coming back again. read more

I loved the food, the staff there were pleasant and so thoughtful. Everyone at the table said the same. I recommend 10/10

Friendly staff always smiling and ofc food is always 5‍star. Sake is always good with their sashimi. Next time i will try korean larger kloud. I hear its food. P.s restroom is clean. read more

Kiku Sushi - Today special by chef not in the menu. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I went here with my wife's family while on vacation. The service is slow and the decor was a bit dated, but the food is terrific. There is literally only one person working there, so I cut him some slack. The owner is also the sushi chef, cook and waiter. Very friendly man. Notable items The chirashi which was delicious. There was no fake crab meat or egg. All fish. Udon noodles - the broth was flavorful. The kids loved it. Spicy tuna handroll - the tuna is not made into paste form. He uses whole pieces of tuna. Eel on rice - the eel was very tender not like what you find in other places. read more

Why would you write on your website that you close at 10:30 but won't take an order at 10:05? When I asked, he said "that's how it goes, sorry." read more

Oh em geee ! This place is really good . I traveled from DC to Baltimore and this was a place that was recommended by a sushi blogger that my wife had conversed with..... long story short the food was awesome and the staff was friendly read more

I try to stop by this place once every few years, since the owner is so, so friendly, and the sushi is done really well. He made this wasabi tuna salad thing that is THE SH*T. Seriously, make sure you order it. Most of the tuna was delicious, and without all the fatty American garbage that more fusion-y sushi places slam into their rolls. read more

This is probably my favorite sushi spot in Baltimore and has quickly become our go-to for a casual dinner out. Delicious food, great service, wonderful atmosphere. The sushi specials are great, as are their soups and noodle dishes. Always leave here with a full and happy belly. read more

See all

If someone told me the best sushi in America was in Baltimore , I'd probably laugh. Then I tried Kiku. I can now confirm that. Kiku has the most fresh and creative sushi I have ever tried. Chef Andy makes each item with love and it shows. I am from Miami and I am definitely flying back to Baltimore to eat at Kiku again. Definitely a must try if you're in the Baltimore area. Hands down best sushi I have ever tried. read more

Kiku Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

I was so ready to fall in love with this place. Good Yelp reviews? Check. Super friendly staff? Check. In and out the door with my carryout within 7 minutes? Definitely check. What could possibly go wrong?! In short, the food. I am really easygoing when it comes to sushi because while I recognize that some is better than others, in general so long as it's not from the supermarket I'll still enjoy it. I got the lunch special with a salmon and spicy tuna roll which also came with 2 side salads. I don't know what exactly was going on with the spicy tuna sauce but it tasted almost fruity and it was grosssss. The salmon would've been fine except that the tuna sauce had gotten all over it so everything was kinda ruined. If I were the kind of person who was capable of throwing away food I would have but instead I just ate half of it and threw the other half in the fridge, pretending I'll eat it later. And as for the salads, well I'm not even sure what I just ate. One was your standard iceberg salad with sesame/soy dressing. No complaints there. But the other was some weird pile of glass noodles and random slices of root vegetables. It was bizarre to say the least and thinking about it makes me gag a little bit. I'm sorry Kiku, I really wanted things to work out between us but we're just not meant to be. read more

Such a great place - by far my favorite sushi place around! The sushi is amazing as the fish is always so fresh! The couple that owns Kiku are the nicest people ever! They're so appreciative of their customers and just want to provide great service and delicious sushi! Will not stop going here. read more

A nice Sushi place that serves good fish. I'm not a huge fan of sushi but these guys keep on making me come back for more every time. I most especially love how friendly these guys out. It's a really nice eating spot. read more

The best sushi I've ever had at the lowest price I've ever had good sushi. The gentleman making the sushi seemed to be the owner. The interior is nothing fancy and is quite small, which I really liked. Just good sushi without the pretense. I would totally be a regular if I lived in the area. read more