The great return of the Gambero Rosso Sushi Guide: a tribute to Japanese culinary culture, between traditional techniques and more creative experiments
A shortlist of 223 addresses to savor the quality of the most famous Japanese food in the world. 32 excellences recognized with the Three Wands and 13 Special Awards. The Japanese influence also arrives in Basilicata: there are two addresses in the Guide for an authentic and quality experience, both in the Potenza area
Sushi: perfect combination between the words “su” (vinegar) and “meshi” (rice), an ancient art that has conquered palates all over the world and which is once again celebrated by Gambero Rosso in the new edition of the Sushi Guide 2025. A return awaited by all lovers of Japanese cuisine, after the debut in 2021 and the pause in these years of transformation of Japanese restaurants in Italy also due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Between sushi bars, fusion establishments, fine dining, taverns, take-away and delivery, the Gambero Guide interprets this new scenario with a careful selection of the best places to enjoy the most famous Japanese food in the world: 223 addresses of establishments that have invested in quality and innovation, between authentic flavors, but also more modern influences, for an increasingly popular food that continues to attract new consumers.
“In this volume there are many stories of love for Japanese culture, stories of Japanese who wanted to pass on to our country the great gastronomic heritage of which they are witnesses and stories of Italians, struck by the charm of the cuisine of the Land of the Rising Sun. Our selection seeks to highlight experiences of excellence centered around sushi” explains Pina Sozio, editor of the Guide.
The Three Wands – There are 32 excellent establishments that offer the best sushi options throughout the country: the majority are concentrated in Milan, which has always been a city open to international influences and today is the capital of Japanese cuisine in Italy, one of the first cities in our country to have welcomed Japanese restaurants. Starting from the famous Poporoya sign, from which the history of sushi in Milan began in 1989, with chef Hirazawa Minoru, known as Shiro, who slowly managed to overcome the Italians’ reluctance towards a cuisine that was then mysterious.
What turns out to be a great surprise, however, are regions such as Puglia and Campania, which are more linked to Mediterranean traditions and which have instead witnessed a significant increase in restaurants offering Japanese specialties in recent years, often reinterpreted with a local touch. Molise is absent.
There Basilicata is embracing the wave of Japanese restaurants that have been flourishing in the region in recent years and offering a varied dining experience, while maintaining its identity and deep roots. There are two unmissable addresses in the region:
Sansei Japanese Restaurant in Lavello: inaugurated in 2021, the restaurant is located inside the luxurious San Barbato Resort Spa & Golf, a renowned facility in the area. The menu is rich, ranging from traditional Japanese classics, hot and cold, to dishes revisited with an Italian twist. Friendly and prepared service.
Torii Sushi Restaurant in Potenza: reference point for those who want to eat quality sushi in Potenza. The variety and freshness of the ingredients are evident from the first bite, the ability to link the local raw materials to traditional Japanese cuisine is truly appreciable.
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