Few people know that sushi ranks among the most popular takeaway choices in Ukraine. Yet this is exactly the story behind Samurai Sushi, located at 11 Leonidou Street in Harilaou, Thessaloniki.

For Nikita, the restaurant’s owner, sushi has always been much more than a favourite meal—it was an essential part of everyday life back home. After moving to Thessaloniki, he found himself searching for the same dining experience he had left behind.

Although he visited several sushi restaurants across the city, something always seemed to be missing. When he later teamed up with his business partner, who relocated from Germany, they decided to create the kind of sushi restaurant they themselves had been looking for. Their goal wasn’t simply to offer different flavours, but to introduce the philosophy of sushi they had grown up with.

As both a professional chef and a lifelong sushi enthusiast, Nikita was used to generous portions at fair prices, clean and well-balanced flavours, and recipes that allowed every ingredient to shine instead of overwhelming the palate with unnecessary extras. Together, the two partners brought that vision to life with the launch of Samurai Sushi.

Bigger portions, creative recipes

Samurai Sushi first opened its doors in late February 2026, following an idea that had been developing for nearly two years.

After carefully studying the local market, the partners realised there was room for a different approach—mainly because it was something they personally missed. Their concept centres around larger portions without inflated prices, premium-quality ingredients, and thoughtfully crafted recipes where each component plays its own distinctive role.

Rather than opening just another sushi restaurant, their ambition was to introduce Greek diners to the authentic sushi experience they had always enjoyed themselves.

From timeless sushi classics…

This philosophy is reflected throughout the menu. The Philadelphia Salmon Roll remains one of the restaurant’s signature favourites, perfectly balancing fresh salmon with crisp cucumber and smooth cream cheese.

The Fried Rolls and Baked Rolls offer a warm, comforting twist on traditional sushi, while the restaurant’s handmade Tempura Prawns, prepared fresh in-house, have quickly become one of the menu’s biggest crowd-pleasers thanks to their perfectly crisp coating and succulent centre.

…to sushi inspired by street food

Among Samurai Sushi’s most distinctive creations is the Sushi Giro—a concept that, as far as we know, can only be found in Athens and now in Thessaloniki.

Rice, prawns, fresh vegetables, signature sauces and crispy tempura prawns are wrapped in nori, shaped like a Greek pita and served in a way that takes inspiration from the country’s iconic gyros wrap. The result is an inventive street food interpretation of sushi that is both familiar and completely unique.

The same creative spirit is behind the Sushi Burger, which combines fresh salmon, vegetables, cream cheese and crunchy textures in an original alternative to classic sushi rolls.

For those looking beyond sushi, the Tom Yum Shrimp Soup offers another standout option. Made with coconut milk, prawns, squid, mussels and a fragrant broth, it delivers a rich and comforting dining experience that fans of Asian soups are sure to appreciate.

To finish on a sweet note, guests can enjoy crispy dessert spring rolls filled with caramelised banana and topped with sour cherry syrup.

The drinks selection includes premium tsipouro, carefully chosen wines, and cocktails coming soon.

A different philosophy of sushi

Whether dining in, ordering takeaway or using the restaurant’s delivery service, Samurai Sushi continues to introduce Thessaloniki to a fresh interpretation of Japanese cuisine.

Inspired by personal memories, shaped by professional expertise and built around a simple philosophy—more sushi, more creativity and uncompromising quality—the restaurant offers generous portions designed to satisfy even the most dedicated sushi lovers. It is a place that has already built a loyal following among locals.

Tip 1: Samurai Sushi is open daily from 3:30 pm until 11:30 pm.

Tip 2: Orders can also be placed online through efood, Wolt, and Box.