Aliu IsaI was invited to dinner at my friend’s place, and when I walked in, I was greeted by the most gorgeous sushi spread.
I saw perfectly rolled maki, delicate nigiri, and sashimi that looked straight out of a high-end restaurant. The rice had just the right texture and the flavors—absolutely mouthwatering.
Naturally, I had to ask, “Where did you order this from?” She just smiled mysteriously and said, “I made them myself!”
I was shook—how did she go from sushi lover to sushi master?! She told me she had taken an amazing sushi-making class in the city that taught her everything from selecting the freshest fish to rolling like a pro.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to make your own sushi (without it falling apart or tasting meh), here are the best sushi-making classes in Toronto!
Sushi Making for the Soul
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Website: https://sushimakingforthesoul.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sushimakingforthesoul/
Address: 37 Advance Rd #105
Hours: Depends on booking
Contact: [email protected]
Since 2008, Sushi Making for the Soul has built a cult following for a reason. Led by TV personality and award-winning chef Sang Kim, this hands-on experience is all about stoking your inner sushi master—no experience needed.
Try their Makimono Class, an interactive session that teaches you how to make (and, of course, eat) six classic sushi rolls, step by step. Got dietary preferences? No worries—the class offers a vegan-friendly option too.
You can add on specialty rolls for just $18 each, including the Spicy Salmon Roll, Shrimp Dynamite Roll, or Unagi (Freshwater Eel) Roll. Because come on, there’s no such thing as too much sushi!
As a bonus, the experience includes complimentary parking and a welcome beverage.
Pro Tip:
We recommend grabbing a light snack before you arrive. That’s because you’ll start eating your first roll around 7 PM—trust us, it’s tough to concentrate with a growling stomach!
Cozymeal
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Website: https://www.cozymeal.com/canada/toronto/cooking-classes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozymeal/
Address: 1 Dundas St W #2500
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (437) 266-7555
Cozymeal is known for featuring top local chefs who bring their culinary expertise straight to you. In fact, their Sushi Making Essentials Class with Chef Mike makes rolling sushi easy, interactive, and (most importantly) tasty.
It kicks off with a sesame garlic edamame starter. Then, you’ll learn the secret to perfect sushi rice—because rice can make or break your roll.
You’ll also whip up a spicy mayo condiment to give your sushi that extra kick before crafting your own salmon maki rolls and California rolls.
The class ends on a sweet note with chewy matcha almond cookies, prepared in advance by the chef—yum!
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to bring your favorite bottle of wine or a few beers to sip on throughout the class—it’ll make the experience even more fun and relaxed!
George Brown College
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Website: https://www.georgebrown.ca/hospitality-culinary-arts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbcchca/
Address: 300 Adelaide St E
Hours: Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 11 PM
Contact Details: (416) 415-2000
George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts is the largest culinary school in Canada, offering top-tier training with expert chefs who work in the industry.
At $468.72, their Sushi-making Course fee includes all the ingredients used in class. It also has over 24 hours of class time, and you’ll learn everything from creating the perfect sushi rice to mastering precise knife cuts.
Here, you’ll learn a wide range of sushi styles, including maki rolls, nigiri, chirashi, and sashimi. And for us, the best part is that you get to work with high-quality ingredients like fresh salmon, tuna, shrimp, crab, and even salmon roe.
As a bonus, you’ll get to experiment with classic sushi staples like wasabi, nori, miso, and umeboshi (Japanese pickled plums).
Pro Tip:
Be sure to come prepared—you’ll need a full George Brown chef uniform, black safety shoes (non-slip and steel toe), and your own tools on the first day of class.
The Chef Upstairs
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Website: https://thechefupstairs.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechefupstairs/
Address: 516 Mt Pleasant Rd
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 544-9221
The Chef Upstairs has a mission—to create memorable, intimate dining experiences through a hands-on cooking class (such as sushi making!) or a special event.
We just love their adult cooking class, Sushi Bar Favourites. During the class, you’ll learn how to prepare some of the most popular sushi bar favorites, including assorted nigiri, sushi rolls, and sashimi using sushi-grade fresh fish.
From slicing fish with precision to assembling beautifully crafted sushi, every step is broken down so you can follow along easily.
We also appreciate their personalized instruction. The chef leading the class will share insider tips and tricks from their own culinary background, helping you perfect techniques that might otherwise take years to master.
Pro Tip:
Don’t stress about keeping up or jotting down notes! At the end of the class, you’ll receive all the recipes via email, so you can recreate your sushi feast at home.
Roll This Way
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Website: https://rollthisway.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollthiswaysushi/
Address: 14 Logan Ave
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact Details: +1 855-447-8744
Roll This Way is known for sushi catering, karaoke nights (which they dubbed as ‘sushioke’), and cooking classes. In fact, they’ve even been voted Best Cooking Classes in Toronto by Food Network Canada!
We recommend signing up for their fun Sushi Making 101 class. Held weekly, it runs for about 90 minutes, plus eating time, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your creations.
Everything you need is provided on a loan basis, including sushi mats, knives, and other essential tools. And if you fall in love with sushi-making, you’ll have the option to purchase tools on-site to continue perfecting your craft at home.
For $60 per person, you’ll make 28 pieces of sushi, covering four styles: Maki, Uramaki (inside-out rolls), Temaki (hand rolls), and Nigiri. We also think it’s cool that the best sushi maker of the night wins a Sushi Making Toolkit valued at $30!
Pro Tip:
Seating is first come, first serve, so if you have any special seating requests, be sure to contact them in advance. They’ll do their best to accommodate, but the earlier you reach out, the better!
Chotto Matte
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Website: https://chotto-matte.com/toronto/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chottomattetor
Address: 161 Bay St.
Hours: Monday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Tue – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 12 AM
Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Sunday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 988-8097
Chotto Matte is known for its lovely decor, Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, and expertly crafted cocktails. And we just recently discovered that they also offer a one-of-a-kind sushi-making class.
If you love sushi and wine, their Sips and Sushi Masterclass is an experience you won’t want to miss. This exclusive, hands-on class is led by Chotto Matte’s Sushi Chef and Head Sommelier.
For $125 per person, you’ll learn the secrets behind sushi-making, from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering knife skills and plating like a pro. Meanwhile, the sommelier will guide you through a perfectly paired wine tasting.
Since seating is very limited, it’s best to reserve your spot in advance.
Pro Tip:
While there’s no strict dress code, you’ll be working hands-on with ingredients, so opt for comfortable, stylish attire that allows you to roll, slice, and sip with ease.
My Place For Dinner
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Website: https://myplacefordinner.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myplacefordinner/
Address: St. Lawrence Market, Between Jarvis and Market Street, Front St E
Hours: Depends on booking
Contact: (416) 465-7112
For a hands-on, no-fuss approach to learning how to make sushi, My Place For Dinner is a fantastic choice. Owned by Debbie Diament, a recipe developer, author, and menu consultant, this cooking school is all about ‘learning by doing.’
Its prime location at St. Lawrence Market is where Debbie hosts sushi-making classes for private and corporate groups of 20-80 people. In fact, big-name clients like Bell, Sobeys, and Ontario Health have taken part in these interactive classes.
For $160 per person, her Sushi Class offers a step-by-step, stress-free approach to preparing authentic sushi. You’ll sip on green tea as you learn how to make miso soup, sushi rice, California rolls, inside-out rolls, as well as tuna and salmon nigiri.
We like that she’s known for breaking down the sushi-making process into simple, easy-to-follow steps, so there’s no need to feel intimidated.
Pro Tip:
If you prefer a more intimate setting, Debbie also offers in-home, three-hour cooking classes. Menus are customized for the occasion, ranging from sushi-making to Moroccan cuisine!
Classpop!
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Website: https://www.classpop.com/ca/toronto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classpopevents/
Address: Toronto
Hours: Depends on booking
Contact: (800) 385-0675
Featured in The New York Post, Wedding Wire, and The Cut, Classpop! connects you with exciting local classes led by top-notch instructors in cities across Canada.
For total beginners or budding sushi chefs, their Learn Classic Japanese Cuisine class with Chef Vinutha is a must-try. He sets up your station with everything you need for sushi-making.
You’ll start by crafting a warming bowl of miso soup. Then, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work on three exquisite types of sushi—note that vegetarian options are available upon request!
Beyond sushi, this experience offers a sweet surprise—you’ll finish the class by making your own mochi ice cream!
Pro Tip:
Dietary restrictions? No problem—just make sure to mention them when booking. Adjustments can’t be made during class, but most restrictions can be accommodated if noted ahead of time.
Funky Chow Kitchen
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Website: https://www.funkychowkitchen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkychowkitchen/
Address: 2090 Wyandotte St E Lower, Windsor
Hours: Mon – Wed: 5 PM – 9 PM
Thursday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Friday: 5 PM – 11 PM
Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Contact Details: (226) 221-9552
If you’re up for a road trip with a side of sushi making, then head on over to Funky Chow Kitchen! Known for their noodle dishes, bao buns, and Japanese fried chicken—this spot also offers interactive cooking classes that are just as exciting as their menu.
Led by Chef John and Chef James, their Sushi-making Class is both educational and entertaining. You’ll start with a demo on how to break down a whole salmon; then, you’ll roll up your sleeves and learn the techniques behind making perfect sushi rolls.
And for the sushi lover in your life, this would be the perfect gift—simply book a gift voucher on their website.
Classes are available on multiple dates, so make sure to book the one that works best for you. And spaces tend to fill up quickly—to secure your spot early!
Pro Tip:
The class costs $50 per person, but if you’re on a budget, you can split the payment into four interest-free installments of $12.50 with Afterpay.
Joyce of Cooking
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Website: http://www.joyceofcooking.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyceofcooking/
Address: Toronto
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – –5 PM
Contact: (905) 818-7828
Joyce of Cooking is a fun and welcoming cooking school that helps kids, youths, and adults gain confidence in the kitchen. They offer group, private, and corporate classes focused on delicious Asian dishes, including sushi.
Speaking of which, their Sushi Making Class is a hands-on experience where you’ll make three classic rolls: California rolls, spicy salmon rolls, and a tuna hand roll. All ingredients are provided, so you can just show up, learn, and enjoy.
Each ticket even includes a free drink, which we really appreciate.
At $75.87 per person, the class runs for an hour and a half. And because of its popularity, spots tend to sell out fast, so be sure to book in advance.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget a take-home container. If you don’t finish all your sushi during class, you can pack up the leftovers and enjoy them later.
