With the soft opening of Lakeland's newest sushi place, Sushi Masa, happening Monday, Aug. 28, we’ve got rolls on the brain.

Earlier this year, our readers crowned Palace Pizza as Lakeland's best pizza place. With thousands of votes, comments, and emails, it's safe to say Lakeland is passionate about naming the best eateries. This time around, we're asking you to share your favorite Swan City sushi.

How it works

We will host several voting rounds within our newsletters and social channels to determine Lakeland’s best sushi. Who moves on is up to you. Vote for your favorites, and the sushi place with more votes moves on. Simple as that. We’ll go until we have a champion. You will be able to vote once per round.

Selection Round

In order to get our initial lineup of eight contestants, we need your help. Not sure who to nominate? Check out this list of Lakeland's sushi spots for inspiration. Nominate your favorite sushi restaurant with this survey and stay tuned to learn how to participate in the tournament. The survey will close on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

Round 1

What’s your favorite sushi in Lakeland? | Graphic by 6AM City

Going head-to-head in the first round are:

Vote for your top four sushi places in our survey by Monday, Sept. 4, 2023.

Round 2

Choose your favorite sushi spots to advance to the final round of our bracket | Graphic by 6AM City

We’ve got some readers who are passionate about sushi. After hundreds of votes, here’s who will advance to round three:

Vote for your top two sushi spots in our survey by Sunday, Sept. 10.

Round 3

Crown your winner by voting in our survey. | Graphic via 6AM City

Things are heating up in Swan City. New Moon Sushi and Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi are going head to head to be crowned the champion of Lakeland’s sushi scene.

As much as we love to crown a winner, you can't go wrong at any of the establishments Lakeland voted for in our initial bracket. In honor of our final bracket round, here's what you can't miss at all eight sushi spots.

Head to New Moon Sushi for Japanese craft beers and the Lakeland Roll: A shrimp tempura and cream cheese roll baked with spicy krab delight on top, finished with eel sauce, masago, scallions, and crispy rice balls.
Fancy Q Sushi & Thai has a fan in @miranda.fuller90, who said "Fancy Q is superior! Not only is everything amazing, their service is phenomenal!"
Nicolas L. recommends the Japanese Bagel Roll at Gosh! Asian Bistro & Sushi; it's filled with fresh salmon and cream cheese.
One follower encouraged others to give Scream'n Tuna Sushi a shot in round one of our bracket. According to @aaronmarshmusic, "they have upped their game so much recently."
Never been to Spice Thai & Sushi? According to @toribrady, "Spice is IT! So underrated but always slaps! And the vibes are always nice! And sparkly tables."
Try Matthew V.'s favorite roll from Thai Oishi in Lakeside Village: The Drama Queen Roll. Pro tip — grab your bite to go and see a movie at the CMX Lakeside Village 18 & IMAX.
If you're ordering at Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi, Rosie A. says "The Kiss Me app was the BEST thing I had here, so I would highly recommend it if you like sashimi."
Publix has $5 sushi on Wednesdays. Shop the deal at any Publix location, including Publix GreenWise Market.

Now that you're good and hungry, send your pick to the finish line by voting in our final poll now through Sunday, Sept. 17.

Winner

The votes are in, and New Moon Sushi is our champion. | Graphic via 6AM City

The votes are in, Lakeland. After a heated battle, New Moon Sushi has been named the best sushi in Lakeland by our readers.

Celebrate the win by stopping by 4231 S. Florida Ave. for a roll or two. City Editor Connor always has to get the Bahama roll, and City Editor Rilee opts for the salmon teriyaki box.

Congrats, New Moon.