After hearing about Sushi PURE from enough friends that it started to feel intentional, my wife and I finally went in. It had reached that point where people were no longer casually recommending it. They were insisting. Best sushi in Eugene. Don’t wait any longer. Somehow, despite driving past the area countless times, we had managed to put it off until now.
The entrance is easy to miss, which almost feels fitting for a place that lets the food do the talking. Inside, the atmosphere immediately settles you. It is laid back and cozy without feeling sleepy. Warm lighting, a calm hum of conversation, and a space that invites you to slow down instead of rush through your meal. It felt like a place built for lingering, the kind of restaurant where time stretches just enough that you stop checking it.
That feeling of ease is rooted in the people behind the counter. Sushi Pure is family owned and operated, founded by Preston Shin, who trained for years under his uncle in California before bringing his family’s recipes and his own originals back to Eugene. He is also a University of Oregon graduate, which adds a quiet local connection to the place.
Alongside him is Takayuki, a sushi chef from Japan who brings a deep respect for traditional Japanese flavors, and Federico, who began at Sushi Pure as a sushi helper after moving to the United States in 2008 and has grown into an exceptional chef over the past seventeen years. You can feel that continuity here. This is not a revolving door kind of restaurant. It is built on people who stay.
We started with appetizers, ordering edamame and a shrimp appetizer that disappeared faster than expected. Both were fresh, simple, and clearly handled with care. The kind of starters that warm you up and quietly signal that you made the right choice coming in. Nothing flashy. Just well done.
When it came time to order rolls, I already knew what I wanted. A friend had insisted I try the Victoria’s Secret roll, and I am glad I listened. It was balanced, generous, and deeply satisfying. One of those rolls where each bite works, and you find yourself slowing down to appreciate it. It immediately earned a spot on my mental list of things I would order again without hesitation.
Looking around the menu, it is easy to see why people keep coming back. Rolls like the Yakuza, the Geisha, and the Oregon Dragon stand out as favorites for a reason, each offering a different take without drifting into gimmicky territory. There is depth here, from traditional rolls and hand rolls to chef driven specialties and izakaya style dishes that reward repeat visits.
Our waitress took excellent care of us throughout the evening. Attentive, thoughtful, and genuinely kind. She made recommendations, checked in at just the right moments, and helped set the tone for a meal that never felt rushed. That kind of service stays with you. It turns a good dinner into a memorable one.
By the time we left, it was clear why Sushi Pure has built such a loyal following. It is not just about great sushi. It is about consistency, care, and people who take pride in what they are doing. We did not leave wondering if we would come back. We left talking about what we would try next.
If you are planning a visit, here is everything you need to know.
Sushi Pure
296 E 5th Ave, Suite 220
Eugene, OR 97401
Phone
541 654 0608
Website
https://sushipureeugene.com/index.html
Business Hours
Monday: 11:00–2:30 and 5:00–9:30
Tuesday: 11:00–2:30 and 5:00–9:30
Wednesday: 11:00–2:30 and 5:00–9:30
Thursday: 11:00–2:30 and 5:00–9:30
Friday: 11:00–2:30 and 5:00–9:30
Saturday: 12:00–9:30
Sunday: 5:00–9:00
Late night izakaya hours started in January of 2026
Thursday through Saturday: 9:00–12:00
