What Is Sashimi Grade Fish? (And Why It Matters Where You Buy It)

If you have ever bought fish described as ‘sashimi grade’ and wondered what that actually means — you are asking exactly the right question. The term is widely used, sometimes loosely, and understanding what it really signifies will change how you shop for fish. At Eddie’s Seafood Market, we have been Edinburgh’s premier supplier of genuine sashimi grade fish since 1986. Here is what the standard actually means, and why it matters

There Is No Official ‘Sashimi Grade’ Certification

The first thing to understand is that ‘sashimi grade’ is not a government-regulated certification or a formal grading system. Unlike beef grades or organic labels, there is no official body that awards a sashimi grade stamp. This means the term is only as meaningful as the supplier using it.

At Eddie’s, when we say sashimi grade, we mean something very specific: fish that has been caught, handled, chilled and transported in a way that makes it genuinely safe and outstanding to eat raw. That means the right species, the right handling from the moment it leaves the water, the right chilling temperature throughout the chain, and the right preparation at our end.

What Genuinely Sashimi Grade Fish Requires

•       Exceptional freshness — the fish must have been caught and handled very recently

•       Correct temperature control throughout the entire supply chain, without interruption

•       Expert knowledge of the supplier — you need to know and trust where the fish came from

•       Species suitability — not all fish is appropriate for raw consumption regardless of freshness

•       Parasite control — certain species must be correctly frozen before being safe to eat raw (UK food safety law applies)

Why Edinburgh Buys Sashimi Grade Fish From Eddie’s

Edinburgh’s sushi restaurants, Japanese chefs, and the city’s most serious home cooks have come to Eddie’s for sashimi grade fish for one reason: we have never compromised on the standard. Our owner Campbell Mickel is a Michelin Bib Gourmand chef. He knows exactly what ‘good enough’ means in a professional kitchen — and he knows it is not good enough at all.

When you buy sashimi grade salmon, tuna or sea bass from Eddie’s, you are buying fish that has been selected, handled and prepared to a standard we would be comfortable serving raw in any restaurant in the city.

How to Buy Sashimi Grade Fish in Edinburgh

Visit us at 7 Roseneath Street in Marchmont, Tuesday to Saturday. Our sashimi grade range is available daily — if you want a specific species or a larger quantity, call ahead on 0131 229 4207 and we will have it ready for you.

Ready to try the real thing? Visit Eddie’s Seafood Market on Roseneath Street, Marchmont — or call 0131 229 4207 to pre-order