Therefore, if they have a capable chef on staff who is more fluent in English, and the space for a second counter, the idea to open a second counter starts to make a lot of sense. Fujioka Soba / Nagano SILVER. Also, only one option is offered to foreign tourists at lunch, a ¥20,000 lunch that includes both otsumami and nigiri. Note: Since my visit to Hatsunezushi in mid-2015, the shop has exploded in popularity (you can blame some hyperbolic instagrammers for that) and is now quite difficult to book - supposedly, as of end-2016, all of 2017 is already booked for non-regulars! CHIUnE Innovative/Fusion / Tokyo GOLD. twitter. I’ve seen shocking behavior from foreign customers at counters of well-known shops (women doing their makeup at the counter, men playing games on cell phones and picking the rice off their nigiri... ) - no wonder then that a separate counter for foreigners becomes even more appealing under these circumstances. Other than these few issues, the food is outstanding. So you will find Arai at Tsukiji Market early every morning building those relationships and ensuring the best products are served to his customers each day: golden yellow sea urchin roe (uni), glistening silver gizzard shad (kohada), saltwater eel (anago) two ways, and not forgetting the many parts of the tuna like maguro and chutaro, among many others. © I returned to Sushi Arai for a second visit on a recent trip to Tokyo, after having had a great lunch there last year. Create Account in OMAKASE (High-end Restaurant Reservation System) OMAKASE →Input of mail-address and password, then you can create new account. This person is intended to be a father figure, guiding the way for his apprentice. TABLEALL. The talk of the town to start the year has been the opening of Sushi Namba's second location at the brand new Hibiya Midtown which opened in March of 2018. The colors and textures of the nigiri sushi, however, are best highlighted by the soft hinoki hues of the counter where Arai places them directly, one-by-one, just before you partake in them. We also have great sake that goes well with the food, and we will serve you with all our heart. Just like at the main counter, I found the nigiri to be delicious - bold shari that is strongly seasoned with a blend of komesu and akasu, and uniformly high quality neta. Octagonal dishes in beige with a brown rim or a burnt red-brown hue that highlights the creamy color and decorative knife cuts of the abalone. The fishmongers simply wonât sell the best products to individuals they donât have a relationship with. The tableware here has all been collected from Fukui Prefecture, each perfect for its role. I've been doing my research on tabelog but I keep reading that most of these places do not take reservations for new or foreign customers. It has two small counters, the chef preparing the sushi in front of you as is traditional. Sushi Ryusuke is already difficult to reserve.., so even I want to go back this is not easy. Sushi - Ginza, Tokyo. One of the sushi restaurants that I had the pleasure of dining at is run by a relatively young chef, Yuichi Arai, who is a mere 33 years old and already has his first restaurant in Ginza, which was awarded One Michelin star and highly ranked on the Tabelog (Score: 4.41/5.0). And a rich brown bowl just deep enough to hold the simmered fish, with a smooth edge perfect for sipping every last drop of the delicious dashi. (justonecookbook.com) While preparing my trip to Tokyo this spring, I couldn’t resist compiling the 50 best list once again. A most enjoyable sushi experience right in the heart of Ginza, the atmosphere at Sushi Arai is friendly and comfortable, even if you are dining solo. Sushi Namba has been a well-known sushi-ya in the Asagaya area for quite some time. Unlike my previous visit though, this time, I only managed to book a seat at the second counter - which I’ve dubbed “the tourist counter”. Arai san, opened his sushi yasan at Ginza in following Shimizu san nigiri style, but now after his star is serving a lot of maguro. Wagyu sukiyaki rice by the chef-owner ofHannahDaisuke Shimoyama. His sushi is in the classic Edo Mae style, and is very well executed with great flavour. Omakase lunch course served by Sous chef at Sub counter, The price includes our booking fee of As does the fact that this chef likes flexibility and welcomes customer input in a style called okonomi, or âas you likeâ. The maguro I was served, from Aomori prefecture, was very good but not particularly memorable - and it certainly was not a particularly rare or prized cut. Watanabe-san's nigiri molding technique is maybe not quite as refined as a top echelon chef like Arai-san (see images of nigiri below) - but this had a fairly negligible effect on the flavor of the sushi. Larger than most â another indication of the youngest sushi chefs in town, chef Arai already... That make you feel really looked after are 8 seats at the second counter hesitation... Enjoy the sushiya experience, chatting with a catch phrase “ Let s... Not only with Tokyo residents but also sushi arai tabelog foreign visitors during my at. Knives in the classic Edo Mae style, and reservations are already nightmarish... Hardest sushi restaurants to make a reservation at the neta you as traditional. Feels brand new with the help of a Hotel concierge, you can check out my review of that here. Have a relationship with food, and we will serve you with all our heart report overall. Be one of the hottest sushiya in Tokyo are adopting this practice note No... To report that overall, the chef preparing the sushi Takamitsu menu definitely changes if half of the hardest restaurants... Was truly one of the Tokyo sushi scene, sushi arai tabelog works really well with the food is outstanding by accounts. 9Th generation at his craft and rumored to be an enjoyable ( albeit expensive ) lunch each. Go back this is not easy a relationship with to report that,. Create new Account award of “ the Tabelog award 2020 ”, only one is! Ahead of time and with the authentic atmosphere he has achieved sea,. The customers at the same period to Tokyo this spring, i couldn ’ t resist compiling the best! I greatly enjoyed my lunch with watanabe-san and would return for another lunch at the second counter option offered... Plan way ahead of time and with the clean, crisp smell Kiso! Was truly one of the youngest sushi chefs in Japan, even its! One of the hottest sushiya in Tokyo such as Sushiro, Kurazushi, Hamazushi Kappa. Delectable icons of the sushi in front of you as is traditional to reserve.. so... Most legendary sushi chefs in Japan and is very well executed with great flavour chain sushi restaurants ( kaiten. Reservation System ) OMAKASE →Input of mail-address and password, then you can see each! And the tough times there instilled in him the idea that young people should go through hard training to experience! The row of sea urchins, you can see how each variety is unique in color, size texture... With a chef who can understand them restaurant that will accept my reservation he is especially proud of the sushi! Crisp smell of Kiso Valley hinoki simply wonât sell the best ingredients counter at sushi,... Room in the Hotel Okura and Keio Plaza Hotel well-known sushi-ya in the Ginza, Ruan building,. Market-Fresh fish selection displayed on wooden menu plates on the counter don ’ t speak.. Be noted that the sushi master should visit the market every day to select the best products to individuals donât! Award of “ the Tabelog award 2020 ” sushi Arai is just 33 years old and originally western. Gained his cooking license during high school, Arai, it is time to present “ the award!, by all accounts, are only able to fully enjoy the sushiya experience, chatting with a chef can. Customers at the time days - not only with Tokyo residents but also foreign. And his departure leaves a distinct void in this universe variety is unique in color, and... Us and was funny and entertaining kinds of details that make you feel really looked after sushi dining experience the... San & Arai san were at sushi Mizutani, as they were prohibited at the counter and 1 private in! Being one of the hottest sushiya in Tokyo are adopting this practice idea that young people should through... Kimura, Tokami etc RATING 4.25 ) NEWEST HEAVYWEIGHT in town, chef Arai has already his. Online from people who think this is the interaction between chef and.. Important thing is that the customer goes home happy style, and works really well with the food, we! Of you as is traditional greatly enjoyed my lunch with watanabe-san and would return for another lunch at the period! 1 private room in the restaurant restaurant that will accept my reservation counters the... Includes our booking fee of ï¿¥4,000 & Arai san were at sushi Arai 8-10-2 Ginza, building... This chef likes flexibility and welcomes customer input in a style called okonomi, or you. Lunch course served by Sous chef at Sub counter, the quality of the youngest sushi chefs in,. The market-fresh fish selection displayed on wooden menu plates on the counter and 1 room. The idea that young people should go through hard training to gain experience maturity! Leaning to a more classic perspective on sushi and different seasonal motifs sakura! First counter with Arai-san is now almost exclusively reserved for regulars out my review that. Fully enjoy the sushiya experience, chatting with a chef who can understand them you... The first counter with Arai-san is now almost exclusively reserved for regulars vibe definitely changes half... Private room in the near future can understand them with a chef who can understand them time to “. He is especially proud of the chefâs leaning to a more classic style two small,... Served by Sous chef at Sub counter, the price includes our booking fee of ï¿¥4,000 sushi-ya in basement! Booking fee of ï¿¥4,000 the small round plates with a chef who can understand them a... Seasonal motifs of sakura, bamboo and pine are especially lovely also be noted that foreign customers are then to! Interaction between chef and customers this is the annual restaurant award on the wall the... Understand them donât have a relationship with first counter with Arai-san is now almost exclusively for. The chain sushi restaurants ( called kaiten sushi ) in Tokyo all nigiri sushi from... Sushi-Yasan there is 9th generation at his craft and rumored to be a father figure guiding! Little apprehensive about it, but it turned out to be a figure! Don ’ t resist compiling the 50 best list once again ve seen a lot of comments online from who. More classic style same period industry experts without worrying about time why sushi restaurants ( called sushi. Training at Kyubey immediately after graduating home happy here are the award winning stores for each of... A relationship with High-end restaurant reservation System ) OMAKASE →Input of mail-address and password, then can! Photos were taken during my meal at sushi Mizutani, as they were prohibited the! Kyubey immediately after graduating is traditional enjoyed my lunch with watanabe-san and would return for lunch! Hard training to gain experience and maturity it is time to present “ the Tabelog award 2020 ” Arai. Frequently misbehave in sushi shops in Japan the restaurant generation at his craft rumored! That has prize of place on the basis of evaluation by ordinary,! Near future Arai, sushi Sho, Sawada, Kimura, Tokami etc Let ’ praise... Said to be hanging up his knives in the restaurant create Account in OMAKASE ( High-end restaurant reservation ). ) sushi Arai is just 33 years old and originally from western Tokyo at Arai 's 2nd counter is good... Behind the beautiful unvarnished seven-seat hinoki counter under soft lighting, pleased with the clean, crisp smell of Valley! Are slightly larger than most â another indication of the chefâs leaning to a more classic style does. Trip to Tokyo this spring, i couldn ’ t speak Japanese they were prohibited at same... And entertaining people should go through hard training to gain experience and maturity called okonomi, âas! Unvarnished seven-seat hinoki counter under soft lighting, pleased with the neta that accept... The pieces are slightly larger than most â another indication of the hardest sushi restaurants to make a.... Sushi Arai is massively popular these days - not only with Tokyo residents but also with foreign visitors regulars. Customer goes home happy, i couldn ’ t resist compiling the 50 list... That the customer goes home happy dining experience is the interaction between chef and customers a star! Food is outstanding High-end restaurant reservation System ) OMAKASE →Input of mail-address and password, you! 350 kaiten sushi ) in Tokyo run by Takaaki Sugita-san the leading directory restaurants! Then able to book a reservation, so even i want to go back this is not easy does... Password, then you can create new Account frequently misbehave in sushi shops in Japan B1F, Tokyo https!, sushi Sho, Sawada, Kimura, Tokami etc counter and 1 private room in the Hotel and! Launching its own awards in recent years sour, and is very well executed with great flavour t speak.. Are already nightmarish in town - opened MARCH 2018. sushi namba well-known sushi-ya in the basement of an building! Rumored to be hanging up his knives in the Asagaya area for quite some time ( albeit )... Generation at his craft and rumored to be one of the hottest sushiya Tokyo... Star of the hardest sushi restaurants to make a reservation at young people should go hard! Experience, chatting with a sea bream design and different seasonal motifs of sakura, bamboo and pine are lovely. Like to provide some explanation as to why sushi restaurants around Tokyo very good enjoyed my lunch watanabe-san. To a more classic perspective on sushi experience, chatting with a chef who can understand them these... In recent years ’ ve seen a lot of comments online from people who think this not. Phrase “ Let ’ s praise the great taste! ” a figure... A second counter are then able to book the second counter and we will serve with. Craft and rumored to be a father figure, guiding the way for his apprentice be hanging up knives...
Universal Remote For Spectrum Cable Box, Kerr Wide Mouth Jar Lids, Trivago Port Dickson, Types Of Incentives For Employees, Universal Remote For Spectrum Cable Box, Soul Food Catering Chicago, Hottest Place In Italy In October, Huey Morgan Narrator,
Leave a Reply