From buzzy izakayas to chic kaiseki restaurants, dining in Tokyo is a near-outrageous pleasure. Arguably the best seafood in the world passes through Toyosu Market, and much of that ends up at sushi counters throughout the city that very same day.
With thousands of restaurants slicing up sashimi and rolling maki, there’s something to satisfy sushi lovers of all stripes here. Whether you’re looking for a quick conveyor belt lunch or a multicourse meal you’ll remember fondly for years, here are just a few of the top sushi spots to experience in the capital city.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
High-End Omakase
If there’s one place on the planet to really splurge on seafood, Tokyo is it. It’s often pointed out that the city has more Michelin stars than Paris — or anywhere, for that matter — and after spending an evening feasting on prime toro, uni and abalone at one of its many fine dining stars, it’s easy to understand why.
It’s impossible to talk about sticker-shock restaurants without mentioning Sukiyabashi Jiro, the (still practically impossible to get into) spot that inspired the documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.” Should you score one of the coveted 10 seats here, you’ll have to fork over a pretty penny, and you’ll have to play by Jiro Ono’s rules. That means no flip-flops and no talking beyond a reverent whisper.
Sukiyabashi Jiro is sublime, but it’s far from the only game in town. Chef Takao Ishiyama shares Jiro Ono’s passion for craft but not his formality. Chef Ishiyama has been known to chat casually with diners and even tolerate the occasional smartphone photo. After cutting his teeth at a two-Michelin-star restaurant, the prodigy rocketed to fame and is now at the helm of his eponymous Sushi Ishiyama.
An equally transcendent — but less fussy — experience can be had at Sushi Kokoro, where chefs Michimasa Nakamura, serve exquisite nigiri.
Casual Sushi Restaurants
While you can shell out a month’s rent for a few rounds of nigiri in this city, you certainly don’t have to in order to eat well. One of the great things about Tokyo is that the sushi standards are so high that even a train station bento box would pass muster in most restaurants elsewhere.
For instance, Toriton sources its seafood straight from the frigid waters of Hokkaido and flies it straight to the conveyor belt. Toppings are generous, and prices are unbeatable. A tekka maki (tuna roll) or a pair of salmon nigiri will set you back just a few yen.
Another popular, wallet-friendly standout is Pintokona in Roppongi Hills. It prides itself on its exceptional fatty tuna, and the delicious “Value Sushi Meal” lunch set lives up to its name.
If you’re willing to splurge a tad more, Manten Sushi Marunouchi is well worth a few extra yen. The evening omakase set features premium cuts perched atop immaculately seasoned rice. It’s a steal, but one that still feels indulgent.
Family-Friendly Sushi Restaurants
Some tiny travelers may turn up their noses at raw seafood, but others may just find that they like it — a whole lot. While some of the more austere omakases don’t take too kindly to children, others are perfectly welcoming, provided little ones mind their table manners.
If your kids want to dabble in an omakase experience, Mai, located at The Westin Tokyo, will gladly offer them a taste of sushi in their exceptional multicourse kids menu. The set also features comforting classics like fried chicken, grilled fish, simmered beef and chawanmushi (egg custard), along with optional add-ons like tuna sashimi and tempura. It’s the perfect way to let the kiddos try a little bit of everything.
For sophisticated tots, it doesn’t get better than Sushi Ishijima, an elegant eight-seater that’s happy to accommodate diners of all ages. The menu varies according to the fresh catch of the day. Best of all, the restaurant offers a reasonably priced 12-piece omakase lunch, which is both a killer deal and speedy enough to keep even toddlers from getting too squirmy.
When you’re traveling with multiple kids in tow, it can sometimes feel impossible to please everyone’s palates. The next time your teenager is craving sushi but your littlest diner only eats fish fingers, make a reservation at Hinokizaka. This sleek restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo is really four eateries in one. Teppanyaki, kaiseki, tempura and sushi are all on the menu. No matter which section you sit in, the jaw-dropping views of Roppongi are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
If your kids love to eat with their hands, they’re in luck. Gonpachi Nori-Temaki Harajuku excels at temaki, or handrolls, which might just be the ultimate finger food. All of the temaki here are rolled to order and feature fat slices of fish atop perfectly vinegared rice. Prices are extremely reasonable, and there’s enough range on the menu to accommodate picky eaters. Sushi skeptics can opt for a simple tamago roll, with lightly seasoned omelet in the middle, while parents chow down on uni with salmon roe.
