Shibuya — Restaurant in Cologne

I don’t recommend this place if you are gluten free. Sushi is usually an easy option for me as long as I avoid soy sauce and breaded/fried items, but it became a very difficult experience here. It was strange because I was offered special gluten-free soy sauce and had a good discussion with the waitress about it at first, so I thought that they’d be knowledgeable about it. I was told that a dish was free of gluten and (normal) soy sauce and so I ordered it, but was then told that it actually did contain (normal, gluten-containing) soy sauce after I already took a bite and started eating. I then ordered some simple „Veggie 5“ nigiri (no tofu mentioned on the menu) and received tofu instead of avocado. As I was already skeptical about the ingredients, I had no interest in eating the tofu, but when I explained that the menu said nothing of tofu, I was told that the chef just switches out ingredients as he sees fit. The waitress was kind, understanding, and apologetic, and the „Hugo“ cocktail was so delicious, but I only sensed carelessness and, frankly, arrogance from the sushi chef. We were really looking forward to this meal, but unfortunately we won’t...

We were actualy still mourning for the good old Rotisserie, but the show must go on, rite? ;-) So here we go dare ourselves to check another japanese Restaurant.

The location isnt something for a plus point, except you live nearby or visiting someone nearby. Full stop.

The atmosphere is not bad. Nothing special.

The service needs some training somehow. As we were sharing the XL Shibuya Sushi Plate, we only got a small plate upon request and the lady staffs continuing chit-chatting behind the bar table.

Now the most important part. The food. As follow:

Yakitori (4,50€) : In garlic marinated Chicken Sate with Soja Sauce --- not bad. (my betterhalf Gyoza wasnt bad either).

Shibuya XL Sushi (27,90€) : Nigiri: 2 Salmon, 2 Tuna, 2 grilled Eel, 2 Shimps, 2 Calamari; Maki: 6 Salmon, 6 Tuna; Inside-Out Mix: 6 Osaka --- a bit too cold and we missed more delicateness.

Due to the taste, I cant tell if the venue is run or halfly run by a japanese cook (we only see a typical southern looking guy -supposed to be the owner/manager) but there are much better sushi places is town... I dont mind spending more money on jap. food rather getting 'solala' dishes...

We’ve been to the restaurant a couple of times now. Always friendly service, usually quick delivery, food and drinks taste amazing (we love a good cocktail) but it’s a bit expensive though.

Only thing I would complain about is that the furniture isn’t particularly comfortable and it’s more cramped than spacious. One could argue that this creates a lively yet intimate atmosphere… But one time we had a group of three friend sitting at the table NEXT to us. But because everything is so cramped and one of the girls talked so loud, it was literally impossible for us to have a conversation so we ended up listening to her job story as well and it was not a very good one 😆

If you are more lucky with your neighbours or go during the week (because it’s always full on the weekend so be sure to make a reservation ahead) it’s a perfect date spot...