Hyotan Sushi — Restaurant in Fukuoka

A year ago I reviewed this establishment very positively, having returned after more than a year had elapsed from my last visit. This year I returned again with high expectations. Alas!

I’ve explained in my update that standards here have dropped markedly since my last visit. The anago (one piece) my wife ordered was full of larger bones, as long as 1.5 cm and my oh-toro (fatty tuna) was literally dried out on the surface. When I protested about the bones, in very polite Japanese, the chef sent back the message that the bones in the anago are normal. That’s a first for me! (And the last visit here.) I’ve been eating sushi in Japan for forty-five years. This is the first time ever I can remember running into bones of any sort in anago. If they were there they were so fine and soft that it was not an issue. These bones were monsters and totally destroyed the delicate pleasure of eating anago.

As an aside, I’ve been told at least once that one measure of a sushi chef’s skills as a chef is the quality of the anago served. If so, the photo included here, or in my update should be sufficient to explain why I won’t be back.

Previous review: (Please note that all photos except those of the bones and this year’s receipt are from former visits.)

Definitely five stars given what you get for what you pay. I thoroughly enjoyed my “pick of the season”, a chef’s selection of what he deems some of the most in season cuts of the day. However, if you’ve come expecting a sushi connoisseur’s dream, this is not it. I was thoroughly satisfied with what I got but it is crowded and rushed, fair enough for the price, but not the ideal environment for cherishing every morsel of what you’re eating, learning about the fish you’re eating and settling in for a relaxed session, feasting on the finest cuts available of whichever fish it is that’s being served. You’ll need to go elsewhere for that, and expect to pay significantly more. Simply noting that there are virtually no reviews written by Japanese clientele, either translated or not, should be a clue to the fact that the majority of their clientele is probably not Japanese. That said, it seemed that there were mostly Japanese around us the day we went. I speak Japanese well so I’m not...

This sushi spot in Fukuoka was a truly memorable experience. We were incredibly lucky with the waiting time—about half an hour—especially since it’s common for people to queue for over an hour or two during peak periods. By the time we left, the line stretched all the way to the front door!

One thing to note is that the main entrance of the shop is actually one floor up from the ground floor where you enter the building, so don’t miss that!

The sushi was absolutely amazing—everything was incredibly fresh, and the massive sushi platter we ordered was both delicious and surprisingly affordable. The oysters were a standout, and we couldn’t get enough of them. However, the croquettes that were heavily marketed were underwhelming. I’d recommend skipping them and saving your stomach space for the incredible sushi.

One thing to note: the seafood is extremely fresh, so much so that the abalone served with the sushi set is still alive and moving. It’s a fascinating experience, but it might be a bit off-putting for some. All in all, this spot is a must-visit for...

Very fresh sushi with great value! Arrived at 6pm on a weekday, and there was a line that curled down the staircase from 2nd floor. 70% people in line were tourists from Taiwan, Korea and Hong Kong. After 20 min wait, I got a seat at the counter. I had specific preference so I didn’t order one of their sushi sets (which was better value). Highlight was the squid sashimi (seasonal price). Simply magnificent. You eat the raw squid’s trunk carved into thin strips. The arms were still moving when it was served. But you don’t eat them raw and sucky-sucky like in Korea. Instead you can choose to have the arms deep fried (tempura style) or grilled with salt. Very yummy! Freshness all over my mouth after the meal. If you don’t eat raw fish or seafood, please go elsewhere… Don’t waste the precious spot and let more of the rest of us enjoy the quality sushi this restaurant...