Sushizen — Restaurant in Kyoto

Today I enjoyed a late lunch at Sushizen (10/10) in Kyoto, found it mentioned on the Michelin guide as a Bib Gourmand restaurant. I must say, it was a remarkable dining experience. I tried to go yesterday but it was full so decided to go early to make sure we get a seat so I was there around 17:30. It is a small family business type of restaurant and the moment I stepped in I felt the hospitality. The menu is unfortunately in Japanese but Google Translate did the trick. The restaurant is run by only two people. The restaurant offered me a lovely hot matcha tea as a welcome drink it was super delicious.

As I took my seat at the bar, I enjoyed watching the fascinating Chef’s preparing my dishes. I was so hungry so I ordered two dishes. The Chirashi-zushi (10/10) priced at 1700 Yen and the assorted Sushi platter, also priced at 1700 Yen. The chirashi-zushi was a work of art, beautifully arranged with fresh seafood on a bed of seasoned sushi rice that has a kind of sauce all covered with a shredded omelette. Each bite was a symphony of flavors. It was the first time I ever try such a dish and highly highly recommend it. The assorted Sushi platter was equally impressive (10/10).

A trip of culinary happiness is the least I can say about Sushizen. I highly recommend Sushizen to anyone looking for an amazing sushi eating experience in Kyoto. The Chirashi-zushi is more than enough for one person, no need to order anything else next to it, but if you do you...

Amazing family run restaurant that specializes in Donburi bowls topped with egg strips (not the sweet style of egg), sushi & sashimi.

Visited for brunch on a weekday around 10.30am - we were seated promptly without a wait at the cushion seats. Although service lady spoke minimal english, she was helpful & friendly.

We ordered the mixed seafood don & tuna don. Seafood pieces were very fresh & thick cut. Rice was well cooked & marinated. Seasoning was just nice too. The egg topping was also great.

Ordering tips for foreigners: Note that the main menu is in Japanese. Try using google translate for the available seafood cuts. You can then do a customized order of the seafood you want in rice bowls, sushi/sashimi platters according to your liking, instead of going with the default options.

Another way is to look through pictures on google & just point out the pic of an order you would like.

Will definitely...

A quiet gem run by a lovely family.

This tiny mom-and-pop sushi shop is one of those places you quietly hope never changes.

The nigiri was simple — no frills, no trends, just perfectly made bites with care. The menu is straightforward and unpretentious, just like the space itself.

The soup they served was also exceptional — light, with a gentle smoky depth and a subtle citrus note that felt just right for the summer season. Unexpectedly refined, yet completely in tune with the meal.

The family running the place is kind and welcoming. They offered me warm green tea, without ever rushing me. You can tell they’ve been part of the neighborhood for a long time — and they serve both eat-in and takeaway customers with the same quiet generosity.

It’s not flashy, but it’s deeply special. A humble, beautiful reminder of what food in...