Sushi Atsuya — Restaurant in Osaka

Was surprisingly a let down from after reading the others comments about here, and yes, social media reviews got us exploring here. The atmosphere was busy and rushed, service was above average👍🏻 but the current 88,000 yen course was underwhelming.

The nigiri courses had highlights (the uni/sea urchin was so sweet👍🏻👍🏻, and the soft but meaty stewed octopus👍🏻👍🏻 (not part of sushi course)) but majority was distracted by fish that although was clean in taste but was caught lacking "flavour". Beside that, the surprisingly saltiness of some pieces was overbearing, so much so the delicate texture and flavour of a piece like eel was overwhelmed and unenjoyable. The rice did a lot of carrying and was good 👍🏻. From either bland or overly overly too salty, okay textures wasn't good enough to leave one satisfied. There are better offerings elsewhere that highlight cleaner and a more balance of flavours that doesn't come at a cost of good taste.

‘But then, it could just be an off night from the seasonings, and maybe it was just this season for the 88,000 yen course’. Overall found it lacking of interest.

A tiny bit of empty beetroot juice added to dashi broth, subtle savouriness covered by an overwhelming rooty ground vegetable flavour of a beetroot. 1/3 of a shot of it didn't help. The half boiled scallop and then smashed was interesting. Texturally softer (mushed, as waiter described it is smashed after half boiling) but it gave up much of the sweetness of a raw scallop. The sauce was a smart attempt to help cover the undercooked "fishy aftertaste", though the technique needs refining. The aftertaste needed the spicy ginger to help take away.

In short. Had another meal elsewhere to fill the hunger but also to reset a joy of eating certain parts...

Do NOT come here if you don’t eat here and still want to get charged over $200. This restaurant has an outrageous policy: if you cancel in under 24 hours you still get charged for the full reservation- no exceptions, no understanding and no humanity. Me and my friends had a reservation in May that we were really excited about, but unfortunately all three of us caught severe food poisoning. We were violently throwing up and obviously could not make it for this reservation. We gave the restaurant almost all day notice, more than enough time for them to rebook the table- especially given how popular they are. I kindly reached out, multiple times, to the restaurant and my credit card company, even for a partial refund and I was denied. I would have understood a cancellation fee or even a partial charge, but refusing any refund—especially under those circumstances—shows a real lack of customer care, accountability and is really heartless. I genuinely hoped for some empathy and decency, but was met with rigid policy and indifference. It’s extremely disappointing, but really speaks volumes about the values behind this business with the lack of...

I had the privilege of dining at Sushi Atsuya during my recent trip to Osaka, and it was an experience I will cherish forever. As a first-time guest, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Chef Kayano Shohei and his team went above and beyond to create a truly unforgettable meal.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with Chef Kayano’s passion for his craft evident in every dish he prepared. Each piece of sushi was a work of art, perfectly balanced in flavor and presentation. The freshness of the ingredients, combined with Chef Kayano’s skill and attention to detail, made every bite a delight.

What stood out most was the personal touch—Chef Kayano took the time to explain the origins of the ingredients and the inspiration behind each course, making the experience both educational and deeply personal. His dedication to ensuring each guest felt valued and satisfied was truly remarkable.

Thank you, Chef Kayano Shohei, for such an incredible introduction to Sushi Atsuya and the artistry of sushi-making. I look forward to returning in the future and sharing this experience with my family and friends!!!!

Love from...