Sushi Bar Monte Feliz — Restaurant in Takayama

My husband and I had an absolutely amazing time here. The fish and the food in general, was fantastic. I say food because Chef Shiba also serves a unique and yummy yogurt ice cream sweetened using koji as desert. Loved the conversations with the chef. He has a few books in the restaurant that he shows or refers to as per the conversation which was great and made us feel welcomed. He used one book in particular to tell us the fish and even the fish part that he was serving us. The restaurant has about 8-9 seats and we never felt rushed. Here, I feel like mentioning that we did make a reservation and others at the table also seemed to have one. This could be the reason why the chef could dedicate his time only to us, a small group. In fact, my husband and I entered the restaurant at 6 in the evening and left around 9:30. I was thrilled to chat and watch the chef make clean cuts to the fish, grate wasabi root on shark skin grater, make makis… He is a one man army and a pretty good one!! I don’t think anyone at the table was waiting for their food for a long time. He managed it so well. This was one of the best gastronomical experiences I had in Japan. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in town and are craving for some good quality...

A much-awaited sushi dinner reservation at Takayama that was made via Instagram with one-man Chef Shiba-san in his small cosy restaurant, and it did not disappoint. We were the first to arrive and sat at the cosy corner inside just in front of him. We were served very delicious and high quality sushi by Chef Shiba-san who patiently explained to us which fish with his book and map and we really appreciate that most of the fish was from the Toyama area and were caught using largely sustainable fishing nets. The sushi was delicately prepared and paired with the two different types of sake we had that night, we really enjoyed it. His warm hospitality and being able to cosy up with the other 8 diners that night in a tight 10 seater restaurant, you make friends. As they say good food and drinks, bring good people together. Thank you Chef Shiba-san. If I ever visit Takayama again, I will be coming back again. Easily the best sushi restaurant in Takayama for that price and value. You are in very good hands with someone who has trained for over 25 years in preparing sushi and is doing what he loves most, and...

I almost never leave Google reviews, but this place was something else. My mom and I came to Sushi Bar Monte Deli without knowing much about it, and it ended up being one of the most special dinners of our trip.

We shared an omakase, and the chef Shiba made us feel so welcome. He explained every piece of sushi, showed us books with the names of the fish, and even pulled out a Japanese food dictionary to explain some ingredients. When we told him we were from Mexico, he brought out a giant map so we could show him where we live, and he showed us where his fish comes from too.

He told us about how he grows his own rice without additives or chemicals, and shared stories about his life, his restaurant, and even about Japan before and after WWII. It was so much more than just a meal.

The sushi was absolutely delicious, probably the best we’ve ever had, but what really stayed with us was the warmth and heart behind everything. If you’re in Takayama, this place is worth...