KINKA Sushi Bar Izakaya 渋谷 — Restaurant in Tokyo

When we walked in, there were seats available with plenty of people still eating. The hostess told us that today was reservation only. As this was not my first time visiting Tokyo where I had been turned away, I wanted to find out the truth so I asked diners that were walking out if they had any reservations. They replied “no.” The hostess lied to me, and because my 80 yr old mom was very tired, in pain and hungry, I went back in to ask and explain. I noted that the man I asked said he didn’t have one. She seemed shocked that I had asked. She went inside for a bit and then returned to say that we could be seated.

We got seated and after we had decided what to order, she walked over. Then, she doubled down on her initial response and came back with Google translate. It read, “they said it’s ok for today, but today was only for guests with reservations.”

When I tried to explain again, I stopped myself because there was no point in arguing. She ROLLED HER EYES AT ME and let out a sound of disgust. Her behavior was so rude and uncalled for. If not for my mom, I would have left.

I asked a seated guest if she had a reservation, and the answer was no again. However, the diner mentioned that it might have been closing time.

If this was conveyed to me, I would have been fine to leave. Google said that their closing time was 11pm online. I walked in at 945pm. Instead of giving me attitude, she could have written in Google translation that the kitchen was closing, and I would’ve been fine to leave. Instead, she chose to take us in and then treat us with outright hostility.

By the time we left, there were two parties left still ordering and eating.

Their practice for claiming it’s a reservation only spot is really a way for them to discriminate against certain individuals or groups. The hostess had a decent understanding of English, but pretended to be confused when I mentioned the group leaving didn’t have one. For sure, she should not work in a customer-facing position.

Do you all want to know why this place is rated so highly? The food probably saves it, and the rest of the staff was nicer. But the BIGGEST reason? Free ice cream is given to those who write Google reviews. People really need to be honest and not write reviews for kickbacks; it could’ve saved my mom and I this unpleasant...

My experience at KINKA Sushi Bar Izakaya was simply wonderful! A 10/10.🤘🏼

Chef Sohei was simply fantastic! His vibe & playfulness, alongside the spectacular preparation of the sushi was what made the experience special for me. As a solo visitor, it was wonderful. His colleagues (Waiter Masa) were also great!

Although I had no reservation, they allowed me to wait ~30-40min before being seated, which was great of them. It was my last day in Tokyo, so I was pleasantly surprised! ☺️

I ended up getting the Chef’s Selection of Nigiri (6pcs) 🍣, alongside an extra Sea Bream & Scallop Nigiri. The Medium Fatty Tuna Sashimi (6pcs) & Lobster Soup 🍲 which I had also ordered, were wonderful ways to start the meal. The Lobster flavor mixed with the miso was incredible, incredibly umami rich, and the sashimi simply vanished in your mouth.

The fish itself, both in the nigiri & sashimi, was remarkably fresh and unbelievably tender. It quite literally melted in your mouth. It’s definitely up there as one of my favorite spots I’ve visited. Although, to be honest, it’s on the pricier side (I’d say a ~15% markup), it’s not a dealbreaker and was an exquisite experience.

The night was ended off with a deep, balanced cup of Japanese Tea. It was such a nice gesture of them — Japanese hospitality always hits! 🇯🇵

Highly recommend for all group sizes — solo is a good time, and as a group you’ll find it so chill and relaxed.

Again, Chef Sohei & the others were so fun, talented, and skilled! You may find them in the last video, making a guest appearance. I’d 100% be coming back, solely for them. (Though to be honest, the sushi itself was pretty...

I came upon KINKA when I looked up great places to eat seafood in Shibuya during my shopping stop in Tokyo this year. I wasn't expecting to be seated quickly when I came; other reviewers said they had to wait a while before they were seated, especially when they just walked in & didn't have a reservation.

Luckily, I was alone! A 30 - 40 minute wait instantly became 15 - 20 minutes. Before the maitre'd came out and said my seat was ready, I watched a father & son come in, only to be dissuaded when they were told they had to wait 40 - 50 minutes. I felt very fortunate that I didn't have another person in my party.

The food you receive is very well the price you pay for it! I got the Aburicious 4 (then effectively completed it to Aburicious 6), the Dashi Maki, and the Sakura To Momoko cocktail.

I was a bit surprised that the sushi didn't come with your usual mainstays (soy sauce & wasabi), but it turns out, it doesn't need it! The aburicious sushi comes drizzled with some sauce of its own, and oh boy, it was SO good! I was initially going for just the 4 fish sushi, but I loved them so much I wanted to try the other two as well (beef and conger eel). Overall, the sushi was very filling & just as satisfying!

The dashi maki was generously portioned (for one) and the sakura wine cocktail paired very well with everything I've gotten.

I'll certainly come back here! Hopefully I won't have to wait very long...