Sowado — Restaurant in Tokyo

⭐️☆☆☆☆ A serious warning to anyone considering Sowado: this was one of the worst izakaya experiences we've had anywhere in Japan. We’ve dined at 300+ restaurants across 10+ prefectures, and this place stood out for all the wrong reasons — rude service, disorganized operations, and terrible cost performance.

We had a confirmed reservation and clearly told the host our name, but instead of checking the list, he looked at us and said: “This is a Japanese restaurant” — in an arrogant, dismissive tone — and impatiently demanded to see the reservation page before seating us. It was one of the most disrespectful greetings we’ve ever received in Japan.

Once seated, no one explained the menu or that everything is charged per person, so we had no idea how much to order. Despite having around 8 staff, only 2–3 were cooking, and the food came out painfully slowly — 2 hours for just 6 small dishes, including things like pickles. Every time we tried to ask for help or order more, we were brushed off and told that only one specific person could take orders — and that person was often nowhere to be found.

To top it all off, the food was bland and severely overpriced. We were so dissatisfied we had to go back to our hotel and eat again.

If you’re looking for a respectful, smooth, and delicious izakaya experience — this is NOT the place. There are countless better options. Do not waste your time...

Sowado, a culinary oasis since July 2020, delivers an extraordinary dining experience. My wife and I indulged in the Omakase, and the service was impeccable. Like its sibling, Sakai Shokai, Sowado boasts seasonal ingredients and an extensive selection of beverages in a spacious setting ideal for gatherings.

The menu, primarily a la carte, offers dishes perfect for solo dining or sharing. From the comforting "Steamed soft-shelled turtle egg custard" to the tantalizing "Kue soup shabu," each dish showcases the essence of Japanese cuisine.

A standout is the signature "genjiyaki," a charcoal-grilled masterpiece celebrating seasonal flavors. With ingredients sourced directly from Kyushu, Sowado ensures authenticity and freshness in every bite.

Helmed by Hideaki Sakai, Sowado epitomizes a commitment to excellence. His dedication to Japanese cuisine is evident in every meticulously crafted dish and the warm hospitality extended to guests.

Incorporating the famed "Unzen Ham Cutlet" from Sakai Shokai adds to the allure, showcasing local gourmet delights.

In essence, Sowado is more than a restaurant; it's a culinary sanctuary where guests can savor the best of Japan's...

Entering Sowado, a modern Japanese Izakaya, I was struck by its fusion of traditional warmth and contemporary elegance. The atmosphere set a perfect stage for an unforgettable culinary journey.

The meal began with an exquisite amuse-bouche, hinting at the culinary delights ahead. The sashimi, fresh and vibrant, was a visual and flavorful joy. Each slice, from tuna to yellowtail, was a testament to the freshness and quality Sowado prides itself on.

Grilled dishes, particularly the yakitori and seafood, were cooked to perfection, their flavors enhanced by the smoky char. The sushi rolls, especially the Dragon Roll, were creative and delicious, showcasing Sowado’s innovative approach to traditional Japanese cuisine.

Ending with a delicate matcha mousse, the meal at Sowado was not just dining, but a celebration of modern Japanese culinary art, blending tradition with a twist of modernity.

This condensed version still aims to capture the delightful and refined experience at Sowado, highlighting its culinary offerings...