Sushi Arai — Restaurant in Tokyo

We were looking very forward to this experience, as it was one of the highlights of our trip.

However, from the beginning, the experience was far from satisfying. The indications in Google maps are wrong, we found ourselves clueless to access the location as well as other attendees. We could only find it, as one woman called and had the directions right.

In terms of food, the experience was up to the expectations. Years of experience and hard work are revealed in front of your eyes.

In terms of service, we felt unwelcomed. We were encouraged to drink as much as possible and our drinks were taken out of our hands before we could even finish them. In addition, I was still drinking a cocktail (that I couldn't finish) when the chef ordered us to leave (very insistently). We were 7 sitting next to the counter, and he only insisted heavily on us. Besides, I had to negotiate to go to the toilet, as the waitress was excessively encouraging us to leave! When we paid so much money for the food and the drinks and when the other attendees were still happily sitting on the counter. What an outrageous way to welcome those who respectfully value your cuisine. We came from so far away, it was such a disappointment!

I definitely think they do not like foreigners there. If you can, try to look for another place where you will feel more welcome. Luckily, there are plenty in Japan! This was the only one that was that...

Arai-san and apprentice together make sure each guest on the counter is taken care of. Arai-san also explains the ingredients and techniques tirelessly.

Great ingredients. Love the 50% female composition in the kitchen. Not as warm to new customer compared to the regulars. Though it is understandable. A sought-after, perpetually overworked sushi chef prefers to serve the regulars only in the perfect world —— less work in general.

The only way to sit on the main counter is to go with a regular. Well, for the wise people who only care about the food itself, I do hear rumours that Arai-san’s top apprentice Mei-chan‘s soon-to-open restaurant is at least comparable.

P.S. Apparently it is a must to book the JPY48,000 course even at lunch these days. Nigiri-only is reserved for SVIP.

Update in Feb 2024: Meino(the newly opened location by Mei) offers their course for JPY55,000. I’d rather...

I rarely give five stars, as I try to be conservative with my ratings. This restaurant, however, stands out for its strong balance of quality and experience. Securing a reservation was a challenge, but we managed to book seats at the B1 counter.

This is a classic, high-end sushi restaurant. The food is exceptionally well-prepared and showcases the chef’s dedication to the craft. While it doesn’t deliver groundbreaking surprises for this price range, it’s a polished and satisfying dining experience.

The chef is highly skilled, professional, and welcoming, creating a friendly atmosphere that enhances the meal. You leave feeling well cared for and completely satisfied. For those seeking a refined sushi experience, this place is...