Tokyo is a mecca for sushi lovers. With so many Michelin-starred sushi restaurants, it can be hard to decide where to go. On my recent trip to Tokyo, I had the opportunity to try out a few different sushi restaurants. Here is my review of one of them.

Sushi Dai is a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant in Tokyo that is known for its Edo-style sushi. The restaurant is relatively big and has around 25  tables with chairs where you can sit. There is usually a long line of people waiting to be seated, but do not worry as the waiting time is relatively short – even on a holiday.

As you walk to the bar you will be greeted with a large poster that explains the 100% organic/non-GMO policy of the restaurant.
Tokyo, being the mega city that it is, houses some of the best sushi restaurants in the world – and enjoying a superb meal of sushi here is an absolute must on any food lover’s Tokyo itinerary. While it may not be the cheapest form of dining out in Japan, reasonably priced decent quality sushi can be found anywhere

The sushi in Tokyo is some of the best in the world. There are many great sushi restaurants in the city, but one stands out above the rest.

The menu at Sushi Dai is simple and small; it consists of only six options priced at around $100 to €500.

– The first option is sushi-don, which is a bowl of rice topped with tuna sashimi and egg.

– The second option is the set menu which consists of an egg omelet wrapped in nori along with three pieces each of chump, maki, and toro zuki.

– The third option is the tuna don which is similar to the sushi don except that it replaces the rice with tuna sashimi.

– The fourth option is the edomaki (maki wrapped in nori), which includes four pieces of this type of sushi.

– The fifth option is tuna sashimi, one piece. The final option is a small bowl of miso soup.

The service at Sushi Dai is impeccable – it clearly has a reputation that has spread far and wide, and it is packed with locals and tourists all day long. You can expect to wait around 30 minutes for your sushi, but this is part of the experience and certainly, nothing to be worried about. As you wait for your turn, watch the expert sushi chefs prepare the dishes for other customers from behind a glass window, which adds to the fun atmosphere at this tiny restaurant.

The atmosphere at Sushi Dai restaurant is lively, chaotic and, extremely entertaining. If you have visited Tokyo and have eaten at least one sushi meal, you will have undoubtedly noticed the huge variety in the way fish is prepared. The appearance, texture and, flavor of the sushi in Tokyo are unlike anywhere else in the world.

In fact, the quality of sushi in Tokyo is so exceptional that it is internationally renowned and attracts foodies from all over the world. So much so that the Michelin guide included ‘Sushi Dai’ – a tiny little sushi restaurant inside Ginza Onodera – in its ‘Bazza Deluxe’ edition of 2018.

The award certainly is well deserved. Even if you are not a fan of raw fish, there is much more to Japanese sushi than just that. And you will be hard-pressed to find better examples of both traditional and modern interpretations of this simple yet complex dish anywhere else.

As you queue up for the restaurant, you will see plates of colorful sushi zooming past you. These are the takeaway plates from the customers queuing in front of you. Don’t be afraid to order a takeaway – it is served on the same exact plates as if you sat in the restaurant, and I personally feel that the experience of sitting at the bar and watching the chef prepare your sushi is worth its weight in gold. But please do not visit Sushi Dai if you are opposed to eating fish. The offerings on the takeaway menu are predominantly shellfish.

In conclusion, Sushi Dai is an incredible experience that all sushi lovers should try at least once in their lifetime. The freshness of the fish, the care with which it is prepared, and the quality of service all make for an unforgettable experience. From the line out front to the made-to-order platter of sushi on display, Sushi Dai offers a truly wonderful and unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else. Don’t forget to grab a takeaway if you don’t have time to sit in and enjoy a meal – it’s just like eating in the restaurant but to go!