Tsukiji Sushi
Daiwa Sushi and Sushi Dai are two of the most commonly heard sushi shop names at Tsukiji Market. The problem is that they are so popular that they have such long lines, some queue for three hours. And yes, the sushi is great here, but is it worth hours standing in line? And for me, I would rather pay the same price, but have a leisurely sushi lunch in Ginza or elsewhere in the city for the same price. However, if you find yourself at Tsukiji and can’t bear to join the long lines at Sushi Dai or Daiwa Sushi, here are some other Tsukiji sushi shops worth checking out.
All of the restaurants serve an “omakase“, usually about eight pieces of sushi that are all served at the same time. But to have a more authentic experience, order piece by piece. Ask for “shun no mono” or seasonal items.
Tsukiji 5-2-1, Building #1
03-3541-9517
The sushi chef here is laid back and easy going. Another reason why we like Ryu Sushi is the seasonal seafood is well represented here. In the photo taken in January the shop has a white board outside listing the seasonal seafood recommend for that day and where it came from. On this day highlights included: Aomori hiramé, Toyama Himi kanburi, Chiba Choshi kinmédai, and much more.
Nakaya 中家
Tsukiji 5-2-1, Building #8
03-3541-0211
http://www.tsukijigourmet.or.jp/46_nakaya/index.htm
Another very satisfying way to satiate that craving for raw fish is to have a donburi, or a large bowl of rice topped with seasonal sashimi. Nakaya has a selection of donburi including an uni don of creamy, sweet uni. For a very over the top bowl, you can get toro (fatty tuna), ikura (salmon roe) and uni.
Iwasa Sushi 岩佐寿し (Note in a comment below that a recent diner did not have a good dining experience here. I have always had good sushi here so not sure if it was a bad day or what.)
Tsukiji 5-2-1, Building #1
03-3544-1755
http://www.tsukijigourmet.or.jp/09_iwasa/index.htm
The seasonal seafood is all wild.
Sushi Maru すしまる
Tsukiji 5-2-1, Building #10
03-3541-8414
http://www.tsukijigourmet.or.jp/45_sushimaru/index.htm
Using wild and top quality seafood. One of their signature dishes is the “aburi jyu”, a chirashizushi of seared fish over rice.
Ichiba Sushi 市場すし
Tsukiji 5-2-1, Building #8
03-3541-1350
http://www.tsukijigourmet.or.jp/40_ichiba/index.htm
It is hard to resist the uni donburi or the uni and ikura donburi (check out the photos at the link above).
A post on Cheap Eats at Tsukiji Market.
Where to go for sushi on Sunday in Tokyo.
May Seasonal Japanese Seafood (what you should be eating if you come to Tsukiji this month).
I’m beyond excited to try Tsukiji Market when I study abroad in Tokyo this fall; thank-you for always writing such great articles!
Hi there. Not sure if Sushi Iwasa should be on this list. We gave it a go last weekend when it was one of the few eating spots within the inner market without queues and were pretty disappointed. The quality of fish was not memorable, the fish-to-rice ratio of each nigiri was ungenerous, the itamae seemed to be working at high speed and without much craft, and finally price was not at all good – 3,750 yen for a 12-nigiri omakase. Next time we will queue for Sushi Bun where we have consistently had terrific sushi in the care of its friendly owner/ chef for the same price, or else finish our shopping and head elsewhere to eat.
Had disappointing experience at sushi bun. Sashimi set – fish was fresh but cut was just a bit too thin… there was absolutely no interaction from the chef & though 5th generation shopkeeper was not rude, she is definitely far from friendly..
By the way, no photos allowed.. Even if it’s just for the food served…Personally, I do not think it is worth the wait or the money spent.. Been to another sushi restaurant (2 doors away from daiwa) in tsujiki n it was definitely a far better experience than at sushi bun..
Thanks Vicky for your note. I am so sorry to hear about your experience there. I will post it here and add a note to my blog post. I can’t believe they don’t allow photos. I wonder if the shopkeeper was having a bad day. I’ve always had good meals there. Again, so sorry.
A reader of Food Sake Tokyo wrote to me saying that their party had a very nice breakfast at Sushi Bun with good seafood and good service.
First comment here. I should note that your book has been indespensibe in Tokyo this past year. Have tried a bunch of places and loved them all.
But sushi bun I to have to dissent. The host was kinda rude this morning and they refused to do a la carte. I’ve always been a bit suspicious of the tsukiji sushi thing anyway – tourists (like me – I’m part of it) cause these places to rest on their laurels. Anyway, for sushi I’ve found the mid-priced chains around the city to be the most rewarding.
My advice, check out tsukiji – it’s a sight like no other – but get your sushi fix away from tourists. You’ll save money and probably get a better overall dining experience. As well, consider going for ramen, curry or toritoh at the market. Food sake Tokyo has some awesome advice about non-sushi tsukiji dining. I also noticed that at the market this am the locals seemed to be eating everything but raw fish. Although maybe that’s understandable if you work there.
Arigato Nick-san. Sounds like overall Sushi Bun is not giving customers good service. And, can’t believe they won’t do a la carte.
But I agree, take your sushi away from Tsukiji. But, so many people think that is the best sushi in the world. It’s not. Personally I usually have the anago tempura at Tenfusa.
Thanks for the kind words about the book.
Cheers,
Yukari
岩佐寿し Iwasa Sushi,
貝つくし Best Clams all the way.
Highly Recomend.
Every Tsukiji visit must taste.
I live NYC.