8 Delicious Sushi Restaurants in Ebisu, Nakameguro, and Daikanyama (Tokyo)

1. Udatsu Sushi (Nakameguro) – Relish an Artistic Sushi Experience

Nestled in the heart of Nakameguro, Udatsu Sushi promises a dining experience that marries tradition with innovation. With its plain and almost anonymous facade, this intimate restaurant aims to serve as a hideout for its customers while priding itself on sourcing the finest ingredients. Monthly changing menus showcase seasonal delights from the sea, and head chef Udatsu himself picks out the best fish for his dishes at Toyosu Fish Market.

A recurring element is the unusual combination of seasonal fresh herbs and melt-in-your-mouth fish rolled together in a single maki roll. From the counter seats you’ll be able to see the creation of each dish up close, and the chefs at Udatsu Sushi like to put on a show for their guests and delight them with surprising and unexpected twists. Art aficionados will enjoy the pieces adorning the walls as well as the handcrafted tableware.

2. Takumi Sushi Owana (Ebisu) – Omakase Menus With Expertly Crafted Pieces of Sushi

For a culinary journey that pays homage to centuries of sushi craftsmanship, look no further than Takumi Sushi Owana in Ebisu. Opened by a former sushi chef of a prestigious sushi restaurant in Yotsuya, Takumi Sushi Owana only has one thing on its menu: omakase sushi. With each piece of sushi meticulously crafted with precision and care, diners surrender their taste buds to the chef's expert guidance. Head chef Kenji Oana personally selects the ingredients at Toyosu Fish Market every morning, and a variety of vinegars are used to season the rice suitably for each topping and is even adjusted depending on temperature.

Garnishes like sesame seeds add new surprising textures to classic sushi pieces while toppings with popping colors such as wasabi and green onion are used to create dishes that please the eye just as they do the stomach. For those who like to enjoy their sushi with a glass of sake, Takumi Sushi Owana has a fine selection sourced from the head chef’s home prefecture, Shizuoka, that is specially chosen to pair well with the restaurant's omakase menus.

3. Sushi Tenkawa (Ebisu) – Traditional Edomae Sushi Made With Seasonal Vegetables

Ebisu's hidden gem, Sushi Tenkawa, is a culinary oasis promising a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Sushi Tenkawa pays great attention to the ideal season for each type of fish to ensure the optimal taste, texture, and fattiness, and the omakase menu takes diners on a gastronomic journey. Edomae-style sushi is the star of the show, making Sushi Tenkawa the ideal venue for those wanting to indulge in this classic nigiri-centered approach.

The most suitable seasonings to match each piece of fish are carefully chosen among an array of different salts and soy sauces to enhance the flavor. Sake pairings can be added to the omakase menu, and the restaurant also prides itself in its homemade conger eel sauce and vegetable dishes with fresh produce from Tsukiji Market. Its signature dish of flame-grilled tuna is seasoned with Sushi Tenkawa’s own brand of mouthwatering sauce created from a mix of five different fruits and vegetables.

4. Hiroo Ishizaka (Hiroo) – A Highly Coveted Sushi Heaven

Elevating sushi to an art form, Hiroo Ishizaka is a culinary destination located in the Hiroo neighborhood right by Ebisu that is not to be missed. With a coveted Michelin star, which was rewarded within one year of its opening, this restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience for even the most discerning sushi aficionados.

Each dish at Hiroo Ishizaka is a testament to the chef's skill and creativity and is presented on beautifully patterned ceramic tableware. Signature ingredients include “chutoro” (medium-fatty tuna) and shiitake mushroom, and each meal ends with a heavenly mouthful of creamy, salty-sweet soy sauce ice cream. With just 8 seats, dining at Hiroo Ishizaka is only possible with advance reservation, so planning ahead is necessary for those wanting to experience the intimate atmosphere and impeccable service of this hidden gem.

5. Sushi Kuriyagawa (Ebisu) – Unique and Innovative Edomae-Style Sushi

In the trendy area of Ebisu, Sushi Kuriyagawa beckons with its playful and innovative take on traditional Edomae sushi. The restaurant delights with its philosophy of presenting diners with sushi dishes they have never tried before, resulting in a unique gastronomic adventure. Creative combinations include the fusion of sushi and the beloved Japanese comfort food of “ochazuke” (rice with tea) by placing rolls of sushi in a bowl before pouring soup over them.

Sushi Kuriyagawa offers three different menus for lunch and another four for dinner, including two sake pairing menus. With both counter seats and private rooms to choose from, Sushi Kuriyagawa caters to a wider audience than your average sushi restaurant. For families with young children, the restaurant even arranges professional babysitters upon prior request to allow the adults in your party to fully immerse themselves in the sublime culinary experience.

6. Irohasushi (Nakameguro Main Store) – Late-Night Bites of Fresh Sushi

For a taste of tradition in Nakameguro, look no further than Irohasushi. The establishment is popular with locals for its very reasonably priced sushi courses and sets brimming with fresh, seasonal toppings over rice. Its dinnertime banquet-style menus are a feast for the eyes and palate alike, featuring huge platters of mouth-wateringly fresh sashimi, comforting hotpots in winter, and seasonal specials such as rock oysters in summer.

With a combination of counter and tatami seats and space for up to 65 dining guests, Irohasushi is also a great venue to enjoy a night out with a group of friends, and all-you-can-drink plans are available for parties of 10 people or more. With an enviable location only a stone’s throw from the dreamy spectacle of the famous cherry blossoms lining the Meguro River, it’s hard to imagine a better place than Irohasushi to satisfy your sushi cravings.

7. Sushi Takamitsu (Nakameguro) – Luxurious Sushi in Both Taste and Presentation

Located in the upscale neighborhood of Nakameguro, Sushi Takamitsu is only one street away from the breathtaking lit-up views of cherry blossom clouds along the Meguro River in spring. It is, however, the excellently crafted sushi pieces that take center stage at this intimate restaurant with only eleven seats and elegant decor. The head chef has been working on perfecting his sushi skills since the age of sixteen, and the young master is famous for his more tech-savvy approach to marketing in an otherwise old-fashioned industry - serving up sushi atop Louis Vuitton suitcases and posting it on social media has given him quite a reputation for presentation.

“Uni” (sea urchin) is the star and signature ingredient at Sushi Takamitsu, and the restaurant samples the best and freshest ones from all over the country depending on the season, making this sushi hideout a haven for uni lovers wanting to savor a wide variety of their favorite seafood treat.

8. Sushi Tsubomi (Nakameguro) – Top-Tier Sushi at a Wallet-Friendly Price

Tucked away in the charming residential neighborhood of Nakameguro, Sushi Tsubomi’s sleek, contemporary decor sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience that uses seasonal fish and seafood selected by the chefs every morning. With the restaurant sourcing its raw materials from the same place as one of the world’s best sushi restaurants, eating here makes it possible for sushi enthusiasts to taste world-class ingredients without the price tag of a Michelin-starred establishment.

The rice here is expertly seasoned using various types of vinegar and salt, and the menu at Sushi Tsubomi goes well not only with sake, but also with wine. The ten counter seats provide a first-row opportunity to enjoy the chefs at work up-close; some dishes to look out for include the succulent scallops seasoned with chili pepper and the winter-only icefish.

Indulge in an Unforgettable Sushi Experience in Downtown Tokyo

Ebisu, Nakameguro, and Daikanyama are veritable treasure troves for sushi lovers, offering an array of culinary delights that are sure to please both your eyes and your stomach. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Edomae sushi or innovative contemporary creations, these neighborhoods have something to satisfy every craving. So, why not embark on a sushi adventure and discover the flavors of Tokyo's vibrant dining scene for yourself? Your taste buds will thank you!