Ginza Kyubey

Often referred to as one of the finest sushi places in Tokyo, Kyubey is classic style sushi dining in the heart of Ginza. 

For what you get in terms of service, quality, and total appreciation of the art of sushi, ¥8,400 for the omakase lunch is an amazing deal.

“As you sit at the counter across from the chef, you soon realize the next hour is literally in his hands,” says Kyubey fan Etsuko Nakamura. 

”Throughout the meal, witnessing how he slices up a piece of tuna with a long sword-like sashimi knife, or bring out the very best flavor by sprinkling a tiny bit of salt is like observing a Shinto ritual,” she says.

“While the chef is very serious when preparing the food, he has a totally different, approachable air as he checks in or chats with the patrons,” she adds.

Kyubey has become a sushi empire, even the main Ginza restaurant has multiple floors and an annex. Regardless, their attention to their guests, the food and the skills in the kitchen place it at the top of our list.