Hayashi

Hidden in a quiet alley of the calm neighborhood of Koenji, once known as a hub of bohemian creatives, is a local restaurant which serves the freshest and most innovative sushi dishes. Hayashi is an intimate and exclusive sushi shop that only opens its doors to existing guests and their friends, so it might be hard to get a reservation here if you don't know anyone who's been. The private restaurant offers course meals that go extremely well with the huge range of Japanese sake offered. Take your pick, or let the chef recommend one that's best for the course you've chosen. With a ton of appetizers including assorted sashimi of squid, shrimp, mackerel, and scallops, it makes you wonder what the main dishes could possibly be. They have plenty more surprises up their sleeves: generous portions of conger, salted squid and gizzard shad, lightly seasoned to bring out the fresh flavors. Not to mention the tender grilled beef — at a sushi restaurant, that's pretty rare! But nothing is ruled out at Hayashi, where the chefs revel in exploring the limits of their craft.