Iwasa Sushi

Since opening all the way back in the 1990s, Iwasa Sushi has carved out an excellent spot for itself as Tsukiji Market’s beloved sushi bar. When it relocated to the Toyosu Market in 2018, it brought with it its steadfast menu of stellar nigiri and sushi rice bowls. Some local eateries remain cloistered to regulars, while others welcome new visitors with ease — Iwasa Sushi does both. As morning segues to midday, the diverse line forms from a mix of Toyosu Market’s line workers, off-duty fishermen, chefs (who definitely know what they’re ordering) and travelers (who want to see if the sushi lives up to its hype). It’s hard not to notice the walls decked with framed photographs of global dignitaries and memorabilia, including a jersey from a celebrated athlete. Sushi here is all about seasonality. Led by a proprietress with a discerning eye for quality — herself a seasoned fisher — the restaurant capitalizes on its proximity to the fish market. Diners can tuck into classic sushi sets that might include assortments of nigiri like shrimp, conger eel and tuna. Meanwhile, the donburi (rice bowl), which comes with heaping toppings of ikura (fish roe), uni (sea urchin) and seafood toppings, is just about as fresh as you can get in Tokyo. Reservations for Iwasa Sushi are available but might be hard to get, so plan ahead.