Mitani

This sushi restaurant has a long and strong reputation for producing consistent quality, and as a laboratory for some innovative appetizers you’re not likely to find elsewhere. These include shrimp soup with shrimp roe, sea urchin soup with caviar, and fatty tuna sandwiched between roe. Every dish is served upon a centuries-old timber counter. The gourmet experience is completed by the sommelier to recommend the perfect wine pairing for each dish — quite an innovative marriage — although there are of course plenty of sake options available for those who prefer the classic combination. The rice is prepared with their signature mixture of red and brown vinegar, combined with three kinds of kasu paste — a byproduct of sake production which is aged and used to bring a unique flavor to the seasoning. The glowing reputation of Mitani-san’s menu means that it is difficult to secure a seat here. In fact, it is a contender for the most difficult to book in Tokyo, so be sure to reserve a seat well in advance to give yourself the highest chance of tasting some of the best sushi in the world.