Sushi Jinsei

※ Diners who require gluten-free menu options are reminded to inform byFood when making a reservation. ——— In the age of social media, “hidden gem” restaurants are never truly “hidden gems” for long, if their cuisine holds up to their reputation. In the past, many have called this chic, warmly-lit Ueno sushi restaurant a hidden gem — and its location in a side street adjacent to the train tracks may have merited this title — but word of Sushi Jinsei’s meticulously-crafted nigiri spread quickly, and the hidden gem was hidden no longer. But it is still most definitely a gem. From simmering to grilling to vinegaring, each of Sushi Jinsei’s dishes is prepared with the utmost attention to detail and careful craftsmanship, and its fish is invariably extremely fresh. Even the size of individual grains of rice are taken into account when sculpting nigiri. Furthermore, a rotating menu of sake and shochu pairings is always ready to be recommended by the chef and staff — some reviewers even swear that they go more for the sake than they do the sushi. What truly solidified its reputation, however, was its sea urchin. Sushi Jinsei offers a sea urchin tasting comparison course with three different types of sea urchin from Hokkaido Prefecture and Ishinomiya Port — one of Japan’s most prolific seafood sources — in Miyagi Prefecture. Diners are invited to marvel at the differences between each, from the texture to the taste. Jinsei’s head chef is particularly discerning about the appearance of the sea urchin, cutting away as little as possible before serving so guests can enjoy the glistening sight. Such exquisite seasonal delicacies deserve to be enjoyed in an equally luxurious space, and Sushi Jinsei offers guests several options to do so. Choose the minimalist counter and its comfortable, handmade seats for face-to-face interactions with the chef, or take a private room with a window overlooking the beautiful night scenery of Ueno.