Sushi Mikata

※ Sushi Mikata only takes reservations at 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, and 8 pm for an hour each time. Guests looking to dine at lunch may do so on a walk-in basis. ——— The restaurant is inspired by the chef’s visit to a standing sushi bar with his father when he was a young boy. Located in one of Tokyo’s upper-class neighborhoods, Sushi Mikata harks back to the time when sushi was an uncomplicated hawker food. When building his concept, the chef envisioned a fun, homey space where guests could drop by after a party. Orders are placed via tablet, but any loss of personal interaction is made up for by the humorous, light-hearted banter between the chef and his wife. Lightness permeates the design, too. The space is centered around a thick counter carved from cypress from Yakushima, the island whose ancient forests inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke. Instead of the rough-hewn vibe of a traditional sushi joint, studio lights and dragon murals on the walls give the space a sleek, contemporary feel. No detail is overlooked when it comes to the sushi at Sushi Mikata, which is no doubt why it was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2025. The chef treats the sushi rice with white vinegar from Kokonoe in Wakayama Prefecture and sources wasabi from Iwataba to ensure top-quality ingredients. A standout specialty is the chef’s wife’s Japanese-style rolled omelet, although diners also note the straw-smoked bonito nigiri and thick-cut fatty tuna as exceptional. Love is visible through his fish lineup, like the straw-smoked bonito nigiri or the thick-cut fatty tuna enveloping the sushi rice. Portions are generous, yet the chef adjusts them with the finesse of a high-end omakase master, intuitively adapting to the preferences of his customers. With only six seats at the counter, customers get a front-row view of the sushi-making process. Michelin Guide: 2025 - Bib Gourmand