Yamadaya

This Usuki shop is the original restaurant of the incredibly popular branch of the same name in Nishiazabu, Tokyo, which now has two Michelin stars. They specialize in the famously poisonous fugu blowfish, which requires a special license to cook legally. Don’t worry though, this place has been running for over 100 years without incident — they more than know what they’re doing. The owner is the third generation proprietor, and one of the foremost ambassadors for fugu on the global culinary scene. If you land a seat at his restaurant, you can enjoy slices of fugu sashimi fanned out beautifully on antique ceramic ornate plates, their patterns visible through the translucent white flesh. Dip these paper-thin pieces in citrus sauce to break down the protein and unlock an umami flavor. There are a myriad of other styles on offer in the set menu too, like grilled fugu with nuts, and a hot pot with kelp soup packed full of fish and vegetables. If trying this famous Japanese delicacy has ever crossed your mind, you have to get yourself down to Yamadaya.