Best sushi restaurants in Tokyo, according to Tabelog
As cherry blossoms bloom and travellers flock to Japan for the spring holidays, many are drawn to Tokyo and its world-renowned sushi scene. With roots dating back to the Edo period, sushi has evolved from humble street fare into a globally revered culinary art form. In Tokyo, it’s easy to find both time-honoured and inventive interpretations—so long as the itamae (sushi chef) foregrounds the natural flavours of the freshest otoro (fatty tuna) or uni (sea urchin), sourced directly from the Toyosu and Tsukiji markets.
To guide your journey through the capital’s finest offerings, Tabelog—Japan’s leading restaurant review platform—has curated a list of Tokyo’s top sushi destinations. Scroll on to discover the establishments that celebrate the rich heritage and exceptional flavours that define this iconic Japanese delicacy.
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No 6: Kioicho Mitani
Kioicho Mitani is the sixth-best sushi restaurant in Tokyo, according to Tabelog (Photo: Instagram / @cocoatarte)
Kioicho Mitani’s chef Yasuhiko Mitsuya (Photo: Instagram / @50maru05)
Tucked behind an unmarked wooden door, save for a tile-sized sign, this eight-seat sushi sanctuary is easy to miss—but for true aficionados, it’s the culinary El Dorado. Reservations are fiercely sought after and open only once a year: at 10am on January 1, with all spots gone within the hour. Chef Yasuhiko Mitsuya channels the spirit of the Edomae era, focusing on time-honoured techniques and house-cured fish. Each piece reflects a deep respect for tradition and an unwavering commitment to craft, making this hidden gem one of Tokyo’s most extraordinary sushi experiences.
Kioicho MitaniAddress: 1-2 Kioi Terrace 3F, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
No 5: Sushi Sawada
Sushi Sawada is the fifth-best sushi restaurant in Tokyo, according to Tabelog (Photo: Instagram / @studiosergiocoimbra)
Sushi Sawada’s chef Sawada (Photo: Instagram / @yvnbabe)
Sushi Sawada is a legendary institution that has held two Michelin stars since 2008. With just six seats at the counter and no assistants, chef Koji Sawada and his wife deliver an intimate, highly personalised dining experience. Celebrated for sourcing the finest bluefin tuna and sea urchin, Sawada prepares each dish entirely without electricity—underscoring his purist approach to sushi craftsmanship. Among the standouts is the komesu-seasoned shari (vinegared rice made with rice vinegar), prized for its firm texture and delicate salinity, perfectly matched with a glass of Japanese sake. The neta (toppings)—particularly the hon-maguro and Sawada’s signature uni tower—showcase exceptional quality, while the seared tuna, grilled over white charcoal, offers a memorable highlight to this exceptional meal.
Sushi SawadaAddress: 5-9-19, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
No 4: Sushi Arai
Sushi Arai is the fourth-best sushi restaurant in Tokyo, according to Tabelog (Photo: Instagram / @jennyfoodtravels)
Sushi Arai’s chef Arai (Photo: Instagram / @livelaughsushi)
Sushi Arai offers an exceptional dining experience defined by pristine ingredients, precise technique, and attentive service. Guests are advised to arrive on time—this discreet spot is tucked away on a basement level, with minimal space for waiting. Inside, the setting is a study in understated elegance: clean wooden lines, hand-painted tableware, and a calm, considered atmosphere. The menu is generous, featuring delicacies such as scallops from Hokkaido, buttery, fatty tuna, and rich sea urchin. Each piece rests atop seasoned sushi rice), made with akazu (red vinegar), adding depth and balance to every bite
Sushi AraiAddress: 2F, 8-10-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
No 3: Sushi Saito
Sushi Saito is the third-best sushi restaurant in Tokyo, according to Tabelog (Photo: Instagram / @bkkeatout)
Sushi Saito’s chef Takashi Saito (Photo: Instagram / @ogana_)
Widely regarded as one of Tokyo’s finest sushi restaurants, Sushi Saito is notoriously difficult to book. Reservations are prioritised for regulars, making it a near-impossible feat for first-timers, even after years of trying. Tucked within the South Ark Tower in Roppongi, the restaurant offers an intimate experience with just eight seats along a cypress counter. The meal begins with a course of delicate sashimi, often highlighted by expertly sliced bonito, before moving into a refined sushi selection. Each piece—from supple squid to pristine akami (lean tuna)—reflects Saito’s uncompromising commitment to quality and precision.
Sushi SaitouAddress: 1F, Ark Hills South Tower, 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
No 2: Higashiazabu Amamoto
Higashiazabu Amamoto is the second-best sushi restaurant in Tokyo, according to Tabelog (Photo: Instagram / @kidmangram)
Higashiazabu Amamoto’s chef Masamichi Amamoto (Photo: Instagram / @luxsushi)
Higashiazabu Amamoto is one of Tokyo’s most sought-after dining experiences, with bookings available up to four months in advance—and well worth the effort. Chef Masamichi Amamoto, who spent nine years honing his craft at the acclaimed Umi, now helms this intimate eight-seat counter with both precision and theatrical flair. Diners are treated to an elegant progression of seasonal highlights, including hiragomasaba (beautifully marbled mackerel) and live botan ebi (sweet shrimp) paired with rich karasumi (cured mullet roe). The cooked dishes are just as impressive: expertly grilled nodoguro (black-throat sea perch) reveals Amamoto’s exacting attention to detail and deep respect for the craft.
Higashiazabu AmamotoAddress: 1-7-9 Higashi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
No 1: Sushi Sugita
Nihombashi Kakigaracho Sugita is the best sushi restaurant in Tokyo, according to Tabelog (Photo: Instagram / @kotaro_0402)
Sushi Sugita’s chef Takaaki Sugita (Photo: Instagram / @tomtoro_)
At chef Takaaki Sugita’s sushi-ya (sushi restaurant), a serene nine-seat space wrapped around a beautifully curved counter, guests are treated to a truly exceptional experience. With over two decades of expertise, Sugita masterfully blends time-honoured techniques with thoughtful innovation, enhancing the buttery richness of bonito and the delicate texture of sardine. His signature ankimo (monkfish liver) pâté—luxuriously creamy and served with a touch of wasabi—is unmissable, as is the shime-saba (cured mackerel) and shiso nori roll, layered with herbal brightness. Securing a reservation can be a challenge, particularly through online concierge services, but for sushi devotees, dining promises an unforgettable experience that sushi lovers will cherish for years to come.
Sushi SugitaAddress: 1 Chome−33−6 Nihonbashikakigaracho, Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan
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