Edomae Sushi Hattori

We love sushi joints like Sushizanmai, Ginzo, Ganso and Misakimaru, but they’re still just chain stores. Sushi Hattori is different—it’s an intimate, owner-operated sushi-ya with only 12 seats. Dinner typically costs between ¥8,000 to ¥10,000 per person, so lunch sets starting at ¥1,300 are a phenomenal deal.

There are 8 seats at a counter and another 4 seats at a table. At the time we visited, on a rainy September Friday, three customers were just finishing up, so we had the place to ourselves. The chefs (you don’t need any other service staff with 12 seats) were relaxed and friendly.

There was no high counter like you often get at chain sushi stops, so we could watch the full preparation of the sushi and see the skill of chef (and owner) Akio Hattori for ourselves.

The ¥1,300 “ichininmae” (or “serving for one person”) course we went for included 7 pieces of nigiri sushi, tamago-yaki, 6 pieces of maki-zushi and miso soup. The fish you get will likely vary depending on the season and the fish that’s available. Don’t expect the really top-quality cuts of maguro though. We got two pieces of akami-maguro, squid, prawn, scallop and salmon. Each was beautifully tender, the spice of the ginger was just right and, as is the norm with sushi restaurants, the miso soup was outstanding.

If you’re after the high-quality cuts as well, they do have a number of options to choose from. The “1.5 ninmae” set at ¥1,500 is the same deal as the “ichininmae” set except you get more volume.

Menu

At lunch time, payment is by cash only. All prices are inclusive of tax.

The above review is actually of Sushi Hattori at their previous location, which is just around the corner from their current location. If coming from Midtown, turn left at the gas station, head towards the National Art Center, then take the first right. Edomae Sushi Hattori is just around the corner.

by Greg Lane