Sushi Saito, Tokyo, Japan, Dec 2023

My final review from this trip to Tokyo. Once again, this restaurant doesn’t need an introduction. I’ll do this similar to the Jiro review, I suppose. Once again, no picture policy. Firstly, the service here is a more traditional omakase experience. I don’t know if he does every service, but I was served by Takashi Saito himself. He’s super funny, skillful, talented, eccentric, and super generous! Firstly, these sushi rices (plural) are now the best I’ve ever had! While he has his base sushi rice that is perfect in stickiness and acidity, he had 2 other special rices that he used once or twice, made specially to pair with certain fish and dishes… genius! Every piece of sushi was definitely perfect for me, and the progression worked very well also. The official menu has around 20 pieces of sushi, but I had way more. Chef Saito loves serving his customers and gave me TONS of extra stuff when I complimented the dishes. He just randomly extra salmon, gizzard shad, and ikura, two extra uni flights, and a double-stacked medium fatty tuna piece. Phenomenal hospitality and service! I only had tea and sake during this meal, but their wine program and pairings seemed to be top-notch based on what other people got. There’s not much else to add, but this experience and restaurant truly are perfect! Now on to what is maybe one of the most important things regarding this restaurant… reservations. I got mine through my hotel concierge, plus an acquaintance in Tokyo who is on their noted list of regular guests. This is the best, and most likely only, way for foreigners to get a reservation.

Food cost - $500; Value for money - 5/5; Overall rating - 5/5; My Michelin rating - 3*; Would I recommend - Yes!