For true lovers of the most authentic sushi, Sukiyabashi Jiro will be your favorite choice, even if it’s not easy to get to. Sukiyabashi Jiro is a sushi restaurant in Ginza, Chūō, Tokyo, Japan. It is owned and operated by sushi master Jiro Ono, who at over 90 years old, is still considered the best sushi chef on the planet and still works at the restaurant with his son.

It was the first sushi restaurant in the world to receive three stars from the Michelin Guide and was even awarded five stars, although it was dropped from this list in November 2019. This was not because of poor quality, quite the contrary, the managers’ decision that reservations are not open to everyone meant that it could not be part of this famous guide anymore, but it has certainly elevated it to a unique level of exclusivity.

The restaurant itself has only ten counter seats and those who aspire to dine at this famous restaurant must be considered regulars, have special connections, or be able to book through very high-end hotels in Tokyo. However, if you have the opportunity to enjoy a dinner at Sukiyabashi Jiro you will enjoy the tradition of Edo-style sushi, with its omakase tasting menu. This is served at the counter and is determined each day in the morning and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It consists of about 20 pieces of sushi. This is the most authentic and traditional way to enjoy sushi.

Website: https://www.sushi-jiro.jp/

At Sushisamba you will find the unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian culture and cuisine. It's drawn on these three distinct cultures, a tri-cultural coalition took root in the early 20th century when thousands of Japanese emigrants traveled to the fertile land of South America to cultivate coffee plantations and find fortune. In cities such as Lima in Peru and São Paulo in Brazil, the integration of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cultures flourished. It's located in various top spots around the world in Las Vegas, London, Dubai, and soon in Doha, Riyadh, and Edinburgh; in Sushisamba you can enjoy extraordinary and unique culinary fusion.

Their menus always offer wonderful dining options. Japanese tempura and sushi; Brazilian churrasco and moqueca; Peruvian anticuchos and ceviche, plus fantastic and delicious cocktails. Enjoy a special blend of flavors and sushi like you’ve never seen before.

Website: https://www.sushisamba.com/

Japan’s trendy Zuma was co-founded by Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney in 2002, it has 11 venues and 5 seasonal locations around the world. Some branches of this fine-dining restaurant’s brand are often listed among the world’s top 50 in the respected San Pellegrino list, which compares to the “Oscars of the culinary world”.

Modern Japanese cuisine is authentic but not traditional. The menu is extensive and enticing, showcasing a variety of dishes from its three kitchens: the main kitchen, the sushi counter, and the robata grill. Maintaining the Japanese izakaya-style, food is served for sharing. Dishes are brought to the table steadily, creating an informal yet sophisticated style of eating and drinking, with a contemporary twist. You can choose from a full menu of Japanese classics such as miso-marinated black cod, sushi, sashimi, and a selection of smaller dishes.

Website: https://zumarestaurant.com/

Sushi Yoshitake is a Michelin 3-star sushi restaurant in Ginza, Chūō, Tokyo, Japan. It is owned and operated by sushi chef Masahiro Yoshitake. Sushi Yoshitake deals with his fish a little differently. Less traditional than his other Edomae competitors, Chef Masahiro Yoshitake pairs his sumptuous slices of abalone with a sauce made from abalone liver and uni and oyster with shiso and oyster juice jelly.

The structure of this dining experience is omakase-style, almost like a traditional tasting of small plates from the chef. The creative combinations using ingredients like wasabi stalks, sansho peppers, yuzu zest, and others set this restaurant apart from most of its fellow hardcore sushi sellers in the country and certainly miles apart from any of the sushi joints in North America. Following the innovative entrées are piece after piece of delicate nigiri sushi, delicately assembled in front of the diner by Chef Yoshitake himself. There are two seatings a night and the seating capacity is about seven people, so reservations are, like with the other top-class sushi-yas, absolutely necessary.

Website: http://sushi-yoshitake.com/

Shinji by Kanesaka is an extension of 1 Michelin star Chef Shinji Kanesaka’s Edo-style sushi restaurant first set up in Tokyo’s exclusive Ginza district. The deep-rooted philosophy underpinning this endeavor is simply a passionate desire to share an appreciation for age-old Japanese culinary traditions without compromising their integrity.

Shinji by Kanesaka pays homage to the core of Japanese culture and art as defined by ‘kata’ and ‘do’. True to the spirit of its heritage, the restaurant is built on a carefully woven foundation of key elements which promise an authentic dining experience.

An omakase menu (a menu selection entrusted entirely to the chef) is featured and skillfully executed by a native Japanese team of artisan chefs. Further embodying the Japanese fine dining experience is the restaurant’s okami-san who makes sure that restaurant guests are cared for. Shinji by Kanesaka is Chef Kanesaka’s first venture outside Japan and it honours the same prodigious quality that made him an esteemed character in the culinary world.

Website: https://shinjibykanesaka.com/