The only sushi restaurant in Omoide Yokocho, Sushitatsu is one of the longest-standing businesses in the area and the place is as old-school as they come. Every customer that comes through the sliding wooden frame of the entrance already seems to know someone sitting at the counter, exchanging boisterous remarks as they edge their way to an open seat. There are no menus here, just a line of wooden planks behind the counter listing the available fish for the day in kanji and two omakase options.
Owner and sushi master Kenji Murakami, who has had the business for over 70 years, still watches over the shop every day in chef whites, sitting and chatting with regulars as his seasoned mentee forms stunning pieces of Edo-style nigiri, brushing them lightly with sauce before serving them. While there’s a rustic charm to the uninhibited way in which regulars casually interact, pouring beers and flicking cigarettes whilst reminiscing the past, Sushitatsu upholds all the traditional elements of an authentic sushi restaurant. Those planning to hop to adjacent establishments for more food might opt for sashimi (¥3,000), but you’ll do well to order the omakase sushi course (¥4,000), which includes dashimaki tamago (omelette), fragrant clam miso soup and maki rolls wrapped with minced fatty tuna, fresh shiso and pickled daikon.