British Restaurants

Sawada (Tokyo)

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Sawada (Tokyo)
This is hands down one of the most remarkable meals I’ve ever had, and the sushi is simply unparalleled.

I snagged a last-minute reservation for an Omakase dinner, which they frequently release on short notice.

This place might just be the highest-rated sushi restaurant on Tabelog in Tokyo that remains accessible if you’re open to spontaneity. While I’ve noticed Sugita occasionally releasing seats, it’s much less frequent.

Photography isn’t permitted, but I meticulously jotted down everything we had and feel confident I captured it all.

Sake Selections:
– Toyobijin
– Amamitsuki
– Utashiro
– Reisen

(It’s a very traditional setting, so no wine options are available.)

Tsumami (Small Dishes):
1. Broad beans with salt
2. Hirame with liver and engawa
3. Torigai
4. Aorika
5. Uni with Awabi
6. Roasted Saba
7. Smoked Yellowtail Otoro Bacon
8. Octopus
9. Chutoro from Chiba
10. Uni rolled with two-week aged Chutoro from Aomori
11. Shirauo in sweet sauce
12. Smoked sea cucumber
13. Kasago hand roll
14. Otoro Katsu
15. White seaweed roll

Sushi Selections:
1. Tai
2. Sayori
3. Hokkikai
4. Shimasuzuki
5. Kohada
6. Smoked Katsuo
7. Baby squid
8. Tairagai
9. Akami-zuke
10. Chutoro
11. Otoro
12. Different variant of Otoro
13. Hot coal-cooked Otoro
14. Grilled Kuruma ebi
15. Uni Gunkan
16. Eel without sauce
17. Eel with sauce
18. Tamagoyaki

The restaurant is run by a husband and wife team, featuring an intimate six-seat hinoki wooden counter. Guests were respectful, with no one on their phones (though discreet use is allowed), creating a serene atmosphere. After a few sake drinks, the mood lightened, and so did the interactions, including with the chef. Each evening may differ, but I truly enjoyed the ambiance created by Sawada-san, his wife, and the other diners.

In terms of food, the meal is abundant yet maintains a pleasant pacing and balance—a real advantage of having just six guests at the counter. I didn’t find the sushi overly sour, as some have claimed. Just a tip: try not to eat too close to your reservation, as you’ll want to fully enjoy the experience. I left feeling satisfied but not overly stuffed.

I will definitely be coming back. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Comments

One response to “Sawada (Tokyo)”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    Wow, it sounds like you had an incredible experience at Sawada! The omakase menu you detailed is absolutely mouth-watering. It’s great to hear that you were able to get a last-minute reservation, especially at such a highly-rated place.

    The combination of traditional sake like Nihonshyu and the meticulous selection of tsumami and sushi really speaks to the authenticity of the meal. I love that you were able to capture everything despite the no-photo policy—it’s great to see that you found a balance between enjoying the moment and documenting it.

    I’m particularly intrigued by your mention of the smoked yellowtail otoro bacon and the uni rolled with aged chutoro—those sound exceptional! It’s also nice to know that the intimate setting fostered a communal atmosphere among guests, especially after a few sake drinks.

    Do you have any tips for scoring reservations at Sawada or any recommendations for must-try dishes if someone were to go? Thanks for sharing your experience!

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