It’s not every day that you get to experience high-quality omakase sushi, a course menu where guests leave it up to the chef to choose the dishes based on the day's best ingredients. Just like its name (omakase literally means “I leave it up to you”), you put your trust in the chef's judgment.
So when the opportunity came to visit Sushi Tenkawa, I said yes.
To be frank, this was my first time experiencing omakase sushi; it’s no exaggeration to say that this is a meal I will never forget.
Talk us through the neighborhood.
Sushi Tenkawa is tucked away in Ebisu, in a sleepy strip already saturated with high-end restaurants. The sushi joint specializes in traditional Edomae sushi, which is a type of sushi in old Tokyo that relies on fish caught from the waters of Tokyo Bay.
The restaurant is about a 10-minute walk from Ebisu Station, nestled in a local neighborhood teeming with other must-visit restaurants.
Read More: Best Restaurants in Ebisu
What was your first impression?
At first glance, it’s easy to stroll past Sushi Tenkawa without realizing you’ve arrived. The storefront resembles an unassuming Japanese house, but keep your eyes peeled for a hidden gem and you’ll soon spot it.
The sign with its name outside assures you that you’re in the right place.
Upon stepping inside, a pleasant silence surrounds us, setting the scene for what will be an almost meditative eating ritual. The interior follows a minimalist Japanese aesthetic, from its entrance to the main dining space.
How’s the food at Sushi Tenkawa?
Like a spa massage for the stomach. Like its name, Sushi Tenkawa’s omakase menu means we leave it up to the chef to choose the dishes based on the day's best ingredients.
We have a choice of eating with chopsticks or using our hands, and I choose to eat the first few nigiri with my hands. As is quite common in premium omakase sushi experiences, the chef presents the sushi directly with his hands, creating a personal and intimate quality with every dish.
Our omakase meal includes 15 nigiri pieces, starting with a unique appetizer of sour onion and fish, crowned with cute purple flowers, plus an incredibly delicious half-grilled tuna with raw vegetables marinated with miso paste and mentaiko (pollock roe).
For each perfectly prepared Edomae sushi, the chef gently applies soy sauce with a brush, ensuring it's the right amount to complement, not overpower, the delicate taste of the fish.
The neta (fish atop the nigiri) is cut specifically to absorb the soy sauce. Some of the nigiri are seasoned with a delicate touch of salt or sweet kombu, while others are enhanced with a splash of lime juice, adding nuanced flavors that elevate the overall dining experience.
The meal concludes with a delightful castella tamagoyaki omelet and miso soup with clams. I’m particularly surprised by the refreshing taste of raw eggplant, an unexpected first for me. Fresh vegetables are kept crisp in a bowl with ice cubes alongside wasabi.
Eating at Sushi Tenkawa feels like being immersed in an ASMR session where you can not only see and hear the food being prepared, but also experience the smell, taste and sensation of the sushi expertise in every single bite.
Read More: Best Affordable Omakase Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo
How was the service at Sushi Tenkawa?
Having worked at an omakase restaurant before, I pay close attention to the service. Despite the language barrier, the chef explains the different types of fish and the additional flavors he incorporates into the nigiri (sweet kombu or Japanese lime juice).
In both Japanese and English, he is professional and chirpy, and although chef Tenkawa’s English is somewhat limited for engaging in further small talk, it is more than sufficient for explaining the ingredients and flavors in each dish.
Final verdict: Any last words?
Once you’ve tasted sushi at this level, it’ll be hard to go back to ordinary sushi. Expect to be blown away by this unforgettable unique dining experience and taste of Edomae sushi at Sushi Tenkawa.
Reserve your spot at Sushi Tenkawa.
The opinions expressed in this food review are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of this platform. The review is intended for informational purposes only.
