Sushi & Wine Omotesandoria

Omotesando has assembled quite a roster of impressive restaurants in the last decade, but nothing delivers a cooler time than this swanky sushi-slash-wine bar. Kicking off with a stellar lineup of well-executed nigiri, creative maki rolls and a library of local and imported drops, it’s become increasingly gutsy and ambitious in delivering the statement that drinks are as important to the mix as the food. Billing itself as a venue where people can “enjoy sushi and wine in a pop, homey atmosphere,” Sushi & Wine Omotesandoria more validly displays the free-spirited soul of fusion cooking. Take the riff on the scallop sushi, for example, that sees the mollusk seasoned with olive oil and cracked black pepper, further crowned with shrimp and salmon roe. Served in a floral arrangement, it’s a strong contender against their signature “tuna trio,” which features three types of maguro — fatty otoro, broiled toro, and marinated lean tuna — draped over a single piece of sushi rice. But Sushi & Wine Omotesandoria is also a wine bar, so that means the beverage selection is well-curated. Light reds from Spain and strong-flavored whites imported from Maldova go well with vinegared rice and soy sauce. Natural wines, on the other hand, ride along the gentle flavor of sushi. Sake selections are no less impressive, selected by the SAKE Diploma. Other diners, however, fall in love with its clever renditions of sushi rolls, like the superb mascarpone and sake lees, or the monkfish liver wrapped in green chili miso. A word of advice: come with an open mind and appetite to try all. The extensive, 18-course degustation is the great entry point for that. Sushi & Wine Omotesandoria has quickly become one of those places where a quick nibble and drink easily morphs into an evening affair. It’s the result of a place offering truly clever food and booze (whiskey included), alongside a stylish space and unpretentious vibe.