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Sushi Iwa

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Summary
Restaurant Details
Location
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For each guest that dines at this restaurant, byFood will donate 10 meals
Location
Cuisine
Sushi
Average cost
Lunch: $138.39 - $207.59
Dinner: $138.39 - $207.59

It might be all about the kamatoro sushi, hailed by Steve Jobs as the “best sushi I’ve ever eaten,” in this stalwart Kyoto joint.

Restaurant Details

In 2010, Onishi Toshiya served tech-mogul Steve Jobs the kamatoro sushi — the fattiest parts of the tuna carved from its collar and jaw, available only in scarce quantities — from the fish he purchased earlier that day. “Keep making this until I say, ‘stop,’” Jobs famously instructed.


Jobs ate six pieces of kamatoro that night.


If Sushi Iwa was already at the frontier in Kyoto’s sushi scene, Jobs’ visit propelled it to stardom. But the restaurant’s reputation didn’t hinge on celebrity endorsement; it’s been in operation since 1960 and was a pioneer at a few things. For one thing, the first owner Onishi Iwao, had opened Sushi Iwa as a counter-seating sushi restaurant in an era when sushi in Kyoto was primarily geared for deliveries. For another thing, Onishi’s menu is broken apart into four cycles throughout the year, each to reflect the nature of Japanese seasons.


First impression: it’s all about the omakase sushi. A trio of appetizers, elegantly presented in a stunning mamezara, is so exquisite it resembles a hassun, the kaiseki starter that sets the theme of the meal. Amberjack topped with finger lime bursts with a tangy, creamy flavor; the boiled conger eel is brushed with a rich tare sauce, the tender meat embracing the rice; and the sea urchin roe from Hokkaido is decadently creamy and fresh. And then, of course, there’s Sushi Iwa’s kamatoro, unanimously voted the restaurant’s specialty since Jobs' visit.


But Onishi has a few tricks up his sleeve. The 50-plus brands of Japanese sake and shochu? All are personally curated by Onishi, who also happens to be a certified sommelier. Worried about not speaking a word of Japanese? You’ll find Onishi effortlessly chatting with his guests in English, maintaining the same chirpy demeanor he extends to his local regulars.


In the far corner of the room, a framed message immortalized a message that Jobs wrote: “All good things.” Indeed.

Sushi Iwa Access Info

  • Sushi Iwa is a 10-minute walk from Shichijo Station.

Sushi Iwa Phone Number

075-371-9303

Sushi Iwa Business Days

Sunday
12:00 PM
02:00 PM
-
05:00 PM
10:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
12:00 PM
02:00 PM
-
05:00 PM
10:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM
02:00 PM
-
05:00 PM
10:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM
02:00 PM
-
05:00 PM
10:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM
02:00 PM
-
05:00 PM
10:00 PM
Saturday
05:00 PM
10:00 PM
-
12:00 PM
02:00 PM

Sushi Iwa Address

Shimujuzuyamachi-dori Ainomachi Kado, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8155

Sushi Iwa Cancellation Policy

Cancel your reservation at least 1 week before the dining start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.

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Restaurant location

Featuring beautiful landscapes from mountain to sea, Kyoto Prefecture conveys traditional Japanese culture through its architecture and gardens, art and artisanal crafts, and delicious local cuisine made from regional produce.

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We strive to be as accurate as possible and keep up with the changing landscape of Japan’s food and travel industries. If you spot any inaccuracies, please send a report.

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$13.84
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Free cancellation (1 week notice)
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*The reservation fee covers byFood’s restaurant reservation service. It does not include the cost of food, drinks, or any additional charges incurred at the restaurant, and cannot be deducted from your restaurant bill.
*Confirmation sent within seven business days.
*The reservation service charge will only apply if the reservation request is successful. If the restaurant cancels the reservation, 100% of the service charge will be refunded.
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For each guest that dines at this restaurant, byFood will donate
10 meals
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