Sushi Kappo Sushi Gen

Restaurant Details

The owner, his two sons and his kind wife make up the team behind this stalwart locale that has been in business since 1979. Sandwiched between a compact fugu store and another sushi restaurant, Sushi Kappo Sushi Gen is loved by in-the-know regulars for its reasonably priced, delicious omakase sushi.

Since then, a few items have emerged as its calling card, such as the Kyoto-style nigiri and mackerel sushi — or “saba sushi.” Instead of following the Edomae tradition of eating fresh fish as nigiri, it follows the ancient capital’s preservation method, which means the fish is pickled and pressed compactly against a bed of molded, vinegared rice.

But sushi is only part of the story here. The soft-shelled turtle hotpot, delivered steaming by the proprietress herself, is another highlight. Packed with white leek and rice cake, it is believed to be rich in collagen, making it popular for its restorative qualities. It’s also a dish that puts a pulse into the classic sushi playbook by way of something warm and comforting.

There’s also a light, unpretentious touch within its walls. While many family trips suffer from problems of scale when it comes time to sit down to a traditional Japanese meal, Sushi Kappo Sushi Gen solves this with omakase dining tailored to a party's size and budget.