Published in September, 2024

Sushi Ryujiro: Omakase Lunch Review

Welcome to The Gourmet Elephant’s inaugural post! Join us as we kick off our week-long series exploring Japan’s culinary delights, starting with an incredible restaurant in Aoyama, Tokyo: Sushi Ryujiro.

Discovering Sushi Ryujiro: A great deal for lunch in Tokyo

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Tokyo, Sushi Ryujiro stands out as a sushi restaurant that offers an exceptional lunch experience at a surprisingly accessible price point. Chef Ryujiro Nakamura, former taisho (head sushi chef) of the renowned two-Michelin-starred Umi, brings his expertise to this intimate Tokyo sushi counter. Sushi Ryujiro has also earned its place in the prestigious Michelin Guide by being awarded a Michelin star, a testament to the exceptional quality, service, and craftsmanship you can expect during your visit.

The Journey to Sushi Ryujiro: A Tokyo Adventure

The restaurant is within distance from Aoyama-Itchome station, in a small alley near the main avenue, so keep your eyes open for the entrance since it isn’t easy to see from the street.

Upon arriving at Sushi Ryujiro, we were greeted by the restaurant’s simple yet elegant exterior, adorned with beautiful flowers that added a splash of color and fragrance. As we stepped inside, the attention to detail was immediately apparent - from the exquisite counter materials, the traditional Japanese design elements and the small details such as the Hermès hand soap in the restroom.

The Lunch Experience at Sushi Ryujiro

Our omakase lunch consisted of 9 nigiri and 2 maki pieces, each showcasing Chef Nakamura’s skill and the quality of the ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of our experience:

• Highlights:
  • Uni nigiri: Rich, creamy, and bursting umami flavor
  • Squid nigiri: Perfectly tender with a subtle sweetness
  • Tuna: Exceptional in both nigiri and maki form, with an ideal balance of fat and flavor

Standout dish: The tuna consistently impressed throughout the meal, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture that was both silky and flavorful.

Room for improvement: While most courses were delightful, a couple of them didn’t quite reach the same heights as the others such as the egg-based dish at the end that wasn’t to our taste.

Pleasant surprise: The miso soup was arguably the best we had during our entire Japan trip, providing a savory and satisfying end to the meal.

For drinks, we enjoyed warm sake initially, followed by water to cleanse our palates.

The Sushi Ryujiro Experience: More Than Just Food

Watching Chef Nakamura at work is a show in itself. His precise movements, coupled with a warm demeanor, create an engaging atmosphere in which he interacts with the customers and the other chefs; he is part of what makes the experience special. One thing to note is that we were seated in the main counter and there is a secondary private room where a different chef is serving the sushi, so we cannot speak for the experience there.

While the ¥18,150 per person price tag might seem steep, it represents excellent value for a Michelin-starred sushi experience in Tokyo, especially compared to dinner prices at similar establishments.

Experience For International Visitors

Despite potential language barriers, Chef Nakamura and his team make a concerted effort to ensure all diners feel comfortable and engaged. Although the staff’s English proficiency is limited, they communicate effectively through a combination of basic English, gestures, and hospitality. We appreciated the efforts of both chefs to interact with us, even if briefly; specially for confirming our allergies before the meal started.

The intimate setting encourages a convivial atmosphere, with lively conversations between the chef and regular patrons adding to the experience. While we were seated at the corner of the counter (a common practice for first-time visitors), it didn’t detract from our enjoyment.

A note on communication: We did face some challenges in identifying certain fish species due to language limitations. Fortunately, a helpful couple seated next to us assisted with translations, allowing us to satisfy our curiosity.

It’s worth mentioning that while our experience was overwhelmingly positive, there have been reports online of less favorable experiences, particularly during dinner service. We encourage prospective diners to research multiple reviews to form a balanced perspective.

How to Book at Sushi Ryujiro

Securing a reservation at Sushi Ryujiro requires some planning and a bit of luck, but the effort is well worth it for the exceptional dining experience that awaits.

To make a reservation, visit the Omakase booking page for Sushi Ryujiro.

Here are some tips to increase your chances of getting a reservation:

1. Reservations open at 14:00 PM JST on the 1st of every month for the following month. Set a reminder and be ready to book as soon as the slots open.

2. Create an account on Omakase in advance to streamline the booking process.

3. Be flexible with your dates and try for weekday lunch slots, which may be less in demand compared to weekends.

If you’re unable to secure a reservation on your first attempt, don’t be discouraged! Keep checking for cancellations or newly released slots, as persistence can often pay off. Alternatively, you can use a service like TableAll, which can secure reservations for a fee: Reserve at TableAll. We recommend trying to book directly first before resorting to paid services.

Our Verdict: Sushi Ryujiro - A Must-Visit Sushi Restaurant in Tokyo

Sushi Ryujiro offers a remarkable Michelin-starred sushi experience that combines exceptional culinary skills, a welcoming atmosphere, high-quality ingredients, and surprising value for lunch in Tokyo. Whether you’re a sushi connoisseur or a curious food lover, we strongly recommend adding Sushi Ryujiro to your Tokyo culinary itinerary. We encourage you to experience Sushi Ryujiro for yourself and form your own opinion.

While this wasn’t our absolute favorite sushi restaurant during our 2024 Japan visit, it certainly ranks high on our list. Stay tuned for upcoming posts where we’ll reveal our top sushi recommendation in Japan!

Sushi Ryujiro Details

Address: ARISTO Minamiaoyama 1F, 2-11-11, Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Nearest Station: Aoyama-Itchome Station

Lunch Price: ¥18,150 per person (tax included)

Frequently Asked Questions About Sushi Ryujiro

1. Is Sushi Ryujiro English-friendly? Yes, while the staff may not be fluent in English, they are welcoming and accommodating to international guests.

2. How long does the lunch omakase take? The lunch omakase typically takes around 1-1.5 hours, making it manageable for those with time constraints.

3. Can dietary restrictions be accommodated? We had several dietary restrictions that were accommodated, but would recommend noting them during your reservation to ensure that there aren’t any issues at the time of your visit.