Update-date: Apr 09 2024
On December 8, 2023, the popular sushi restaurant with one Michelin star, "Sushi Yuu," relocated to Ginza. In its place, a new establishment named "Sushi Yu Tsumugi" was born, serving as a place for nurturing young talents. Behind the counter stands the young chef Kazuki Tahara, who honed his skills at three establishments: "Sushi Yuu," "Sushi Zai," and "Sushi Yu Tsubasa." We had visited "Sushi Yu Tsumugi," where they offer an "Omakase" experience, including drinks, at a reasonable price of 16,500 JPY.
Sushi Yu Tsumugi, where a young chef showcases his skills, has emerged in the space formerly occupied by Sushi Yuu.
Located a 5-minute walk from Roppongi Station and having relocated from Ginza, "Sushi Yu Tsumugi" has emerged on the site previously occupied by "Sushi Yuu." It is the sister restaurant of the sought-after and difficult-to-book establishment in Ebisu, "Sushi Yu Tsubasa," inheriting the essence of "Sushi Yuu." Chef Kazuki Tahara, under the guidance of Chef Jun Ozaki from "Sushi Yuu," has continued to hone his skills. At "Sushi Yu Tsumugi," he crafts traditional Edo-style sushi using his refined techniques and carefully selected ingredients, guided by the discerning eye passed down by Chef Ozaki.
We asked Chef Tahara about the process of being entrusted with the new restaurant, and he mentioned that about a year ago, while working at the sister restaurant "Sushi Yu Tsubasa," he received the opportunity to lead the new establishment. "Since my early days with Chef Ozaki, I had been informed about the possibility of opening a new restaurant, so I was preparing for it from that time on. After the new location was decided, I simulated my current abilities and considered the customer base and competitive pricing," explained Chef Tahara.
Without hesitation, we decided to go for the "omakase" experience.
Without hesitation, we decided to go for the "omakase" experience.
At 16,500 JPY with an all-you-can-drink option and transparent billing, "Sushi Yu Tsumugi" offers a user-friendly sushi dining experience.
At "Sushi Yu Tsumugi," they offer an "omakase" course with a variety of beverages, including rare sake and tea, all for 16,500 JPY. This "premium sushi course with all-you-can-drink" is said to have been introduced by the sister restaurant "Sushi Yu Tsubasa," revolutionizing the norms in the sushi industry. The course features signature dishes like the famous "Pudding Roll" from "Sushi Yuu" and the "Minato-ku Roll," a roll with crab and sea urchin. Additionally, it includes special dishes that pair well with Chef Tahara's selection of beverages, making the dining experience delightful even before you start eating.
Now, let us introduce the dishes we enjoyed on that day.
Now, let us introduce the dishes we enjoyed on that day.
The dish features anglerfish liver simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, pureed, and then mixed with the sushi rice. Despite its rich flavor, the addition of cucumber provides a refreshing finish. While anglerfish liver is often associated with winter ingredients, at this establishment, you can enjoy it throughout the year.
The "Minato-ku Roll" (Crab, Sea Urchin, Caviar) *Additional charges apply for the optional caviar.
A blissful nigiri that combines the internal organs and external eggs of snow crab with miso, topped with Bafun sea urchin from Funka Bay in Hokkaido and caviar from Shizuoka Prefecture. This exquisite piece is wrapped in seaweed from Ariake, Saga Prefecture. The caviar, crafted with reduced salt concentrations to complement the sushi, adds to the overall balance of flavors, making it a truly delightful experience.
Nigiri, featuring "Tuna Lean" and "Medium Fatty Tuna" from Tappizaki in Aomori. The lean tuna is served with a touch of soy sauce.
The medium-fatty tuna boasts rich flavors from its well-marbled texture, offering a unique dish not often found in this price range, characteristic of the affiliated restaurants.
Next is the offspring of sea bream, "Kasugo Tai." Known for its tender flesh and subtle richness, Kasugo Tai is a distinctive delicacy.
Introducing the "Fuku Maki" (Thick Roll), which ingeniously combines leftover cuts of the day's fish, ensuring minimal waste in ingredient usage. On top of the roll is tuna, enhancing the overall experience.
A steamed egg custard with plum pulp is topped with delicately fried belt fish that is both fluffy and thick. Adorned with scattered sprigs of shiso flowers, it provides a pleasant and subtle fragrance.
A "steamed abalone" served in a risotto style. Underneath the abalone, there's a layer of sushi rice, and it is paired with the chef's prideful liver sauce. The liver sauce carries a subtle acidity yet remains smooth. It's so delicious that you might find it a pity to leave any traces of the sauce on the plate.
For an additional charge, you can order the chef's recommended specialty of the day. On this particular day, a dish combining white shrimp from Toyama Prefecture and purple sea urchin from Miyagi Prefecture was featured. Truly luxurious, the impeccable pairing of white shrimp and sea urchin needs no further explanation.
A petite eel rice bowl, known as "Unagiko-don," features eel from Mikawa-Isshiki in Aichi Prefecture. The eel is not steamed but grilled in a Kansai-style manner, resulting in a crispy texture.
Accompanying this is a Tamagoyaki (Japanese-rolled omelet) cooked with sesame oil. The dish allows you to savor the fragrance and flavor of both Aosa seaweed and sesame oil.
The "Omakase" course includes an all-you-can-drink option, offering a choice of approximately 30 selections, such as the original "Sushi Restaurant Lemon Sour," sake, highball, and more. Additionally, each person can enjoy one item from the premium liquor selection, which adds to the delight. For those who wish to explore deeper into unique beverages, there's an option to order a special drink for an additional 1,000 JPY per glass. (*The brand may vary depending on the day.) Furthermore, for those who do not consume alcohol, soft drinks and premium teas are also available.
The inclusive "Sushi Restaurant Lemon Sour" in the all-you-can-drink selection is not only available for individual choice but also comes with a thoughtful pairing option. The "Cheers" plus a sequence of four additional pairings, corresponding to the narrative structure of "Ki (Introduction), Sho (Development), Ten (Twist), Ketsu (Conclusion)," totaling five drinks in the pairing series. This arrangement is curated to complement the dining experience and enhance the harmony between the beverages and the meal.
The "Special" selection for the day includes the following two bottles: "Jikon" from the Kiyasho Sake Brewery.
And another "Special" selection is the "Amagaeru" from the PRIVATE LAVO series by Aramasa.
The operating hours follow a three-part system with complete turnover for lunch and dinner (early or late), and lunch service is available only on weekends and holidays. All time slots come with the same price (inclusive of all-you-can-drink), and private rooms can be reserved for 2 to 4 people (no room charge). With the inclusive drink pricing, it's a great value and suitable for business dinners as well.
Given the current circumstances with rising prices, the cost, including beverages, is quite reasonable. As affiliated establishments tend to be difficult to book, it's advisable to make reservations well in advance.
Given the current circumstances with rising prices, the cost, including beverages, is quite reasonable. As affiliated establishments tend to be difficult to book, it's advisable to make reservations well in advance.
Hidden away-style restaurant Sushi Yuu Tsumugi is located on the basement floor.
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
