My experience at Kyubey Ginza in Tokyo, a highly recommended sushi restaurant left me utterly disappointed. Despite a reputation by many, my lunchtime visit was far from what I anticipated or expected.
Located in a four-story building with various rooms and sushi bars, I was surprised at how run-down and dirty the place appeared. It lacked the traditional, intimate atmosphere most sushi restaurants in Tokyo offer. Instead, it felt like a chaotic and overly busy Benihana restaurant on steroids, with noise coming from all directions.
What was particularly vile was the overall cleanliness or lack thereof. The restaurant looked dirty and poorly maintained, which is a significant concern when dining on raw fish where hygiene should be paramount. The chefs seemed far from meticulous; their food preparation appeared unsanitary. Using a single cloth to clean knives, cutting boards, and plates was unappetizing and concerning. This also made the experience off-putting.
The quality of the fish was mediocre at best. Rolls were falling apart on the plate, and the overall presentation was lackluster. The chef’s attempt at theatrics with live shrimp writhing on the plate, while intriguing to some, felt more like a gimmick to distract from the subpar experience.
The fish in the other dishes tasted and looked far from fresh. The chef’s lack of attention to detail and care in their craft was evident throughout the meal. The overall quality of the food was disappointing and far from the standards I expected. This experience, unfortunately, stands out as my worst meal in the three weeks I spent dining in Japan.
There are far better options in Tokyo that offer exceptional sushi and a more serene, traditional atmosphere. This restaurant falls short on quality and cleanliness, making it a less desirable choice for sushi enthusiasts.
Not recommended.
Happy dining,
Shanea
10/29/2023
