Tsukiji Restaurant

Overview

Named for the famous Tsukiji seafood market in Japan, Tsukiji is unlike your typical sushi and sashimi joint. Instead of just ordering off a menu or choosing from pre-made sushi scuttling along a sushi train, here you head to the deli fridge, select your fish, and they carve it for you fresh in the kitchen.

In the fridge, you'll find delicious servings of tuna, salmon, octopus and scallops among other cuts, which the chefs will prepare for you on a delightful sashimi platter. The place itself is quite small and is basically always busy, which gives off the bustling feeling of the genuine Tsukiji market. Along the walls are colourful photographs of Japan, which, along with expertly prepared dishes, create a fest for the eyes.

If you're not after an entire sashimi platter — best shared between two — take a look at its selection of carpaccio. Our favourite is the octopus carpaccio drizzled with a lightly tangy house-made sauce. For an entree, start out with the tempura taster, which includes two prawns and four slices of vegetables, as well as a side of pan-fried pork gyozas or chicken popcorn served with mayo. 

The selection of bento boxes includes chicken, beef, sashimi or sushi, and all are served with fresh, fluffy rice which Tsukiji does expertly well. The chef's recommendations include the kaisen don with sliced sashimi on rice and the sake clam cooked with sake butter. For dessert they've made it easy for you — ice cream. If you love your Japanese eats and are a seafood stan, be sure to add Tsukiji Restaurant to your dining bucket list.

Images: Tran Nguyen