Tabelog ratingHitsuji Sunrise Kagurazaka (羊SUNRISE 神楽坂) offers a singular experience: a chef-led tasting journey through the world of high-end Japanese lamb. Seated at a 14-person counter, guests watch as staff grill each cut to order. The focus is on non-frozen, domestic lamb, hogget (12–24 months), and mutton, often sourced from single farms, allowing you to compare the nuances of terroir and age. The chefs guide you on the best condiments for each piece, from simple salt to yama-wasabi and cilantro.
Reviewers consistently praise the clean, non-gamey flavour of the meat, a testament to its quality. Standout dishes frequently mentioned include the lamb tataki, various hogget selections, and the dramatic fire-finished sheep skewers. The experience extends beyond the meat, with vegetables like lotus root finished in rendered sheep fat, and memorable closing dishes such as a rich lamb-bone miso ramen or a fragrant sheep-milk curry.
The main criticism is the price, which many note is high. Some also mention that the small, intimate space can get smoky when full, and that clothes may absorb cooking odours. A few lamb purists found the meat's flavour milder than they prefer.
Expect a premium bill. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported dinner spends around ¥12,000–¥16,000 per person. Specific dishes were priced at approximately ¥2,200 for lamb tataki and ¥1,420–¥1,650 for the lamb-bone miso ramen. While not a budget meal, most guests felt the educational experience and quality of the rare domestic cuts justified the cost.
- Booking: Reservations are essential and should be made weeks in advance. This is not a walk-in establishment.
- Seating: Seating is at a 14-person counter only.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 2-minute walk from Ushigome Kagurazaka Station or a 5-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station.
- Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Children: Children of all ages are welcome, including babies and those with strollers.
- Smoking: The dining area is non-smoking. A designated smoking area is provided on the balcony.
- Service: Staff will grill all meat for you at the counter.
