Tabelog ratingKozasa Sushi is a classic neighborhood sushi-ya in Daizawa, treasured by locals for its steadfast commitment to old-school Edo-mae traditions. The experience is o-konomi style, meaning you order pieces as you go, rather than a fixed set menu. This offers a satisfying, unpretentious alternative to the city's more formal sushi counters.
Two dishes are consistently cited as must-orders: a signature starter of abalone with its own liver, sea urchin, and squid (鮑の肝醤油和え), and the grilled anago with a sweet soy glaze (穴子のきじ焼き). For nigiri, guests praise the generous size of the toppings, which maintain a satisfying balance with the shari (sushi rice). The aji (horse mackerel) and tai (sea bream) are perennial favorites. While the proprietor can seem brusque at first, many find him warm once you begin to interact. The lack of a printed menu can be intimidating for first-timers, but ordering is straightforward—simply point to the ingredients in the glass case or the wooden tags on the wall.
Most reviewers consider Kozasa Sushi excellent value for the quality. A typical dinner costs between ¥15,000 and ¥19,999. Reviewers recently paid around ¥11,800 for a meal featuring the signature abalone starter and a dozen nigiri, while a larger order including the grilled anago cost about ¥17,000.
- Getting There: Located in the Daizawa district, about a 10-minute walk from Shimo-Kitazawa Station.
- Reservations: Walk-in only; reservations are not accepted. Expect to queue, especially before the 5:00 PM opening on weekends.
- Seating: There are 13 seats, mostly at the counter, which fill up quickly.
- Menu: There is no printed menu. Staff have limited English, but you can order by pointing.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Children: School-age children are welcome.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking available.
