Tabelog ratingAt Mitsui (みつい), a young chef with training from the famed Aozora and Sushi Sho lineage presides over an intimate nine-seat counter. The experience is built around a single omakase menu, distinguished by its warm, lightly seasoned sushi rice (shari) cooked in a traditional hagama kettle, and the visible charcoal grill work that happens behind the counter.
Guests consistently praise the cohesive flow of the meal, which typically moves from five or six small appetizers (tsumami) to a dozen pieces of nigiri. The balance of rice temperature and topping is a frequent highlight, with standout pieces including blackthroat seaperch (nodoguro), steamed abalone, sea eel from Tsushima (anago), and bigfin reef squid (aori-ika). The menu often features rarities like whale tail (nagasuku) and multiple selections of sea urchin (uni). The warm, conversational service and the expertly chosen sake and awamori pairings, curated by the chef's wife, are considered integral to the experience.
A few minor points recur in reviews. The counter is compact and can feel lively or noisy. Some guests felt the tuna, while excellent, might not reach the absolute pinnacle of the most expensive, top-tier sushi restaurants. With premium drink pairings, the final bill can climb significantly.
Reviewers in 2024–2026 paid a fixed price of ¥27,500 for the omakase, with some noting a 5% service charge. Sake pairings were commonly quoted around ¥7,700, leading to typical total bills from ¥31,000 to over ¥50,000 for those indulging in special pairings. Most consider it very good value for the quality of craft and ingredients in Azabu-Juban.
- Location: Mitsui is in Azabu-Juban, on the 5th floor of THE CITY Azabu Juban LIBERTA building.
- Getting There: It is a 4-minute walk from Azabu-Juban Station.
- Reservations: Reservations are mandatory and made via the OMAKASE website. Seats, especially on weekends, can be booked out up to two months in advance.
- Menu: The restaurant serves a single chef's choice omakase menu for ¥27,500.
- Seating: Seating is at an intimate 9-seat counter, with a separate private counter room available for four guests.
- Children: The restaurant asks that you consult them in advance if bringing children.
- Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners, UnionPay) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Charges: A 5% service charge may be added to the bill.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
