I took a trip to Japan with a friend and we both knew that our splurge meal needed to be an experience eating sushi. I know it sounds cliché, but we’re both foodies so it was a must-do for us. After some research prior to our trip, we went ahead and made a reservation at Sushi Bar Yasuda.
Sushi Bar Yasuda opened in 2011 by Chef Naomichi Yasuda after his return to Japan from a long time in New York. It is a small restaurant with eight counter seats and two tables of two (we weren’t lucky enough to reserve a counter seat).
The entrance is illuminated with the restaurant’s name and a set of stairs lead to the basement entrance. Once you enter, you’re greeted by friendly staff and seated immediately.
The decor is simple yet elegant – white interior with plaster waves on the walls, granite tile behind the chef for him to “pop” when he’s performing. Blue, green, and turquoise tile in the corridor walls bring more of the ocean feel to the space. Dishware is simple and in a deep ocean blue – allowing the food to speak for itself. We ordered sake and were shown an array of glassware where we got to choose the one the tickled our fancy.
From left to right: scallop, halibut, medium fatty tuna
Chef Yasuda makes you feel as if you’re in his home with his easy conversations – often joking and laughing with patrons. His personality and exuberance comes through with his ease behind the bar and he brings a lightness to the restaurant atmosphere despite it being located in a basement.
We kept of getting served dishes until we were full. Missing from pictures above was a delicious miso soup that hugged you up warmth. Since we weren’t seated at the counter, Chef came out and we got to get a photo with him. Definitely a highlight of the night!
To this date, this has been one of my top 3 favourite meals in my life.
Happy Wandering!
Gloria
Wandering Truongs 