Whenever I go to Japan, I always wonder how expensive sushi is. Depending on how upscale the restaurant is, you can find some fantastic dishes that can cost you an arm and a leg. That’s why it’s important to know what to expect before you travel to Japan. Here are a few things you need to know.
Omakase
A meal at a high-end sushi restaurant with a multi-course Omakase may be expensive. However, a good Omakase meal can be as inexpensive as $35 or as extravagant as hundreds of dollars. While the price tag can vary greatly depending on the quality of the fish and the items being served, an average Omakase meal will cost at least $20.
An Omakase is considered the pinnacle of the sushi dining experience in Japan. The concept is based on the idea of omotenashi, which is a form of hospitality and anticipatory service. In omakase, the chef takes it upon himself to create a dish that is right for the customer’s taste.
Although a purely abstract concept, an Omakase is only for some. Those with dietary restrictions or allergies should let their server know before the omakase is served.
There are two main types of omakase: a solo experience and a group experience. The latter is particularly useful for small groups or couples.
While omakase is not for the faint of heart, it’s worth trying if you are interested in the experience. Despite its high price, it can still be a luxurious experience.
The best part about omakase is that it gives you a new perspective on food. The dishes are made with high-quality ingredients. The best omakase meals in Japan are usually made from fish imported directly from Japan. These days, the Toyosu market is known as the Tsukiji fish market.
During your omakase experience, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with your chef, and he’ll even answer some of your questions about the foods he’s serving. The staff at these restaurants are often very attentive and happy to help.
Kaitenzushi
Depending on the restaurant, sushi prices can vary from 100 yen to 500 yen. The fish used for sushi can also affect the price. Common types of fish include tuna, salmon, and eel.
Kaiten-sushi restaurants are found all over Japan. They cater to a wide variety of customers. They may offer cooked meals, desserts, and fried appetizers. They are popular with budget-minded sushi eaters and families with young children.
Many Kaiten-sushi restaurants feature a touchscreen menu for customers to order. Some have an English menu as well. The system is usually easy to use and understand.
Each plate of sushi has a number indicating its price. Generally, the leaves are colored to show the different costs. Some may have a plastic dome cover or be marked with the menu.
Most kitchen-sushi restaurants charge between 200 and 700 yen per plate. Some restaurants offer a fixed fee for all dishes.
The price of sushi varies by season. In the summer, you’ll likely find a large selection of seafood, while in the winter, you’ll be more likely to see pork, beef, and chicken. In the spring and fall, you’ll be more likely to find dishes made with seasonal vegetables.
There are several Kaiten-sushi chains in the United States and Europe. They offer high-quality food and service at affordable prices. Genki Sushi is one of the most popular and has restaurants in Hong Kong and the United States. The company has also opened a chain of restaurants in Singapore.
Unlike traditional Japanese sushi restaurants, kaiten-zushi restaurants allow customers to order sushi themselves. They also have a system to ensure that there is always sushi available.
Kurumazushi
In the middle of Manhattan, Kurumazushi is a Japanese restaurant serving lunch and dinner. This Midtown sushi bar has been around for over 40 years and offers one of the best omakase courses in the city.
The restaurant is on the second floor of an office building in Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant is modeled after a traditional sushi bar, albeit a glitzy, high-end version. The menu includes sushi, sashimi, specialty rolls, and ice cream. The omakase is costly, but it is an excellent way to experience this venerable institution.
Besides the usual suspects, Kurumazushi has some of the most expensive sushi in the city, but that doesn’t mean the quality is terrible. The sushi is of the highest grade fatty tuna, and it’s topped off with a healthy helping of Iranian caviar. Despite the high price, the service and ambiance are top-notch. This sushi restaurant is worth a visit, especially if you have a taste for the finer things in life.
The restaurant’s name, Kurumazushi, is derived from the Japanese phrase “kuzumo,” which translates to “smaller is better.” Sadly, that is only sometimes the case, as this sushi bar’s offerings are on the small side. In addition, the prices at Kurumazushi vary from diner to diner. For example, a lunchtime omakase might be priced at $400, while a gourmet dinner might cost as much as $1,000.
The restaurant’s name, Kurumazushi, evokes respect, but the real magic happens behind the scenes. Chef Uezu and his team have cultivated a sense of community and hospitality that fans will be enthralled with.
Ganso Zushi
Visiting a sushi restaurant can be a fun experience. There are a variety of ways to order and pay. Some restaurants offer to counter seating, others use a conveyor belt, and others serve takeout. You can enjoy your meal with friends and family. The quality of the sushi varies based on the ingredients and the restaurant.
Typically, a typical sushi meal costs between 2,000 and 10,000 yen. If you are eating alone, the cost can be less. The dinner will include soup and green tea. If you are bringing a group, the price will be higher.
If you are in a hurry, you can order a sushi plate on the conveyor belt. This can be a convenient option, and the quality is usually excellent.
Another option is to visit a standing sushi bar. These are very popular with families and students. This sushi restaurant features a screen on which you can order your dish and includes seasonal vegetables and fish.
Unlike a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, a standing sushi bar will be a little pricier. However, you can enjoy your sushi in a friendly, clean environment.
The menu at Ganso Zushi is offered in English, and the prices are lower than in other chain sushi restaurants. The average sushi meal at Ganso costs around Y=500, which is cheap compared to other sushi restaurants in Tokyo.
The most common sushi dishes are nigiri, which is thin fish pieces. These can be as thin as 10mm, and as wide as 50mm. The cost of nigiri will vary by the size of the work. The cheapest selection of sushi will be the nigiri tare, which is a regular nigiri that is around 120mm long.
NAOE Miami
Known for its excellent and creative sushi, Naoe offers the highest quality Japanese food in the city. Located on Brickell Key, the restaurant’s menu is full of locally caught fish, produce, and items imported from Japan.
A multi-course tasting menu at Naoe costs $280 per person plus an additional 20% service charge. It includes a cocktail, a kaiseki dish, and a couple of drinks.
Despite the high price tag, the meal at Naoe is an experience worth having. The menu includes several exotic items not found in other Miami restaurants. For example, the uni at Naoe is flown in, submerged in salt water, and served with a unique funk of aged cheese.
In the kitchen, Chef Cory pays attention to the finest ingredients. His family has been making Naogen shoyu since 1825. He supplements his drink menu with sake from other Japanese breweries.
The restaurant also has a bento box meal, which includes a hearty rice dish and a variety of local vegetables. It is also a good choice for a wedding.
The restaurant is located on the first floor of a building that is located on the waterfront. There are only a few chairs available for diners. The atmosphere is elegant, and the staff is friendly. Unlike other sushi restaurants in the city, the meals at Naoe are made with great care and attention.
If you can’t get a reservation, the Naoe website has a waiting list. However, there are no same-day reservations. In addition, children under 12 years old are not allowed.
The restaurant has won many awards, including the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award in 2013. The restaurant is one of the top five restaurants in the city.
