Hiyakawa is a stunner. At once traditional and edgy, the Japanese restaurant draws from the eateries of Ginza, Tokyo’s posh entertainment district filled with upscale dining and shopping. It’s upmarket but not stuffy as its streamlined decor and oak-washed interiors suggest. Beyond the raw seafood, chefs here wow with full tempura presentation, grilled meats and other dishes.
For those who find the extensive sushi menu intimidating (we’re among you), Hiyakawa offers a delightful omakase experience to ease you into things. It’s $175 and includes three kitchen appetizers, 12 pieces of nigiri, one maki, a miso soup and a dessert. It’s quite a lot of food and a great way to sample the restaurant’s heavy hitters. Omakase is served at the counter while a-la-carte dining is available at the table.