Dine on high-end sushi and yakitori without breaking the bank at these Tokyo restaurants

Tucked away amongst the lively izakaya and casual eateries in Shinbashi is this elegant sushi restaurant, most popular restaurant in the Isseki Sancho line of restaurants, offering a refined omakase experience at a reasonable price. The restaurant is able to offer premium sushi at a lower cost than many of its competitors due to sourcing its seafood directly from fishermen and maintaining strong ties with Toyosu Market’s top tuna broker, Yamayuki. 

Specialising in Tokyo-style Edomae sushi, Isseki Sancho offers a varied selection of seasonal fish, but their top-tier tuna is always included on the menu. Subtle innovations enhance the omakase experience, like crisp nori-wrapped pressed mackerel sushi and lightly dehydrated white shrimp for intensified sweetness.

The ¥11,800 omakase (available at 12noon and 4.30pm) comprises ten pieces of assorted nigiri as well as eight dishes, which include specialities like chawanmushi (savoury egg custard), somen noodles in broth, and tuna yukke (raw tuna with seasoning). The Welcome to Japan meal, available for ¥22,800, adds five extra nigiri.

Some of the staff also speak English, making it easy to relax and enjoy your meal. Reservations are recommended, with one lunch seating at 12noon and three daily dinner seatings at 4.30pm, 5pm and 9pm. You can make your booking online.

Sitting right above Sushi Restaurant Isseki Sancho, this upscale omakase sushi spot secures rare, top-quality seafood at great prices through its direct connections with fishing ports across Japan. Here you can enjoy premium sushi for less, with meals starting at ¥22,800 for the 17-piece Isseki Sancho, ¥26,800 for the 22-piece Yatagarasu, or ¥32,800 for the 26-piece Chef Honda omakase.

Despite the reasonable prices, the restaurant serves prized seasonal fish rarely found elsewhere and also ages its fish, a technique used to give the seafood more umami flavour and a nicer texture. Each omakase offering comes with the restaurant’s signature dish, a mix of sea urchin and watercress topped with shirako (cod milt) sauce and karasumi (dried mullet roe). 

With just eight seats, Sushi Yatagarasu offers an intimate, meticulously crafted experience. The restaurant is only open for dinner with two seatings at 5pm and 8pm. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.

Nestled among the many vibrant eateries near Shinbashi Station, this intimate yakitori restaurant offers a refined take on traditional charcoal-grilled skewers, all within the cosy setting of a beautifully restored 70-year-old traditional Japanese house. Yakitori Isseki Sancho offers premium chicken sourced from areas including Fukushima prefecture, with each skewer  cooked to perfection over an open flame. Beyond chicken, the menu features a selection of seasonal vegetables, thoughtfully complemented by a curated list of sake and wine.

Guests can choose from five prix fixe dinners, starting at an affordable ¥6,000 for the Uguisu Course, which includes seven skewers. The popular Pheasant Course, priced at ¥8,000, features eight skewers alongside a selection of seasonal side dishes. For a more indulgent experience, the ¥10,000 Tsuru Course offers nine skewers and a clay pot dish to end the meal. 

Additionally, the exclusive third-floor setting located behind a hidden door presents two premium options: the ¥9,800 Hakucho Course and the chef’s signature Karasu Course at ¥11,300, each showcasing the artistry of yakitori.

Dinner times are at 5pm, 6pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm. Reservations can be made online.

For a truly memorable and uniquely Japanese dining experience, indulge in dinner at Isseki Sancho Bettei, a restaurant dedicated to Edo-ryori – historic cuisine that originated in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period (1603–1868). Embracing the essence of Edo, the interior showcases authentic materials from the era, including clay walls, aged wood, washi paper and natural stones, creating an immersive atmosphere.

The restaurant’s seasonal multicourse meals highlight the finest ingredients of the moment, featuring an array of dishes such as robatayaki-grilled skewers, seasonal donabe pot rice, and expertly crafted sushi. 

A special ¥9,800 seven-dish offering is available from 5pm to 6pm, including bluefin tuna nigiri, clam soup, stewed wagyu beef and robatayaki-grilled chicken. For a more elevated experience, the VIP Course (¥16,800) presents ten meticulously crafted dishes showcasing the season's best ingredients. Sushi lovers can opt for the Sushi Course (¥16,800), which includes 15 dishes like premium nigiri, appetisers, and an assortment of seasonal delicacies.

Reservations are recommended and can be made online.