Sushi Oishi

Eating authentic sushi is one of the great pleasures of visiting Japan. But any online search produces page after page of restaurants, from inexpensive conveyor-belt sushi shops with machine-pressed rice to high-end establishments for which it is difficult to even get a reservation. The sheer number of dining options is enough to make a gourmet’s head spin. But here is a perfect recommendation for spoilt-for-choice sushi lovers. Sushi Oishi is a casual restaurant with authentic sushi prepared by an experienced sushi chef. It is conveniently located just 200 meters from the South Exit of Hamamatsu station on the Yamanote Line.

Sushi Oishi is an intimate restaurant with space for just seven guests. It is headed by owner-chef Takashi Imai who has experience preparing traditional “kaiseki” tea ceremony dishes, sushi, and many types of cuisine. Earlier in his career, while working at a Japanese restaurant, Imai anticipated an increased need to introduce and explain Japanese cuisine in English to overseas visitors. This led to a major decision: to work as a sushi chef in Singapore and learn English! Now, he can serve customers in English with ease. Those new to sushi are often puzzled by the many unfamiliar toppings. Chef Imai prepares sushi right in front of diners and is very happy to explain the cuisine in detail. After all, the more familiar diners are with sushi, the more they enjoy it!

Chef Imai opened Sushi Oishi in 2022 after returning from Singapore. The restaurant offers five set courses of different prices and contents. Chef Imai carefully sources seafood for the sushi toppings and prepares it to ensure maximum flavor. He cooks sushi rice in a traditional broad-brimmed pot and mixes in his own blend of vinegar and other flavorings. When one of these perfectly sized pieces of sushi is popped into the mouth, the rice gently comes apart and blends perfectly with the topping. It is the true taste and experience of sushi!

Chef Imai has mastered several other types of Japanese cuisine, as is clear from the array of exquisite dishes that make up the five set courses. The restaurant has selected its sake specifically for sushi pairing and serves it in beautiful cups, some made from intricately hand-cut Edo Kiriko glass. Diners can even select their own cup! Shochu and wine are also available, and Chef Imai is always happy to recommend a perfect pairing.

Sushi Oishi has a 5-star rating on Google Reviews (end July 2024,) both for the owner’s friendly personality as well as for its delicious sushi prepared with an uncompromising focus on quality. It is the perfect destination for those who want to savor truly authentic sushi, and for English speakers language is no barrier. It is best to reserve, but sometimes it is possible to find an empty seat by calling ahead or popping in to say hello.

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