The melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich sweetness of "uni" (sea urchin) are essential culinary experiences waiting for you in Japan. With its rarity abroad, travelers are increasingly eager to savor authentic uni during their explorations in this beautiful country.
Uni can be enjoyed in various delicious forms, but "uni sushi" and "uniku" are particularly beloved by visitors. These dishes beautifully showcase the natural flavors of uni and promise to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
In this article, we present a curated list of restaurants where international travelers can indulge in exquisite uni dishes. Make sure to revel in the exceptional allure of uni—an experience truly unique to Japan.
- Shinjuku Sushi Hatsume / 新宿 鮨 はつめ（Tokyo, Shinjuku）
- Ginza Saisho / 銀座さいしょ（Tokyo, Ginza）
- Sushi Sakana Ichie / 鮨 肴 一会（Tokyo, Koenji）
- Jukusei sushi Rita / 熟成鮨利他（Osaka, Fukushima）
- Gyu-Gyu Nishiazabu Sohonten / 牛牛 西麻布 総本店（Tokyo, Omotesando）
- Sushi Kappou Hanaemaki / 鮨 割烹 花絵巻（Fukuoka, Yakuin）
- Gotandazushi SUSHI TOKYO 81 / 五反田鮨 SUSHI TOKYO 81（Tokyo, Nakameguro）
- Asakusa Sushi Yu / 浅草 すし游（Tokyo, Asakusa）
Our Top 8 Must-Try Uni Restaurants in Japan
Here are eight restaurants in Japan where you can savor incredibly fresh and delicious uni!
1. Shinjuku Sushi Hatsume / 新宿 鮨 はつめ
Tokyo, Shinjuku
☆4.4 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1245Features
A sushi restaurant famed for its rolls piled high with uni.
- Only a minute’s walk from Shinjuku Station.
- The sushi rolls adorned with an abundance of uni and succulent lobster are simply exquisite.
- Features a chef from a Michelin 2-star sushi restaurant.
- Enjoy red vinegar sushi rice, free of sugar or preservatives, which is easy on the palate.
- Pair your meal with fine wines and sake curated by sommeliers.
- English-speaking staff are available.
2. Ginza Saisho / 銀座さいしょ
Tokyo, Ginza
☆4.4 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1010Features
Known as the birthplace of "uniku," this sushi restaurant in Ginza showcases culinary artistry.
- A 6-minute stroll from Ginza Station.
- Famous for its signature dish, "uniku," which ingeniously combines uni and premium meat.
- Offers a spectacular course featuring uni and uniku with caviar.
- Savor Wagyu, tempura, and more alongside uni and sushi.
- Don’t miss the sake pairings chosen by seasoned sommeliers.
- English support is readily available.
3. Sushi Sakana Ichie / 鮨 肴 一会
Tokyo, Koenji
☆4.8 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1128Features
Renowned for its decadent uni rolls, this Edomae sushi restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience.
- Just an 8-minute walk from Koenji Station.
- Don’t miss the lavish uni rolls artfully wrapped in seaweed.
- Offers tastings comparing three varieties of uni.
- Originally founded in 1954 as a fresh fish store, it has since evolved into a beloved sushi restaurant.
- Indulge in Edomae sushi that showcases the best of natural seafood.
- A sentimental favorite among locals.
4. Jukusei sushi Rita / 熟成鮨利他
Osaka, Fukushima
☆4.7 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1265Features
A sushi haven specializing in aged sushi featuring uni and botan shrimp.
- Located just 2 minutes away from Shin-Fukushima Station.
- Experience a luxurious combination of uni, botan shrimp, and caviar in each piece.
- Fresh fish from across Japan is aged using a secret technique.
- Enjoy the unique texture of the aged seafood that contrasts beautifully with traditional sashimi.
- The rice is specially crafted for perfect pairing with the toppings.
- Staff communicate in English, Chinese, and Korean.
5. Gyu-Gyu Nishiazabu Sohonten / 牛牛 西麻布 総本店
Tokyo, Omotesando
☆4.1 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/675Features
Uncover a hidden gem, this yakiniku restaurant offers "uni yukke," a delightful dish wrapped in both uni and tender meat.
- Located 10 minutes from Omotesando Station.
- Bask in a unique dining experience where uni yukke made from top-tier beef takes center stage.
- Immerse yourself in a fusion of fine dining and entertainment at this yakiniku haven.
- Experience performances and personalized services while luxuriating in premium A5 rank black wagyu beef.
- Courses are available where the staff prepare the food to perfection just for you.
6. Sushi Kappou Hanaemaki / 鮨 割烹 花絵巻
Fukuoka, Yakuin
☆4.5 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1396Features
This sushi restaurant stands out for its impressive cost-performance ratio while serving delightful uni.
- A brief 4-minute journey from Yakuin Station.
- Experience the freshest seasonal uni sourced from top locations across the country.
- Enjoy 2 to 3 varieties of uni including Hokkaido's bafun uni, Kagoshima's murasaki uni, and Saga's aka uni.
- Natural tuna is also available to enhance your dining pleasure.
- Fish delivered early from the market pairs perfectly with red vinegar rice, rare in Fukuoka, which enhances the natural sweetness.
7. Gotandazushi SUSHI TOKYO 81 / 五反田鮨 SUSHI TOKYO 81
Tokyo, Nakameguro
☆4.5 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1387Features
With a concept steeped in Edomae sushi, this restaurant offers a diverse selection of uni dishes.
- Just an 8-minute walk from Gotanda Station.
- The whimsical uni bouquet, a sushi roll crafted to resemble a flower, is a must-try.
- Unique tasting courses allow you to compare two different types of uni.
- Beautifully created Edomae sushi using selected natural fish and vinegared rice.
- The sushi rice is purposefully cooked to showcase its sweetness as you savor each bite.
- Exclusive tohaku rice is used to make the sushi specially for this restaurant.
8. Asakusa Sushi Yu / 浅草 すし游
Tokyo, Asakusa
☆4.3 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1178Features
A time-honored sushi restaurant where saltwater uni, bursting with natural aroma, is served.
- Only a 5-minute jaunt from Tawaramachi Station.
- Experience saltwater uni with no additives, delivering an unparalleled natural flavor and sweetness.
- This esteemed restaurant boasts over 35 years of proud history.
- Dedicated to serving only natural tuna, emphasizing quality.
- Indulge in traditional Edomae sushi and aged sushi crafted through traditional techniques.
- Reservations are required at least 3 days in advance to ensure the finest ingredients are prepared according to your preferences.
In Conclusion
Uni is a luxurious ingredient that embodies Japan's rich culinary heritage, offering a unique flavor that provides a remarkable experience for international travelers. Whether served as sushi or in innovative dishes, uni captures the charm that is distinctively Japanese, reflecting not just its taste but also the artisan's dedication to craftsmanship and beautiful presentation.
- Uni sushi: A beloved dish that allows you to fully appreciate the umami of fresh uni.
- Uniku: A sensational dish that artfully combines uni and Wagyu.
The restaurants highlighted here are perfect places to appreciate the allure of uni, with a strong focus on food quality and atmosphere, making them ideal spots for first-time visitors. Be sure to include a visit during your stay in Japan to indulge in authentic uni as an unforgettable culinary experience.
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