Ryu Tanaka opened Sushi Tanaka in February 2024 near the Furukawabashi Intersection in Minami Azabu after training at Sushi Rizaki and running the Sushi Rizaki Aoyama branch. He hails from Amakusa in Kumamoto and direct-sources most of his ingredients from suppliers there through personal relationships, resulting in excellent cost/quality performance.
The base course runs 22K JPY, and drinks are reasonably priced with Nihonshu options like Ubusuna, Kid, Aramasa, and Juyondai. His shari is an azazu/komezu blend with a subtle punch, and the texture leans heavy al dente. It paired well I thought with his neta, especially some of the cured/aged pieces. Nigiri are mid-sized. Soy sauce and miso are on the sweeter side indicative of Tanaka-san's hometown. Sweetness typically increases within Japan the further south you travel.
Here is a summary of the course. Not all items are pictured.
- Mozuku with Tairagai
- Grilled Kue
- Iwashi Isobemaki
- Tako (steamed in houjicha for 5 hours)
- Grilled Shiroamadai (aged 10 days)
- Grilled Managatsuo
- Awabi + Awabi Kimo Sauce (with diced rakkyo) + Shari
- Ishigakidai
- Aori Ika
- Isaki
- Akami (Hicho from Ishigaki, Okinawa)
- Chu Toro (same as above)
- Shime Saba (topped with Shiraita Kombu)
- Ni Hamaguri
- Kuruma Ebi
- Bafun Uni
- Miso (sweet, white)
- Anago
- Tamago
Previous visits included an excellent Ankimo temaki, Amakusa Murasaki Uni, and Amakusa Kohada but those were missing today.
This was a subsequent booking made directly with the chef, but seats are occasionally available on Tabelog from the first of the month as well as when cancellations occur (unannounced). I booked 2.5 months in advance for two seats on a specific date I needed, but there are usually seats open 2-4 weeks in advance if you're flexible. Tanaka-san shares his LINE contact information on his business card, and he's quite responsive outside business hours. He does not speak English, but arranging a booking through a translator app wouldn't be an issue.
Overall, this meal feels like it should cost 30K+ JPY. Cost performance is excellent, and you're able to try things that are not often available in Tokyo. I also enjoyed how he's kept the taste profile in line with traditional Kumamoto cuisine. It's a refreshing change from the repetitive tastes of most sushi restaurants in Tokyo. Highly recommended for a highly satisfying meal.
by m046186