Sushi Sawada Restaurant

If you saw Jiro Dreams of Sushi, it was like that...

...only in some ways, perhaps better. Sushi Sawada has only 6 seats, at a small private counter. There is only one dinner seating per day. It is difficult to get reservations, and difficult to find. The restaurant is in the Ginza area, and there are no photos permitted whatsoever. So you'll have to use your imagination :)

One blogger wrote an excellent post here, and we used that post to learn about how to find the place and what to (not) do! To whet your appetite for bloggy details: 

"David Chang of Momofuku fame calls it “a breath of fresh air”, naming Sushi Sawada his favorite sushi restaurant in the world. The Michelin Guide has awarded it two stars. It is frequently uttered in the same breath as sushi giants Sushi Mizutani, Sukiyabashi Jiro, and Sushi Saito. Many consider it among the best in Tokyo."

The best parts for us:

• The husband and wife team do everything, food-prep, plating, service, everything. There is no staff. Adorable and romantic.
• Sawada-san explains what seasonings to use for what (e.g. wasabi and salt is ok, lime and soy is ok, etc...) for every bite.
• Crazy fresh ingredients! Sawada-san explains which fish are chosen and why (what the seasons are). Tea ground and brewed fresh for each cup. Holding coals over the sushi to sear right in front of you. The smells of the kitchen are right in front of you.
• Tolerant of ignorance, appreciative of any education you have, flexible about encore courses...the best of regimented traditional and yet flexible. I would be intimidated if the chef was staring me down like Jiro in the movie. Sawada-san is kinder, more talkative, and with a great sense of humor! 

Best sushi I had in my life, tied with chef Youji Iwakura's bespoke meals!!

Sawada-san knew I loved the Gooseberry for desert, and that Eva loved the micro-tomatoes, so they packed us this little surprise box...