Saito

Sushi Saito: The Ultimate Tokyo Sushi Experience

Located right in the bustling heart of Tokyo, Sushi Saito is a true culinary treasure that sushi enthusiasts simply can’t miss. This three-Michelin-star restaurant is tucked away in the modern Ark Hills complex in Roppongi, providing an intimate dining experience that’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

Getting There

Finding Sushi Saito can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s totally worth it. The restaurant is on the first floor of the Ark Hills South Tower, at 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo. To get there, you can either take the escalator down towards the subway and then back up into the tower or opt for the stairs from street level that lead to an elevated walkway into the tower. Once you’re inside, you’ll spot Saito among other bars and restaurants on the ground floor.

The Dining Experience

Sushi Saito is famous for its omakase style, where diners leave the menu in the hands of the chef. This means you’re in for a culinary adventure filled with a variety of dishes, each one carefully chosen to showcase the freshest ingredients and the chef’s incredible skills. The meal kicks off with a selection of sashimi, followed by sushi, with each piece meticulously crafted to highlight the seafood’s flavors and textures.

The Chef

Chef Toshio Saito is the genius behind Sushi Saito. With over 30 years of experience, he has perfected his craft to create dishes that are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. His technique involves a light touch when forming sushi, ensuring that each piece is perfectly balanced and holds together beautifully. The ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers, including the renowned Tsukiji fish market, guaranteeing the freshest flavors for your meal.

The Menu

The menu at Sushi Saito is a delightful journey through colors, flavors, and textures. Some standout dishes include:

• Tsumami: These appetizer-like dishes are interspersed throughout the meal, featuring a variety of market-fresh and aged fish, along with unique toppings.
• Nigiri Sushi: Each piece is expertly crafted with vinegared rice seasoned with a touch more salt than usual, and mild red vinegar. The rice is prepared in two varieties to enhance the seafood’s natural flavors.
• Signature Dishes: The kegani no temaki, a freshly roasted seaweed hand roll filled with crab meat and vinegared rice, is a signature dish that showcases the chef’s creativity.
• Seafood Delights: From creamy Shirako (cod milt) to tender Komochi Yari-ika (pregnant squid), each dish is a testament to the chef’s skill and attention to detail.

The Ambiance

The interior of Sushi Saito is designed to create a serene and enjoyable atmosphere. The clean, pure tones of the decor, combined with the silvers and pinks of the fish, make for a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. A beautiful calligraphy painting on the wall sets the tone for your evening, featuring bold characters that convey a sense of peace and pleasure.

Booking Reservations

Getting a reservation at Sushi Saito is notoriously tricky. Reservations open on a rolling basis, but regular diners get priority. If you manage to snag a booking, be prepared for an unforgettable experience. The phone is typically answered only on the first day of the month, and there’s no website, which adds to the exclusivity of this culinary gem.

Price and Hours

Sushi Saito is open daily for lunch and dinner, with an average price per person around $225. The intimate setting, with only eight seats at the counter, ensures an exclusive experience that makes the cost well worth it.