Located just a 4-minute walk from Iyo Railway's Okaido Station, Sushi Ino is on the third floor of a mixed-use building in the bustling Nibancho area.Having earned a Michelin star in the Hiroshima and Ehime edition, Chef Yusuke Ino honed his skills at a sushi restaurant in Tokyo before training for four years at "Edo-mae Ichiro" in Matsuyama, eventually... More
Located just a 4-minute walk from Iyo Railway's Okaido Station, Sushi Ino is on the third floor of a mixed-use building in the bustling Nibancho area.Having earned a Michelin star in the Hiroshima and Ehime edition, Chef Yusuke Ino honed his skills at a sushi restaurant in Tokyo before training for four years at "Edo-mae Ichiro" in Matsuyama, eventually opening his own establishment in 2014.Now, he is a key figure in the Matsuyama sushi scene, nurturing talented apprentices who are making their mark.Initially, the third-floor location felt a bit unexpected, but the atmosphere shifts the moment you sit at the counter.The chef's friendly conversation eases the tension of being a first-time visitor, and anticipation for the meal begins to quietly build.First, we are served Chawanmushi (savory egg custard) with corn, sweet shrimp, and sudachi.The sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with the sudachi, creating a gentle balance. This unexpected combination was surprisingly delightful, making me squint in pleasure.Next comes the sushi.Each piece showcases the fresh flavors of local ingredients, a rarity to find in Tokyo. Every bite reminds me why it’s worth traveling to the countryside.- Spring Sea Bream (Nagahama)- Sandfish (Imabari City, Miyakubo)- White Sweetfish (Yahatahama)- Mudskipper Squid (Yahatahama)- Isaki (Ainan Town)- Lean Tuna "Yui no Hana" (Shimonoseki)- Kohada (Gizzard Shad)- Horse Mackerel (Sanbe Town, non-migratory)- Swordfish (Yahatahama)- Kuruma Ebi (Tiger Prawn)- Simmered Anago (Sea Eel)- Matsuyama Fried Sushi- Tamagoyaki (Japanese Omelette)**Additions:**- Kohada- Matsuyama Fried SushiThe freshness of each ingredient is outstanding. While my palate has grown accustomed to the richness of aged flavors, there’s something undeniably satisfying about fresh local seafood. The texture, gentle sweetness, and umami that spreads with each bite bring a smile to my face.The rice is firm, yet when combined with the fish, it glides smoothly down my throat. This clarity is refreshing.Then there’s the Matsuyama Fried Sushi, a labor of love from the chef, showcasing his passion for local ingredients.While the fish remains the star, this dish adds a delightful accent to the overall course, embodying the essence of Matsuyama.Honestly, I want to recommend it highly. I ended up ordering more!The chef's sincerity in wanting to deliver delicious sushi at a reasonable price translates into a satisfaction that exceeds expectations.I look forward to enjoying Chef Ino's sushi again, perhaps next time with some appetizers for dinner.It was a great meal! ^^Thank you for reading to the end. Your "likes," saves, and comments are incredibly encouraging. I’ll post again when I discover another delicious restaurant! Less
