Located on the second floor of a building in Nishinakasu, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, Sushi Sakai is a renowned sushi restaurant that has earned the prestigious Michelin three-star rating. The chef, Daiko Sakai, trained for seven years at the famous Tokyo restaurant Umi, blending traditional Edomae techniques with seasonal ingredients from Kyushu to create a unique flavor experience.Sushi Sakai is one of only two restaurants in Kyushu permitted to source from the top-tier wholesaler Yamazaki, allowing them to exclusively procure tuna of the highest quality, comparable to that from the first auction at Toyosu Market. The highlight of the course is the tuna gunkan (battleship sushi) prepared as tataki, allowing diners to savor the natural umami of the ingredient. Following this, two pieces of medium fatty tuna showcase different cuts, providing a layered tasting experience. The final piece, the fatty tuna, melts in your mouth, with the exquisite acidity of the vinegared rice balancing the richness and leaving a long-lasting aftertaste.Other dishes also shine with skill. The locally sourced octopus from Fukuoka is tender and elastic, bringing out the deep sweetness with just a sprinkle of salt. The abalone is paired with freshly grated liver sauce, spreading a rich umami flavor. The flounder is wrapped in kombu, the shako (sweet shrimp) is prepared to a perfect soft-boiled state, and the progression of flavors from the delicate to the rich is seamless.Among the chef's remarkable skills, the sushi rice stands out. The temperature of the vinegared rice is meticulously adjusted to enhance the umami of each ingredient at its peak moment. Each grain of rice maintains its shape without becoming mushy, with a mild acidity that supports the overall flavor of each sushi piece, maximizing the umami of the toppings.The sommeliers also demonstrate impressive teamwork, carefully explaining the reasons behind their selections of sake and wine, as well as the flavor profiles that complement each pairing course. The rhythm of the meal flows comfortably over approximately two hours, without any sense of rush. From the appetizers to each piece of sushi, and finally to the sweet, perfectly cooked tamagoyaki, every moment of the experience is thoughtfully curated.What truly moves you when tasting sushi at Sushi Sakai is not just the extravagant display of high-quality ingredients. It is the unwavering confidence of the chef, who puts his heart into each piece, and the reassurance that comes from years of dedicated training. The fusion of traditional techniques honed over seven years in Tokyo and the innovative spirit developed through years of working with local ingredients in Fukuoka leads to a depth of satisfaction for every diner. It’s no wonder that reservations have been filling up for months. Finding a restaurant in Kyushu that has mastered the essence of Edomae sushi at such a high level as Sushi Sakai is a rare feat.It was a great meal.
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