Sanosushi Tokyo

SANO SUSHI • 佐野鮨
@sanosushi2023

- 🇬🇧English -

It’s always a pleasure to spend time with like-minded creatives. In late July, my wonderful friends and super talented creative director and producer from Wieden + Kennedy Tokyo, one of the most respected agencies in Japan, took me out to visit Sano Sushi. Huge thanks again to _showhey and @kosukelawrence for organizing such an unforgettable night!

A special shoutout to my good friend @absolutely_yummy for always working his magic behind the scenes. You made sure Sano-san had plenty of kohada ready for this 小肌怪人 Kohada Kaijin. Thank you, sir!

Sano Sushi, located near Shibakoen, has quickly gained recognition since its opening in November 2023. It’s part of a growing trend in Tokyo that I would classify as “new-old school” sushi. The restaurant embodies a refined version of what Tokyo’s sushiya were like 30 to 40 years ago, offering a nostalgic yet elevated dining experience. Restaurants like Shinbashi Shimizu, Tsuruhachi, and Tomidokoro follow a similar ethos, focusing on large nigiri, punchy shari, and a minimalist menu that brings the purity of the ingredients to the forefront.

At Sano Sushi, diners are treated to an omakase menu that typically includes five tsumami (small appetizers) followed by twelve pieces of nigiri.

One standout aspect is the tuna, sourced from Fujita, which is a mark of quality. The fish selection and preparation reflect the care and skill of Chef Tadashi Sano. Before opening his own restaurant, Chef Sano honed his skills at the esteemed Tsukiji Aozora San-daime Marunouchi, a well-known establishment in Tokyo’s sushi scene. His wife, Yumiko, adds to the intimate, personal experience by attending to guests, making the atmosphere feel welcoming and attentive.

Sano Sushi’s blend of tradition with modern refinement makes it a unique addition to Tokyo’s vibrant sushi landscape. It offers diners a chance to experience the essence of what sushi culture in Tokyo was a generation ago, but with the elevated techniques and ingredients that define contemporary fine dining. Less