Sushitoyo (寿司とよ) Echizen

Sushi Toyo is a small family-run sushiya in Takefu, close to Echizen. Frequent diners in Japan might recognize Echizen as one of the famous regional-branded names for snow crab, which is abundant in winter.
.
Toyo is run by a father-son team, and the environment is entirely locals and regulars. It is usually fully booked, and that's probably because there are only 5 seats and a tatami room. The sushi style isn't edomae and has a significant amount of creative touches, and the environment is lively and friendly, almost like being invited to a dinner party. My visit here last year (note the dragon on display 🐉) was one of my favorite sushi meals in Japan not only for the food, but also because of the wonderful hospitality. I'm not sure when I'll be back again to Takefu, but if I am passing through, I will definitely make sure I visit again. Less