Sushi Dai

Sushi Dai (寿司大) is a very very popular sushi restaurant in Tsukiji Fish Market. You probably have heard the name in many guide books before. This place is not only famous among foreigners, but among locals as well.



Last Saturday, I challenged myself to wake up at 3 in the morning, walked to Tsukiji while the rest of Tokyo was still asleep, and went to Tsukiji. The original intention was to see the Tuna Auction, but it turned out I couldn't get in because the registration was closed already...




A visit to Tsukiji is not complete without having some sushi breakfast. Sushi Dai is known as the best sushi restaurant in Tsukiji. You can wait a very long time in order to get seat. Some people can get very lucky and only need to wait 1 hour. I arrived at 5AM and got seat at around 9.30AM. Yeah, you read that right. Four and a half hour waiting...


There are only 2 set menu. Jyou (2500 yen) which offers 7 piece of sushi and Omakase (3900 yen) which offers 10 sushi plus 1 of your choice. You can order more if you want.


Yes, I know that is the wrong way to eat sushi.




I am not exactly a sushi expert, but the sushi here is incredibly fresh and tastes really good too.


Presentation is top notch as well. Look at this beautifully cut Kohada (Japanese Shad).


Chefs are also very friendly.


























Was it worth waiting 4.5 hours for this ? No. But I don't mind waiting an hour for Sushi Dai. If you can wake up early in the morning and don't mind waiting, I do recommend Sushi Dai. The service is top quality and the food is great. Worthy of being called the best sushi restaurant.