Tabelog ratingAt Shimazu (島津), an eight-seat counter in Tokyo's quiet Shirokane district, a young but highly accomplished chef presents a tightly paced omakase experience. The focus is on powerful pairings: carefully aged and prepared fish set against a distinctive shari (sushi rice) made with red vinegar, served warm and with a slightly firm texture that guests consistently praise.
The highlight for most visitors is the sequence of maguro (tuna), which often includes several cuts from akami (lean) to chutoro and ōtoro (fatty belly). Other standout items frequently mentioned in reviews include the steamed abalone with a rich liver sauce, which is followed by a small portion of rice mixed with the remaining sauce to create a 'liver risotto'. Seasonal pieces like tachiuo (cutlassfish), iwashi (sardine), and high-quality bafun uni (sea urchin) are also lauded, as is the sweet, perfectly executed tamago (egg omelette) that concludes the meal. Service is frequently described as polished, warm, and unpretentious.
The main challenge at Shimazu is practical: securing a reservation is extremely difficult, particularly for new customers. The restaurant operates with fixed start times, and its discreet, unmarked entrance can be easy to miss. Some reviewers also note that the Saturday lunch service is handled by the second chef and can feel different from the master's dinner service.
Reviewers in 2024 reported the dinner omakase cost around ¥38,500, with the lunch omakase at approximately ¥30,250. With drinks, the final bill often reached ¥60,000 or more per person. Despite the premium price, guests almost unanimously agree that the experience provides excellent value, justifying the cost with exceptional ingredients and technical skill.
- Reservations: Essential and extremely difficult to secure. Booking is by reservation only.
- Getting There: Shimazu is a 2-minute walk from Exit 3 of Shirokane Takanawa Station. The entrance is unmarked and can be hard to spot.
- Seating: The restaurant has an 8-seat L-shaped counter. Dinner service has two fixed start times (5:00 PM and 7:30 PM), and the meal lasts about two hours.
- Lunch Service: Lunch is served only on Saturdays and is handled by the second chef.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not. A 10% service charge is added to the bill.
- Dress Code: The dress code is smart casual.
- General: The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Private rooms and parking are not available.
