Edomae Hattori, Ropongi
Name: Sushi Edomae Hattori
Address: 106-0032 東京都港区六本木7-3-15鈴や第2ビル B1
Website: http://sushi-hattori.jp
Location: Ropongi, Tokyo, JAPAN.
Budget: $$$
Price: ¥12,000 per person
What I recommend: Everything, it's a set menu which changes regularly. Let the chefs know if you have any allergies but beyond that let them treat you to the best seasonal ingredients in Japan.
It only seems fitting to start these city guides with my favourite restaurant in my favourite city in my favourite country...
If I could chose one single restaurant to go back to in my time in Tokyo this spring, it would be Edomae Hattori. And to think we stumbled upon this gem purely by accident!
On the morning of our very last day in Japan, I realised that I hadn't booked anywhere for diner that night. After a long conversation we decided that two things we wanted to leave Japan with were a tummy full of Ramen, and dreams of Sushi to last us until next year. So we went to have Yuzu Ramen in Shinjuku (review to come) for lunch, and I proceeded to navigate OpenTable.com to find the best Sushi restaurant I could which would have two seats at a counter for some truly special Omakase. Fast forward 30 minutes and a lot of homework, I elected to go to Edomae Hattori.
We got lost about three times - quite the achievement considering Edomae Hattori was a mere 10 minute walk from our hotel in Ropongi. After knocking on the wrong door and being met by a lovely elderly lady doing her cooking, we were promptly pointed to the right place. Edomae Hattori had only very recently moved which explained our confusion.
I'll note here that Edomae Hattori does not have an à la carte menu. It is a 12 course Omakase, for ¥12,000 PP. It's not cheap, but if you're looking for great taste, you will be prepared to pay this.
After being seated in our own private room for the first set of our Kaiseki-style starters, we were moved to the counter where we really wanted to be, and the magic began....
I could say a lot of big words about the sushi they prepare at Edomae Hattori, but it wouldn't come close. This was simple, perfect, flavour at it's purest and best. The combination of ingredients were excellent and elevated each flavour.
The chef was playful, and smiley. With every Japanese name I knew for every fish, he got more engaged, and I was rewarded for my appropriate level of happiness and awe at the Uni with another Uni, triple loaded, for free. While I really liked the place before, I feel in love with it right then.
The service was attentive, but not invasive. Flawless, in true Japanese fashion.
Don't forget to leave a comment if you've been, if you agree or disagree, or if you're planning on going!
