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Sushi Saito

Tokyo

A masterclass in balance, precision and the art of craftsmanship

What makes it special: Sushi can be rice and fish. At Sushi Saito, it's a transcendental experience. Tucked away in Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills neighbourhood, this intimate eight-seat counter made of finest Hinoki wood is the domain of Takashi Saito, a living legend among the sushi masters of Japan. Fresh, vibrant, redefining umami – dining here is an experience that lingers long after the final bite. Guests depart with a profound appreciation for the craft of edomae sushi at its most refined.

It’s all about balance: Saito’s nigiri are a study in harmony, where the ingredients are not simply paired but united in equilibrium. The rice, slightly warm with a delicate touch of acidity and a little bite, is the perfect complement to seasonal seafood of unparalleled quality, temperature and flavour.

On the Pass

Takashi Saito

What’s on the menu: Expect silken slices of kohada, as glossy as platinum, a cacophony of tuna with a piece of melt-in-your-mouth ōtoro at the top, and the deeply complex umami of uni from Hokkaido.

The joy of sushi: Despite its reputation, Sushi Saito is anything but austere. The setting is intimate and welcoming, with Saito-san himself striking the balance between precision and warmth. Overall, there's a palpable sense of joy: a reminder that even at the highest level, sushi is meant to be enjoyed, not worshipped.

How to get in: Sushi Saito works more like a members’ club as Saito’s fiercely loyal customers make their next reservation before they’ve even finished their meal. If you don’t know someone who knows someone, your best chance to get a reservation is through a high-end hotel concierge, or, if you’re lucky enough to dine here once, via an immediate rebooking.

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