Sushi, in its highest expression, is one of the world's most refined culinary art forms — a discipline where decades of training converge in the seemingly simple act of placing a slice of fish atop seasoned rice. The itamae's craft encompasses far more than cutting technique: it involves understanding the aging of each fish, the precise temperature and seasoning of the shari rice, the wasabi freshly grated from the root, and the intuitive rhythm of an omakase service that builds in flavor and texture across dozens of courses. From edomae traditions to contemporary interpretations, exceptional sushi demands an obsessive attention to detail.
Our reviews of sushi restaurants evaluate the quality and sourcing of the neta (fish), the mastery of rice preparation, the knife skills that reveal each ingredient's ideal texture, and the overall cadence of the dining experience. We cover intimate counter-only omakase where the chef serves each piece by hand, acclaimed sushi-ya outside Japan that import directly from Tsukiji and Toyosu, and innovative addresses that respectfully expand the boundaries of the tradition. Each review details the experience piece by piece.
Discover through our selection the sushi counters where craftsmanship reaches its zenith — addresses where the aging of a kinmedai, the scoring of an ika, or the brushing of nikiri sauce reflects years of singular dedication. Whether in Tokyo, Paris, or New York, our recommendations guide you to sushi experiences of the highest caliber.