Arakawa City, Tokyo, Japan｜Matsuba Sushi

After a 3 week long trip to Japan I can with certainty say that this is one of the best sushi restaurants I have tried. The place is run by a lovely couple and their son. The head chef heads down to the fish market every morning and buys fresh ingredients for his sushi. The establishment is cozy and on the smaller side you can either sit at the "bar", at the table next to the bar or in a separate room. Apart from a fantastic meal this place gives you a rich experience. Don't be afraid to visit even if you don't know any Japanese, they have a little translation device that works OK. For us it was a perfect opportunity to learn and test our poor Japanese vocabulary. Also do try the warm sake it's delicious.

Matsuba was our first sushi in Japan back when we were staying near Minami Senju station. I can't recommend it enough. After going around Japan trying sushi in every city we've gone to, Matsuba still stands out. So we came back. Not only did we get the same wonderful treatment as if we were family, even more so this second visit, but the sushi remained what it had been in our memory, perfect. The dedication the Obata family goes through to run this family owned restaurant is incredible. Being run by second and third generation, they get up every morning at 04:30 AM to go to one of two Tokyo fish markets; Toyosu and Tsukiji. After buying all the ingredients for the day they go back and prepare for lunch, opening at 11:30 and closing around 13:00. Then it's on to prepare for dinner, which opens 17:00 and closes around 21:00. We will for sure come back to eat and talk with Hisae, Akira and Sawatoru any time we come to Japan, and so should you.

I loved coming here for lunch - everything was extremely good, affordable, and service was impeccable. The staff are all so sweet and would highly recommend anyone considering this place to come. They have 5 bar seats and 4 seats on the ground.