When I was living abroad, one of the things I looked forward to the most during my temporary return to Japan was enjoying Japanese food. Before my assignment overseas, I never really realized how delicious Japanese cuisine was or how much I loved it. As a result, deciding what to eat during my limited time back in Japan became a crucial theme.
There was one restaurant that I almost always visited during my past temporary returns, which is…
Manten Sushi
Manten Sushi offers exceptional value for your money. In this article, I’d like to provide an overview of Manten Sushi and explain why I recommend it.
For detailed information about sushi, please refer to the following article.
What is Manten Sushi? – A Popular Restaurant Requiring Reservations
Manten Sushi is a sushi restaurant with locations in Marunouchi, Hibiya, and Nihonbashi. It’s such a popular place that you should consider it impossible to get a table without a reservation. I know friends who have tried to visit without a reservation, and I saw people attempting to dine without one, but I’ve yet to witness someone actually getting a table that way. While there might be some lucky exceptions, I strongly recommend treating it as a reservation-only establishment.
The only available option is the Omakase course, priced at 7,700 yen per person (as of September 2023). Considering the quality and quantity of the meal, it’s an excellent deal. While some sushi restaurants in Japan allow you to order individual pieces of sushi, Manten Sushi exclusively offers omakase courses, which means the restaurant provides you with the chef’s recommended seasonal ingredients. This makes it a welcoming place for people trying Japanese sushi for the first time. They’ll cater to your any allergies you might have.
I’ve been to all three of their locations, and there’s little difference between them. If I had to choose, I’d say the Hibiya location is the newest and cleanest, while at the Nihonbashi branch, you might have to wait outdoors until your reservation time.
How to Make a Reservation
Reservations at Manten Sushi can only be made through the restaurant’s website. Reservations for parties of up to 2 people are seated at the counter, while groups of 3 or more are assigned table seats. You’ll need to provide necessary information and have your credit card details ready when making the reservation.
| Marunouchi | Reservation page
Map |
| Nihonbashi | Reservation page
Map |
| Hibiya | Reservation page
Map |
Why Manten Sushi Offers Great Value for Money
While I’m not connected to the restaurant in any way, I believe that Manten Sushi’s excellent value for money is primarily due to its high turnover rate. Reservations are time-slotted and courses take exactly 2 hours. As a result, multiple parties are seated at the same time, progressing through their meals at a similar pace, and settling their bills simultaneously. This setup, with two groups during lunch time and three during dinner, is a significant departure from other high-end sushi establishments.
Generous Portions!
Although you’re limited to a two-hour dining window, the quantity of food served is substantial! In addition to sushi, you’ll also be treated to Sashimi and other appetizers, along with seasonal vegetables. While seafood is undoubtedly a highlight, I find the “Enoki no konbu-jime” particularly unique to this restaurant. I haven’t seen it in other places, but the combination of the Konbu flavor and the unique texture of the enoki mushrooms is exquisite!
Many International Customers!
Perhaps due to its multilingual website, I’ve noticed many foreign customers during my visits. Even if you’re not familiar with Japanese customs or it’s your first time at a sushi restaurant, there’s no need to worry. Manten Sushi is very accommodating to international visitors.
So, if you have the chance, I highly recommend experiencing Manten Sushi during your time in Japan. Enjoy your meal!
