Sushi Kanesaka
A memorable experience, though with room for the beverage program to evolve.
🗂️ Venue Information
Website: https://www.sushi-kanesaka.co.jp/en
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Restaurant Group: Kanesaka
Head Chef: Shinji Kanesaka
Head Sommelier and / or Beverage Director: na.
Estimated USD Cost Per Person (incl. drinks): $300
Culinary Recognition(s): 2 Michelin Stars
🥂 Core Scoring Criteria (1–10 each)
A memorable experience, though with room for the beverage program to evolve.
Program Identity | 6
A deep sake list featuring both prominent and grower producers, complemented by a concise selection of familiar still and sparkling wines. The beer program highlights well-known Japanese labels.
Depth & Quality | 5
The 15+ course omakase is the clear centerpiece, with sake playing a secondary yet expertly paired role. There’s no printed menu—diners simply choose ‘same’ or ‘switch’ as staff guide the pairings, a charming ritual despite the limited English.
Service & Knowledge | 8
Though beverages take a supporting role, the staff’s deep knowledge of sake and its producers across Japan is unmistakable.
Pairing & Integration | 3
Pairings are largely diner-led, with the experience rising or falling according to the guest’s own familiarity with sake.
Accessibility & Experience | 3
Unprompted, pairings are not offered, but with a bit of initiative the staff responds warmly—curating sake that aligns seamlessly with each course.
Innovation & Influence | 4
A broad range of sake is available, though the beverage program shows little in the way of innovation.
Total Score: 29.0/60
A memorable experience, though with room for the beverage program to evolve.
🧩 Table Harmony
🎯 Strong Harmony – Well-thought-out pairings that enhance the experience
The abalone, mackerel, and sweet shrimp are standouts. For those less versed in sake, the experience can feel daunting at first—but a simple ‘switch’ prompt unlocks the staff’s guidance and a rewarding journey through Japan’s finest bottles.
🏷️ Specialty Tags
☐🍷 Wine-Led
☐ 🍺 Beer-Focused
☐🍸 Cocktail-Driven
☒🍶 Sake Specialist
☐🧉 Spirits-Led
☐🍇 Terroir-First
☐♻️ Sustainable Cellar
☐🔬 Technique-Driven
☐🧠 Education-Centric
☐💎 Rare & Iconic Bottles
☐🌍 Global Range
☒🏠 Locally Rooted
Without prior sake knowledge, identifying specific producers, categories, or brewing practices can be challenging.
🗣️ Inspector Summary
If you blink, you might miss this discreet, ten-seat izakaya-style omakase restaurant. Chef Shinji Kanesaka, a master of his craft, limits seatings so each guest receives his full attention—what he calls “one finger per one guest.” The omakase is a one-of-a-kind journey through Japan’s native ingredients, from pristine nigiri and hand rolls to soups, custards, and more.
The sake program, while secondary, reveals itself with a little prompting. Hidden behind embroidered curtains and a striking eight-meter dining table, it showcases bottles from across Japan. Guests are guided by a simple ritual: “stay” or “switch.” Choosing “switch” opens the door to a spectrum of sakes, each served in its own finely crafted hand-blown glass. Though diner-led, the staff’s deep knowledge ensures thoughtful pairings when sought out.
This was a masterclass from a chef whose path has taken him from professional baseball to global culinary renown. The food alone makes this a destination worth seeking, and while the beverage program still has room to grow, Shinji and his gracious, humorous team are already leaving their mark on the international stage.