Isami Sushi

As evening service gets underway, diners make their way to Isami Sushi in Shinagawa's Minami-Oi neighborhood for cuts of sashimi and seasoned nigiri. Helmed by a master chef who has been pressing sushi for more than half a century, the compact room seats only about ten, fostering a relaxed atmosphere where first-time visitors can easily feel at home.

A natural way to start is with a seasonal sashimi assortment or small tavern-style plates. Sampling horse mackerel, mizutako octopus, or whelk alongside a pour of beer or sake captures the distinct pleasures of a neighborhood sushi counter.

Among the nigiri, smooth marinated tuna akami and soft, melt-in-the-mouth anago conger eel are house favorites. Set platters, such as the Jo Plate or Tokujo Plate featuring sashimi alongside 5 pieces of nigiri, offer dependable options for sampling the day's best fish without overthinking the order.

Rolls provide an appealing finish to the meal. Beyond classic toro-taku rolls combining fatty tuna and pickled radish, options like the teppo-maki—seasoned dried gourd shavings accented with freshly grated wasabi—and the sharp, fragrant wasabi-maki bring a crisp conclusion to the meal.

The restaurant is non-smoking and accommodates everything from a quiet solo drink at the counter to dinner with friends. Seats fill up quickly, making advance reservations a sensible approach before heading in to enjoy Edo-style sushi and friendly conversation with the chef and regulars.