Isezushi - Otaru

Went there for lunch. The place is really popular so reservation is a must. I had the omakase set which included 16 pieces. I found the sushi extremely refined. The fish selection is really diverse (you even get shako ! .The chef has a very delicate way of arranging each piece according to the fish. Of course you will recognize the usual soy sauce and wasabi flavors but these are subtly mixed with different ingredients such as Yuzu, Shiso, sesame and even dried bonito flake to name a few that still comes to mind at the time of review. Some might think the place is a bit expensive, but I don't agree. After trying many sushi places in Otaru, Isezushi is by far the most elaborate. So I find the price tag justified, and I would even say reasonable, given the quality I got. This is definitely a place I will visit again on my next trip to Otaru.

A privilege to sit a the counter of this sushi chef in second generation: a real passion for the product, a very personal touch and great knowledge he is sharing casually during dinner a real delight. Products are very pure, ultimately fresh and local. Reservations may be difficult, but it is definitively worth the effort and wait.

Amazing 1 Michelin star edomae style sushi at a fraction of the cost back home. Reservation is a must! Chef and waitresses were friendly and helpful.

We came here at about 2pm without a reservation and had to wait about 10 minutes for a table. They have free parking nearby but do check with the restaurant exactly which lot they own. The sushi was really quite excellent but probably would have been better if we had reserved a counter seat in front of the main chef. The set menu was also competitively priced.

What a fantastic lunch. The sushi chef has a stunning personality and was very friendly. He was kind when I struggled through the little Japanese I knew and he told me the English names for each thing he served. The food itself was fabulous. I can't describe the delicate deliciousness. Its just excellent. The sake list is limited but very very good. And watching him prepare each piece was like watching a ballet