Home » Sugidama Sushi Izakaya Kyoto, Japan – our review

Sugidama Sushi Izakaya Kyoto, Japan – our review

We’re currently on our world trip, and that day we had just arrived in Kyoto — a city bursting with history, temples, and of course, sushi! Before heading out on a guided evening walk through the Gion district to learn all about the fascinating world of geishas, we wanted to grab a quick bite. It was around 6:30 PM, and the streets were absolutely packed — long queues everywhere in front of tiny sushi spots that were no doubt hyped up by influencers.

That’s when we spotted Sugidama Sushi Izakaya out of the corner of our eye. The sign was barely noticeable, but we decided to give it a try. We walked down the stairs, were greeted with a friendly smile, and luckily got a table right away.

The location

The restaurant is located in the lively center of Kyoto, just a short walk from the famous Gion district. While the streets outside are buzzing with energy, the atmosphere inside is surprisingly calm. It’s not a hidden gem by any means, but rather a great choice if you’re after quick, fresh, and affordable sushi without the long wait.

The sushi – super fresh, thick slices of fish… sometimes too thick

We ordered a plate with tuna, salmon, and mackerel, plus the house special, the “Tuna Ultimate”, celebrating their 8th anniversary. And honestly? The fish was incredibly fresh, flavorful, and of great quality.

The only issue: the slices were huge. Some pieces were so thick that even with my big mouth I could barely take a proper bite 😅. On top of that, the rice kept falling apart every time we picked up a nigiri, a real pity, since the rice is such an important part of good sushi craftsmanship.

The service: friendly but distant

The waitress was super friendly and welcoming, but everything is ordered via a QR code. That means no chef’s explanations, no dish recommendations (except for her kind suggestion to try the Tuna Ultimate, the sushi below), and no storytelling… just tap, order, and wait. Efficient, yes, but it takes away a bit of the human touch and charm that make Japanese dining experiences so special.

Who this restaurant is perfect for

Sugidama Sushi Izakaya is perfect for travelers looking for a quick, fresh, and reasonably priced sushi meal without having to queue for ages. Don’t expect omakase-level finesse or a fine-dining experience, but rather good fish, fast service, and a convenient meal before heading out to explore Kyoto’s nightlife.

Contact & location

Sugidama Sushi Izakaya Kyoto
Address: Kyoto-shi, Nakagyo-ku, Sanjo-dori, Karasuma Higashi-iru, Ebisucho 324, Japan
Website: www.sugidama-sushiizakaya.jp/shop/324

Our rating:

Fresh, friendly, and affordable, but lacking balance and refinement in the sushi itself.

Hi, I'm Rik!

Sushi chef and founder of the School of Sushi. Making your own sushi is easier and more fun than you think! Through workshops and online courses, I’ll show you how to roll delicious sushi for your friends & family. Ready to roll?