Sukiyabashi Jiro is Not the Best Sushi Restaurant Anymore?

The 3-star Michelin rating was removed from them

Sukiyabashi Jiro was considered the best sushi restaurant in 2014 by Barack Obama. The then US president was dining with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Since that day, the fan following of the restaurant has only grown. It is counted among the best places to visit in Japan.

 

The fan following grew further when the best sushi restaurant released an acclaimed documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi that highlighted the founder of the restaurant Jiro Ono and his staff. It also got three Michelin stars.

Now, in a dramatic turn of events, the best sushi restaurant has been stripped of these stars in the 2020 edition of the restaurant guide of the French company. However, the guide also made it clear that Tokyo still has more Michelin-starred restaurant as compared to any other city rated by Michelin.

 

Talking about the non-inclusion of supposedly the best sushi restaurant, a representative of Michelin said “We recognise [that] Sukiyabashi Jiro does not accept reservations from the general public, which makes it out of our scope. Michelin’s policy is to introduce restaurants where everybody can go to eat.”

It is true as to get a table a person has to have special connections or seek the help of a top hotel. The restaurant only takes ten guests at a time, and the prices for Chef’s selection start at 40,000 yen (or AUD 539). Sadly, the waiting for bookings is nearly two years so if you are planning to get a vacation girlfriend and impress her by taking her at Sukiyabashi Jiro; you might want to reconsider the idea.

 

Located in Ginza neighbourhood, the restaurant is quite tiny. So, it can’t take many guests at a time. The website indirectly confirms the reservation waiting time. It says “We are currently experiencing difficulties in accepting reservations and apologise for any inconvenience to our valued customers. We at Sukiyabashi Jiro wish it were possible to accommodate all guests at our restaurant, but this is unfortunately not possible given the reality of our situation.”

 

The 94-year Ono still works at the best sushi restaurant alongside his eldest son. They serve guests like Hugh Jackman, Katy Perry, Barack Obama and Questlove. All the celebrities probably like the restaurant’s commemorative photograph policy.