Sushi Jiro? Maybe, maybe not.

After my previous post on why you should stay in Ueno, felt that it would be opportune to cover two sushi chain restaurants near Ueno which are value for money. No Jiro Dreams of Sushi here, and instead you should try Magurobito (まぐろ人) or Ginzo (すし屋銀蔵).

The Best: Magurobito (まぐろ人)

Gotta admit that Google Maps’ recommendations helped on this before I searched further. Turns out Magurobito has been recommended by CNN as well.

Magurobito has 3 outlets, in Ueno, Kaminarimon and Shin-Namakise. The latter two are located near Senso-ji (Asakusa Temple). Besides the one at Shin-Namakise, the others give you the true Japanese experience of a standing sushi bar.

Went to the outlet at Ueno and the first thing that struck me about the menu was that it was pretty reasonably priced, with the otoro, akagai and ikura the most expensive at ¥400 per piece.

Ultimately, the quality of the sushi (whatever the cost) determines how good or bad the place is. Pleased to share that the quality of the sushi did not disappoint. The otoro was melt in your mouth and if you are on a budget, the ika will settle your craving easily for only ¥80 a piece. Definitely a must try if you’re nearby Ueno or Asakusa.

The Better than Average (+ if you need to sit down): Ginzo (すし屋銀蔵)

Ginzo is a chain restaurant owned by Danke Bros and there are many branches across Tokyo. Google Maps has the list of outlets and exact locations. Each time I head to Tokyo, I will make a trip to the Akihabara outlet, this time for lunch.

Ginzo has a wide range of offerings beyond sushi depending on the outlet. At the Akihabara outlet, there’s simmered, grilled and (deep) fried food. Such a wide range of options is good for large groups in case raw is not someone’s thing.

Back to the sushi. They have set lunches that come with chawanmushi and miso soup. Ordered the Sakura set (¥920) and otoro sashimi (¥1,342 for a plate of 5 slices). You can also order individual sushi if preferred.

Further items on the menu can be found here, but a reminder that it could differ from outlet to outlet.

Sidenote: Few tips for eating sushi / sashimi

1. Wasabi is in between the sushi and the rice. If you don’t want wasabi, you have to tell them when you are ordering. It is unlikely that you need more.
2. Wasabi does not belong in soy sauce. Don’t mix it in but if you really prefer, nobody is going to judge you.
3. Sushi goes into the soy sauce fish side down, not rice side down as you’re eating sushi, not drinking soy sauce (rice absorbs soy sauce faster than fish).
4. You can use your hands to eat sushi, but please don’t use your hands for sashimi.

Hope you enjoy the sushi! Given that it’s Japan, there are many other recommended sushi places, leave it in the comments!