Ise Sueyoshi

There are lots of outstanding restaurants in Tokyo. Yet, there is only one I patronize every time I visit Tokyo. I knew Ise Sueyoshi from TripAdvisor since it is the No.1 restaurant in Japan. As a food lover, I decided to give it a go based on so many positive reviews. I am glad I took the first step to make my reservation for this jewel of the Japanese culinary scene. Ise Sueyoshi in Minato City offers a unique take on traditional Kaiseki and Kappo cuisine. Chef Yuuki, who is a professional and experienced chef, prepares every dish meticulously with seasonal ingredients often sourced from his home prefecture of Mie. I enjoyed the intimate setting of Ise Sueyoshi since I could have a valuable chance to interact with Chef Yuuki and learn more about the ingredients and preparation. The bonus is that Chef Yuuki speaks fluent English and we had no difficulty interacting with him. Every bite tells a story that speaks of history and culture. All dishes including the places they originate from can be found between the pages of a picture book at our table. I love this idea of a “travel guide and menu in one”. I could learn more about the origin of the ingredients from this book. An extraordinary gastronomical experience is a combination of the story of the food’s origin; the taste of the food; the unique ambiance and the legendary Japanese hospitality. It is beyond dispute this gastronomic gem has earned the acclaim of fine diners around the world. There is no better place than Ise Sueyoshi for an unforgettable exploration of Japanese Kaiseki 👍 Don’t miss this hidden gem when you visit Tokyo! ✨

An incredible dining experience !!. This was our first time experiencing Kaiseki cuisine. It was an amazing blend of artistic haute Japanese cuisine where flavors were presented in a truly elegant fashion. Our dinner for three consisted of one vegetarian member. The attention to details for the vegetarian menu was par excellent as well. The menu was curated with seasonal produce and meat and fish which was specially curated from the Ise prefecture. The chef took time to explain the dishes and the sake pairing was the cherry on top. We ended our evening with a surprise from the chef which will be cherished by us as a memory of our Trip to Japan.

This restaurant offers a beautiful Japanese kaiseki experience. The environment feels warm and familiar, and the food is truly exceptional—each course thoughtfully paired with ingredients from the chef’s hometown. The chef creates an elevated dining atmosphere that still feels homey, welcoming, and completely unpretentious. Every dish is explained with care, showcasing simplicity, elegance, and a deep respect for the ingredients. A memorable and genuinely comforting fine-dining experience.

I booked my visit two months in advance, filled with anticipation. To put it simply, it was one of the best dining experiences of my life. The October 2025 kaiseki course I had was like a beautifully written travelogue on a plate. Starting with the "Makomo" appetizer with crab sauce, moving through the "Hassun" with Hokkaido sea urchin and persimmon in a delicate soy sauce, and culminating in the incredibly juicy grilled Iga Wagyu beef, every dish was a perfect ode to autumn. What truly astonished me was the plant-based (vegan) course we ordered alongside the regular one. It was a revelation to see how diverse, deep, and satisfying vegan cuisine could be. Sharing and comparing the two courses was a delightful experience in itself. The sake pairing was the masterstroke that completed the picture. Each sake was meticulously selected to complement the specific flavors of the dish, creating a symphony in my mouth. It wasn't just about having a drink with the food; the sake felt like an integral part of each course, enhancing every single bite. Beyond the exquisite food, the booklet on the table offered a heartfelt glimpse into the chef's profound respect for his hometown's ingredients and his father's legacy. This emotional narrative transformed a simple dinner into a deeply memorable experience. Any lingering culinary nostalgia I had from my time in Sapporo vanished in an instant. For any food lover visiting Tokyo, Ise Sueyoshi isn't just a recommendation; it's an essential destination.

Heads up: you will be rejected if you do not reserve much in advance. It is a kaiseki; haute cuisine japanese style restaurant where the chef makes dishes for you - 9 course if I remember correctly. We were an omnivore and a ovo-vegetarian at the restaurant and they were able to accommodate us both easily. I like the craftsmanship from the chefs, making every dish the same to every guest at the allocated time slot. We opted in for the sake pairing to get the best possible experience and all of this came with a high price. Don't come if you are not ready to splurge, and don't come if you want AYCE experience. This is haute fine dining as you can see from my pictures. That being said, food and sake were mindblowingly good. Portions were fine for me and I am not the skinniest person on earth. I came out with a full belly, and ready to nap.