Sushizen

Set within an office building near the Konan Exit of Shinagawa Station, Sushizen is a reliable stop whether you want a hearty lunch or a relaxed drink over sushi in the evening. The weekday midday menu is a regular draw, featuring options like nigiri, chirashi, and marinated tuna bowls, all served with miso soup and a small salad. Among the choices, the 1.5-portion nigiri set stands out for its generous portions: both the seasoned rice and the sliced fish are noticeably hearty. Taking a seat at the counter allows you to watch the chef slice fish and shape each piece, offering an unpretentious Edomae sushi experience.

Beyond classic nigiri sets, the lunch menu provides several rice bowl options, including thoroughly marinated tuna (zuke-don), negitoro-don (minced fatty tuna with scallions), and combinations of the two. It suits solo diners looking for a brisk, nourishing meal before returning to work, with dishes assembled efficiently behind the counter.

As evening sets in, the chalkboard turns toward seasonal appetizers designed to pair with sake. Highlights include firefly squid with vinegared miso, salted fish collar, house-made saikyo-yaki Spanish mackerel, and simmered splendid alfonsino. These seafood dishes pair comfortably with regional sake labels such as Kiku-Masamune and Tateyama. Starting with sashimi and small plates before rounding out the meal with a customized nigiri selection or a set platter makes for a leisurely evening in classic sushi-ya fashion.