Sushisakai @ Kyoto City - I visited this restaurant hoping to find some delicious conger eel sushi for the Mid-Autumn Festival. However, I learned that conger eel sushi is best enjoyed before the Bon Festival, until early September. Today, I will try the pressed mackerel sushi instead. The mackerel is fluffy and has a good amount of fat. It's definitely different from the dehydrated and tough mackerel sushi I had for breakfast at "Ofunaken". Sushisakai, 592 Nishi Uoya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8142. Phone: 075-231-9240.

For lunch on July 22nd (Saturday), I enjoyed a course meal featuring conger eel at Sushi Sakai. The conger eel dishes included grilled with salt, lightly grilled, and kabayaki. The highlight was the second round of conger eel grilled with salt. It was absolutely delicious. I also savored dishes of horse mackerel and sweet shrimp, which were in season. It was a perfect day to enjoy conger eel. #Kyoto #sushi #Sakai #conger eel #conger eel dishes #Gion Festival #festival aftermath #lunch

This sushi restaurant in Deep Kyoto has only 5 seats at the counter. While the mackerel sushi is said to be the best, I decided to order the horse mackerel sushi because I like it. The space is small, so it's difficult to take photos! (laughs) Both the horse mackerel and the rice are so light and fluffy, it's like a different dimension! If I try the rice bowl or the famous mackerel sushi, the rating might go up even more. I definitely need to go at least two more times! They will be closed for about 10 days from May 16th.

A sushi restaurant located near Nishiki Market. Recommended on a izakaya exploration show, when I entered for lunch, the curtain was full but the hostess said "just wait a bit". I decided to wait since it was just a bit, and stood in front of the curtain listening to laughter from inside. After 20 minutes, two groups left and I was seated next to the remaining group at the tightly packed counter. I waited with my mask on, ordered sushi (chef's choice) and a cup of sake. The spicy sansho pepper served was wonderful. I also ordered seven servings to go, and waited further for my sushi. I felt that maybe I was wrong to say "one more" to the inbound customers, but as I finished my appetizers and half of my sake, I waited for 14 more minutes. The chef confirmed with the hostess about "the sushi for the first customer", and after 40 minutes of waiting, the sushi was placed in front of me - 7 pieces and pickled ginger. I savored the popular anago last, and enjoyed the white fish, squid, scallop, live shrimp, sea urchin, and tuna. I ordered another cup of sake, and after a total of 50 minutes, I left before the previous customers and gave up my seat to the waiting customers.

If you love mackerel, you have to visit this deep spot! Sakai-san, located at the end of the bustling Nishiki Market street, offers fresh raw mackerel. The exterior of the shop immediately caught my attention, and I couldn't help but think, "This is the kind of place where you find delicious food..." as I took a photo outside. It may be a bit intimidating for those who are not used to such places to open the door and enter alone, but I mustered up the courage and went in! The interior had a nostalgic Showa era vibe that further intrigued me. The seating area was compact, with only 5 seats available, but realistically, it felt more suitable for 4 or even 3 people. I came here specifically for mackerel sushi, so that was the only choice for me. When I sat down, the proprietress asked, "What can I get for you?" to which I replied, "I came for the mackerel sushi! Please give me some mackerel sushi!" The proprietress mentioned that her husband would be preparing the mackerel sushi for me. While watching him prepare the sushi, the proprietress engaged in casual conversation with him, creating a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of visiting grandparents' home. The mackerel sushi had a different texture and taste between the top and bottom layers, as I was informed. Before eating, she made sure I read a note about preventing Anisakis infection. The sushi had a subtle vinegar flavor, and the texture of the mackerel was excellent! The rice was not too firm, which I liked. It was recommended to eat the sushi without dipping it in soy sauce. As I wanted to continue exploring different eateries that day, I had a few more pieces packed to take home. She advised me to place a piece of kombu on top for a different taste when eating it later. I enjoyed the mackerel sushi at home as well!

After passing through the lively Nishiki Market, I was thinking about where to have a good meal when I suddenly noticed Sakaizushi's storefront. It was a high-end restaurant, but I decided to take the plunge and step inside. The restaurant was very small with only 5 counter seats, and luckily there was only one other customer there so I was able to get a seat at the counter right away. I ordered their famous mackerel sushi and a bottle of Sapporo Black Label. Mackerel has become a luxury fish nowadays. Although the menu didn't have prices listed, maintaining a certain quality doesn't require setting fixed prices. The restaurant was run by a couple who seemed to be quite elderly. The wife mainly handled customer service. The husband worked diligently and served us the carefully prepared mackerel sushi. Although we shared the dish, it was quite generous in portion. The flavor was like enjoying a homemade secret recipe, not something mass-produced, with just the right amount of mackerel fat and a refreshing vinegar taste that can only be found here. Savoring the dish while sipping on Black Label, it was a luxurious time with a great atmosphere. I hope this restaurant will continue to exist in a corner of Kyoto for a long time.

At 12:30, I arrived at Sakai-san's place. There was already one group waiting outside, so I joined the line and waited for my turn. After about 15 minutes, I was seated at the counter, which had 6 seats. I ordered the mixed rice bowl from the owner and waited for it to be served. The conversation between the owner and the customers was interesting, so time flew by quickly until my dish arrived. I even got a picture of the bowl before the seaweed was added. It looked incredibly delicious and got me very excited. The seaweed was lightly roasted on a burner, finely chopped, and sprinkled on top of the bowl along with some ginger before it was served. The first bite was amazing. I couldn't help but exclaim "delicious" because it was that good. I hope the deliciousness comes through in the photos. I really enjoyed the meal.

I visited during lunchtime. It's a small space with 7 seats, but has a cozy atmosphere. The owners are very friendly. I ordered a seafood bowl. It had just the right amount of rice topped with tuna, sea urchin, squid, and sea bream. The vinegar rice was delicious too. I'd like to try the mackerel sushi next time!

Just got off at Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway, right outside Gyoza no Yuuta, and hopped on a bus straight to Neyagawa City Station! Arrived in Kyoto after transferring from the limited express at Hirakata City Station. The target in Kyoto is here! The atmosphere is irresistible for sardine lovers. We squeezed into the L-shaped counter with five people and finally got a seat. When we asked the owner if they had sake, she silently brought out some clear sake. Of course, we had to order the sardine sushi, and when asked if we wanted half of it to be kizushi, we eagerly agreed. The chef's meticulous preparation was a joy to watch, and before we knew it, the kizushi and regular sushi arrived at the same time. We were speechless at how perfectly the fresh sardine and rice complemented each other. The owner's witty banter kept us entertained throughout the meal. We finished with the omakase nigiri, and even the daughter who couldn't drink was thoroughly satisfied. Overall, a fantastic experience at Sakaizushi, and it was great to see customers from Okinawa taking the sardine stick sushi back home. We truly enjoyed the Sakai World!

There are only about 6 seats, but I think this is the best seafood bowl restaurant in Kyoto. The mackerel sushi and horse mackerel sushi are also excellent! The prices are a bit high, but it is a restaurant that cooks the best ingredients deliciously. A must-visit place.

It's been a while since I visited Sakai-san. On this day, the nigiri sushi, including seasonal conger eel sushi, was unexpectedly delicious, with a soft texture that melts in your mouth, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavor of the fish... It was delicious! If I had more time, I would have liked to add some conger eel and horse mackerel sushi, but it's so popular that I'll save that for next time. This restaurant is great for dining in or takeout. Thank you for the wonderful meal!

At Takashimaya in Kyoto, there is a Paris exhibition being held. An older sister's friend, who has been visiting this store for over ten years, said, "If you go to Kyoto, you should go to 'Sakai' and try the best mackerel sushi." The magical words, "If you go to Kyoto, let's go to ○○" ***Heading north from Shijo Street, amidst a mix of old and new buildings, a small storefront with a blue vinyl facade that almost blends into the surrounding scenery like waves. In the precious old town of Kyoto, Sakai-san stood without hiding its age, exuding a sense of reverence. 11:30. (We were able to get in) I felt like an outsider here, a newcomer from Osaka. I left it to the owner and my friend, who were acquaintances. While there were bowl menu items like sushi and mixed rice bowls (I was nervous because there were no prices listed), I left it to my friend, a pro, to order "mackerel sushi" and "horse mackerel sushi" to share between the two of us. If we had room, we planned to also try the "conger eel." The father makes the sushi, and the owner manages and serves the customers. The mother, who is like a picture-perfect no-nonsense woman, takes pride in not compromising on the taste and quality of food, and she has strong opinions about the town's less delicious food. Well, I like that kind of owner, brisk and lively. And with the sushi made by the owner and the father, my excitement grew. *Horse mackerel sushi: The beautiful silver color with a shiny glossy finish, wrapped in a beautiful cherry blossom pink flesh. *Mackerel sushi: The thick flesh with a sharp skin. The pearly silver shine and the light salmon pink flesh are impressive. "Wow. It's so soft! The flesh!" I couldn't help but exclaim. Plump. Soft and moist! According to the owner, bad mackerel is tough. So the flesh is sweet. When you chew it, the fish teaches you its sweetness. Even a novice like me can tell!! (I'm so happy to understand) The horse mackerel has a delicate sweetness that follows the vinegared rice, while the mackerel has a sweetness that gently spreads in the mouth. The green tea, which the owner carefully brewed one by one with a tea strainer, also permeated through. "Mackerel is even more delicious from autumn to winter," the owner told me. Thank you to the owner, the father, and the delicious fish and their dignified pride. That's what I thought. ***Because there were so many customers constantly peeking in, my stomach was starting to feel full, so I had to give up on the conger eel. I want to come back in the fall to try the mackerel sushi, horse mackerel sushi, and conger eel again. Well, maybe I'll try the summer conger eel first. Wow, I want to come back again. Since there are only 5-6 seats available, it's best to come at opening time (around 11:00-11:30) or make a reservation if you become acquainted with them. Horse mackerel sushi and mackerel sushi, one whole fish each for a total of 5000 yen for two people. So delicious yet so affordable! I thought it was so tasty.

Emerges right after exiting Kin-dori! You might not notice it at first. The interior is really small, but that actually adds to the cozy atmosphere. I recommend sharing the mixed bowl and mackerel sushi. The chef quietly prepares the dishes after you order. While waiting, you can chat with the landlady. She's a good conversationalist and quite entertaining. The mixed bowl had tuna, sea bream, squid, shrimp, sea urchin, scallop, and conger eel. Mix them with freshly grated wasabi and soy sauce, and finish with freshly roasted seaweed sprinkled by the landlady. The mackerel sushi is carefully prepared as a whole fish. The rice isn't pressed too hard, so you can enjoy different flavors from each part. It was delicious.

First visit ⭐️⭐️ This Sakai-san's place is also a famous saba sushi restaurant that I've been curious about for a long time! The way they finish the saba is just perfect and delicious. The mom who loves chatting! The dad who talks here and there! If you're someone who is particular about keeping your distance, it might not be for you, but I don't mind! It was simply delicious (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵) Thank you for the meal m(_ _)m

I was recommended by many people from the Kansai region to visit this place, so I decided to check it out! The interior of the restaurant is very small, with only a counter. It's incredibly cramped. The cooking area of the father, the mother's space, and the customers' space are all very close together. The atmosphere is very homey and friendly, with the staff and other customers sitting very close. I visited the restaurant alone, but ended up chatting and enjoying the meal with everyone. They recommended trying the mackerel sushi, but I was also interested in the nigiri sushi. They made the nigiri sushi smaller for me and told me to take the mackerel sushi home if I couldn't finish it. The rice had a gentle flavor and the toppings were fresh. If you're used to Edo-style sushi, you might find it a bit light. I definitely want to try their donburi next time! I look forward to visiting the restaurant again to see the friendly staff. It was a wonderful dining experience!

Today was a day in Kyoto. I suddenly decided to take a leisurely walk in my favorite Kyoto after a long time. However, I have some errands in Osaka in the evening, so I planned to enjoy Kyoto quickly until lunchtime. First, I enjoyed a wonderful sweets activity, and then for lunch on this day, I had decided to visit a restaurant called "Sakai," known for its mackerel sushi. When I called on the day of my visit, they said it was okay, so I went there. As soon as I opened the sliding door of the restaurant, there were already two regular customers inside, and the proprietress invited me to sit down. I received recommendations from the head chef and the proprietress, so I had a bit of a hard time deciding, but in the end, I ordered the following: - Horse mackerel sushi roll: I started with the horse mackerel sushi roll. This sushi roll is characterized by the relatively soft sushi rice, which is not strongly seasoned with vinegar. The combination of the slightly acidic rice, the oily horse mackerel, and the flavors of sweetness and umami was wonderful. - Eel sushi roll: Next, I had the eel sushi roll. The eel was cooked perfectly, tender and flavorful, and paired well with the sushi rice. - Assorted nigiri sushi: The assorted nigiri sushi included tuna, sea bream, sweet shrimp, scallop, squid, eel, and sea urchin. Among them, the sweet shrimp was particularly outstanding. The raw sweet shrimp had a firm texture and was a delight to eat. I also ordered mackerel sushi rolls to take home and enjoy later. The sushi at this restaurant was delicious, but what really stood out was the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the head chef and the proprietress. It was a gathering place for adults where various topics were discussed in a friendly and harmonious atmosphere. I love this kind of space. Thank you for the wonderful meal! I look forward to visiting again when the mackerel is in season.

On a sunny morning, I took the Keihan train to Sakai in Kyoto. I arrived at a small restaurant with only 5 seats and was warmly welcomed by the proprietress and owner. They recommended the grilled horse mackerel and eel sushi, which were delicious and perfectly balanced. The soft sushi rice complemented the flavors wonderfully, creating a sense of happiness with each bite. The timing of each dish being served was impeccable, and the atmosphere was pleasant and clean. I also took home some mackerel sushi, which was equally tasty. The interaction with the regular customers and the staff was friendly and welcoming. I look forward to trying their mixed rice bowl next time, especially the freshly grilled seaweed on top.