Yokosuka has a lot of 回転寿司 (Kaiten-zushi, the “s” in sushi becomes a “z” sound in this case) or Sushi-go-round restaurants but I had yet to find a local “real” sushi restaurant until a good friend of mine mentioned he’d been introduced to Sushi Enji. What makes it real? In my opinion, it’s the omakase sushi experience.
To be honest, I went twice in the first month as I loved it and it quickly became a regular splurge. Sushi Bar + Dining Enji (or just 鮨 Enji) opened in August of 2015 in a building that was previously a little izakaya (Japanese bar) which you grilled your own shell fish. There are izakaya ( 居酒屋 ) everywhere and you’ll be so much happier that Enji exists!
Quick Japanese Lesson
Because it’s in the name, I thought I would point out that the shop uses a more obscure kanji for the word “sushi”, Japan’s yummy vinegared rice with toppings. There are three ways you’ll see sushi written:
- 寿司
- 鮨
- or just plain hiragana of すし
The first is the most common but it’s possible when you are out or on a menu to see the second. It’s normally combine as in ” 鮨種 ” (sushidane, sushi toppings) but in of itself, it means sushi. Therefore ” 鮨 Enji ” is read “Sushi Enji”, so there you have it!
What is Omakase Sushi anyway?
お任せ (おまかせ, omakase) translates to “I’ll leave it up to you” and is the chef recommendations for the day. It’s not only a sushi thing but can also be found at Kushikatsu (literally, fried things on a stick) and robatayaki (炉端焼き, literally, fire-side cooking) restaurants. However, the concept definitely goes hand in hand at sushi bars and sometimes you won’t even see a menu.
Manners at a Sushi Restaurant
There are some things to note at sushi restaurants. One nice thing here at Sushi Enji is that the owner’s Chef Taka and his wife Tomoko are very friendly and both speak English. So if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! They lived in the states for several years, the chef at no other but a sushi restaurant.
Don’t add your own soy sauce!
You usually won’t see any お手塩 or otesho at higher quality sushi restaurants. These are the little dishes you use for soy sauce and can be literally translated as ‘hand salt’. The chef will have figured out the perfect way to season the fish so it’s best to leave it to them (see what I did there?).
That being said, if you have the option, you’ll want to dip the fish side, not the しゃり (shari, or sushi rice, which can also be referred to as 寿司米, sushimai) side.
To chop stick or to not chop stick
お箸 (ohashi, chop sticks) will be offered but you don’t need to use them if you don’t want. It’s perfectly ok to pick up your sushi with your fingers! But at Sushi Enji, you’ll definitely want them for all the appetizers!
Worried about getting your fingers dirty? You’ll be given an お絞り (oshibori) which is a moist towel.
Securing your reservation
There are two seatings every night. One at 6 pm and one at half past 8. You can make your reservation on their Facebook page and will be asked to choose between three options. 10,000 yen, 12,000 yen, or 15,000 yen. Yes, omakase sushi (and quality sushi in general) is expensive.
What’s the difference in price? The number of dishes and the quality of the fish. The most expensive will obviously have the best there was to offer at the market!
For the full omakase experience, there are about 6-8 seats at the bar.
If you have allergies, make sure to shoot them a quick message to let them know!
Drink Options
For drinks, they have Suntory Premium Malts Master’s Dream on tap or a wide selection of wine, sho-chu and sake. When I’m feeling like a Japanese spirit, I get self concious because there is so much I don’t know about it. Never fear, they will definitely help you pick out something tasty here!
Omakase, “I leave it up to you”: What to expect
Come hungry. You will get a lot of food, especially if you have the more expensive option. I believe I had over 20 different plates (one sushi piece is one dish) the last time I was there.
Interspersed with the fish will be many おつまみ (otsumami) which can be translated as a snack you have while drinking but can also mean a side dish. Consider them like appetizers.
A likely pick will be a traditional Japanese dish called 茶碗蒸し, chawanmushi, or literally “tea cup steam”. It is a savory egg custard dish with different ingredients inside of it, normally seafood. In fact, expect all of the side dishes to be inspired by the local catches of the day! The chef makes regular trips to Tsukiji Market as well as some other fish markets on the Miura Peninsula.
The omakase sushi will each be placed individually on your plate, you won’t get more until you finished the last.
A soup will come near the end of the meal which is more common in Japan. And finally, dessert to top it off! You’re not going to want to ask for the check you’ll be so happy.
Where to find Sushi Bar + Dining Enji
Head out the main gate of the Yokosuka Naval base towards the Hotel New Yokosuka, hang a left and an immediate right and they are a few doors down on your right. Wood and glass sliding door.
Alternatively, they are near equidistant from the Shioiri Station (汐入駅) and the Yokosuka-Chuo Station (横須賀中央駅) on the Keikyu Line. Yes, I’d go far enough to send travellers down during their trips in Japan.
Have you been to Sushi Bar + Dining Enji yet?
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That all looks amazing. If I do get the chance to come visit again I definitely want to try that place. Also the water drop cakes oh my gosh! They do exist! I’ve seen pictures online but haven’t been anywhere that serves them. They did cause quite a stir a few months back. How was it?
He made it sound like it was a “fancy” thing. So go find a fancy restaurant! LOL. I really liked it. I have no idea what the powder was, soy? Who knows. It’s definitely different and maybe not what I would get every time as a dessert but it was an experience.
Hmm I’ll have to do my research. Knowing DC there’s bound to be somewhere that has it. If not we’ll add it to the list for my next visit. 🙂
They actually gave it to us special as a apology. The first time we went they missed giving us 200 yen in change (yup, Japan, the land of overly honest people) and contact me through another friend to come get it! We were going to go back anyway but it was funny because they gave us our change first thing (mind you, it’d been weeks since we’d been!) and then also gave us the dessert.
Dad loves a place where the chef recommends what to have!
I find that it’s more prevalent here. Either this version or places where there is only a set course menu for the day. We need to go back to the French restaurant we like (that’s only two different choices for the day) so I can write that up too.