Sushi Cho

Turning off Shinjuku-dori onto Sharyukimon-dori and venturing down a quiet side alley brings you to the noren of Sushi Cho. Slide open the door to find an immaculate counter in the foreground and serene private rooms tucked behind. While nestled in an area that retains the atmospheric charm of an old geisha quarter, the chef's affable, unassuming manner sets a relaxed tone, making solo diners feel instantly at ease.

Midday Focus: Freshly Sliced Fish on Seasoned Rice

The lunch menu is purposefully narrowed to 2 choices: tekkadon and chirashi. The tekkadon is sliced thickly from blocks of tuna only after an order is placed, allowing diners to appreciate the distinct textures and rich flavors across cuts of bigeye tuna, southern bluefin, and swordfish. Seasoned firmly with salt, the classic Edomae white-vinegar sushi rice offsets the tuna's deep savor, lending satisfying clarity to each mouthful.

The chirashi is arranged in a deep bowl with a vibrant spread of tuna, white-fleshed fish, scallop, and rolled omelet, offering the pleasure of sampling varied cuts piece by piece. Both bowls arrive with piping-hot miso soup enriched with the deep sweetness of aged sake lees and filled with ingredients like nameko mushrooms, adding a grounding finish to the meal. As the rice is portioned with restraint, ordering a larger portion is a sound choice for those with a hearty appetite.

Evenings of Polished Nigiri and Seasonal Bites

Come nightfall, the tempo slows into a seasonal omakase course combining appetizers and nigiri. Handcrafted maki, pristine shellfish, and silver-skinned fish appear in seamless sequence, paired with the owner's curated sake selections. From an unfussy bowl at noon to a relaxed dinner requiring advance planning, Sushi Cho offers genuine craftsmanship in an unpretentious setting.