Sushi Iwa

Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong often gets the nod for the most inexpensive Michelin star meal you can find, but lunch at Iwa is the secret move when you’re in Tokyo. 10-​course omakase of world-​class edomae sushi for two, plus sake, for under $ 100 USD. Holy shit. Iwa’s selections may not be as innovative as some other high-​end spots around town but the quality is excellent, bordering on unbelievable for the cost of admission, and the service is warm and friendly. There’s a 13-​course option that inflates the price a fair amount (the add-​ons during our visit were o-​toro, ikura and uni) but 10 was more than enough for us. We had assistance from our hotel concierge (Keio Plaza) in making a lunch reservation, as they can be tough to find.

We had read about this place on Chowhound as a low key sushi place that served amazing sushi.
We were so happy to see the chef spoke English. Even better — we were the only diners during our time slot at lunch (another party came in as we were finishing), so we got the full attention of the chef.
We started out with Wakame and went for the 13 piece omakase. His rice was sweeter, and the highlight was watching his hand movements, which were so smooth and like a performance.
(* = favorites)
1. Kinmedai
2. Hirame
3. Seasonal yellowtail
4. Chu toro
5. O toro
* 6. Bonito with ginger and spring onion, shredded shiso
7. Squid with lime and salt
8. Aji: horse mackarel with spring onion and shiso leaves under the fish
9. Baby Hotate, served in a roll
*10. Tuna — cured
*11. Larger Hotate: with yuzu zest
* 12. Ikura: saltier than in the US, and it pops more
* 13. Sizzling fried Anago with yuzu
14. Miso soup
15. Maguro Tuna rolls
16. Squash rolls
The soup and rolls in the end ensured that we were full. Even with 2 sakes and water, it ended up around Y200 for the 2 of us, which was an amazing deal for private dining with the above menu.
I would definitely come back. Reservations require. Credit cards accepted. Definitely make a reservation (we asked our hotel for help).

Amazing high quality sushi — well deserved Michelin stars with patience for foreigners and carefully crafted delightful delicacies of a proper traditional sushi course.