Sushi Ichiei
鮨 一永

Sushi Ichiei was opened in Namba in October 2023 by a head chef who trained and honed his skills at Sushiyoshi, a 2 Michelin establishment in Osaka, as well as Sushi Kisui, another 2 Michelin establishment in Kobe.

Sushi Ichiei is tucked away in the underground floor of a building amongst the labyrinth of the distinctive south part of Namba, an area commonly called “Minami (South)” .  It is so hidden that it does not even have a shop sign displayed on the building.

Chef Yusaku Sato envisions his establishment as a hidden gem, inviting sushi enthusiasts to discover his establishment on their own.

The somewhat cluttered view from the alley of the mixed-tenant buildings leading to the restaurant might mislead or worry those who look for Sushi Ichiei, but once inside, they are transported into an entirely different world. Guests are greeted by an elegant space featuring a pristine single-board counter once they make their way through a cave-like entrance.

The exquisite balance of red vinegar in the shari (sushi rice), relentless pursuit of perfection in how the fish is aged for the neta (toppings), and the techniques of transforming strictly selected seafood into sushi – these technical aspects aside, Chef Yusaku Sato’s intuition and artistry reaches a level which astounds even seasoned sushi connoisseurs.

An involuntary smile is likely to appear on your face upon placing his sushi on your palate. The tender Anago (eel) dissolves in your mouth in moments, leaving you uncertain if you really ever did eat it, whilst the aftertaste of its sweet aroma lingers in your senses.

With the word of mouth about its excellent sushi offerings spreading rapidly, Sushi Ichiei is poised to become an in-demand sushi destination where securing a reservation may become a challenge in the near future. We invite you to experience the passion and dedication of Chef Yusaku Sato while it is still possible to do so.