A well-known sushi restaurant in Tokyo, frequently recommended to visitors.
Running chef
The restaurant features engaging and skilled sushi chefs who prepare dishes directly in front of customers. They are noted for their friendly demeanor and ability to communicate in multiple languages, but no specific names are mentioned.
Insights
JapaneseSushi BarSeafoodLocal ModernSeafoodUpscaleBreakfastLunchCasualMarket Hall
Last updated: 4/21/2026, 3:47:02 PM
Key Information
Daiwa Sushi is a renowned sushi restaurant located in the Toyosu Market (specifically in the Fruit and Vegetables building, Block 5) in Koto-City, Tokyo. It is celebrated for its exceptionally fresh, high-quality sushi served in an intimate, casual setting, often at a counter where chefs prepare dishes directly in front of diners. The restaurant is known for its omakase (chef's choice) courses and opens very early in the morning, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic market dining experience.
Customers consistently praise Daiwa Sushi for the outstanding freshness and quality of its fish, often describing the sushi as 'melt-in-your-mouth' and 'incredible.' The omakase course is highly recommended for its excellent value and variety. Diners frequently highlight the engaging, friendly, and sometimes multilingual sushi chefs who enhance the dining experience with their banter and explanations. While the experience is highly satisfying, potential downsides include long wait times, especially during peak hours, and the need for early arrival or reservations due to its popularity and limited seating (around 15 people). Some note that detailed explanations of each sushi piece might be limited due to the busy environment.
Additional Details
Daiwa Sushi is often considered one of the top two sushi restaurants in the Toyosu Market, frequently mentioned alongside Sushi Dai. Its location within the bustling market ensures access to the freshest seafood, contributing to its reputation for exceptional quality.
Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to its focus on fresh fish and seafood.
Best Times to Visit
To avoid long lines, it is highly recommended to visit very early in the morning, ideally before 7:00 AM, especially during busier tourist seasons. Reservations are also strongly advised. Weekday mornings around 10:30 AM might offer a slightly less crowded experience.
5
Absolutely phenomenal experience with a great chef(s) and their entire staff. We were in line by 6 AM, thx to our amazing tour guide. The doors opened and we were seated. It is one of the “bigger” restaurants I’ve seen around town. All countertop seating and the line continued until we were done with our food. We chose the Omakase style and were easily able to amend a few things for our son & later add a few more things. Everything was spectacular. It is usually frequented by the locals. By noon or 1 PM at the latest, we are told, there’s no more fish and therefore the restaurant closes. We got lucky and we were there right after our tour of the new Fish market. If you can make it to this restaurant, go and enjoy some great selection of fish.
We had a fantastic time at Daiwa, the chefs were absolutely phenomenal on every front. Their sushi were undoubtedly some of the best one could ask for.
The chef was very engaging, spoke various languages to banter. They cut and prepare all nigiri/sashamni in front of you. The set omakase menu has around 12 pieces of nigiri, towards the end you can add more pieces (either new or something you have already!). They do offer various omakase experience, so just feel free to ask.
You need to have a reservation, you could try walk in but the risk is high for waiting. We were lucky the first time, only had to wait 15 mins. This time we had a reservation and the restaurant was still packed.
Got here at 6:30am, luckily there was no wait. Chose the omakase course, and boy was it incredible! The fish was all delightfully fresh. The chef balanced each piece perfectly with just the right amount of soya sauce and garnished it with the lightest touch. Just enough to burst with flavors as it melts in your mouth. Honestly, this is probably the best sushi I have ever had in all my travels including time in Japan! It was mostly locals dining here this early, tourists started to pour in as I left. Cost around ¥8000 per person for the omakase course. Will try Sushi Dai on my next visit - supposed to be just as good as Daiwa Sushi.
Tip - get here before 7 latest, perhaps earlier during busier tourist season. I left around 7:30 and a line had started forming. They can seat only around 15 people or so at a time.
Location - across from the Toyosu market on the ground floor. It’s in the Fruit and Vegetables building which I think is Block 5. Posting a pic on location for reference.
The biggest highlight of my trip to Toyosu Market was definitely visiting Daiwa Sushi (大和寿司).
The restaurant specializes in Omakase (chef's choice), primarily served as a set menu for around 7,000 yen per person. The sushi master curates a variety of sushi based on the freshest catch of the day while tailoring it to your personal preferences or any specific requests you may have.
Everything tasted incredibly fresh. Since the shop is located away from the main tourist-heavy zones, you’ll find many local regulars there. Stumbling upon such an authentic, high-quality gem in a crowded tourist hub like Toyosu Market was truly the biggest surprise of my trip.
We traveled through Japan late Winter, 2026 for 17 days. It was our first time to Japan and we relied heavily on Google reviews (and maps and translate) to find places to eat, of interest and shop and were rarely disappointed in the recommendations (most of which were spot on!). Leaving a review to pay it forward to the next folks who are planning to visit and provide maybe a tipping point in making a decision.
This was one of (if not) the best sushi that we had while traveling around Japan! It was sort of by accident that we went here as we were early for our TeamLab Planet time and decided to walk around the area to look for a place for lunch. We came across this non-descript place that is tucked away off the main street and the first thing we saw was a line forming outside. It was about 11:20am, so we jumped in line and good thing because 5 minutes later, one of the chefs came out to do a head count and placed a "SOLD OUT" sign just 2 people after us.
We waited in line for about 50mins as the restaurant itself is not that large, all counter seating. It is omakase, so chef's choice, but they will ask to make sure they are informed of any food allergies or strong dislikes. We had our 11yo daughter with us so the chef double checked that she was ok with everything (which she was).
It was fascinating seeing how each piece was made, and tasting the progression of the menu. Each piece was introduced by the chef with recommendations on how to eat (if there were any). I strongly considered asking to not be served uni (sea urchin) since I have never been a fan of it from the sushi places at home. I'm so glad I didn't! The uni turned out to be my absolute favorite; rich, buttery, hint of umami, I should have ordered another.
We have now recommended Daiwa to 2 other groups we know who traveled to Japan since and they all confirmed that it was delicious. When we go again, I would get there earlier (to ensure you are seated) and order additional pieces if there is something that you absolutely want another of. Enjoy!
NOTE: Noticed a huge range in reported price. Of course price (in USD) is going to be dependent on current exchange rate, and what was ordered. For us, the set omakase (without additional pieces and no additional drinks/alcohol) came out to be around $45/person. Price may also vary depending on market rate of what is being served.
