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About
Chiharu Sushi
Welcome to Chiharu Sushi, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan. This charming, family-owned establishment is more than just a restaurant; it’s a heartfelt embodiment of passion and authenticity, where sushi and sashimi take center stage.
Located at 1 Chome-5-10 Ironai, Chiharu Sushi is run by a delightful couple who bring decades of experience to their craft. The sushi chef, with over 55 years of expertise, showcases a remarkable commitment to quality that shines through in every dish. The freshness of the ingredients is unmatched, elevating your dining experience to new heights.
Stepping into Chiharu Sushi, guests are enveloped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The owner, a friendly figure often seen working diligently behind the counter, may not speak much English; however, his enthusiasm and genuine desire to connect with patrons create a delightful ambiance. As Tom indo highlighted, the owner even tries to communicate across the language barrier, enhancing the personal touch.
One of the standout features of Chiharu Sushi is the meticulous preparation of each plate. As Alexander Rojas Moreno noted, watching the nigiri being crafted is not only fascinating but also adds an intimate connection to the dining experience. Unlike typical conveyor belt sushi, here, you will appreciate the artistry and skill that transform simple ingredients into stunning masterpieces.
Each piece you taste reflects the chef's philosophy—freshness, simplicity, and a touch of artistry. Unlike many other sushi joints, the fish served here undergoes a unique aging process, enhancing the flavor profile and offering a tantalizing experience that Jiahui Tan passionately asserts surpasses that of local fish markets.
Accompany your meal with carefully selected sake, served in an exquisitely designed wooden lacquer box, a detail that amplifies the overall dining experience. As Martin pointed out, the combination of fresh sushi and exceptional sake creates a symphony of flavors that is both calming and exhilarating.
Whether you're a sushi aficionado or just looking to indulge your taste buds, Chiharu Sushi is a delightful destination that promises to captivate you. As you share meals with loved ones in this cozy establishment, you will understand why many patrons recommend this spot as a must-visit while in Otaru. Like Jack B, you may find yourself exclaiming, "Best sushi I have ever had!" Indeed, it’s a sushi experience that lingers far beyond the last bite.
Don’t miss out on this unique culinary adventure—if you find yourself traversing the picturesque streets of Otaru, make your way to Chiharu Sushi. You won’t just be enjoying a meal, but taking part in a cherished tradition of sushi-making that brings people together.
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“ Fantastic sushi I ever had in Otaru. Everyone should try. Warm service from the shop owner. Even treated us free sushi. Oishi! ”
“ Best sushi I have ever had! The chef doesn’t speak a lick of English but he is really friendly! Totally recommend this spot! We were on our way to Sapporo from skiing in Niseko! ”
“ We found a hidden gem near our hotel. The food was delicious and the workers were very kind and polite. The chef was very kind and spoke as much English as he could. I would 100% recommend this restaurant if you are staying in Otaru! ”
“ Stumbled upon this hidden gem. The sushi chef and staff doesn’t speak much English but offered the most sincere hospitality! We cannot recommend more to visit this sushi joint. Sushi is the best you can ask for. Cut and quality was so so good! So happy we were able to visit and eat at this special sushi restaurant. ”
“ Family owned restaurant. The owner was very friendly and the food was very fresh ! They serve only sushi and sashimi. Worth to have the experience. Even he cannot speak english he also try to communicate! Very friendly and at the end he gave free sushi too. Thank you Hideo Igarashi san ! ”
“ Unforgettable Sushi Experience: The restaurant is run by a lovely couple who treated us fantastically and are clearly proud of their place. They welcomed us warmly, and the food was absolutely stunning and fresh. Watching the entire nigiri preparation process was fascinating. The whole set was ₹4,400 each, and worth every penny. If you're in Otaru, don't miss this spot, it's a great experience! ”
“ This sushi joint is run by a very friendly couple. The sushi chef has been in this line for 55years, so you can imagine he knows his craft very well. Even though he doesn’t speak English, he very eagerly shared all he knew about Otaru and places that he has traveled to. His cute wife has a translator which she uses to ensure that you know the best way to eat the sushi. The sushi are a little different from those that you get from the joints at the fish market. They have been aged to bring out the best taste in each fish. Having tried both the ones at the fish market and at this place, I’d dare say that the ones here beats them hands down. If we come back to Otaru, we will definitely come back here again! ”
“ I stumbled over this Sushi place by accident just off a street from the busy road. It had a friendly sign outside that was also in English. I instantly felt comfortable by the welcoming lady. Only few works in English spoken, but enough to figure out what to eat. And it is nice that not the larges platter is recommended - it is trustworthy and I have the feeling you still can order extra pieces later - or in my case the cook suggested some specials. I really appreciated this initiative as I got to taste yet some other fish. I am far from a Sushi expert but love all kind of fish. I felt the Sushi served here is one of the freshest fish I had in a long time. The different flavours were a pleasure. I accompanied the fish with Sake, served in a beautiful glass standing in a wooden lacquer box. The glass is filled till it overflows into the box :-). The chef tries to have a conversation and shows me his guest book. Overall I really liked this small atmospheric place and found it calming to listen to a Japanese conversation I couldn't understand. I loved watching him prepare the individual pieces. So, I would highly recommend this place, it's the best of three restaurants I've tired during my stay in Otaru. Prices are fair for the quality served (but it is not a Sushi train ;-)) I regret not having gone back there a second time - it was the best and I should have enjoyed it again... for a future visit. ”