Tatsumi-ya

At lunchtime at Tatsumi-ya, the choice is between nigiri and chirashi. One report describes a straightforward lunch menu built around those two options, making the decision an easy one. A diner who ordered nigiri said it came with 8 pieces and a sushi roll, alongside clam soup, and made for a satisfying meal. Others singled out the squid’s firm, crisp bite and the savoury flavour of the tuna. Choose nigiri for a piece-by-piece taste of the different toppings, with a roll and soup to round out lunch.

Chirashi offers a different kind of lunch. One diner reported choosing it, and chirashi sushi is among the menu options. A diner who ordered nigiri also commented on the generous size of the toppings and the manageable portion. Nigiri may suit a quick sushi lunch, while chirashi is an option when you’d rather enjoy the toppings together.

In the evening, sushi can be accompanied by individual dishes. A pair of diners reported ordering assorted sashimi, tempura and simmered kinmedai, then finishing with sushi. Building the meal from sashimi and cooked dishes before adding nigiri at the end makes for a dinner that goes beyond sushi alone. Another party described enjoying uni served in its box with wasabi soy sauce, as well as the meat and innards of a hairy crab, sake poured into its shell, shirako and firefly squid. This is one group’s order, but it gives a sense of the possibilities for an evening meal. You might start with sashimi and other dishes, or carry on to sushi; it’s a place to shape the meal around your own appetite.

Tatsumi-ya is a sushi restaurant in Nishikanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, open for lunch and dinner. It is described as suitable for dining solo. The meal can take different forms depending on when you visit, from lunchtime nigiri to an evening spread that includes individual dishes.