Sushi Hoshiyama

Sushi Hoshiyama sits a five-minute walk from Kitahama Station in Osaka's Kita Ward, on the ground floor of the Tillit's Hus building. The restaurant is built around a single eight-seat counter, with a private room available for parties who want one. The style is Edomae sushi: shari made from sake-lees red vinegar and salt, paired with fish chosen and prepared with close attention to sourcing and prep, including kombu-cured white fish, kohada, and natural kuruma prawn.

Service runs in two seatings on nights the restaurant is open, one beginning around 17:30 or 18:00 with a target departure near 20:15, and a second seating at 20:30. Seating length runs about 105 minutes. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, though temporary closures or extra service days can occur.

Reservations go through Pocket Concierge, Omakase Je (Omakase.in), or Tabelog, with phone bookings also accepted at 06-6361-1622; mentioning that you found the restaurant online is said to help the process move smoothly. Dress code is smart casual. Credit cards are accepted for the meal itself, though drinks and additional orders paid for online may require cash. Electronic money is not accepted, and there is no on-site parking.

Priced at the top tier of the four-level scale used here, Sushi Hoshiyama falls into the luxury category typical of small Edomae counters of this size and format.