Sushi no Midori Sohonten

Midori Sushi serves it raw
For the most impressive piece of anago (eel) you might ever lay your eyes on, head to Midori Sushi. Midori Sushi is known for its generous portions of fresh, glistening seafood served at surprisingly reasonable prices.

The chain also specialises in many creative and beautifully presented dishes like maguro karubi, slabs of fresh tuna.

Even with five restaurants, three take-out points and a delivery service, all throughout Tokyo, lines can be seen to snake around buildings come lunch or dinner time, so this is definitely not a place to grab a quick bite. Singles and pairs often have a better chance of getting seated quickly.

Tourists, both Japanese and non-Japanese, often make up the bulk of the restaurant's customers during peak hour. At Midori Sushi's main restaurant in the quiet neighbourhood of Umegaoka, after 1pm, the 30 minute wait for lunch is usually reduced down to five minutes.

All restaurants have English menus, but these only offer Midori Sushi's standard items and are a bit large for a narrow counter top. Seasonal and special dishes are often handwritten in Japanese on the walls or on separate menus, and can differ depending on the branch. Lunch sets range from ¥840 to ¥2100 and include green tea and miso soup.

The sushi chefs are often friendly, chatty and helpful, sometimes giving customers free tastings of more unusual delicacies.