Mitsu-ya: for a different sushi experience
8Most sushi places in Lebanon offer a standard selection, where variety is based on how creative the mix of ingredients can get. It’s like sushi has been adapted to the taste of the local market, and very few places propose groundbreaking sushi experiences to customers, or at least some elements of surprise on a “safe” menu.
Generally, what we got accustomed to in terms of Japanese food is not bad, as long as the ingredients are fresh and smartly mixed together. I have had few favorite sushi places that I always recommend whenever asked, until I tried Mitsu-ya.
Mind you, I am not going to review the restaurant. But I’d very much like to talk about the concept. First, it is the only sushi place in Lebanon that’s owned and operated by a Japanese chef. When I called to reserve, the host asked me if we would like to be seated at a table or at the bar, then explained that the bar is like the chef’s VIP table; you’re not allowed to order anything there, you’re served what the chef would like you to eat. I naturally selected the bar for all what came to mind in terms of experiences, and I wasn’t disappointed.
To be honest, I cannot list everything we tasted, but I can tell you that there were some real delicacies in there. The chef tells you what to eat with soy sauce and what to eat as is. The scallops were a hit as so was the seared tuna.
The little rice and salmon roe bowl was out of this world and the finale, which was made of beef maki served with foie gras, mushrooms and carrots, was the cherry on top.
If you want to try their desserts, I highly recommend the black sesame ice cream. We also tried the green tea fondant because it was something new, but it was a little bit too sweet for my taste.
The chef served us a glass of sake with yuzu juice as a digestive. Make it a point to have that if it’s not proposed.
If you’re looking to have a new sushi experience and get out of what you have been accustomed to, Mitsu-ya is your go-to place.
Enjoy and let me know how it was!
April 25, 2017 @ 1:22 pm
Will try it soon!
April 25, 2017 @ 1:53 pm
Great! But make sure you sit at the bar because that’s where the whole show is happening. Let me know your feedback 🙂
April 25, 2017 @ 2:16 pm
Is that where we’re gonna have lunch the next time I’m in town?
April 25, 2017 @ 2:39 pm
Absolutely! I look forward to our next lunch then.
April 27, 2017 @ 1:42 am
What about the price
April 27, 2017 @ 10:25 am
Hello Nicolas, it is expensive. If you sit at the bar, you have two options for the chef’s choice. The first one is a mix of sushi and sashimi and is at 125,000 LBP per person. The second one is more varied with miso soup, dessert, etc. and is at 165,000 LBP. We took the first option with a bottle of wine and a round of desserts. If you take the same, it will be a little over 100$ per person.
April 27, 2017 @ 8:45 pm
It is not that expensive. In japan you pay about 300-400$ to be dined like that by a sushi chef but they have more fish variety so fair i guess
April 27, 2017 @ 9:10 pm
True, and the market price in Japan is different. Here, if you compare to the Lebanese market price, it is more expensive. I’d love to hear your feedback on what the chef serves once you go there.