To preface, this is my second visit to Ryujiro, my last visit being in may 2024 for lunch at the main counter. Have to say – very pleasantly surprised at the skills of the sous chef. I thought the nigiris were equally as good, if not even better than Nakamura san’s nigiris. And as usual at Ryujiro, the otsumamis were superb.
Not pictured – Akami, miso soup and tamago.
PS: people who are hesitating from booking Ryujiro because of the viral post regarding discriminatory service from last year, I would like to provide an alternative view that I thought the service was more than sufficiently amicable and definitely respectful especially after 2 visits. Maybe go in with tempered expectations – don’t expect the staff to be consistently there every minute with you; after all they are not fluent in English. But rather, go in with an open mind to savour the food fully, which Ryujiro definitely delivers at.
by CwRrrr
3 Comments
Fully agreed, I haven’t done the main counter at Ryujiro but the sub counter was exceptional quality, reasonably priced, and were very kind to us
This is visually appealing. Thanks for sharing! Who’s helming the sub counter these days?
I always recommend trying to connect with second chefs and other apprentices, especially when they show potential. It’s a great way to stay ahead of new openings. In my opinion, some head chefs are a little too complacent while the up-and-coming apprentices are trying to prove something.
> PS: people who are hesitating from booking Ryujiro because of the viral post regarding discriminatory service from last year, I would like to provide an alternative view that I thought the service was more than sufficiently amicable and definitely respectful especially after 2 visits
Imo, this is more a main counter thing which surprises everyone that met Nakamura back when he worked at Umi because they all sing praises of his hospitality even with the language barrier.
When I visited him around the same time as OP he was definitely a bit apprehensive when he realized I wasn’t fluent in Japanese but I never felt he was actively malicious but rather withdrawn because he couldn’t pull off the same banter that he had with the fluent speakers. He even served us Aramasa when we asked for his recommended sake, which the OP in the viral post was denied, and jokingly calling it “Shinsei” instead.