Sakae Zushi: An izakaya specialising in sushi for over 50 years

When you are on an island surrounded by the ocean, you have to have fish, right? You’ve made it all the way to Niijima island and now you want some delicious island style sushi or sashimi.

Ask anyone on the island and they are likely to recommend the same place - Sakae Zushi. Popular among locals and tourists alike, the place started off as a sushi restaurant, and with time grew into a spacious izakaya serving dishes ranging from Niijima island style sushi to izakaya staples like karaage fried chicken. This place is so popular it’s usually full up all throughout the weekend.

Popular Sushi Place on Niijima’s Main Street

7 minutes by car from Niijima Port, Sushi Izakaya restaurant, Sakae Zushi is on Niijima island’s main street. Run by a local family born and bred on the island, the restaurant originally was a sushi restaurant. Due to its popularity the place was expanded over time to fit more people, transforming it into the izakaya restaurant that it is now.

Menu ranging from local specialities to Izakaya staple food

A popular item on the menu is the island style sushi, Shima zushi, which is a Niijima specialty. Slices of fish are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and spices, and served with a topping of Japanese mustard. It’s made with a selection of white fish, so try a few to see which one you like best. The fresh sashimi filleted by the owner himself also comes highly recommended. At Sakae Zushi, you get to savour fresh sashimi made from fish caught right at Niijima and other islands nearby.

Other dishes on the menu include tempura made using Ashitaba - an herb native to the Tokyo islands, as well as salads and karaage fried chicken for those that aren’t fans of (raw) fish.

Better make a reservation during high season!

A restaurant loved by locals and tourists alike. It’s best to book ahead during high season, especially during summer and golden week (end of April till the first week to May). You can book by phone or just go directly to the restaurant and make a reservation in person as they open at 11:30AM. Visit Sakae Zushi to savour authentic Niijima flavours.