Sushi Gion Matsudaya

This was one of the most authentic sushi experience i’ve had in Japan. And I’ve been to a fair bit in Tokyo where the chefs won’t even look at you when you come or if you arrive more than 15 mins late they turn you away and charge your credit card for no show (lesson learned since)

Matsudaya-san takes his craft seriously and you can tell by the way he meticulously works during the dinner service.

I was initially so nervous before dinner due to all the reviews but during the course of the service, Matsudaya san is not an unreasonable and rude man as so many uncultured and disrespectful individuals in the reviews describe him to be.

If you’re unable to respect the culture and the traditions of Japan (not only Japan but perhaps olden day Japan) then maybe this place isn’t for you. If assimilating into the culture is something you have a problem with, stick to what you know :) An omakase is like watching the opera. The entire experience consist of watching your food being prepared and finally tasting it. Maybe if he feels like it, he may share more on what you’re consuming as you LEARN about what you’re going to put into your mouth.

Thank you for the amazing meal chef Matsuyada san and the team! We also learned so much about the different dishes and fishes during the course of our meal. To everyone who may be offended by my review, all i can say is.. if the shoe fits.

This was the best Omakase sushi experience I’ve had by far! Sushi was amazing! Chef Matsudaya’s discipline and meticulousness can be seen and tasted in every bite. His preparation was almost like an art. It was quite a pleasure to watch it. He carefully prepared every single bite for every single person. At one point he noticed that I was eating my nigiris with fish-to-tongue method and warned me before the piece which should be eaten with the rice side down. This shows me how interested he is with your whole experience. As anywhere else on this planet with a work ethic, they have rules that you should follow, such as talk quietly and don’t place your phone on the counter (it is a common rule amongst good Japanese sushi restaurants). Long story short, it was a meal to be remembered for years. Thank you very much Chef Matsudaya!

Don’t let the negative reviews stop you from reserving a spot at this restaurant. Dining here is a full sensory experience—almost like witnessing art being crafted right in front of you. Chef Matsudaya meticulously prepares each piece with care, precision, and a variety of techniques. Every bite offers a unique combination of flavors, textures, and aromas.

As a tourist, it’s important to respect the local culture rather than imposing your own standards. Many of the negative reviews seem to come from individuals who failed to appreciate or even learn the basics of Japanese dining etiquette. This is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural and culinary journey that shouldn’t be missed.

All the haters on here leaving negative comments are probably wet rags anywhere they go. This place was maybe the best dining experience I’ve ever had. The chief was serious but kind and had plenty of laughs with us (and a couple of drinks). The atmosphere was perfect for getting to know strangers. The food was outstanding - the chiefs cuts of fish were about as good as it gets. His family runs the place with him and they were so sweet. This was a night to remember!

Had such a wonderful dinner tonight with Chef Matsudaya. Each dish was full of flavor, texture and care in preparation. It was wonderful to be able to not only interact with Chef Matsudaya who was very personable and patient in explaining each dish and helping us to understand the ingredients or preparation, but being able to watch how our meal was carefully prepared was such a treat. The puffer fish, tuna and uni were my favourite. My husband tried the sake pairing and I loved the tea pairing with the meal. The cozy atmosphere made the experience extra special. Thank you so much for a wonderfully delightful experience.