How to Behave at A Sushi Restaurant

Sushi is more than just a meal—it’s an art form deeply rooted in Japanese culture and traditions. Dining at a sushi restaurant can be an extraordinary experience, but it also comes with its own set of unique customs and etiquette that might differ from what you’re used to.

Whether you’re enjoying sushi at a casual spot or indulging at an upscale sushi bar, knowing how to behave can enhance your experience while showing respect to the chef and the culture. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to eat sushi like a pro, from placing your order to savoring the last bite.

What Makes Sushi Dining Unique?

Sushi dining is steeped in precision and craftsmanship, but it’s not just about the food. Every aspect of the experience—how the sushi is prepared, how it’s presented, and even how it’s eaten—is part of the tradition. Respecting these customs shows appreciation for the artistry involved and ensures you enjoy your sushi to its fullest potential.

Essential Sushi Etiquette

Here’s a breakdown of the do’s and don’ts to help you fit right in at any sushi restaurant.

1. Understand the Role of the Sushi Chef (Itamae)

The Itamae (chef) is the star of the experience. Their skill and expertise transform simple ingredients into delicate pieces of sushi. Respect for the Itamae is crucial in Japanese food culture. Here’s how you can show courtesy:

• Don’t rush the chef: Sushi preparation is a meticulous process, and the Itamae works to ensure perfection in every piece.
• Engage politely: If you’re sitting at a sushi bar, you can ask questions about the fish or make requests, but avoid overwhelming or questioning the chef’s choices.

2. Choose Your Seat Wisely

If you’re given a choice, sitting at the sushi bar is a great way to watch the Itamae work their magic. However, be mindful:

• At the bar, the interaction is more personal, and you should avoid distractions like being overly chatty.
• For larger parties or if you’re not comfortable interacting with the chef, opt for table seating instead.

3. Know How to Place Your Order

When ordering sushi, keep these tips in mind:

• Trust the chef’s selection: Many sushi restaurants offer “omakase” (chef’s choice), which allows the chef to showcase the best and freshest fish of the day.
• Order wisely: If ordering à la carte, start with lighter fish and flavors before moving to richer ones, like tuna belly or eel.

4. Use Chopsticks or Hands Correctly

Both chopsticks and your hands are acceptable for eating sushi—it depends on the restaurant and your preference.

• If using chopsticks: Avoid rubbing them together, as this can be seen as rude and implies the chopsticks are of poor quality.
• If using your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly beforehand. Hand-eaten sushi is a traditional method, especially for nigiri.

5. Mind Your Soy Sauce Use

Proper use of soy sauce is essential to avoid overpowering the sushi’s natural flavors.

• For nigiri sushi, dip the fish side (not the rice) lightly into the soy sauce. This prevents the rice from absorbing too much sauce and falling apart.
• Avoid adding soy sauce to sushi that’s already seasoned or sauced by the chef—trust their expertise!

6. Wasabi and Ginger Dos and Don’ts

Wasabi and ginger are often misunderstood in sushi dining, so here’s the proper way to use them:

• Wasabi: The chef typically adds the right amount of wasabi to each piece of sushi. If you want more, add a tiny amount to the fish directly, not to the soy sauce.
• Ginger: Use pickled ginger (gari) to cleanse your palate between bites instead of eating it as a topping.

7. Eat Sushi the Right Way

Sushi is carefully crafted to deliver a balance of flavors in every bite, so eating it properly matters.

• For nigiri, pick it up with your fingers or chopsticks and eat it in one bite, fish side up. This allows the flavors of the fish and rice to blend perfectly.
• For maki rolls, you can use chopsticks or your hands and eat them in one or two bites, depending on size.

8. Show Respect to the Chef and Staff

Your behavior sets the tone for the entire dining experience. Here’s how to show your appreciation:

• Thank the chef: Compliment the sushi or simply say “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you very much) to show gratitude.
• Don’t linger unnecessarily: If you’ve finished your meal, allow others to enjoy their dining time by vacating your seat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at a Sushi Restaurant

To ensure you leave a good impression, steer clear of these sushi faux pas:

1. Overusing soy sauce—drenching your sushi can insult the chef’s preparation.
2. Mixing soy sauce and wasabi—this is considered improper in traditional sushi culture.
3. Eating sushi too slowly—sushi is meant to be enjoyed fresh, so consume it promptly after it’s served.
4. Using ginger incorrectly—placing ginger on your sushi disrupts the intended flavors.

Going Beyond the Basics

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, here are a few advanced tips to further elevate your sushi experience:

• Learn about the fish: Each type of fish has a unique taste and texture. Venture beyond tuna and salmon to try varieties like mackerel, amberjack, and sea urchin.
• Pair with sake or tea: Many sushi restaurants offer sake or green tea pairings that enhance the flavors of the sushi. Ask the chef or staff for recommendations.
• Appreciate the seasonality: Sushi often highlights seasonal ingredients, so inquire about the fresh picks of the season when dining during different times of the year.

The Heart of Sushi Dining

Dining at a sushi restaurant is as much about the experience as it is about the meal itself. By following these etiquettes, you’re not only showing respect for sushi’s storied tradition but also ensuring you enjoy sushi exactly as it’s meant to be enjoyed.

Before your next visit, consider brushing up on these tips or even trying a tasting menu at a fine sushi bar such as En Sushi. With these guidelines in mind, you’ll dine confidently and savor every bite.