Gonpachi Nishi Azabu - Edomae Sushi In A Beautiful Japanese Garden

Gonpachi - The Famous Kill Bill Restaurant

Picture courtesy of Global Dining

Gonpachi Nishi Azabu is located a short walk away from Roppongi Station. It is mainly known as the restaurant that inspired the backdrop for the main fight scene in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill". Gonpachi is a must-visit spot for its unique atmosphere that indeed feels like you just walked into a movie.

Picture courtesy of Global Dining

Wooden and bamboo interior spreading over two floors give it the ambience of a classical izakaya from the past. Traditional Japanese izakaya food such as yakitori (grilled chicken on a skewer) is prepared in an open kitchen right in the center of the restaurant.

Picture courtesy of Global Dining

All Gonpachi restaurants are known for their homemade soba noodles. Buckwheat, or soba, is ground fresh every day and turned into the popular Japanese noodles in front of the customers. We recommend Gonpachi's budget-friendly lunch menu to try their soba dishes. Each soba set is only about 1,000 yen during lunch time.

Gonpachi Nishi Azabu's ground floors are what the restaurant is most famous for but today we would like to introduce you to Sushi Gonpachi , which is located on the lesser known third floor.

Sushi Gonpachi - The Quiet Third Floor

Picture courtesy of Global Dining

Gonpachi Nishi Azabu's third floor is located in a different area with a separate door. Instead of entering straight through the main entrance, turn left and go up the stairs alongside the main building. Once you enter the door on top of the stairs you will find another couple of steps to your right that lead straight to the third floor.

Picture courtesy of Global Dining

The third floor has a completely different atmosphere from the first two floors. It is quiet and offers a beautiful Japanese garden area that invites its visitors to enjoy delicious sushi and a couple of drinks outside in the warmer months. The warm light coming from the small lanterns provide an especially nice atmosphere at night.

Picture courtesy of Global Dining

In summer, the artificial mist is turned on in the garden for a cooling experience. An open terrace area is available for people who want to enjoy the breeze. It is covered so you will still be more protected from the elements.

Picture courtesy of Global Dining

In case of rain or cold weather, the beautiful garden can still be enjoyed from the stylish dining room. Private rooms are available as well.

Edomae Sushi Freshly Made Before Your Eyes

The third floor focuses on a mixture of freshly made Edomae sushi, which is the traditional type of sushi, and internationally inspired sushi such as California rolls.

Mister Haga, seen here in black, is the main sushi chef at Sushi Gonpachi. He is a second generation sushi chef acclaimed for his great attention to detail.

If you want to watch the sushi being freshly made, choose a seat at the counter. Pick the sushi one by one or choose a set from the multilingual menu.

Picture courtesy of Global Dining

If you don't eat fish, Sushi Gonpachi offers a selection of vegan vegetable sushi as well. This way you can enjoy traditional sushi with everyone, no matter their dietary preferences.

Enjoy the Sushi Beer Garden in Summer

Sushi Gonpachi Nishi Azabu has created a special menu including all-you-can drink-beer for summer 2019. The snacks and sushi were chose to match a glass of cold beer.

Two different courses are available. A snack course and a full sushi course.

Picture courtesy of Global Dining

The snack course includes karaage (Japanese fried chicken), edamame (green soybeans) and fried vegetable chips.

Picture courtesy of Global Dining

The sushi course includes the same base menu plus a selection of fried fish, sushi and sashimi.

If you do not want to commit to a whole course, you are more than welcome to just order a couple of sushi or beverages of your choice to enjoy them in the beautiful garden. Either way, it is advised to make a reservation to assure a space in the garden.

Gonpachi Nishi Azabu - Spend a Fun Night Out or a Quiet Evening

Gonpachi Nishi Azabu is one of the most famous izakaya restaurants in Tokyo. The lively atmosphere is part of what made it so popular even with celebrities.

If Gonpachi is a little bit too crazy or busy for your taste, how about trying the lesser known third floor? It is calm, quiet and very different from the downstairs area. However, it still has the Japanese charm which made Gonpachi famous.

Next time if you are in the Roppongi area and need a place to relax, make sure to check out Sushi Gonpachi just above the famous Kill Bill Restaurant!

Gonpachi Nishi Azabu

1-13-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031