Eating at Sushi Oyama has been one of my top five dining experiences in Shanghai (and I've been here for 10 years). But I hadn't been here in more than a year and I wanted to see whether things have fallen off any. First things first, the place is expensive - our total bill for two was around RMB 1,800 including four draft beers - but this should not come as a surprise. Secondly the dinner is "omakase" or as the chef wishes, however Oyama-san does ask you beforehand whether you have any allergies or whether there is any dish you would particularly like. So did this visit live up to my lofty expectations? Absolutely.

For those who haven't been, the restaurant is very small, seating about 8-10 at the counter and maybe maximum 6 at tables, however they have since added more private rooms. We were seated at the counter right in front of Oyama-san. In the past, I have been sat in the private rooms and in the main dining room, but I definitely recommend sitting at the counter, mostly because of the banter with the engaging Oyama-san. The service is very good throughout, with bilingual waitresses explaining what is being served, and whisking away finished dishes efficiently, and making sure your tea is always filled.

The food is delicious and immaculately prepared, with great attention paid to fresh ingredients. I am not a culinary expert, nor did I keep a detailed list of each course, but I recall the following: clam broth to start, monk fish liver, warm vegetable amuse bouche, pickled vegetables, sashimi plate (4 pieces), grilled fish dish, uni bowl with salmon roe, miso soup with shrimp head, toro rice bowl with quail egg, and pannacotta for dessert. The main of the Oyama dinner is the nigiri sushi (encouraged to eat by hand and to apply fresh wasabi to the piece, not in the soy sauce). I recall 8-9 pieces, including 2 different types of toro, barracuda (a first for me), saury, sweet shrimp, squid and egg. The portions are more than ample - you will not be hungry after this meal. Even after my friend and I had had our fill, Oyama-san offered to make us toro handrolls, which we very happily gobbled down.

I think for the majority of us without corporate expense accounts, eating at Oyama is definitely a special occasion place. Sure, the place is expensive, but the whole dining experience is top notch. Definite recommend.

We had a wonderful omakase dinner at Sushi Oyama. it is really one of the best sushi places I have been, if I could compare, for example, with Sushi Saito fromTokyo, where I have been last year, which have 3 stars Michelin, I would give Oyama 1star.
The fish was immaculately fresh, Takeo Oyama very friendly and generous. Actually we have eaten more than we planned to eat, but it is so delicious, you just can't stop eating.
I can't wait to come back!