Kojiro, super sushi in Vienna

Vienna is a wonderful city. I loved tramping through its streets, and I found lots of lovely places to eat, sophisticated cafes, super bars and places to hang out. The trouble is, great as it is, once you've had a few schnitzels and sachertortes, you want something a little different, don't you?

During our week in Vienna, we found Viennese food to be very good, but eventually, we found ourselves in need of a change. So we decided to visit what we had heard was the best sushi place in the city. Intriguingly, it was described as a sort of small, "hole in the wall" kind of place near the Naschmarkt.

We really didn't know what to expect, but decided to show up with tummies rumbling and minds open. We were in for a bit of a surprise! Now, you will recall I said it was small, right? Well, when I say this place is small, I mean it. There is one bench which 3 people can sit around, right in the window (the best and most comfortable place at Kojiro), with 5 additional stools for people to perch on, bar style. You could swing the proverbial feline animal here, but only just. And it would be much to the annoyance of staff and clientele alike!

The decor is basic; clean ceramic tiles, with pictures of sushi on the wall. It's rustic and unpretentious. But to be honest, it is not the reason you visit.

Why come here? Because you will find wonderfully fresh fish prepared with the utmost care and love. The fish is crafted into wonderful handmade sushi by quick and deft hands with speed and efficiency. 

Many Viennese have twigged to Kojiro's high quality sushi and phone through their orders. But they miss half the fun; seeing their order made up. I already told you the place was small, didn't I? Well the lovely people who make these morsels of deliciousness work in a tiny little kitchen area in the very corner of the establishment. 

These amazing three guys clearly know and love each other well. They work in close quarters with each other, preparing the sushi with speed and accuracy in between long conversations in rapid Japanese. They joke and laugh and act like they've known each other all their lives, which I suppose they probably have. It's like finding yourself in another corner of the world, you hardly feel like you're in Europe.... until one of the guys takes a telephone order in fluent German!

Kojiro makes great sushi, served beautifully formed at a very reasonable price. I'd visit once you've had your fill of beer, schitzel and heavy patisseries. There is another lovely feature of this great little sushi shop, which is free piping hot green tea which you can refill as you wish.

My only warning is that this little shop is so popular, if you visit at lunch, you might have to stand around waiting for a table for a little while, but you will witness the phone continually ringing as locals ring through their take away orders. And then there will be a constant stream of people coming in to pay and then collect their precious cargo of sushi. Wait patiently, soak up the atmosphere and watch the sushi triumvirate work their unique magic. It's totally worth it!

Kojiro Sushi

Rechte Wienzeile 9

Vienna 1040

+43(1)586 62 33

Monday to Friday open from 11:00am to 18:30 (order by 18:15) 

Saturday open from 10:00am to 14:00 (order by 14:00)

Sunday closed

Snigdha and Him Indoors paid for their sushi. Flipping nice it was too!