Are you willing to drop nearly $400 for a sushi dinner served at the counter of a tiny restaurant hidden away in a drab subway station in Tokyo’s Ginza district? Lots of people are, according to the mouthwatering documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.’’
The restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, is run by legendary 85-year-old sushi chef Jiro Ono, has three Michelin stars (a rare honor), seats just 10 and requires a reservation at least a month in advance. It serves only sushi — no appetizers or dessert — with prices starting at 30,000 yen (about $370). “For a fast eater, a meal there might last only 15 minutes, making it the most expensive meal in the world,’’ a Tokyo food critic says.
Jiro calls his presentation minimal, adding, “Ultimate simplicity leads to purity.’’ He has been obsessed with sushi since age 10 — “You must dedicate your life to mastering your skills.’’
Director David Gelb interviews, among others, Ono and his two sons. The eldest is his father’s heir apparent; the other has an eatery of his own. But the real star of the movie is the delectable sushi itself. Viewers will be tempted to hop the next flight to Tokyo, but probably will have to settle for a Japanese eatery closer to home.