Founded in 1935 by chef/owner Hisaji Imada, Kyubey is famous for its 1941 invention of the gunkan-maki ("battleship wrap"), the technique where sushi with a loose topping like fish roe is held together with a nori seaweed wrap. Imada invented the gunkan-maki as an efficient way to serve newly popular ingredients, such as uni and ikura. He ran the establishment until his death in 1985, when his son, Yosuke Imada, took over as head chef. Food historians and sushi lovers alike will enjoy a visit to this Tokyo institution. Reservations are relatively easy to obtain, and walk-ins are allowed at lunch.

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