Shibumi Sushi Bar

At Shibumi Sushi Bar, traditional Japanese sashimi, nigiri and sushi rolls are served beside dishes crafted to include local Andean ingredients, such as quinoa.

Although a little pricier than other dining establishments in Quito, Shibumi Sushi Bar is worth a visit if you’re craving some real-deal sushi. Arguably one of the best sushi joints in town, this small, understated restaurant uses only fresh produce and serves up traditional Japanese sashimi, nigiri and sushi rolls, as well as some innovative twists on Japanese fare that combine it with local Andean ingredients. The grouper rolls are a definite must-try and the kitchen is open plan so you can watch the chef in action as he prepares your sushi rolls and then get the lowdown in person when he comes over to personally serve it to you.

A esa cima escala uno cuando sube los dos escalones que elevan a Shibumi, un pequeño restaurante de sushi en Quito, por encima de la vereda esquinera donde queda. Uno entra, cumple con el ritual posmoderno (la toma de temperatura, el gel en las manos y la restregada de zapatos en la alfombra), se sienta y dice, con la certeza del paracaidista que sabe que su paracaídas se abrirá, Omakase shimasu, una expresión japonesa que significa, más o menos, “confío en ti, chef”.

Ecuador might not be known for its sushi, but with over 1300 miles of coastline, it has access to some of the freshest fish to make some of the best sushi you’ll find anywhere in the world. And for the best of the best in Quito, you have to visit Shibumi, where chef Junior Córdova Galarza is serving up his own take on this Japanese basic. This intimate little restaurant has only a few small tables, but they always seem to be full.

If you are looking for a sushi bar, Shibumi is one of the best places in Quito to enjoy a wondrous sushi meal. Chef Junior Córdova Galarza uses Japanese traditions as the basis of his technique and quality to reinvent dishes using the local and seasonal ingredients of Ecuador. You can choose your meal from a variety of different rolls, such as the Shibumi kaburimaki with red tuna and crab and the selection of sushi or sashimi.

Después de haber regresado a Quito desde San Francisco, estaba desesperado por encontrar sushi adecuado. ¡Shibumi vino al rescate!. Si bien este lugar se siente como un pequeño bar de sushi «local», en realidad es un concepto inmensamente refinado del Chef-Propietario Junior Cordova Galarza.

Shibumi, el sushi bar ubicado dentro del barrio Las Casas, es uno de los mejores restaurantes de Quito. Con un uso de pesca local, salmón y atún rojo de alta calidad, nueces, frutas, hierbas, condimentos de distintos orígenes e incluso quesos, la cocina de Shibumi es realmente creativa.

Having moved back to Quito from San Francisco, I was desperate to find proper sushi. Shibumi came to the rescue!. While this place feels like a small “locals” sushi bar, it is actually an immensely refined concept of Chef-Owner Junior Cordova Galarza.

Shibumi Sushi Bar - Highly awarded Japanese restaurant, most recommended for it's omakase menu. While it was good, it wasn't great. If you're craving sushi then it's pretty solid overall, although a bit pricey for what you get.

For food: Urko in Isabela Católica, or Shibumi in las Casas. Ditto on Guapulo: nice view, low budget Café Botánica in La Floresta for good coffee and sandwiches.