Zauo Shibuya - Shibuya-ku

Visited Zauo on the recommendation of a Japanese friend — fishing for your own dinner being an “only in Tokyo” type of experience. It was really fun, and though clear they mostly cater to tourists did not feel tourist-trappish in the least. Shibuya location. Have fun!

It was quite the experience. Being able to catch your own fish and have the chefs prepare it how you wanted it. First time experiencing something so different while in Japan! highly recommend it. Will definitely be going back and trying it again.

We really enjoyed our experience. Being from the US, we are not used to of the smoking in restaurants. That was the only disappointment. We would definitely go back again!

The idea behind the restaurant is pretty innovative, catching your own food and then having it prepared for you fresh. However the execution was horrible. First you really dont catch most of the fish you just put a hook in the water and pull up as hard as you can so it impales the fish. Secondly they don't serve you the fish you actually caught. I caught two fish and once prepared could tell that it wasn't the same fish as it had the texture on the fish of previously frozen fish and had a very strong fishy smell which isn't present on fresh fish). This was the biggest let down honestly i would expect them to make the fish you caught or at least fresh fish and not previously frozen fish. This defeats the whole purpose of the restaurant. Finally we got all the fish prepared different ways, i would highly recommend not getting sushi, I figured it wouldn't be the best but since being it Tokyo it had to be decent. The cut and proportions on the mackerel were about 3 times bigger than previous restaurants i've had it at, was just done very poorly. Other than the idea of the restaurant it just felt like a cheesy tourist trap that doesn't have great food comparatively for the price and location in Japan.

The service crew were responsive and passionate. I like the concept where the service crew were rated for their smile. Seeing them smile at the customers makes the experience more enjoyable.