Today I'm taking you to explore a wildly popular queue-worthy restaurant in the Sanxia area that's so hyped people willingly line up, even transporting you straight to an Okinawa back-alley izakaya-style Japanese cuisine heaven. That's the legendary "Hachijo Sushi"! When it comes to Sanxia, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Old Street? Croissant bread? But in recent years, Sanxia's food scene has become increasingly vibrant, especially this Hachijo Sushi, which has become a local favorite. Ask locals what to eat in Sanxia, and they'll almost always mention this Sanxia sushi spot. We knew it was popular with long lines, but every time we passed by the crowds were so overwhelming we gave up. This time we chose a non-peak dining hour and surprisingly didn't have to wait, finally getting to try it!
Store Name: Hachijo Sushi Sanxia Flagship Store
Address: No. 198, Sec. 1, Jieshou Rd., Jieshou Village, Sanxia Dist., New Taipei City 237
Phone: 0226732388
As night falls and you drive into Sanxia, you can spot the towering Hachijo Sushi sign glowing with warm yellow light from afar, especially eye-catching. The entrance is adorned with Japanese lanterns inscribed with "Hachijo Sushi" and "Japanese Cuisine," and the most obvious sight is the constant line of customers during peak hours. Today the crowd is absent, so let's give it a try.
Before even stepping inside, the live seafood tanks by the entrance grab your attention! Lobsters, crabs, and various shellfish swim lively in clear water, declaring Hachijo Sushi's commitment to "freshness." These aren't just for show; they're today's catch, prepared to order with premium ingredients. If your wallet allows, you could order a lobster too, BUT I didn't...
Peering through the large glass windows, the interior is packed even during off-peak hours, buzzing with energy. Warm, dim lighting paired with wooden tables and traditional Japanese decor creates a cozy yet lively atmosphere. From outside you can see satisfied diners enjoying their meals with smiles, a clear testament to Hachijo Sushi's popularity.
Stepping inside feels like instantly crossing from Sanxia into a lively fishing-port izakaya in Okinawa, Japan!
Rows of lanterns with Japanese text hang from the ceiling, reading "Hachijo Sushi," "Japanese Bluefin Tuna," "Ishikari Hot Pot," etc. The thatched-roof design overhead, layered with decorations, adds rich local charm.
The interior is much more spacious than expected, with tables arranged for comfort without sacrificing customer experience for profit. The high ceiling prevents any sense of crowding, even when bustling.
Even after peak hours, the staff quickly clean and maintain the space's tidiness and comfort—no leftover trash in sight. As soon as guests leave, tables are wiped spotless. This attention to detail boosts my impression of Hachijo Sushi; a great restaurant needs not just delicious food but also excellent service and hygiene. Big plus!!
Window seats offer another dining experience.
Through the large glass, you can enjoy your meal while taking in the street view, feeling Sanxia's quiet nights and bustling traffic. Wooden partitions and simple decor add a relaxed, private vibe—perfect for dates or gatherings with friends.
The window decor is fun too! There's a giant beer mug sculpture with overflowing foam that looks freshly poured, making you crave a pint!
Next to it are cute, smiling Okinawa-style Shisa statues, a local mascot. These details enhance the Japanese atmosphere and echo the warm Okinawa izakaya vibe.
Hachijo Sushi's menu is incredibly diverse~ Just looking at it is overwhelming!
From sushi, sashimi, hand rolls, to grilled, fried, stir-fried items, plus hot pots and rice/noodle dishes, it's like condensing the essence of Japanese cuisine here. Categories like "Sushi," "Sashimi," "Hand Rolls," "Grilled," "Meals (Rice/Noodles)," "Fried," and "Stir-Fried" cover everything, with clear prices for easy budgeting.
Besides the regular menu, Hachijo Sushi offers daily "Today's Recommendations"—hidden gems with seasonal or chef's creative dishes.
The chalkboard on the wall visually displays "Manager's Recommendations"!
Besides hand-drawn illustrations, it features bold "Manager's Recommendations" text with vibrant food photos, instantly highlighting star items. A lifesaver for the indecisive!
Oh my! The moment this mixed sashimi platter arrived, I gasped! The visual impact is incredible!
Generous thick cuts of vibrant tuna, salmon, marlin, plus silver-scaled aji and mackerel rest on crushed ice. Each piece is substantial and generous, bursting with sweetness in the mouth! The texture is delicate yet perfectly chewy, enhanced by the chill, making every variety delicious.
Salmon fried rice is definitely Hachijo Sushi's hidden gem!
The rounded, plump fried rice forms a mountain, generously topped with mayo, nori shreds, and sesame. The plating alone is eye-catching. Each grain is distinct and golden, steaming with aroma, packed with salmon chunks and wok hei flavor—truly delicious.
High-heat teppan sears the beef slices to perfection, stir-fried with onions, snow peas, and bell peppers, then drizzled with special sauce. The aroma whets the appetite! The beef is tender, juicy, and chewy, with sauce perfectly absorbed—savory-sweet and incredibly satisfying with rice.
This udon bowl is loaded with toppings: a large fresh shrimp that's springy and sweet, plus fish cake, greens, mushrooms, and clams for layered richness. The warm broth is comforting and stomach-soothing.
If you love chewy udon but skip the soup, this "Stir-Fried Sanuki Udon" is for you!
Q-bouncy udon is quickly stir-fried with fresh seafood and veggies over high heat, finished with generous katsuobushi shavings. The aroma fills the air, savory-sweet, and it disappears fast.
This dish stir-fries fresh loofah cut into bite-sized pieces with clams and mushrooms, preserving their natural sweetness. The tender, juicy loofah absorbs the clam flavor into the broth—light yet flavorful, perfect with rice.
This Matsusaka pork is stir-fried tender with plenty of onions and bell peppers, drizzled with a unique sauce full of aroma. The sauce's sweet-savory balance perfectly complements the pork's freshness, making it an appetite-booster. I ended up having an extra bowl of rice thanks to it—super satisfying.
Honestly, before visiting Hachijo Sushi, I'd heard plenty of praise and seen the packed lines, but the actual experience exceeded expectations!
Not only is the sashimi incredibly fresh, but other items like lobster dishes (if ordered fresh-killed) would be even better, and all the Japanese izakaya fare shines. It's easy to see why it's a famous queue-worthy spot in Sanxia. With this ingredient quality, portions, and ambiance, the prices are very reasonable—truly great value. Japanese food lovers should definitely check it out!
Hachijo Sushi also has a parking lot about a 5-minute walk away, but the stroll after a big meal aids digestion—especially since I overate a bit.
* Tip: Hachijo Sushi generally doesn't accept phone reservations. It's best to line up on-site or arrive early.
* Crowd-Avoidance Tips:
* Weekday Lunch: Weekday lunches are usually less crowded than dinners and weekends.
* Arrive Before Opening: Get there 30-60 minutes before opening to snag a spot in the first batch.
* By Car: Navigate to "Hachijo Sushi Sanxia Store." About 10-15 minutes from the Sanying Interchange on National Freeway 3.
* By Bus: From Banqiao or Yongning MRT stations, take a bus to Sanxia, get off at "Sanxia Old Street Stop" or "Sanxia District Office Stop," then walk 10-15 minutes.