Kiko Sushi Bar
Kiko Sushi Bar, on the edge of San Lorenzo by the Verano cemetery, has you choose the fish first and then whether it comes as nigiri, sashimi, maki or temaki.
Why go
Atsufumi Kikuchi, known as Kiko, had cooked in the kitchens of several restaurants, Sushiko/Kenko among the last, before he opened this bar with Roberto Angelini (Zero). Roy Caceres, the chef at Metamorfosi, told Gambero Rosso International in July 2016: I have recently discovered a very interesting sushi bar, Kiko. Here both sushi and sashimi are extraordinary, the fish is prime quality, the cuts are traditional and the rice is top notch
(Gambero Rosso International).
Zero described Kikuchi as serious and rigorous
at the counter, always carrying the plan of the orders and the tables in his head.
Its advice was to ask for a counter seat when you book to watch the dishes being made.
Zero summed up the menu: Vegetables and fish are Kiko's x and y axes; there is simply no room for meat
(Zero).
Turismo Roma's page of January 2025 names Chiho Mikami as the chef (Turismo Roma). Gambero Rosso's 2025 card calls Kiko a long-standing Japanese name that, even through the change of guard, makes its choice of raw material a manifesto
(Gambero Rosso). The bar's own site still names only Kikuchi (Kiko Sushi Bar). If he is the reason you are going, ask who is cutting when you book.
Gambero Rosso International called the room minimal and muffled as it should be
in 2023 and the wine list small but very interesting
(Gambero Rosso International). Turismo Roma put the average bill at 60 euros a head before wine in January 2025 (Turismo Roma).
Order this / avoid
- Order: the toro (bluefin tuna belly), one of Gambero Rosso International's two don't-misses in 2023.4
- Order: the unagi (lacquered eel). Gambero Rosso International also told readers not to miss it in 2023.4
What locals & experts say
- Katie Parla, who sells food tours in Rome (2024):
Visit Janta Fast Food for cafeteria-style northern Indian dishes and Kiko for sushi.
9
Good to know
- Where: Piazzale del Verano 90. A chrysanthemum decorates the paper placemats. Zero reports that
they swear the Verano next door had no influence at all on the choice of flower
2 - When: shut Monday, with lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. In 2026 it closed from 15 to 20 August.8
- Booking: book by phone on +39 06 9484 9822. The room seats 45 at the counter, the tables and a small private room.7
Verdict
could-visit — Sit at the counter for traditional nigiri and sashimi, the tuna belly and the eel first, at about 60 euros a head before wine. The bar still carries its founder's nickname, but the cook behind the counter may have changed.