„Making sushi is an art, and experince is everything.“- Nobu Matsuhisa, Ebi Wien
There are some things where you just eventually find your favorite. For me, that happened at Ebi—and not just anywhere in Vienna, but specifically at the Ebi in Shopping City Süd (SCS for short). I’ve been to almost every Ebi branch; I honestly tried everything like I was on a culinary city marathon. And yet, I keep coming back here. Why? Because for me, it’s the best Ebi ever.
As soon as you walk in, you can tell something’s happening here. The tables are full, the atmosphere is lively, bowls clink, and chopsticks clatter in the air. No wonder you should definitely make a reservation. Of course, there are also seats for walk-ins – but then you’ll have to be patient. A wait of up to an hour is not uncommon here. And honestly, that says it all.
The concept:
Share, try, enjoy
If you’re not familiar with Ebi yet (what have you been doing these past few years?!), here’s a quick crash course: The concept is simple – and ingenious. You order as much as you want, as often as you want – but in small portions. Everything is done via a tablet, and it usually only takes a few minutes until the next small bowl is in front of you. The whole thing feels a bit like tapas, only Japanese. Sharing, tasting, snacking your way through the evening – simply perfect.
From personal experience, I can say, take it slow, because often you feel like you’re ordering the entire menu at the beginning, and after half an hour you’re so full that you can barely move, let alone try more. You have two hours to try as much as you want, and you can order as often as you like.
Sushi, hot dishes & my eternal kimchi
When it comes to selection, Ebi is a true treasure trove. There’s sushi in every imaginable variation – from classic maki to unusual, creative rolls with crunch, avocado, mango, and the like. Those who like fancy things will be happy here. But Ebi is so much more than just sushi.
My personal favorite? Clearly: the beef with plain rice. So simple, so good, so comforting. I could eat it all the way. And then there’s kimchi – my little vice. I love, love, love kimchi. This perfect blend of acidity, spiciness, and umami… I honestly ordered it four times. And honestly, I could easily have gone on.
Also highly recommended: the various gyoza. Whether vegetarian or with meat – nicely crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, flavorfully on point. The perfect complement to everything else that ends up at the table.
And finally?
Purple happiness in ice cream form
I’m not really a dessert person. But at Ebi, there’s a very specific ice cream that always makes me weak: Ube. This purple, Filipino sweet potato variety is simply delicious. It tastes nutty, creamy, slightly sweet, and looks beautiful, too. I order it every time. And yes, I consistently ignore the other desserts. Sorry, not sorry.
My conclusion
If Ebi, then here
What I particularly like at Ebi SCS is the service. Despite the huge crowds, the waiters are friendly, attentive, and quick. Empty plates disappear in a flash, drinks arrive in no time, and special requests are usually easily accommodated.
I think it’s simply brilliant to eat your way through a menu that isn’t really a menu at all. Not a „starter – main course – dessert“ thing, but a colorful food experience with everything you fancy. And if you end up back with the same old thing—so what? Beef and kimchi forever.
So: bring your hunger, pack your loved ones, and try it out. But be sure to make a reservation—and don’t forget the ube ice cream.
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