The story
In Regensburg’s historic Watmarkt, Aska is the intimate sushi bar of Michelin-starred chef Anton Schmaus. The name means “ash” in Swedish, a nod to the Bashō haiku that opens the restaurant’s story: “Since the barn turned to ash, you can see the moon again.” Inside, the deep black interior sets the stage for a ritual of pure Japanese cuisine.
Sushi master Atsushi Sugimoto, who holds the rare license to prepare fugu (blowfish), spent a decade in London cooking for the Honda Formula 1 team. Anton Schmaus brought him back to his roots. Together, they create a menu that is “authentically Japanese, reduced to good fish and rice.” There are no California rolls, no vegetarian maki—only an eight- or ten-course omakase served directly from hand to hand in silent dialogue.
The seasonal menu moves through zensai, sashimi, and multiple rounds of nigiri, including a tuna tartare and a warm yaki course. Guests can add extra courses or choose a sake pairing, from a small “reisweinreise” (rice wine journey) to a larger one. The kitchen is clear: no vegetarian dishes, no accommodation for allergies. With only twelve seats, the experience is deliberately exclusive.
Aska’s high-quality cooking earned a Michelin star in 2026, a testament to the precision and purity of Sugimoto’s craft. The restaurant is a destination for those seeking authentic Japanese cuisine in a setting that is both elegant and uncompromising.
Recognition
Ambience
Location