Review: 910060 Sushi Restaurant
Posted by CapnRex101,
Modular Buildings are no longer accepted in the BrickLink Designer Program, but there are many impressive buildings available in this series, even so. The fantastic 910060 Sushi Restaurant is the latest example, richly detailed on every side and throughout its interior!
The designer, Brickproject, has visibly focused on authentic Japanese architecture, which helps to distinguish the Sushi Restaurant from other LEGO buildings of a similar size. Moreover, a historic tram is included to complete the scene, so this has the potential to be a standout BrickLink Designer Program set.
Summary
910060 Sushi Restaurant, 3,604 pieces.
£249.99 / $279.99 / €279.99 | 6.9p / 7.8c / 7.8c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Few sets rival the Sushi Restaurant for detail and it looks fantastic from all angles
- Exceptionally detailed throughout
- Realistic Japanese architecture and furnishings
- Multiple options for display
- Good building experience
- Rooms feel incomplete when opened
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
The Completed Model
Though this is not a Modular Building, constructed on standard plates rather than a baseplate and lacking Technic pin holes in exactly the right locations, its size is very similar to a Modular Building. In this configuration, the model measures 40cm across and 26cm deep, which allows ample opportunity for intricate detail.
A tram runs beside the restaurant, inspired by historic carriages on the Keifuku Randen Line in Kyoto. The tracks are simple and separate to create different arrangements, but the highlight is definitely the tram itself. The tan, green and orange colours seem authentic and the pantograph on top looks superb, although there is no overhead cable, unfortunately.
The roof is removable to seat minifigures inside, including the driver. The carriage is relatively compact, but makes clever use of its interior space, so you could easily place five passengers sitting and standing. Sand blue is an effective colour choice for the seats, visible even from the outside.
Yatai is the name given to the distinctive mobile food stalls found in many Japanese cities and one has been set up outside the restaurant. Spoked wheel inserts work as the wooden wheels and the decorative lanterns are a nice addition. Moreover, dark blue is a great colour choice for the awning, standing out in this environment.
I love the peaceful garden area hidden behind the cart, containing a koi pond with a traditional bamboo water spout. Printed koi carp 1x2 tiles are used in the pond, with a red-crowned crane sitting on the water. The brick-built pergola looks excellent as well, especially with a pink-leafed tree growing through.
The designer has made extensive use of window frames with white and dark brown inserts to build timber-framed walls, appropriate for older Japanese buildings. Additionally, the stickered Japanese signs look excellent, with lanterns adding an extra dash of colour.
The electrical pole is an interesting detail, hardly ever seen in standard sets. The cable actually follows quite a sensible route, going from the pole to a pipe attached to the building, which then leads down to a junction box at ground level. Ornate architectural details are lovely, but features like this are what really distinguishes the Sushi Restaurant from other sets.
I was surprised to learn that the building does not open on hinges, but separates into sections connected with Technic pins. That works well enough, although I would prefer hinges because the interior feels more cohesive when the building remains together, whereas this design really divides the rooms in half. Nevertheless, this arrangement allows ready access.
One advantage of this design is the option to reorganise sections. For instance, you can make an open-backed street scene with the tram passing between buildings, or arrange the sections facing each other across the tracks.
You can access the entrance vestibule from the front, behind a moveable wall. There is ample space for figures and the reception counter is a nice feature, rarely found in LEGO restaurants. The cupboard looks good too, even though the accessories inside are tucked away and hard to reach.
The storage beneath the stairs is accessible from the main dining area too. There are plenty of food items included and the printed clock on the wall looks splendid, introduced in 10350 Tudor Corner in 2025. Additionally, I like the border around the tiled floor, found in multiple rooms.
Climbing upstairs, this space is difficult to identify without assistance from its other half, which reveals it as a tearoom. Even so, the furnishings look splendid and these include a decorative katana and one of several yellow lanterns found throughout the restaurant. Also, there are two balconies accessible from this room.
The top floor contains a living room, packed with traditional Japanese furniture. The distinctive low bed and bonsai tree look excellent and the other side includes an ofuro, which is a circular bathtub common in Japan.
All the rooms match perfectly from one section of the model to the other, although seeing them divided highlights the advantages of the Modular Building format. For example, the stool on the top floor is intended for a minifigure to sit beside the bonsai tree, although the tree and the stool are awkwardly separated between the two halves.
Suddenly, the aforementioned tearoom is easily recognisable, with two dining tables and lots of vibrant cushions scattered on the floor. Space is quite limited, but I appreciate the inclusion of a ladder to access the living room, so minifigures can navigate the whole restaurant building.
The rest of the kitchen and dining room include all the details you would imagine, although my favourite addition is the lucky cat in the corner! Although commonly associated with China, the lucky cat actually originates in Japan and is easily identifiable by its colours alone. The familiar waving pose looks perfect, beside a stickered image of Mount Fuji.
As you can see in the different arrangements above, this model has no defined front and back really. The pavement on this side is therefore as detailed as the other, including a bush, a blue vending machine and a couple more electrical poles. I wish the string stretched between these poles was tighter, but that would require putting the poles under tension.
The balcony is decorated with additional lanterns and flags, with ample space for minifigures to stand outside the tearoom. The stickered doors look superb, although I have found they have a tendency to get stuck as they slide, conflicting slightly with the window frames that comprise the walls.
You might have noticed the building appearing to split towards the top in some of these photos, which is another result of using Technic pins to link both halves of the base. Adding a couple of clips near the roof would have solved this issue. Also, there are blue Technic pins noticeable on the roof from certain angles, which is annoying.
Adjoining the restaurant and accessible from the dining room is an irori. These sunken hearths are another traditional feature of older Japanese buildings, historically used for heating, as well as cooking. The roof is removable, with seats for four minifigures around the hearth inside.
Overall
I was impressed with 910060 Sushi Restaurant when it was revealed as part of the BrickLink Designer Program Series 7 last year and the model does not disappoint! Predictably, there is plenty of detail inside and out, easily comparable to a Modular Building or anything seen from the LEGO Icons theme, in my opinion.
Also, I value the use of stable building techniques in the BrickLink Designer Program, which is not always the case, but certainly is here. The designer's attention to Japanese culture is clear as well, while the price of £249.99, $279.99 or €279.99 seems quite reasonable to me, so I can absolutely recommend this set.
Pre-orders for the BrickLink Designer Program Series 7 are now open.
55 likes
19 comments on this article
Being able to display it in a wide variety of ways is great!
I think the BDP Team has really honed their quality control process from when submission are chosen and when the finals are reveal. I'm curious to know what "stable building techniques" you are referring to?
Also, as an aside, I haven't been able to update and article on my Wizard's Tower, but I have resubmitted it for Series 10. The feedback from the Brickset community was overwhelming last round. Let me know what y'all think!
https://www.bricklink.com/v3/designer-program/series-10/4194/Wizard's-Tower
The tram is what pushed this to a must buy for me. Can't wait to build this set
Yeah this one is the standout in the latest round of Bricklink sets. Even though it's not modular, it would fit in very well in a cityscape. The level of detail makes it a great fit with the Ninjago City modulars for example.
I could only afford one this series and went with this one. I love how designers seem to be taking the “no-modular designs” in stride and giving us really interesting layouts that I’ve never seen before. I love the combination of having both buildings facing each other with the train going down the middle.
Also I’ve been very happy with the response for my Shipwreck Explorers BDP 10 submission, any feedback is very appreciated.
https://www.bricklink.com/v3/designer-program/series-10/4367/Shipwreck-Explorers
This was my first Bricklink purchase. This review helped decide the matter for me. So excited!
I like the tram, but other than this set really didn't interest me, I couldn't incorporate it into my lego layout, as my ninjago isn't all assembled. I also couldn't afford three, and I really wanted the frigate and the alchemist.
This is a really terrific set with beautiful detailing considered throughout! Love it!
I usually do not buy BDP because there are no printed instructions and I worry about building techniques and stability but I still have a very serious itching to get the Privateer Frigate Fortuna/Minerva. I would really like to see a picture of it beside the latest Black Sea Barracuda for size comparison.
The sushi restaurant looks very nice indeed but would not fit with what I have on display.
Very impressive set but 40906 next month will do for me (and take a lot less space!).
@HOBBES said:
"I usually do not buy BDP because there are no printed instructions and I worry about building techniques and stability but I still have a very serious itching to get the Privateer Frigate Fortuna/Minerva. I would really like to see a picture of it beside the latest Black Sea Barracuda for size comparison.
The sushi restaurant looks very nice indeed but would not fit with what I have on display."
You are in luck! The designer BrickPerfection included high resolution images of the Fortuna next to many pirate sets, including Black Seas Barracuda!
https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1Vmde8Gr0Lg6DCwYFFjwfHI8epLrMeWpU?usp=share_link
Reminds me of those really fiddly wood and card kits where you need to glue everything and it's super realistic and detailed.
Love it.
I bought this one. I'm a sucker for anything with Asian architecture. Also, I'm visiting Kyoto in August. This just felt right.
Couldn't pass this one up, and I'm glad to see a positive review.
A bit of shame seeing how the rooms get split, but I'll be forgiving considering it offers a lot of display options!
Saving up for a new car, so I don’t want to buy this set.
Saving up for a new car, so I don’t want to buy this set.
Saving up for a new car, so I don’t want to buy this set.
Who am I kidding…
@zegel0802 said:
" @HOBBES said:
"I usually do not buy BDP because there are no printed instructions and I worry about building techniques and stability but I still have a very serious itching to get the Privateer Frigate Fortuna/Minerva. I would really like to see a picture of it beside the latest Black Sea Barracuda for size comparison.
The sushi restaurant looks very nice indeed but would not fit with what I have on display."
You are in luck! The designer BrickPerfection included high resolution images of the Fortuna next to many pirate sets, including Black Seas Barracuda!
https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1Vmde8Gr0Lg6DCwYFFjwfHI8epLrMeWpU?usp=share_link
"
Thanks very much for that.
OMG, that thing is huge (I know, I know: that's what she said).
Does it also come with the sails? (I have not seen any mentions of that anywhere - although I do know a place where I could potentially get them).
Btw. Sorry for hijacking this post with something not related at all.
Why this review wasn't published few days BEFORE selling started? Now in some countries it may be sold out. If LEGO didn't send it at least month ago then it's their awful planning.
Also many ppl are charged now for BDP series 6 sets, so again bad marketing planning because it may influence if someone will order it.
About set: I like it but sadly I see missed opportunity for a great set. Set is a bit crowded, a bit messy and it's disadvantage. Koi pond could be highlight of the set and you can hardly see it.
Taking away eletric poles, anthenas, and some other things would make it look cleaner and much more appealing for eye. I know designer tried to be realistic, but LEGO sets should simply look tidy.
@HOBBES said:
" @zegel0802 said:
" @HOBBES said:
"I usually do not buy BDP because there are no printed instructions and I worry about building techniques and stability but I still have a very serious itching to get the Privateer Frigate Fortuna/Minerva. I would really like to see a picture of it beside the latest Black Sea Barracuda for size comparison.
The sushi restaurant looks very nice indeed but would not fit with what I have on display."
You are in luck! The designer BrickPerfection included high resolution images of the Fortuna next to many pirate sets, including Black Seas Barracuda!
https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1Vmde8Gr0Lg6DCwYFFjwfHI8epLrMeWpU?usp=share_link
"
Thanks very much for that.
OMG, that thing is huge (I know, I know: that's what she said).
Does it also come with the sails? (I have not seen any mentions of that anywhere - although I do know a place where I could potentially get them).
Btw. Sorry for hijacking this post with something not related at all."
It does not come with the sails. But the designer has included a link to templates you can print at home on paper he has specified. Also, there's a company partnering with him to sell the sails for like $50 (which is a lot). But clearly the designer has gone through a lot of effort with this design!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jzrgnfQ1hMbfsHot-qBseTXwV3-7L1zu
https://www.brickstickershop.com/Custom-Cloth-for-Custom-Cloth-Sailset-for-Privateer-Frigate-Fortuna-by-BrickPerfection
Hope this helps!
@HOBBES said:
" @zegel0802 said:
" @HOBBES said:
"I usually do not buy BDP because there are no printed instructions and I worry about building techniques and stability but I still have a very serious itching to get the Privateer Frigate Fortuna/Minerva. I would really like to see a picture of it beside the latest Black Sea Barracuda for size comparison.
The sushi restaurant looks very nice indeed but would not fit with what I have on display."
You are in luck! The designer BrickPerfection included high resolution images of the Fortuna next to many pirate sets, including Black Seas Barracuda!
https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1Vmde8Gr0Lg6DCwYFFjwfHI8epLrMeWpU?usp=share_link
"
Thanks very much for that.
OMG, that thing is huge (I know, I know: that's what she said).
Does it also come with the sails? (I have not seen any mentions of that anywhere - although I do know a place where I could potentially get them).
Btw. Sorry for hijacking this post with something not related at all."
It's not Brickset comment thread if it isn't willing to be hijacked....