TRADITION MEETS LUXURY

Gastronomic Journeys in Kanazawa: A Taste of Authentic Japan 2024

Kanazawa is known as a culinary capital, with an abundance of fresh seafood from the bounty of the Sea of Japan and agricultural produce from the city’s rich natural environment. Kanazawa’s sushi is so highly regarded that people from the Kanto and Kansai regions travel all the way to Kanazawa to try it, and it offers a range of sumptuous dishes made from unique local seafood. For example, seafood such as yellowtail, amaebi (sweet shrimp), and nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) are particularly popular, and local sushi restaurants offer the freshest fish of the day. A wide variety of sushi restaurants, from up-and-coming young chefs to first-class restaurants, are available, and sushi with plenty of fresh fish is a typical Kanazawa gourmet experience.

In addition to seafood, Kanazawa also offers a rich variety of seasonal produce. Seasonal produce includes firefly squid and hairy crabs in spring, natural rock oysters and sweetfish in summer, matsutake mushrooms and sweet prawns in autumn, and Kano-gani and cold yellowtail in winter. Kaga vegetables are also representative of Kanazawa, with lotus root, sweet potato, and bamboo shoots in winter being particularly consumed and deeply rooted in the dietary habits of Kanazawa citizens. Many local restaurants offer dishes made from Kaga vegetables, which are enjoyed for their fresh, sweet taste.

Furthermore, Kanazawa’s food culture reflects the city’s thriving food service climate. According to a household survey, Kanazawa residents’ spending on eating out is among the highest in the country, with a particularly large amount of money spent on sushi and drinking. Kanazawa’s sushi restaurants and izakayas make the most of local ingredients, with seafood and vegetables playing a starring role in their menus, and are crowded with families and tourists on weekends. In particular, Omicho Market, a favorite with locals, is famous as Kanazawa’s ‘kitchen’ where you can buy fresh seafood and local vegetables, and is a must-see when visiting.

Kanazawa is also known as a city of sake lovers and is one of the top consumers of locally brewed sake in Japan. Ishikawa is home to many sake breweries, and many restaurants offer a wide selection of local sake, including sake from Toyama and Fukui. In addition, Kanazawa is also characterized by its Japanese confectionery culture, ranking first in the country in terms of Japanese confectionery consumption. Kanazawa has a thriving tea ceremony culture and is familiar with sweets such as Japanese fresh confectionery and rakugan, which are indispensable for the tea ceremony. Kanazawa’s long-established Japanese confectionary shops offer traditional confectionaries that have been around since the Edo period and are popular with tourists.

Finally, Kanazawa’s culinary culture is also strongly reflected in its attention to tableware. Ishikawa is a leading producer of Japanese tableware, such as Kutani ware and Wajima lacquerware, and these dishes can be enjoyed at Kanazawa’s ryotei and kappo restaurants. Beautiful tableware enhances the flavor of the food and is a visual treat, which is part of Kanazawa’s culinary culture.

Kanazawa is a treasure trove of gourmet food, supported by its rich natural blessings and unique culinary culture. The culture of eating out is thriving, with a large selection of restaurants offering dishes that make the most of fresh local ingredients, and continue to attract visitors. The following is a selection of some of the best restaurants in the city.

Please note that only restaurants where it is difficult to make a reservation are listed, so please try to make a reservation well in advance. Visit Kanazawa, a city famous for its gourmet cuisine, and taste its rich culinary culture.

Sushi Mekumi (すし処 めくみ)

Located in Nonoichi City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Mekumi is a renowned restaurant visited by sushi connoisseurs from all over Japan. Owner Yamaguchi Takayoshi personally goes to Nanao Port in Noto to stock up and offers Noto-mae sushi using carefully selected local ingredients. The nigiri, which has evolved in its own unique way based on Edo-mae sushi, is characterized by a refined taste that maximizes the flavor of the fish and is free from any clutter. You can also enjoy the beautiful Kutani ware dishes and sake pairings at this sushi restaurant, which is full of attention to detail.

CategoriesSushi
Tel+81-76-246-7781
Address4-48, Shimobayashi, Nonoichi, Ishikawa, Japan

https://www.pocket-concierge.jp/restaurants/244503

Kataori (片折)

Kataori is a renowned restaurant serving once-in-a-lifetime Japanese cuisine that captures the local season and the moment of the season. Owner Takuya Kataori personally visits the fields, mountains, and fishing ports every day to carefully select premium ingredients such as matsutake mushrooms, Matsuba crab, and fugu puffer fish, as well as locally unknown wild vegetables and seaweed. His uncompromising eye and palate select the best ingredients, which are then cooked to perfection using Noto water, the best soup stock, and a minimum of seasoning. The clear taste of this dish reaffirms the richness of Ishikawa’s ingredients and the depth of Japanese cuisine.

CategoriesJapanese cuisine
Tel+81-76-255-1446
Address3-36 Namiki-cho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

https://tabelog.com/ishikawa/A1701/A170101/17011166

Komatsu Yasuke (小松弥助)

Komatsu Yasuke is a renowned restaurant run by legendary sushi chef Kazuo Morita, a leading figure in the Japanese sushi world. His technique has earned him the reputation as ‘Yasuke of the West,’ and his gentle nigiri using carefully selected ingredients attracts many food lovers. The sushi prepared by Mr. Morita’s expert technique has a fresh taste as if it has been brought to life, and leaves a deep impression on the palate. Currently, the restaurant is by introduction only and requires a special relationship to visit, but it is a must-visit restaurant for all sushi lovers.

CategoriesSushi
Tel+81-76-231-1001
Address1F, Kanazawa Chaya, 2-17-21 Honmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa

https://tabelog.com/ishikawa/A1701/A170101/17010524

Komatsu (料理小松)

Komatsu is Kanazawa’s leading fine Japanese restaurant, awarded three stars in the special edition of the Michelin Guide Hokuriku 2021. The owner, Takayuki Komatsu, carefully selects seasonal ingredients, and pays particular attention to the dishes and presentation, which are characterized by their beauty and elegant taste, like a work of art. The restaurant has only a counter with eight seats, where you can enjoy a quiet meal in a calm Japanese atmosphere. Another attraction of the restaurant is its beautiful tableware, including antique sake cups. Although located in the heart of Kanazawa, this famous restaurant is quietly tucked away and is one you will want to visit every season, not just on special occasions.

CategoriesJapanese Cuisine
Tel+81-76-224-0118
Address11-29 Saiwaicho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture

https://tabelog.com/ishikawa/A1701/A170101/17010847

respiracion

respiracion is a modern Spanish restaurant in a 140-year-old townhouse in Hakuromachi, Kanazawa. The restaurant’s three young chefs, Keisuke Yagi, Tatsuro Ume, and Yusuke Kitagawa, use local ingredients in their dishes, which are full of the essence of Spanish cuisine. The restaurant is decorated with Kutani ware and Yamanaka lacquerware, and offers a wide selection of organic Spanish wines to create a special experience.

CategoriesSpain, Innovative, Creative
Tel+81-76-225-8681
Address67, Hakuromachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

https://respiracion.jp

Articles

Gastronomic Journeys in Kanazawa: A Taste of Authentic Japan 2024

Gastronomic Journeys in Kanazawa: A Taste of Authentic Japan 2024

Kanazawa is known as a culinary capital, with an abundance of fresh seafood from the bounty of the Sea of Japan and agricultural produce from the city’s rich natural environment. Kanazawa’s sushi is so highly regarded that people from the Kanto and Kansai regions travel all the way to Ka…

Machi-Nori: The Best Way to Explore Kanazawa’s Historical Sites by Bicycle

Machi-Nori: The Best Way to Explore Kanazawa’s Historical Sites by Bicycle

Kanazawa is dotted with tourist attractions that offer a rich history and culture, many of which are concentrated in areas easily accessible by bicycle. For this reason, the ‘Machi-nori’ bicycle rental service is an ideal means of enjoying sightseeing. In this article, we will introduce the structur…

Kanazawa Hotel Location Guide: Choosing Where to Stay 2024

Kanazawa Hotel Location Guide: Choosing Where to Stay 2024

When considering accommodation in Kanazawa, you may be wondering which area to book. Even if you search on Booking.com or Airbnb, it is often difficult to understand the characteristics of each area and you may be wondering which is best suited to your travel style. Overview: Kanazawa’s Main A…

Hokuriku Shinkansen Connection: New Travel Routes from Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya to Kanazawa since March 2024

Hokuriku Shinkansen Connection: New Travel Routes from Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya to Kanazawa since March 2024

Those travelling from Kyoto or Osaka to Kanazawa used to be able to reach Kanazawa simply by taking the Thunderbird limited express train, which offered a direct connection. However, from March 2024, this route will be changed, requiring passengers to transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Tsuruga S…

Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience: Embrace the Spirit of Ichi-go Ichi-e

Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience: Embrace the Spirit of Ichi-go Ichi-e

For those planning to visit Kanazawa, expectations are high for engaging in a special activity. One of the most recommended activities is the Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience. This experience offers a chance to relax and enjoy a moment of tranquility through the traditional Japanese culture of the …

Kanazawa Events Guide: Your Must-Attend Festivals in All Seasons

Kanazawa Events Guide: Your Must-Attend Festivals in All Seasons

For visitors to Kanazawa, knowing in advance about the various events taking place can greatly enhance your experience of the city. The Hyakumangoku Festival procession in June and the Hyakumangoku Odori Nagashi are particularly noteworthy, offering valuable opportunities to immerse yourself in Kana…

Noh in Kanazawa: Witness the Timeless Beauty of Kaga Hōshō

Noh in Kanazawa: Witness the Timeless Beauty of Kaga Hōshō

Kanazawa is a fascinating tourist destination where beautiful nature and historical streets are in harmony. The traditional Japanese performing art of Noh(能) is deeply rooted here. If you visit Kanazawa as a tourist, why not try watching a Noh performance? Noh is one of Japan’s classical theat…

Itaru Honten: Seafood and Sake at Kanazawa’s Famous Izakaya

Itaru Honten: Seafood and Sake at Kanazawa’s Famous Izakaya

There are several reasons to visit Kanazawa: to experience the atmosphere of an ancient city with 500 years of history, to enjoy the beauty of nature, and, above all, to indulge in the culinary delights that Kanazawa has to offer. With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Kanazawa can now be reac…

Kanazawa Sake: Top Picks for Sake Lovers Visiting Ishikawa

Kanazawa Sake: Top Picks for Sake Lovers Visiting Ishikawa

When you visit Kanazawa, you should definitely enjoy the local sake of Ishikawa Prefecture along with the delicious food. However, there are so many different types of sake that it can be difficult to know which to choose. That’s why we asked Osawa Sake Shop, a long-established sake shop in Ka…

Omicho Market: Unveiling the Hidden History of Kanazawa’s Kitchen

Omicho Market: Unveiling the Hidden History of Kanazawa’s Kitchen

Unravelling the History of Omicho Market Omicho Market is one of the essential spots for visitors to Kanazawa. The market is widely known as ‘Kanazawa’s kitchen’, where locals and tourists gather to buy fresh seafood and other ingredients. Surprisingly, however, not much is known about its his…

© 2024 PREMIUM KANAZAWA, YUTA KONISHI. ALL OF CONTENTS ARE COPYRIGHTED. YOU CAN NOT USE WITHOUT OUR PERMISSIONS.