Japanese Dining Suzukiya — Restaurant in Fujikawaguchiko

My husband and I were here about a week ago now and it was the worst food we had while in Japan. We read a lot of the reviews and the pictures all made it look like a great option. The moment we stepped in we could tell something was wrong.

We ordered the wagyu beef and sushi jewel meals. We were also given a free appetizer that included a soup, fish portion and tofu? The beef was brought out on a platter and we were encouraged to take a photo. The lady stared at us until we finally obliged and took a photo. This was extremely awkward for us. It seemed as though they only did this so it could maybe end up on social media.

We tried the free appetizer and none of it was edible. The soup tasted as though the broth was scooped from the dishwasher. I ended up with food poisoning as a result. The beef was the only thing we ate and it was good. Not worth going there to begin with as there are many other places that serve beef just as good.

While we were finishing our meal, a family was leaving and the employees all rushed over to them. They asked them to take pictures with Halloween themed masks on (it’s on the reviews and their instagram right now). They seemed extremely uncomfortable and it seemed they did it only to leave quicker. We watched as two other groups were held hostage and forced to take pictures.

When it was our turn to leave, we tried to politely decline but they were persistent. It was extremely unsettling as travelers from a different country.

I don’t this was a case of just “not our cup of tea”. This place is objectively bad. I am not sure how they have kept their 5 star status as there are multiple non 5 star reviews. We should have known it was too...

鈴木屋 (Suzukiya) is the most hospitable, welcoming & friendliest restaurant I've ever been to in the whole of Japan! My wife found the place on Google Map & as we pulled in to park our car, the lady boss came out of their restaurant dressed in her beautiful kimono & welcomed us by saying "こんばんは!" Mind you, we didn't make any reservation - she saw our car pull in to their park lot & she immediately came out to greet us!

Once inside, we were asked to take any seat we wanted. As we were taking our seat, the lady boss & her companion noticed that my wife was pregnant, at which point both of them asked to confirm whether that was the case. Once we told them it was so, both of them began clapping & congratulated us with the most genuine smiles on their faces.

I ordered their おばんざい セット (Obanzai Set), a traditional style of Japanese cuisine with multiple side dishes. All the items in my set was delicious but the highlight of was the 宝石押し寿司 ("Jewel Pressed Sushi"). The raw fish slices melted in my mouth, while the rice was cooked to perfection and provided a tasteful basis for the fish slices. I also loved their onion drink (non-alcoholic, served in a wine glass) & the Fujisan Cola!

I'll have to stop here because I'm running out of space but let me say all of the 3 staff came out to their parking lot to see us off & waved their hands and wished us a good night and a pleasant trip. Thank you everyone at 鈴木屋 for an incredible & surreal evening! We will be back (with...

They say memorable episodes make an experience.

Suzukiya defines that.

This unremarkable-looking establishment, tucked amongst residential homes, houses a restaurant which surprises as much as it excels.

The 25-seater restaurant serves excellent local produce but augments it with Wagyu beef sourced from various farms in Japan. We tried the 250g sirloin from Hokkaido, and what stood out wasn’t only the tender marbled beef but the combination of meat, and fat, with texture.

However, what stood out more was the service.

Or should I say, hospitality.

The sort you get when you’re dining at a friend’s home, not at a restaurant you found on Google (though boosting 5-stars from 400+ reviews).

Owner Suzuki-san didn’t start of being overly-friendly like you get from an over-eager restaurant owner. But the hospitality grew as he started to know our preferences. Over time, he introduced us to dishes, drinks and customs which were as surprising as they were informative. But never was he familiar nor over-bearing, always aware we were diners on his establishment. When he noticed my dining companion didn’t enjoy whiskey, he served a gin with peace-flavoured tonic.

The food is 5-star. The service is 6. The...