Itoh Dining by Nobu — Restaurant in Hakone

The restauranr interior was nice as you would expect from a restaurant of this caliber. The staff were nice but did not speak a lot of English and they felt very timid. This was okay but it did not inspire a lot of fun and excitement for the meal. We got the set menu with the no. 5 waygu beef. The chef was cooking and preparing most of the dishes right in front of us. While this was fun to watch our chef looked a little bit nervous and was shaking a lot. He did not show that comfortable experience that I expended to feel from a chef performing such a difficult task. The meal started with an edimame tofu dish. It looked nice enough but the flavor was somewhat bland and boring. The next dish was a small fish salad-like dish. It had a nice spice to it but it did not have any flavors that I haven't tasted before in less extravagant meals. The next course was a cold corn soup with ice cream. This was definitely interesting and had some exciting flavors and textures. My wife really like it. I liked it too but it did seem somewhat contrived and weird to have in the middle of a dinner. The next course was grilled asparagus with an uni sauce. The asparagus was simply grilled on a flat top. The uni sauce was interesting and tasty but did not blow me away. The next course was an eel sushi. It was very pretty on the plate and the small amount of eel really highlighted the tastiness of the rice. The flavor was good but unfortunately it wasn't something that was very memorable. The main course of waygu was next. It was the star of the show. I got mine medium rare but I would recommend getting it rare as my wife got it that way and I thought I tasted better. All in all it was fantastic. The beef was unreal and super tasty. The chef cooked it nice in front of us. He also provided some peppery and spicy sauces with the dish. At first I was happy they were included but after trying them and the steak by itself it was clear they actually took away from the meat rather than adding to it. The final course was the dessert. It was a mango sorbet with a chocolate cookie and some sort of fruit. The chocolate cookie and fruit was a normal amount of tasty. I had low expectations for the mango sorbet but it ended up blowing my socks off with flavor. All in all the meal was tasty but the creativity, execution, and atmosphere did not translate into an experience that was worth the premium price tag. I hope Itoh continues to hone is techniques and improve this meal since I appreciate what they are...

Just wow. Never heard of this place but my husband and I came to Hakone for a 4 day trip to explore onsens and saw this jewel on our walks. So I reserved a spot for lunch the next day. We had not packed clothing better than jeans because we had to anticipated a nice dinner, so I was a little nervous at first. But we were greeted and seated without any discouragement. We sat at the counter and enjoyed the views of the chef cooking throughout our meal. This started with a small appetizer of thin sliced, rolled tuna. Then we were served a light potato and truffle soup followed by a salad with zesty, citrous dressing which was refreshing and delicious. The whole time, we watched our chef comfortably and meticulously grill steaks and seafood before playing them with keen attention. When we were served our A4 wagyu sirloin and rib steaks, it was perfect. Perfectly cooked. Perfectly presented. Just perfect. So delicious with a dipping sauce and small spot of salt and pepper if desired. A bowl of rice accompanied. We have had Wagyu beef before, but this was by far the best preparation. We finished our meal with a dessert of a small rich brownie, vanilla ice cream and citrus sauce with a cup of hot tea and one of coffee. Our bill totaled about $110 and it took about 70 minutes. I read some of the other reviews and was ambivalent about going at first, but having now been, I would highly recommend. This class of cooking, quality of food, beautiful setting and clear passion for preparing a perfect...

Our experience at Itoh Dining by Nobu in Hakone was nothing short of exceptional, setting a new standard for teppanyaki dining in this picturesque town. From the moment we stepped in, it was evident that we were in for a culinary treat.

The teppanyaki at Itoh Dining by Nobu is truly a cut above the rest. The chefs' precision and skill in cooking each ingredient to perfection right before our eyes were a culinary spectacle. The combination of flavors, textures, and aromas created a sensory symphony that left a lasting impression.

The menu, curated with care, showcased the finest ingredients, and the results were outstanding. From succulent grilled meats to perfectly seared seafood, each dish was a testament to the chef's commitment to excellence. The teppanyaki experience at Itoh Dining by Nobu was not just a meal; it was a journey through the artistry of Japanese culinary craftsmanship.

The ambiance of the restaurant complemented the dining experience, offering a perfect blend of sophistication and warmth. Attentive and knowledgeable staff added to the overall enjoyment, ensuring that every aspect of our visit was impeccable.

In conclusion, Itoh Dining by Nobu in Hakone is a true gem for teppanyaki enthusiasts. The combination of exceptional culinary skill, premium ingredients, and an inviting ambiance makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking an elevated dining experience. I look forward to returning to savor more of the culinary delights that Itoh Dining by Nobu...