MOKICHI Kamakura — Restaurant in Kamakura

I recently visited Mikochi Kamakura and, unfortunately, left quite disappointed. The restaurant presents itself with an Italian-inspired menu featuring pasta, risotto, and pizza, but what was served bore little resemblance to Italian cuisine.

The pizza with “salsiccia” turned out to be topped with a wurst, cabbage, and camembert—an unusual and perplexing combination. The pasta dish, described as aglio olio peperoncino with whitebait and bottarga, was, in reality, ramen. Not just any ramen, but a bowl of noodles swimming in an overwhelmingly salty broth, mixed with cabbage, cubed daikon, cubed potatoes, whitebait, and bottarga. It was a far cry from anything remotely Italian.

Then came the salad, dressed in strawberry vinaigrette—an unnecessary attempt at creativity that only detracted from the dish. The smoked tabbouleh, featuring sliced scallops layered with couscous and shrimp, topped with baby calamari, was visually appealing but completely lacked depth of flavor.

Despite my personal disappointment, the restaurant was full, suggesting that this style of cuisine may appeal to others. However, for those expecting authentic Italian flavors, the experience can only be described as disheartening.

In contrast, we had lunch at Viva la e Po Bon, a truly authentic Italian restaurant, and the difference was night and day. Simple, well-executed dishes that spoke for themselves—flavorful, honest, and unmistakably Italian. A reminder that great food doesn’t need unnecessary...

What an amazing place! From the moment you enter, the wood from the pizza oven hits you and welcomes you home. Atmosphere is exactly what I love, reutilizing old buildings and making it into a wonderful space to experience. The large tables are perfect for larger groups/families. The friendly service is top-notch, and servers are very attentive, which is so refreshing. The food was absolutely amazing: fresh salad, handmade pastas, and delicious pizza! Various pizza and pasta combinations were perfectly balanced visually and in taste, leaving you wanting more. Craft beers were on point! Hazy and Sticky Fingers IPA's were some of the best beers I have ever had. I'm honestly looking forward to our next visit to try all new menu and drink selections. Oh, did I mention there is a cellar downstairs where you can purchase all of their craft beers, gins, and whiskey to take home? Brilliant idea and such a great gift option for friends or yourself. Absolutely cannot wait for our next visit! Believe this may be my new favorite place. *Would have posted more pictures, but we were so eager to dive into the delicious pizza and salad that we...

The best restaurant I have been to in quite some time. The food was really good, the interior is gorgeous and the atmosphere is amazing. Finally the service was absolutely impeccable. I know, they say that service in Japan is great everywhere. But it's a big fat lie. So many bad places with bad service. But this time the service was outstanding in every aspect. We had such a great time!...