Atsushi — Restaurant in Kanazawa

Charming and quaint place. I was a bit confused about the rave food reviews as the food was solid but nothing to write home about. I got the sashimi set and the spider roll and my vegan friend got some of the vegan options. I had had several random meals on the Kumano Kodo with sashimi that was at least as good as here. And the spider roll was like any decent spider role in the San Francisco Bay area. I don’t regret going, but it was a bit overpriced and the food reviews seem pretty over-the-top compared to the reality. The staff were super friendly and fun to talk to (shout out to fangs!), but they were also busy and so the service was not particularly attentive (not sure exactly why as there were very few customers, but there were some takeout orders happening). My friend had to wait something like 20 minutes after I finished my meal before getting her main course. I really like this place, so I want them to succeed, but also wanted to write a realistic review for those considering their dining options. The price I posted was just for my food alone, not including my friend’s. I had those two dishes I mentioned and some sparkling water and some sake. Note that the menu said the carbonated water would be 500 mL but came in much...

Absolutely delicious and artistic food with crazy subtle flavors that will blow you away! We ate here last night and did not have reservations (NOTE: there is a sign that says they are reservation only and we would HIGHLY recommend making a reservation in advance), and were so lucky to be greeted by the head chef at the door who said while they don't always accept walk-ins, she could make room for us if we were not in a rush. We were then informed that food is prepared when ordered, takes some time, and then food comes out served one at a time as individual dishes - so it would be a long meal. We are so glad we stayed because this is the best sushi we had in our 37 days visiting Japan and EVERYTHING we ate was outstanding. We shared the Avocado Salad, the Rosti, and each got a bowl of crab miso soup! Then for our entrees, we had the Ebi Crunch Roll, the Green Dragon, the Tuna Lover, the Tempura Roll and an order of sauteed scallops! We ended it by sharing the Sri Lanka Avocado Shake. Our chef was so welcoming and massively talented. She also shared that she goes to the fish market every morning between 4-5am to get fresh fish for the sushi and sashimi! This restaurant could have easily been a Michelin...

Having travelled Japan for a week and experienced many tasty foods along the way, after the usual quick google for an evening meal and looking at ratings, I was sure this place would also meet the expectations. However; this was a lie, Atsushi not only met expectations, it smashed them apart and kept on climbing! This has been the best meal I have had whilst in Japan. Having travelled all over the world, this restaurant easily makes my top 3. It is tucked away down an unassuming road and you must book in advance (easily done on the website) but you are going to miss one fantastic culinary experience if you don’t go here. Myself and the other half split between us the rice, Kani-Miso soup (crab), avocado salad, scallop butter saute, Wagyu Steak and the spider roll (crab sushi) and found ourselves to be full at the end. For the flavours this chef took us on you would be paying through the nose back in the UK or most of the nations of Mainland Europe which overshadows the meal, Atsushi hits the nail on the head with its Japan pricing for food, I could go on for hours about the flavours and presentation but I leave you with one sentence. JUST GO HERE AND ENJOY THE...