Kikuyoshi Sakai — Restaurant in Kanazawa

We wanted to try authentic Kaga cuisine, and our Japanese friend recommended this restaurant to us. It was a cozy restaurant with two tables at the front of the restaurant, counter seating, and two private rooms. We started with the firefly squid, which was cooked at the table with a heated stone. The squid was tender and went well with the seasoning. We ordered the cooked rice with Uni (Sea Urchin) and the Nugoguro (Rosy Seabass) sets for dinner. The cooked rice with uni was delicious. After we finished eating the rice, the chef came by to scoop up the crust of the remaining rice from the pot and made 2 sushi rolls with it. The Nugoguro, which is in season now, was grilled to perfection. The flesh was firm and flavorful. The restaurant is run by an elderly couple with the wife taking the orders and the husband doing the cooking. Both were very friendly, and with Google Translate, we were able to have a conversation with the husband about what food is in season...

Kikuyoshi Sakai is a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic Kaga kaiseki experience in Kanazawa. This intimate restaurant showcases seasonal ingredients with meticulous preparation, offering a refined yet welcoming dining experience.

One of the standout dishes is the white shrimp tempura—light, crispy, and highlighting the natural sweetness of this local delicacy. The grilled fish set meal is another highlight, featuring perfectly cooked fish with a delicate balance of flavors, complemented by carefully prepared side dishes that showcase Kanazawa’s rich culinary tradition.

The presentation is elegant, and the service is warm and attentive, making the meal feel like a truly special experience. While the restaurant is small, the atmosphere is peaceful, ideal for those who appreciate traditional Japanese dining...

La prima notte a Kanazawa volevo provare la cucina Kaiseki e sono stato attirato qui dalle favorevoli recensioni. Arrivati intorno alle 20:30 il locale era completamente vuoto, forse perché era troppo tardi o forse perché la domenica sera? Decidiamo comunque di trattenerci. Premetto che questa recensione vale più per i miei connazionali. Sarà un problema con la mia cultura gastronomica ma più di 30€ per un pescetto alla griglia e 5 mini contorni, li giustifico solo se vista mare o una location particolare. Qui stiamo parlando di una trattoria alla buona gestita da una coppia di arzilli nonnini. Diciamo che sono io che non ho capito questo tipo di cucina e citando un nuovo programma di cucina italiano "Dal Giappone voglio di più, molto di più". Nota positiva, il jibu-ni, tipico piatto di stufato di anatra, era molto buono. L'amaro lo offre la cassa: ai prezzi esposti al menù viene aggiunta una commissione di servizio oltre alle tasse; per non farsi mancare niente. Metto comunque 4 stelle per onestà perché non si può dire che il cibo non fosse buono. Consiglio di provarlo a pranzo, quando i prezzi...