御食事処 海心 — Restaurant in Sakaiminato

I’ve been to this place several times before and have enjoyed my time there. This review is about my latest visit.

We had a reservation from 6-7pm on a Saturday night for the all-you-can-eat crab. We sat down and saw about 20 crabs waiting for us. Then a worker came to explain how to open a crab which was really nice. We asked to make sure (in Japanese) that our hour started from that point (about 6:10) and he said yes.

The crab was amazing. They had vinegar to dip it in and it tasted so refreshing. They gave good tools to help get the meat out. We also got bibs but were a bit surprised to see we weren’t given gloves. Not a huge issue, but our hands smelled like we were soaking them in an aquarium after.

Also, it didn’t come with rice or any other dishes, so only expect to eat crab. ¥3300

Then at around 6:55, another worker gestures us to stand up and tells us that we were done. We told her our reserved time wasn’t finished yet (in Japanese) and she went away then came back telling us we had until 7. The way she treated us was quite rude... but it was a busy night so we figured the next reservation might have already arrived or something. Still, I wish we were at least given a warning. They need to plan better or be more clear with their guests.

Some useful Japanese:

The time starts now, right? Ima kara, sutaato desu ka?

Our hour isn’t finished yet.... Mada jikan wa owatteinai...

[Visited in May, 2022] When we took our seats and looked at the menu, we found that the KAISHIN Set Meal was priced at market value... (It was 3,300 yen including tax.) We ordered and the food came in a rush! (The price was 3,300 yen including tax.) After placing our order, the dishes started to arrive! The sight of a large table filled with dishes was breathtaking! The crab was delicious, but the sashimi was also very crispy and different from what I usually eat! The tempura was also crispy and fried. The sashimi and tempura were enough to make a set meal for one person each.

I was full even though I was eating mainly side dishes. Then I tried the crab miso at the end. In fact this was my first time to try the miso. I was a little bit anxious, but I found it to be very delicious !! I followed my wife's advice and put rice on the shell and poured sweet soy sauce for kaisendon on top of the rice. Wow, great !! Better than sea urchin !! I had never tasted anything so delicious !!

They also had all-you-can-eat crab for about the same price, but we didn't eat that many crabs. (The picture of only crab is for another table.) One crab was enough for me. I recommend the KAISHIN Set Meal, which also includes sashimi and tempura.

I have been to Teradomari and Sorepogu, Incheon, Korea for having crabs, but nothing can compare to this restaurant. I would like...

The restaurant is such a gem in the middle of Sakaiminato, 30 minute walk away from the diamond princess cruise port. My family and I had the snow crab buffet. The snow crab was incredibly sweet and savory and fresh. Best snow crabs I've ever had. The workers are so incredibly kind. We came during the end of the lunch rush so we had to wait longer than anticipated due to having to collect payment from the other customers. Everything looked so delicious we couldn't help but buy 2 orders of shrimp tempura. You would not believe how delicious the shrimp tempura was, it was the best deep fried shrimp I've ever had. It was insanely flakey, crispy and light. The pieces of shrimps were huge. Our only regret would be not having enough time or space in our stomach to order one of everything. The quality and taste was top tier and super fresh. If we can somehow find a way to come back to this restaurant (because we definitely want to) we'll come on an...