Hokkai Kitchen — Restaurant in Velsen

This is a hidden gem in IJmuiden that offers an unparalleled experience, which I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone...

The omakase, Japanese chef's Kuni-san menu (that requires a reservation 24 hours in advance), paired with exclusive sake selections, is a must-try!

Fun fact: here, you'll find not only a master sushi chef Kuni-san but ALSO the first (and until now) only master sake sommelier Menno Tol in the Netherlands! And now imagine the freshest fish imaginable... all under one roof.

It's the perfect team work of culinary mastery, top-quality ingredients, and a unique, humble location that makes the experience truly unforgettable. 100% recommended.

🍣Food: 5/5 The omakase here is an absolute must-try. Chef Kuni-san creates an omakase experience that delivers many wow moments with his sushi, sashimi, and fried fish, all made with unparalleled freshness and traditional Japanese precision.

For me, it's the exceptional combination of Chef Kuni-san's omakase (with the freshest and most beautiful fish), alongside the exclusive sake-pairing curated by master sake sommelier Menno Tol with his unique selection of own imports, that makes the entire experience unforgettable.

🙋‍♀️Service: 5/5 The entire team is incredibly friendly, skilled. The have a more casual, but still very refined approach. The maître, also a master sommelier, Menno Tol, approaches service with charm and passion.

You feel both at home and like a valued guest here. It perfectly complements the overall concept and ambiance.

🏠Ambiance: 5/5 The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. The interior of this location is modest and simple, as it also serves as a Japanese fish storage and factory. Yet, I found an incredible refinement and luxury in the highest quality products and the expertise of two masters. This combination enhances the unique experience! Don't hesitate to sneak a peek into the storage area if permitted ;)

⭐️Conclusion: Hokkai Kitchen is a perfect destination for lovers of sushi, sashimi, sake enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a unique culinary experience.

The combination of masterfully prepared fresh sushi, exclusive sake selections, the expertise of the masters, and a charming ambiance makes it ideal for connoisseurs looking to savor high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship.

A 5/5 reflects my...

Food Real Japanese food (specialised in sushi) with an amazing quality standard. I've traveled through Japan and ate at different michelin star restaurants in the Netherlands, including multiple times at Yamazato in Amsterdam. Chef Kuniyoshi Ohtawara has worked for Okura for over 20 years before coming to Hokkai kitchen so you can pretty much say: michelin star food without the michelin star nitty-gritty. Everything is incredibly fresh and the fish straight of the boat into the kitchen.

Service Superior kitchen staff in an open kitchen. Servicewise there is always one person that really knows his or her stuff. Then there seem to be sort of support units who are still learning. Once communication was very hard with the "support unit" but the second time it was a different person and that was fine.

Presentation Food Presentation is great. Interior is fine, easy going, calm music, relaxed atmosphere. Locationwise: you're in and around a shipyard with docks, it's not pretty but don't be scared you're not getting abducted. They have a little store connected to the dining area where you can buy there own fish plus other Japanese products, giving you the opportunity to cook the same quality fish the chef uses.

Price Depending on your disposable income and if you appreciate the art or not you might think its outrageous. However, if you're into Japanese food or just a foodie with low disposable income, I still think you'd love to spend your credits here. It's a very unique experience with the highest quality. But it'll be a bit costly.

Consistency Had the chefs menu twice, very consistent quality.

Anything out of the ordinary It's the real deal when it comes to clean, perfected, extremely fresh,...

We just had dinner at Hokkai Kitchen. We discovered this place a number of years ago, a nice place with great quality fish in the original Japanese way, in a far for ideal canteen like location in the industrial part of Ijmuiden, but with reasonable prices. I was a big fan! But now it has become more known and famous, and unfortunately that lead to absurd prices. For the still great fish in a low key environment, with poor presentation and mediocrate service they now charge a price level like Okura or EN in Amsterdam, top level Japanese restaurants with great location, great service and great presentation. I was shocked by the bill, in my opinion abusive and over the top. I who was a big fan until today; will never go back! Hokkai has become to arrogant to my taste!! Such a...