tldr; Had the "premium omakasae" menu and agree with some of the other reviewers - "in" the Michelin guide is very different than being Michelin-starred. ~220 Zlt for an okay but not great meal (160/45/15, meal/sake/tip, respectively, smallest proportional tip I have left in Poland).
The long/detailed review: Walked in at 8PM to a 10% occupancy restaurant. Inquired about the difference between the regular and premium omakase, was told the latter was significantly better with more variety and higher quality of fish. Ordered it. Ten piece nigiri, served as a platter rather than on-creation despite sitting at the bar (perhaps local custom, not a major negative). 4/10 pieces cooked with a torch that left a gas flavor. Two sets of duplicate pieces (i.e. only 8 different nigiri), very unusual for omakase menus. Have had omakase in the U.S. at similar price points that is significantly better (both more and better nigiri), normally Poland is 2:1 value-wise (minor haircut on quality at half-or-less price-wise).
Service was average for continental Europe, perhaps two "check-ins" through the entire meal at the bar, and server spilled a bit of sake while pouring. Chef was not the restaurant's premier who is a hybrid Japan-Korean itamae, but was still surprised at the quality for a $5/piece nigiri. Rice was sub-par, several pieces of fish were too heavily salted (lots of soy, while being given the lukewarm oshibori was told, "The chef will put soy sauce on it so you don't need it.")
Curious about their maki rolls - this might be the restaurant's sweet spot! Would have been satisfied with this meal at $30, disappointed at $57. Not recommended. Might try Youmiko, but likely sticking to Polish while here (go figure!). Hopeful for quality given the sheer sushi-love of Poland, but misplaced here (Warsaw sushi...
Read moreDelicious sushi, great chef, decent looking restaurant.
"Hana Sushi" is on węglowa 4 street in Kazimierz, Kraków. Close to the Jewish square. The restaurant is owned by Chef Jung who has worked in several countries, 6 years in Tokyo, 4 years in London and 3 in Seoul... That's quite impressing experience. Funny thing is, that I wouldn't discover this restaurant if Chef Jung hasn't commented my pic on Instagram.
Service was good and kind. The only drawback for some could be that waiter doesn't speak Polish, it's not a problem for me since I speak English quite well but some Poles might find it difficult to order what they want.
The restaurant as I've mentioned before is decent looking, it's not too big but nor is too small. Chef and waiter were great, since at the time we were the only ones in the restaurant they came to our table and welcomed us. There were those paper screens in japanese style to separate one table from another, I find it great option because you have more privacy when having your meal. There was also this bar space where you could watch Chef prepare your meal.
Food that I had was delicious. Well prepared and served. It really looked like a masterpiece to me. I had "Hana omanase set" in which you can find sashimi, nigiri, peace of octopuss and most importantly sushi chosen at the discretion of Chef so it always differ. I was happy with what I got because it was tasty and filling. For the dessert I had "dorayaki", kind of cookie with green tea filling.
In conclusion I have to say that it was the best sushi experience I had in Kraków and anywhere...
Read moreAs a Chinese gal grew up eating Japanese food in Hong Kong and London, I have pretty high standard when it comes to food, and especially Japanese food. Hama sushi is hands down the best sushi I’ve ever eaten in my life. We sat by the bar and watched the masters doing everything in front of us. Piotr, was the person who made all of the sushi for us and my god he’s a master. Everything was prepared with such care and attention to details. Everything was exceptional quality and you can see how much the team takes pride in their work. I cannot commend enough Piotr and his team on all of the love and effort they put into their work- and no surprise that they were rewarded Michelin star time after time! We had many thing and everything was absolutely, absolutely phenomenal and we just couldn’t suppress our own excitement from all of the good food! Best sushi and best dining experience ever! We both agreed that the seared salmon with miso paste nigiri was the best thing we have ever eaten in our life, followed by the seared tuna belly with truffle paste nigiri. But honestly everything was exceptional.
If you are debating whether to go, I highly highly recommend it! Thank you so much, Piotr and team for looking...
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