Ajikitcho Shinsaibashi Daimaru 味吉兆 大丸心斎橋店 (Osaka Japan)

Among the thousands of people in the famous Shinsaibashi shopping district in Osaka, we found refuge to enjoy a quiet dinner at Ajikitcho. This 1 Michelin star restaurant is situated at the top floor of the Daimaru departure store, right next to the roof top English garden.

There were a wide range of nice menu available and being a big wagyu beef fan we went for the yakiniku menu featuring the famous Omi breed. The meat was nicely marbled and tender. The entrees of prawn/egg ball soup opened up the appetite and the watermelon jelly dessert finished the meal perfectly.

Details:
Ajikitcho – at Shinsaibashi Daimaru
味吉兆・大丸心斎橋店
大阪市中央区心斎橋筋１-７-１
Osaka, Japan
http://www.ajikitcho.jp

Kawanami 川波 (Nara Japan)

We visited Kawanami for dinner during our visit in Nara, Japan. It is a 1 Michelin star restaurant reputed for growing its own vegetables.

The highlight of the night was the tempura courses consisting of broad beans, potatoes, onions and seafood. Opposed to the typical dipping sauce, we were presented with a big crystal of salt to grind for dipping. And peas must be in season and many of the sweet little things were featured in most dishes – including the rice.

It was a meal without any fanciness you expect in Japanese restaurants – yet so delicious.

Vegetarian sets are available.

Details:
Kawanami 川波
奈良県奈良市芝辻町4-6-14 沢井ビル １Ｆ
Nara, Japan
http://www.nara-kawanami.jp/

Kappou-Kitada (Nara Japan)

The Michelin guide has a page suggesting the more affordable star restaurants. We were attracted to the 1 star Kappou-Kitada in Nara which offers a bento lunch at Y2,700.

Despite the price tag, service was immaculate and we struck up a nice conversation with the head chef. To our surprise, the bento lunch included entrees and dessert, including a soup with a delicious prawn and egg ball.

The bento contained a large variety of food including sashimi and grilled meat. All were delicately presented and well seasoned. The entire bento was a nicely balanced meal and made a satisfying lunch.

Details:
Kappou-Kitada
割烹きた田
奈良県奈良市芝辻町4-5-6
Nara, Japan