Located just a little over a 5-minute walk from Sannomiya in Kobe, this restaurant on Kitanozaka is ranked as the best Italian restaurant in Japan on Tabelog and is also recognized as a Gold and a hundred famous restaurants.Reservations for new customers are made through Omakase, but it's an extremely difficult restaurant to book. I thought I could only get a reservation if there was a cancellation, but I was lucky enough to secure a spot on the reservation release day, marking my long-awaited first visit.On the second floor of a building that houses famous restaurants like Uemura, I entered after using the intercom to unlock the auto-lock door. I waited in the corridor until the opening time, and then I was guided to the elevator to the second floor, where the counter with just 9 seats awaited.Today's course consisted of 14 dishes, offering a generous amount. The ingredients were sourced from various regions in Japan, particularly selected seafood, and the cooking method aimed to enhance the natural flavors with minimal seasoning. While the dishes had Italian flavors, there was also a hint of Japanese culinary influence. I particularly enjoyed the plate of clams, abalone, and surf clams. The rich umami from the clams infused into the broth was irresistible. Unusually for me, I also found the meat dish to be exquisite with its perfect cooking.The wine pairing included 11 glasses for JPY 12,000, with an additional glass costing JPY 1,000. Considering each glass is 60ml, it was quite affordable. I ended up having a total of 12 glasses, which felt like drinking a whole bottle. The pairing of the scallop with Burgundy's Dominique Laurent and the nodoguro with Burgundy's Vezelay Galerne was excellent. However, the Italian red paired with the abalone was a bit off, and I felt that the previous Japanese sake, Sogen, matched better. I also think that Japanese sake isn't necessary for the pairing.The service was attentive, and as a first-time visitor, I felt very welcomed. The chef was friendly and engaging, making the atmosphere comfortable. Although the total cost exceeded JPY 50,000, considering the volume of food and the amount of pairing, it felt like good value for money.I would love to visit again, but given how difficult it is to make a reservation, I wonder when I will be able to return.It was a great meal!Today's Course (✅: Favorite)- Caviar with Smoky Aroma : Champagne Henriot- Steamed Corn with Juice from the Silk and Core, Grilled, and Gelato All dishes featured very sweet corn : Austria Gumpoldskirchen Zierfandler- Scallop with Shiso, Charcoal-Grilled Carpaccio Style The sauce with seaweed had a nice kick, and the scallops were cooked perfectly with a strong oil flavor yet had a Japanese touch : Burgundy Dominique Laurent The oaked white matched perfectly✅ Steamed Clams with Cava The emulsified broth was incredibly delicious : Alsace Cave du Roi Dagobert (Pinot Gris)- Additive-Free Sea Urchin (Small Barrel Bafun Uni) Capellini with Fresh Wasabi was delightful : Germany Rheingau Koshu- Hairy Crab An Italian dish served in a crab shell with three layers: Oil-dressed legs and claws, whipped crab miso, and rice salad. The crab meat was incredibly abundant and satisfying : Austria Traminer Trio Südsteiermark- Zuppa di Pesce Hairy crab and red shrimp in a broth rich in shrimp flavor without salt. The sweetness of the carrots, onions, and celery was enhanced, and it paired excellently with the baguette : Japanese Sake Sogen✅ Abalone with Wild Asparagus Risotto-style with abalone and asparagus, and the seaweed sauce was exceptionally delicious : Italy Di Filippo VILLA CONVERSINO- Nodoguro (Ishikawa) with New Onion Charcoal-grilled, paired with a transparent tomato sauce and new onion. It was very tasty, but unfortunately, it was lukewarm due to the salad style : Burgundy Vezelay Galerne This Chardonnay and nodoguro pairing was exquisite✅ Surf Clam Pasta with Fruit Tomato Pasta made with durum wheat and no eggs, The sauce from the large surf clams was rich and delicious : Alsace Paul Ginglinger Riesling✅ Black Wagyu Chateaubriand with Paprika Sauce Served with smoked oil-marinated fresh pepper, salted fresh pepper, and wasabi. The meat was perfectly cooked with rich flavor, and even though I was full, it disappeared quickly : California Calera Pinot Noir 2023✅ Dragon's Eye Risotto with Sakura Shrimp A risotto made without cream or cheese. The seafood sauce was incredibly delicious, and I wanted more, but I was too full... : (Additional) Italy Moretti Omero Montefalco Bianco- Kinoshita Cheesecake A gluten-free, creamy cheesecake- Pineapple Pineapple soup with passion fruit and basil gelato. The basil gelato was refreshing and delicious.
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