◆Visit Rating 4.35 ◆About the Restaurant This restaurant is run by a chef who trained for 14 years at places like Ginza Shinohara and Ajikiccho, and also served as the head chef at a restaurant called Shokudo Tanoshii. Mr. Sawada has a unique career path, having transitioned from a sports instructor to the culinary world at the age of 24, showcasing highly creative kaiseki cuisine with a distinct personal touch. The dishes are thoughtfully prepared with an emphasis on health, making this a restaurant that values the well-being of its patrons. ◆Impressions I am grateful for this precious opportunity and visited for a private event after being invited a while ago. I believe this was my first time attending a private event outside my prefecture. The hosts were wonderful people, and I felt we had so much to discuss that I hope to meet again on another occasion. The service was attentive and excellent. Despite already being a popular establishment, the owner was humble and eager to learn, treating both regulars and newcomers with great care. The warmth of the proprietress was also remarkable, conveying a heartfelt kindness that words cannot express. The sake pairing service was exceptional, and the pricing felt very reasonable, so I highly recommend leaving it to the proprietress when you visit! The dishes were creative from start to finish, with many that were incredibly delicious. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was comfortable. While the private event may have contributed to this, I felt that this is the usual experience here. Although it’s not a place I can visit regularly due to the price range, I genuinely wish to return to Sawada when I have important guests in Osaka, even if just once a year. I am thankful for the connection and the hosts. ◆Meal Cost (Tax Included) JPY 27,300 + 10% service charge ◆Dishes Ordered (Food Only, Tax Included) ✔︎✔︎Shojin Cuisine with Koshihikari Rice and Thin Bean Varieties ✔︎✔︎Hokkaido White Asparagus with Water and Salt An explanation about eating asparagus with asparagus Very delicious, with a rich asparagus flavor. ✔︎✔︎✔︎Akashi Aburame (Ainame) Despite being a white fish, it was rich and delicious. Sesame Tofu with True Kombu The dashi was incredibly tasty, a truly moving flavor. No salt was added, just four drops of soy sauce. Cooked with kombu dashi instead of bonito. Iri Sake with Ume Paste Karashi Vinegar Miso ✔︎✔︎Akashi Octopus, Cut into Strips Incredibly delicious octopus. ✔︎Koi Sashimi Delicious but on the lighter side. ✔︎✔︎Tango's Festival ✔︎✔︎Sakura Masu Tartare Fried Spring Roll with Kabuto ✔︎✔︎Jun Sai ✔︎✔︎Cucumber ✔︎✔︎Japanese Sesame Vinegar Salad ✔︎✔︎✔︎✔︎Fava Beans Simmered with Water and Sugar ✔︎✔︎✔︎Itawara Bi, Shiitake, Snap Peas ✔︎✔︎✔︎Octopus Suckers in Satsuma Age ✔︎✔︎✔︎Wagyu Roast Beef ✔︎✔︎✔︎Tomato Ohitashi The fava beans were the best I’ve ever had, and the Itawara Bi and shiitake were also incredibly delicious, pairing well with sake. The roast beef was bursting with flavor. ✔︎✔︎✔︎Akashi Uoze (Ebodai) With Mitsuba The fat content and size of the fish were both impressive and extremely delicious. ✔︎✔︎Soft-Shelled Turtle Wonton Deliciously comforting, with a great soup. ✔︎✔︎Cucumber Pickled in Nuka ✔︎✔︎✔︎✔︎Hagakure Miso Soup This miso soup had a delightful flavor that made it jump with joy. ✔︎✔︎✔︎Duck with Kombu and Mikan, Curry Chazuke with Soft-Shelled Turtle Fat Cumin Seed Spices A refined curry chazuke with a translucent soup that was gentle on the stomach, and it was so delicious that it left other guests in awe. I was moved to enjoy such flavors. ✔︎✔︎✔︎Matcha Kinton Incredibly delicious matcha kinton, something I’ve never encountered even at popular places in Kyoto. ✔︎✔︎Gyokuro ◆Notes ◆Disclaimer *The Michelin and Gault & Millau references include information from past and current times. *Prices are listed with tax included. ⭐️Rating Criteria Based on dining experiences across the country, considering local characteristics, etc. For example, in Tokyo, higher prices are somewhat expected. Overall ratings are determined by the average of taste and cost performance. Ex. Taste 4.2, Cost Performance 3.8 would be 4.0. Taking pricing into account: ⭐️3 or below: Satisfied with just one visit ⭐️3.5: Delicious, generally satisfied ⭐️4: Very delicious, would recommend ⭐️4.5: Exquisite/Regular visits/Highly recommend ⭐️5: The pinnacle of deliciousness/Will visit for a lifetime/Absolutely recommend *I carefully consider up to the first decimal point. *If I notice any discrepancies in the criteria, I occasionally review past ratings. ◆I sincerely hope that my followers enjoy delicious meals at the restaurants I review. I prioritize satisfaction based on location and the amount paid. Less