Otome Zushi (乙女寿司) Kanazawa

Once again, I visited Otome Zushi, excited to see what the summer menu had in store.○ Appetizers- Arai (fish)- Kijiebi (shrimp)- Kaai (squid)- Red Sea Urchin- Katsuo Tataki (seared bonito)- Suzu Abalone with Matsutake Mushroom Soup- Grilled Eel- Grilled Kinki Fish○ Sushi- Sweet Shrimp- Sweet Tilefish with Kombu- Marinated Medium Fatty Tuna- Kohada (gizzard shad)- Ikura (salmon roe, new season)- Red Squid- Chutoro (medium fatty tuna)- Horse Mackerel- Otoro (fatty tuna) Tekka (sushi roll)- Aburi Nodoguro (grilled blackthroat seaperch)- Bafun Uni (sea urchin)- Anago (conger eel)- And of course, Miso Soup.The red sea urchin served as an appetizer was absolutely stunning!The sweet shrimp sushi was of a quality that can only be experienced here. Less

This was my second visit after about six months. Last time, I enjoyed the winter delicacies, but this time I was excited to try the summer ingredients.Since my previous visit was during the late seating at 6:30 PM, I was able to relax without worrying about time. However, this time I was here for the much-talked-about early seating starting at 5 PM.The first seating at 5 PM must clear the tables by 6:30 PM for the second seating, so I knew I had to be mindful of the time.On this day, I enjoyed:- Sashimi: squid, fish scraps, surf clam, bonito, and shrimp- Red sea urchin from Awaji Island with seaweed and abalone with matsutake sauce from Suzu- Grilled eel- Grilled kinmedai (splendid alfonsino)- Sushi: sweet shrimp, whiting, sea bream aged with kombu, fatty tuna, kohada (gizzard shad), more fatty tuna, horse mackerel, nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), local fresh salmon roe, horse dung sea urchin, fatty tuna rolls, and eel- Mozuku seaweed miso soupI finished all this in just under 90 minutes. The chef was completely focused on preparing the dishes without speaking much. Once ready, the staff would bring out the dishes and provide brief explanations. There was hardly any pause between dishes, and they were served in rapid succession.This might not be ideal for those who prefer to take their time, but I personally don’t mind this pace. Staying too long in a restaurant can be tiring for me.The appetizers were quite good, but I really wanted to savor the sushi here.Unlike Edomae sushi, the rice didn’t overpower the flavors; it served to enhance the freshness of the fish.For those who prefer to finish their meal quickly, I would recommend the early seating at 5 PM over the later one.It was a great meal! Less

I made a reservation three months ago and finally visited for the first time.I was amazed by the appetizers; they were absolutely delicious. Everything was tasty, but I was particularly impressed by the grilled abalone liver and the sake-steamed clams.There were so many dishes that even someone with a small appetite might feel full before the sushi arrives.As for the sushi, everything was delicious, but the fatty tuna and horse mackerel were especially outstanding, making me think, "I might not be able to eat this anywhere else."I've already made another reservation for three months from now. I can't wait! Less

During this season, I visit Kanazawa for business trips. Just like last year, it’s raining again this year. Ishikawa Prefecture seems to have the most rainy days in Japan. When I arrived at Kanazawa Station, the sky was overcast, and it looked like it could rain at any moment. I took a taxi to the restaurant, but I had 30 minutes to spare before my reservation. I decided to stroll around the area, which was a quiet dining district, a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere just a few hours earlier.This is my first visit to Otome Zushi, and I’m sure I’ll be able to enjoy dishes that make the most of seasonal ingredients, just like the ones served at Tempura Koizumi, which I plan to post about later. The grilled liver of abalone from Suzu and the grilled Noto rock oysters with shuto are truly impressive. Additionally, the lightly seared seaweed served with Shakotan's purple sea urchin is a delightful experience. Less

During my third visit this year in mid-May, I was reminded of how fortunate I am to be able to sit at this exquisite counter, just like a local regular, in less than a 10-minute taxi ride from my usual stay at the Kanazawa Sai no Niwa Hotel, nestled in the back alleys of Korinbo. This time, I intentionally indulged in a hearty breakfast and lunch beforehand, yet the freshness of the local seafood from the Hokuriku region was unparalleled. I quietly shared a moment of appreciation with the other regulars, exchanging smiles and saying, "Delicious, isn’t it?" After capturing a fleeting photo of the beautifully arranged dishes, I immersed myself in the chef's meticulous craftsmanship and the perfect aftertaste brought by the hot "Unagi-Kyu" hand roll, feeling both my stomach and heart completely satisfied. The overwhelming satisfaction that compels me to plan multiple trips here is unmatched. The restaurant's serene atmosphere and comfortable distance between the chef and diners elevate the experience beyond mere fullness, awakening all my senses. This truly reaffirmed for me that this is, without a doubt, the best restaurant of my life. Less

Don't just order sushi on its own! Always make sure to order some appetizers as well.I'm writing this as a reminder to myself. Typically, the appetizers served before sushi at most sushi restaurants are just simple sashimi or something similar.However... Otome Zushi is on a different level. This time, I made the mistake of going straight for the sushi without ordering any appetizers first.The guests on either side of me were being served their appetizers, and the presentation of those dishes was simply mouthwatering.Grilled fish, crabs from the Hokuriku region, and more... It’s absolutely essential to order the course that includes appetizers; it’s so much more delicious that way. I got too caught up in wanting to dive straight into the sushi, or perhaps I was influenced by my experiences at other places where the appetizers weren't that impressive, and I ended up making a big mistake...When coming to Otome Zushi, the appetizer course is the best choice. I’m writing this down to remind myself, as I don’t want to make the same mistake again. Less