Yanagiya Nishiki (柳家錦) Nagoya

I was truly impressed by how seasonal ingredients and authentic techniques can create such rich flavors in the dishes.- Grilled river fish, perfectly seasoned and charred- Meat dishes that showcase the natural umami with exquisite grilling- Colorful seasonal side dishes and tempuraEach dish paired wonderfully with Japanese sake, making it hard to resist having more. It was a luxurious experience to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and savor truly delicious food at a leisurely pace. This remarkable restaurant is filled with unique charm that makes you want to visit with someone special. Less

I enjoyed the Omakase course, which focused on fish and game, showcasing a commitment to quality ingredients. On the day of my visit, I was treated to rare items like Yamame (a type of trout), Ayu (sweetfish), Pheasant, and Ezo Venison, which are not commonly found.The Yamame had a subtle bitterness, offering a sophisticated flavor that paired excellently with wine—it was truly delicious.Among the game, the Pheasant and Ezo Venison were particularly memorable. The Pheasant had a slightly firmer texture than chicken, but it was rich and juicy. The Ezo Venison had a unique flavor without any gamey taste, allowing me to fully enjoy its tenderness and juiciness.Every dish was meticulously prepared, and I was very satisfied with the flavors. However, the overall volume of the course was quite substantial. I regretted not being able to finish the final dish, the Pheasant Takikomi Gohan (rice cooked with pheasant).The quality of the food was high, and my satisfaction was great, but I felt that adjusting the overall portion size would make it even more accessible. I highly recommend this restaurant for those looking to enjoy rare fish and game. Less

Located right in the heart of Nishiki, Yanagiya Nishiki is a renowned game meat restaurant in Gifu. The pairing of wine and game dishes here is simply outstanding! While the Gifu branch of Yanagiya features irori (sunken hearth) in its private rooms, this location serves grilled dishes brought to the private rooms. The private rooms accommodate groups of four and there are plenty available. You’ll be served an incredible amount of food, including an assortment of appetizers, four ayu (sweetfish), four meat dishes, small side dishes, two servings of rice, and dessert. To fully enjoy the delicious eel served at the end, I recommend saving a little bit of room as you go. Additionally, this place has a strong wine selection, so pairing your meal with wine is highly recommended. Prices start from JPY 15,000 per person. Credit cards are accepted. Less

This evening, I visited Yanagiya Nishiki for the first time.The sweetfish was cooked to perfection, with a fragrant skin, tender flesh, and a pleasantly bitter innards that I enjoyed thoroughly.The venison had a clear umami flavor with no gamey taste at all.The soft-shelled turtle hot pot was impressive with its robust broth and refined richness, making it delicious all the way to the last bite.I was truly delighted by the dishes that elevated the blessings of nature through careful preparation!It was a great meal!! Less