Tenjinbashi Aoki (天神橋 青木) Osaka

Note: My rating takes into account various factors, not just the taste of the food, but also the chef's personality, cost performance, and more.【Reservation】Reservation made upon arrival.【Dining Style】Two people with a friend.【Dishes and Prices, Especially Delicious Dishes】 The course meal (JPY 30,250, tax included) plus drinks came to about JPY 35,000 per person. The restaurants run by the disciples of Honkotsu consistently offer top-notch cuisine, and this place did not disappoint. I was once again reminded of the depth and beauty of Japanese cuisine. Since photography is not allowed, I will recount from memory.- **1st Dish:** Korean-style Hamo (with plum paste and wasabi) and Okahijiki The way the Hamo is cut creates a wonderfully fluffy texture and sweetness that spreads in the mouth—it's exquisite. The crunchy texture of the Okahijiki adds a nice accent.- **2nd Dish:** Soup (Hair Crab Shinjo) The Shinjo contains crab miso, and with each bite, the rich flavor of the Hair Crab fills your mouth. The addition of crab miso enhances the depth, making this soup highly satisfying. The dashi was also superb, showcasing the essence of Japanese cuisine.- **3rd Dish:** Sashimi (Akoudai, Aori Ika, and Murasaki Uni) The Akoudai had a refined flavor and texture that was very pleasant. The cutting technique for the Aori Ika was excellent, achieving a perfect balance of texture and sweetness. The Murasaki Uni was free of any unpleasant odor, allowing for a delightful experience of its sweetness and creaminess.- **4th Dish:** Hassun (Chinowa Passing) This included items like sweetfish, whelk, vinegar-mozuku, and shrimp. The seasonal presentation mimicking the Chinowa Passing was wonderful, and I felt it was one of those cultural aspects that every Japanese person should know. The charm lies not only in the food but also in enjoying the seasonal elements and artistry unique to Japanese cuisine.- **5th Dish:** Grilled Dish, Miso-marinated Managatsuo and Fruit Tomato The Managatsuo was grilled to a moist and tender finish, harmonizing beautifully with the richness of the miso and the fish's flavor. The fruit tomato served alongside refreshes the palate.- **6th Dish:** Fried Young Sweetfish and Gold Rush Tempura The young sweetfish was fried to a crispy perfection, with a slight bitterness that evokes early summer. The sweet sauce enhances the fish's flavor.- **7th Dish:** Simmered Kamo Eggplant, Small Potatoes, and Abalone Each ingredient's unique flavor was maximized, creating a delightful dish that offers a variety of tastes in one bowl. The meticulous preparation and craftsmanship were evident in this exquisite dish.- **8th Dish:** Rice, Pickles, Marinated Tuna, and Marinated Akoudai The rice itself had a strong flavor, making it enjoyable even on its own. The marinated tuna and Akoudai were also excellent, making it hard to resist more rice. The quality of the fish was exceptionally high, and I believe only a few places can offer such good fish.- **9th Dish:** Calpis and Milk Sorbet, Loquat, and Cider Jelly True to the style of Honkotsu's disciples, the classic cider jelly was served. It evoked a sense of nostalgia for those from the Showa era, with a clever presentation that transformed into Calpis soda in the mouth.- **10th Dish:** Warabi Mochi The unique stickiness and elasticity of the warabi, along with its refreshing sweetness, were delightful.- **11th Dish:** Matcha A fitting tea to conclude a Japanese meal.Throughout the meal, I was able to enjoy top-tier Japanese cuisine, resulting in a highly satisfying dining experience.【Service and Staff】 The chef had a lovely smile, making the dining experience enjoyable throughout. The proprietress was also very elegant, and her every gesture reflected her refined upbringing and hospitality.【Atmosphere】 A calm Japanese space where you can enjoy your meal leisurely.【Cost Performance】 Exceptional cost performance.【Will I Return?】 I will definitely return. Less