Hotel de Yoshino Wakayama

Atmosphere: 5 Taste: 5 Presentation: 5 Drinks: 5 Cost Performance: 3 Service: 5 Likelihood to Revisit: 4 Overall: 4.5 I have provided taste evaluations for each dish and drink based on the following criteria (these are purely personal indicators): ◎: Extremely Delicious ○: Delicious △: Average ×: Not Great For ratings of △ and ×, I will include reasons whenever possible. ◾️ Features - Located on the 12th floor of Big Ai in Wakayama City, this is one of Japan's premier French restaurants. - Run by Chef Ken Yoshino, a legendary figure in both Japanese and French culinary circles who has earned a Michelin star in Paris, this restaurant offers an authentic experience of French gastronomy right in Wakayama. - Chef Yoshino's identity is "the essence of classic French cuisine": he provides robust and refined traditional classic French dishes that pursue the utmost in the tradition and structure of French cooking. Notably, his signature dishes include game meats (such as pigeon, blue-headed duck, and venison) and traditional pastry-wrapped dishes (like "Tourte"), which attract food enthusiasts from all over the country. - The overwhelming quality carried on by Chef Junya Tejima (former head chef) and others: Top-class chefs who have perfectly inherited Chef Yoshino's philosophy support the kitchen, having been trained under Chef Tejima, who served as head chef for many years. They are praised for their precision, from a single drop of sauce to the accuracy of cooking, making it one of the places where you can enjoy the most delicious classic French cuisine in Japan. - Fusion with high-quality local ingredients from Wakayama: The restaurant uses the finest ingredients available in Wakayama, such as fresh seafood from the rich seas of the Kii Peninsula, local fresh vegetables and citrus fruits, and high-quality game sourced from nearby mountains. - A wonderful location on the top floor (12th floor): Situated on the top floor of "Wakayama Big Ai," it offers bright and open views during the day and a beautiful night view of Wakayama City at night. The interior features an elegant and sophisticated grand maison style with a white color scheme, providing the highest level of service. - Dress Code: Smart casual recommended (no shorts or sandals for men). - For special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, or important business meetings, this restaurant is undoubtedly one of the top choices in Wakayama for creating unforgettable memories. Less

If you visit Wakayama, you must stop by the renowned French restaurant "Hotel de Yoshino."We started the evening with a toast of champagne, and from the moment our glasses clinked, an elegant culinary experience began.We began with a small, perfectly baked choux pastry, followed by a soup that delicately brought out the sweetness of the ingredients.The appetizers were impressive, showcasing a rich umami flavor paired with beautiful sauces. Each dish was artfully plated, providing a visual delight as well.The fish dish featured a crispy, fragrant skin and tender flesh, complemented by colorful vegetables and sauces that enhanced the fish's delicate flavors.The highlight of the evening was the roasted Kumano beef fillet.As I cut into it, a stunning rosy cross-section appeared. Cooked to perfection, it was astonishingly tender, and with each bite, the rich flavor of the Kumano beef unfolded. The luscious red wine sauce added depth, making it a dish you want to savor slowly.The dessert was equally impressive.A glossy chocolate dessert paired with cold ice cream created a festive finish. Additionally, charming petits fours like macarons made an appearance, ensuring enjoyment until the very end.This cuisine embodies the "terroir" of Wakayama, skillfully utilizing the region's abundant ingredients while honoring classic French culinary techniques.From the flavors to the presentation, tableware, service, and ambiance, it felt like a complete work of art.This exquisite French dining experience is truly memorable and worth the trip to Wakayama. Less

I visited for lunch and started with a warm, delicious dish that resembled a small cream puff filled with cheese. The use of locally sourced ingredients in the presentation of the dishes was impressive, and my companion and I remarked on how different it was from the usual Isagi we eat. We also enjoyed some extra cheese. After that, we indulged in desserts and coffee, leaving us feeling completely satisfied.It was a great meal.By coincidence, the person who took care of our table at Maison Tateru Yoshino in Osaka was also here, which was a nice surprise. Additionally, Chef Matsumoto came out to greet us as we were leaving, showcasing the friendly service of the staff. I definitely want to visit again.The view of Wakayama Castle, Wakayura over there, and Iwadeyonder was quite fascinating for a local. Less

Just finished my business trip to Kyoto!Ranked 3rd in the Tabelog genre for Wakayama Prefecture.This is the restaurant of Chef Yoshino Ken, who has made a name for himself in France and Japan! Chef Junya Tejima, who had been showcasing his skills for a long time, moved to Kyobashi Chez Ino in 2022, and now Chef Shinpei Matsumoto is in charge of the kitchen!!!Dishes included:- Venison and wild boar pâté- Akashira shrimp- Kinzanji miso sablé with foie gras and soba flower honey- Okayama red beef caviar with lemon cream crepe Bon Achene- Nettle milk soup- Eel cheese terrine with tomato tapenade- Foie gras cake with kindanji miso gin- Grilled white amadai from Wakayama Prefecture- Brittany veal with wild asparagus- Brie, Fourme d'Ambert, Comté- Watermelon jelly- Truffle, truffle ice cream soufflé- Hojicha macaron, canelé, tropical fruit frui hassakuAbove all, the view is absolutely stunning!Located on the 12th floor of a complex building!!Classic French cuisine using plenty of local ingredients!The spirit of Chef Yoshino and Chef Tejima is still alive and well!!!The caviar and foie gras dishes look just like creations from a top pastry chef!The white amadai and its crispy scales are a delight.The soufflé dessert is a rare treat these days, and I was thrilled to enjoy it again—it truly is exceptional!The delicate cooking and the precise doneness of the main meat dish reflect Chef Matsumoto's skills, which are naturally inherited from this renowned establishment, providing a strong sense of reassurance!!!If you're looking to enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful scenery of Wakayama, I believe this is the perfect place!!Ranked 30th in the Tabelog genre for Wakayama Prefecture.I visited this restaurant!!!This is my first review of a restaurant in Wakayama Prefecture (I traveled around the Kii Peninsula from Ise to Koyasan by car over three nights more than 15 years ago, sampling famous restaurants from that time!!!) Less