During a recent trip to Hokuriku, I spent one night in Kanazawa.
I had heard that it was a gourmet city with plenty of delicious food, so I did a bit of research and found a restaurant called “Itaru.”
Since Itaru is a popular restaurant often featured on TV and major online news sites, I was worried about getting in. Fortunately, since I was dining solo, I managed to get a seat without a reservation.
I was a bit concerned that the food and service might feel impersonal, as can sometimes happen at tourist-focused places, but everything—from the food to the service—was excellent. In fact, it exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended!
Itaru: A Restaurant Where You Can Fully Enjoy Kanazawa’s Seafood
The main branch of “Itaru” is located in a quiet area near Kanazawa City Hall, with a few other restaurants nearby. It’s also close to Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
There’s also a Korinbo branch about a five-minute walk from the main store.
- Itaru Official Website: Itaru – Sake and Heartfelt Cuisine
The restaurant exterior has a nice traditional feel, with a sign that says “Sake and Heartfelt Cuisine.” Let’s go in.
The interior has a retro vibe, with both counter and table seating.
This photo was taken as I was about to leave, but when I arrived around 8:30 PM, the counter was packed. Since I was alone, I was lucky enough to find a seat. Lucky me.
The menu prices are listed in units of 100 yen, which is rare to see (except for the course menus).
One of their specialties, the “Japan Sea Sashimi Platter,” can be ordered in a single-serving size, so I went with that!
You can also order from the chalkboard menu, which offers the latest seasonal selections. Checking this first might be a good way to taste the freshest catches.
The appetizer, whelk, served alongside Ishikawa’s local sake, “Ikezuki.” Cheers!
Great Fish and Sake—A Perfect Combo. When in Kanazawa, You Have to Try Nodoguro!
The one-person sashimi platter has arrived! It’s great to find a restaurant willing to accommodate single servings like this.
From left to right: thread-sail filefish, sweet shrimp, young yellowtail, swordfish, and fresh octopus. Each one is plump, fresh, and perfect in flavor and texture. As someone from Kyushu, where seafood is also excellent, I was thrilled to try these different varieties.
The filefish liver, especially when eaten with the sashimi, is a seasonal delight. It’s so good!
The chefs prepare dishes right in front of you. They’re friendly and occasionally chat, as long as it doesn’t interfere with their work. They even attempt to communicate with international guests in basic English. I could sense the owner’s care for guests, as he calmly and respectfully guided his staff when necessary.
For sake lovers, the Hokuriku Three-Flavor Sake Set!
The appetizers are squid in ink sauce, crab miso, and preserved firefly squid, paired with sake from Tengu-mai (Ishikawa), Chikuha (Ishikawa), and Sansyouraku (Toyama).
If there’s one dish you should try in Kanazawa, it’s the nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch)! I didn’t expect one of this size.
The umami-packed grilled fish is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. Just delicious.
Perfect from Traditional Dishes to Finishing Touches. Highly Recommended.
Another local Kanazawa dish, Kamo no Jibuni (duck stew). The soy sauce-based broth and tender duck flavor are exquisite.
Ending the meal with a unique dish called “Nyan-ko Meshi.” I asked about it, thinking it might be a playful rice dish, and was told it’s their specialty—a bowl of rice topped with fish and covered with hot miso broth. How could I not try this?
So tasty and warming! While a classic rice porridge is nice, Itaru offers this creative finishing dish, and they leave nothing to chance. Fantastic.
Final Thoughts
I ended up spending around 7,600 yen, though it seems that a group of three or four could comfortably eat and drink for around 5,000–6,000 yen per person.
※As of 2015
For the quality of food and ambiance, it’s worth every yen. Despite its popularity, Itaru is free from any pretentiousness.
If you’re looking for great food in Kanazawa, this place is a
solid choice! If you want to be sure to get in, I highly recommend making a reservation.
