Kukizen - Otaru

I came for the Michelin 2 Star recognition. We were the first batch of customers to walk in by 11:00, without reservation we were seated in the private room ins... read more I came for the Michelin 2 Star recognition. We were the first batch of customers to walk in by 11:00, without reservation we were seated in the private room instead of the sushi bar that I would much preferred. A set menu with 12 sushi at chef’s selection were served. Fish and seafood were deliciously prepared, however I found sushi rice to be a bit tough for my liking. Miso soup was nice and in the lighter side of the miso taste. Overall nice and good value for a 2 star.

I disagree with the reviewer that thought Kukizen was not welcoming to westerners. I too have been turned away from this restaurant for not having a reservation... read more I disagree with the reviewer that thought Kukizen was not welcoming to westerners. I too have been turned away from this restaurant for not having a reservation and watched many others (including local Japanese) turned away too. I eventually did get the opportunity to dine here, and once you understand that seating here is limited, and what the dining experience truly is that the chef is trying to provide, you see why they require the reservation. Even if the place is empty at 6:30pm, they may have a reservation coming in at 7pm and just 1 or 2 groups of people fill the place. Enjoying the freshest omakase and watching the chef execute his craft is worth every dime here.

Very friendly staff and excellent nigiri omakase experience for 5000 yen (12 pieces) for lunch. Walked in at 1130 when the restaurant opened without a reservati... read more Very friendly staff and excellent nigiri omakase experience for 5000 yen (12 pieces) for lunch. Walked in at 1130 when the restaurant opened without a reservation on a Wed. Missed one photo of the Chu Toro but caught the rest in the photos attached. Uni were firm to touch and creamy in the mouth. Saba did not taste fishy at all. All indicators that the fish is very very fresh.

Fresh seafood from otaru and hokkaido isalnd tastes really good . Especially uni kunkanmaki was extraordinary good. The chef and waiter were kind and if a guest... read more Fresh seafood from otaru and hokkaido isalnd tastes really good . Especially uni kunkanmaki was extraordinary good. The chef and waiter were kind and if a guest can speak japanese, there would be a specific explain of each sushi and its orgin.

I ordered the lunch set at 5000 yen otoro nigiri and it was magnificent. The service was superb and the taste is so good the otoro literally melt in my mouth. D... read more I ordered the lunch set at 5000 yen otoro nigiri and it was magnificent. The service was superb and the taste is so good the otoro literally melt in my mouth. Definitely worth the price.