Murakami
Google
The restaurant sits at the end of a slope, tucked between dense ferns and climbing plants. Walking down feels like stumbling into a hidden spot. Inside, the atmosphere is calm and soft-lit, and it’s worth noting the entire team from the chef to the front of house mostly is female.
We ordered two starters, two mains, and one dessert:
1. Crudo
Easily the highlight. The fish rests on a base of dashi and cilantro oil fresh, sweet, and clean on its own but the chef designed three ways to eat it:
• With roe: layers of briny richness, very Japanese in flavor.
• With chili and shallot: a mild, warm heat that lifts the bite without overwhelming it.
• With citrus: exactly the bright, refreshing finish you’d expect.
Every bite has a different profile. This one deserves a standalone recommendation.
2. Clams Bulhão Pato Style
Classic Portuguese white wine, garlic, and butter clams. Strong garlic aroma but not heavy, fresh clams cooked just right without shrinking. The house brioche soaks up the sauce well soft but not dense.
3. Carabinero Rice
Vibrant colours, orange and red rice with yellow sauce and green herbs. The rice is packed with the sweetness from the shrimp head, rich and flavorful, though the grains are slightly softer than ideal. Firmer texture would elevate it further. The lobster is firm and bouncy, adding to the dish’s overall depth.
4. Fish with Açaí & Chestnut
Perfectly seared fish, crisp outside and tender inside. The chestnut purée isn’t overly sweet, and the chestnut crisps add texture. Each element works well alone, but together they compete rather than blend.
5. Wasabi & Blueberry Gelato
More like a sorbet. The wasabi heat is gentle under the cold, with a smooth texture. The blueberry leans more toward blackcurrant—tart, sweet, and balanced. A refreshing finish.
Wine
The paired white wine starts slightly astringent, but the finish is clean and dry, matching the seafood dishes well.
Must order: Crudo and Carabinero Rice.