Nina S.
Yelp
Didn't reserve a special dining package with our hotel, we were far enough away from Gora's main hub to walk back into the rain, so I suggested Itoh.
I had heard of Nobu being from the states but had never tried it. I figured that with the current exchange rate and the fact that we'd probably never come back to Hakone again, this fancy dining opportunity would be a once-in-a-lifetime steal.
Atmosphere: it was a Wednesday night and we were the first to arrive for dinner (if you can go during lunch, it's even more affordable). The exterior design matches the forest of Hakone. Once inside, the dim mood lighting showcases the chefs and the foods they prepare. Once we left, two other parties were dining and the restaurant remained quiet and the patrons whispered in awe of the food.
Service: they were incredibly kind and with limited Japanese, we were able to secure a reservation two hours before eating here. The staff speak English very well and were able to print the menu into English for us, as well as verbally explain it to us also. Food was prepared with utmost care and precision. As we left they offered to call us a taxi and as tradition, bowed to us as we exited.
We choose set courses. I had the lobster while my husband got the smaller portion of the fattier wagyu they offer but other than that we were given the same courses.
octopus: woke up the palette with a strong citrus flavor. Yuzu, lemon? I forget but paired nicely with octopus and micro salad
corn soup: smooth, delicate, warm, truffle flavor wasn't mindblowing
zucchini: the best zucchini we've ever had, so juicy and paired with a sauce reminiscent of a hollandaise sauce, rich and fatty
rice: our least favorite but not bad tasting at all, well-cooked ingredients that felt a little inexpensive thrown into a bowl, helped me feel like I wouldn't be starving after this fancy dinner
seabass: crispy skin, the olive sauce paired well to bring earthiness
wagyu: you should get the wagyu here, we had two weeks previous gone to an all-you-can-eat wagyu steak place, and the steak here at Itoh BLOWS IT OUT, OF THE WATER, my husband still talks about this steak, it's the best we've ever tried
lobster and scallop: kinda hard to eat while watching someone eat the wagyu beef but still a very well-cooked seafood course, love that they cook the shell so the innards get soft and becomes a dipping bowl of sorts for the lobster and scallop, well seasoned
tomato: cute presentation and execution, light, refreshing, varied textures made it fun and playful, and the sweet and cold combo let me know we were coming to a close
coconut cookie with tea: they asked if we preferred coffee or tea, chose tea, and were handed a cup with optional cream and a sugar cube, so comforting after the meal coupled with a small moist sweet
All in all: we left full and satisfied, the menu good mix of familiar foods, fancy touches, good portions, and an elevated environment. I still don't know what hotel course meals are like, but this was a magical place.