D. T.
Google
We almost skipped Kanimatsuri Crab Restaurant, thinking we had accidentally walked into another tourist trap. Turns out, we were very wrong.
This place is unapologetically about crab. Nothing else, no distractions, just crab in every possible form. We were a big group of 13, and ordering à la carte was definitely the best choice for us. It gave us flexibility and let us try multiple preparations without being locked into a set menu.
The option to have the crab served hot is where this place really shines. The garlic butter pan fried crab was the standout and surprisingly even better than the grilled version. Rich, fragrant, and perfectly cooked. The grilled crab was still excellent, but the pan fried version completely won us over. By the end of the meal, we were happily and thoroughly crabbed out.
The tempura don also deserves a mention. It was comforting, well balanced, and a nice break between rounds of crab without feeling like filler.
That said, the service was the weak point of our visit. The dining area felt clearly understaffed, with only about three staff working. We were seated but left unattended for quite a while, and no one came to take our order until we actively asked for service. That was disappointing and took away from what could have been a seamless experience.
Food wise, this turned out to be one of the best crab meals we have had. If staffing and service improve, this place would be close to perfect. Great crab, generous portions, ideal for big groups, just be prepared to be a little proactive when it comes to service.