Zeniya

Perhaps the single best meal of my life. We were welcomed upon arrival by a personal assistant, Kazumi, who guided us to a private traditional room for our 10 course meal in celebration of my fiance's 30th birthday. A celebratory drink of umeshu awaited us inside, prefacing the delights we were about to experience. Kazumi expertly guided us through each course as she served it, providing advice on how best to enjoy the meal. She spoke English well enough for us to enjoy some laughs together, and was gracious in helping expand upon my limited Japanese. Our stunning meal was capped off with a surprise cake, concluding the perfect evening. I couldn't be more grateful to Kazumi and Zeniya for how special they made our visit for my fiance's birthday.

Beautiful dinner with wide selection of sake. Dishes were well explained and it was an enjoyable experience. Recommended if you are in town.

Best Japanese I’ve been to so far, we went right when crab season started so the course was crab themed and so good. The best part is the hospitality, the owner makes sure to give each guest personalized attention with the warmest welcome! Would definitely recommend.

This restaurant is the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine as far as I know. It offers dishes prepared right before your eyes, using carefully selected ingredients and exceptional skills. While incorporating new approaches, it maintains the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine, creating experiences that can only be enjoyed here. Furthermore, the heartfelt hospitality of the Nakai-san allows you to truly appreciate the beauty of Japan. This restaurant embodies the Kanazawa philosophy that "tradition is a continuum of innovation."

Again this would be a 4.5 but alas it can’t be done so more 4 than 5. Kaiseki cuisine is essentially what we know as a traditional Japanese multi course meal though in this instance at Zeniya, had adapted a modernness with its menu. I sometimes find kaiseki meals to be a little too bland for my liking but this was not the case here and every dish was well balanced and carefully put together to form a great meal! Here’s some of my favourites!

One of the best Japanese restaurants/experiences I’ve been too. Takagi san is incredibly welcoming and makes the experience the special treat. Was the first week of crab fishing season and had most gourmet dishes.

Beyond amazing. Such delicious Kaiseki (traditional) cuisine. This will be among your most memorable meals in Japan. Don’t miss it!

Decent meal and good service.  Chef Shin Takagi, fluent in English explained every dish well and even performed "yukizuri" on one of the dishes, demonstrating autumn seasonality, reminding of beautiful Kenrokuen and upcoming winter. #kanazawa #relaisetchateaux #michelinguide #zeniyakanazawa #shintakagi

Shin Takagi is an interesting guy. His kaiseki cuisine is influenced by his admiration and training with European tradition. His menu is a mash of both tradition and modernity. He's not afraid to mix the best of worlds. He also runs membership/invite only restaurants where foreigners like me will have no or little insight into that Japanese tradition (read about Mibu for more on this). I guess i can consider myself lucky i was able to try his cuisine Grilled scallop and Poached Duck Breast Sesame Tofu, Halibut Sashimi, Roquefort Daikon Chirashi Sushi and Unagi Tiger Prawn, Arugula, Shiba-Zuke Grilled Black Cod Scents of pine Wagyu Steak in Jibuni Sauce Carrot, Spinach, Porcini, Wasabi Awa-Mochi Green Tea, Shiso So delicious with flavor profiles i would have not thought of. Toquefort is something i never thought id see in Japanese cuisine. But then as i said, chef Takagi is not one to shy away from those combinations

It a country with great food, Zeniya surpasses with beauty, color, friendliness, and above all deliciousness! This meal was one of my all time favorites! Thank you!