Tabelog ratingHAKUGA is French cooking done on a teppan griddle in front of an open, 16-seat counter. Chef Masahiro Nishiie cooks alongside his father, and his siblings run the floor. The defining feature is the finale. Five shime (closing carb dishes) can be ordered in any combination and in any size, from a single bite to a full plate. The restaurant was selected for the Tabelog Innovative/Creative Cuisine "Tabelog 100" in 2025.
Nearly every review praises the shime. Reviewers most often mention the fluffy omurice, the house seafood curry and the shio-kombu yakisoba (noodles with salted kelp). Many single out the cocotte, a rich broth with abalone, sea urchin and shark fin. Other dishes that come up are:
- the truffle, foie gras and cheddar hot sandwich
- the griddle-toasted bread
- the wagyu fillet Wellington
- the wine and sake pairings
The warm family service is mentioned constantly.
The main complaint is access. The restaurant takes no new bookings, and regulars describe waits of eight to twelve months for their own seats. Prices have climbed steeply, and one regular says the cost has doubled in five years. A few reviewers find that the lobster and fillet mains repeat too often. One early visitor thought the food ordinary.
There is no lunch service; HAKUGA serves dinner only. In 2025–2026, reviewers paid around ¥15,000–24,000 for the omakase course. One paid about ¥1,600 extra to have all five shime. With wine, totals ran to roughly ¥30,000–35,000 per person.
Most reviewers consider it good value. The courses use caviar, abalone and wagyu, and the unlimited-size shime leave diners very full. Long-time guests note that the value has slipped as prices have risen.
- Booking: walk-ins are not possible, and new reservations are not accepted. You need an invitation from a regular or a lucky cancellation. Phone: 052-898-5018.
- Getting there: about 10 minutes on foot from Sakae Station and Yabacho Station (411 m from Yabacho), near Ikeda Park. The building is easy to miss, and the restaurant is on the 5th floor.
- By car or taxi: the area has many one-way streets. From Hirokoji-dori, turn south at the Toei intersection, pass Ikeda Park and turn left. No parking is available.
- Payment: credit cards (JCB, AMEX, Diners). Electronic money and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Seating: 16 counter seats and no private rooms. The whole restaurant can be booked for private use.
- Smoking: the listing states a designated smoking area. Reviewers describe the counter as non-smoking.
- Tip: arrive hungry. All five shime can be ordered in small sizes.
