Shimizu: Home-Style Korean Cooking

Shimizu (しみず) is a tiny, revered restaurant in Nagoya that feels like dining in the home of a masterful Korean cook. The experience is defined by the cooking of its owner, known affectionately as Hiromi-mama, and an intimate L-shaped counter where guests share a lively, communal meal. The restaurant is most famous for its soy-marinated seafood, prepared so cleanly that it has no trace of a fishy smell.

Dozens of reviews consistently praise the signature kanjang gejang (soy-marinated raw blue crab) and kanjang saewoo (soy-marinated raw shrimp), with many calling them the best in the area. A highlight for many is mixing the rich crab miso with rice at the end of the meal. Other beloved dishes include the tender bossam (boiled pork), kaisen-chijimi (seafood pancake), and the nakkopbae seafood hotpot. Most guests consider the food excellent value for the quality and labour-intensive preparation.

The main drawback is the extreme difficulty in getting a table; the restaurant now requires a referral from a previous customer. A few diners have also noted occasional inconsistencies in seasoning, particularly when the owner is not cooking, or found the small room to be noisy.

For a full meal with signature dishes, reviewers report dinner costs typically range from ¥8,000 to ¥10,000 per person. For individual items, recent guests paid around ¥1,700 for bossam and ¥2,000 for the kaisen-chijimi seafood pancake.

• Booking: A reservation is essential and, as of recent reports, requires a referral from a previous customer. It is extremely difficult for new guests or travellers to secure a seat.
• Signature Dishes: Key dishes like kanjang gejang, kanjang saewoo, and hotpots like nakkopbae must be ordered in advance when booking.
• Getting There: The restaurant is a short walk from Shimizu Station on the Meitetsu Seto Line.
• Payment: Credit cards are not accepted. Payment is by cash or QR code (PayPay).
• Seating: The space is very small, with just 9 counter seats and one table for 6.
• Smoking: The restaurant is non-smoking.
• Parking: No parking is available; use paid parking nearby.