Tabelog ratingSuzunami Esuka ten (鈴波 エスカ店) has built a loyal following for its mastery of a single, refined technique: kasuzuke. Fish is marinated in the sweet, aromatic lees (kasu) left over from making mirin, which imparts a deep umami flavour and a remarkably soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture after being grilled. The restaurant is particularly famous for its silver cod (gindara), which reviewers consistently praise as the must-order dish.
Meals are served as teishoku, or set meals, creating a complete and balanced dining experience. A typical set includes the main grilled fish, rice, a bowl of red miso soup, and an assortment of small side dishes like sweet Tanba black beans and various pickles (tsukemono). A small cup of kasu vinegar drink is also served to cleanse the palate. Guests love the quality of the fish and the precise grilling, noting the perfect balance of the sweet and savoury marinade.
The main drawback noted by visitors is the wait. Queues are common, especially during lunch and peak dinner hours, with waits of 10 to 60 minutes being typical. A few reviewers found the red miso soup or pickles slightly too salty for their taste, and while portions are generally seen as fair, those with large appetites might consider ordering extra rice or a side dish. An English menu is sometimes available, and staff are noted for being helpful to international visitors.
Despite the potential wait, most agree the experience offers good value. Reviewers recently paid around ¥2,310–¥2,420 for the silver cod set and ¥1,760–¥1,980 for the daily fish set. The quality of the ingredients and the unique preparation make it a worthwhile stop for anyone seeking a top-tier grilled fish meal.
- Getting There: The restaurant is located inside the Esca underground shopping mall, directly connected to the Taiko Exit of JR Nagoya Station.
- Booking: Reservations are not accepted. Be prepared to queue, especially at peak times.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), electronic money (transportation IC cards, Rakuten-Edy, iD, QUICPay), and QR code payments (PayPay, d Barai, Rakuten Pay, au PAY) are all accepted.
- Seating: There are 26 seats. No private rooms are available.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: Parking is available at the Eska Parking Lot, with discounts offered for restaurant patrons.