Tabelog ratingAt Eizan (永山), an intimate counter restaurant in Hiroshima, chef Eizan Nagayama channels his training from top Tokyo establishments like Ishikawa and Haruyama into a refined expression of local cuisine. The focus is on superb ingredients sourced from the Seto Inland Sea, prepared with precision and restraint. The experience is centered on a single omakase menu, served at an eight-seat counter that offers a direct view of the chef's meticulous work with dashi and charcoal fire.
Guests consistently praise the exceptional quality of the local seafood, such as sawara (Spanish mackerel) and shiro amadai (white tilefish), often grilled over charcoal. Signature dishes that draw universal acclaim include the steamed rice starters with seasonal toppings like shirako, and a melt-in-the-mouth dashi-shabu of premium Sakakiyama beef. The meal typically concludes with a seasonal takikomi-gohan (mixed pot rice), and the staff will thoughtfully pack any leftovers for you to take home. The personable service and excellent sake pairings are also frequently highlighted.
Criticism is rare and minor. A few guests have found the portions almost too generous, while some repeat visitors noted that seasonal menus can occasionally feature familiar ingredients. These are small points in a sea of overwhelmingly positive feedback.
The single omakase course for both lunch and dinner costs around ¥19,000, according to recent reviews. With drinks, diners report a typical total spend of ¥21,700 to ¥25,000 per person. Despite the price, reviewers almost unanimously consider Eizan to offer outstanding value, given the high quality of the ingredients, the precision of the cooking, and the generosity of the course.
- Getting There: Eizan is a 2-minute walk from the Kanayamacho tram stop.
- Reservations: Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance.
- Seating: There are 8 counter seats and one private room for 2 to 4 guests.
- Payment: Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, and Diners cards are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Age Restriction: Guests must be 12 years of age or older.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No dedicated parking is available, but there are paid car parks nearby.
- Language: While the chef may not be fluent in English, non-Japanese-speaking guests report a welcoming atmosphere and enjoyable experience.
