Tabelog ratingMasami (當巳) is a compact, counter-centric seafood izakaya in Hiroshima's Tanakamachi district. Here, the owner-chef personally transforms top-quality ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea into refined omakase courses. The experience is intimate, with most guests seated at the counter watching the chef at work.
The menu is a showcase of the region's best. Reviewers consistently praise the very large Hiroshima oysters, served raw or grilled, and the exquisite kawahagi (filefish), which comes with a rich portion of its own liver. The sashimi is also a highlight, with guests describing the katsuo (bonito) as having a thick, steak-like quality. The multi-course omakase is thoughtfully composed, and the experience is elevated by a wide, well-chosen selection of local sake that the staff expertly pair with the dishes.
A few points are worth noting. As the chef often works alone, service can be slow or uneven, with waits between courses. Prices are on the higher side for an izakaya, and since they are not always posted on the menu, some guests felt anxious about the final bill. While most dishes receive high praise, a few visitors found certain small plates to be underwhelming.
Reviewers report a typical dinner spend of ¥10,000 to ¥15,000. Specific courses recently cost around ¥5,000 for a light omakase, ¥7,500 for a more substantial course, ¥8,000 for a kawahagi course, and ¥12,000 for a Setouchi special course. For diners seeking outstanding, regionally sourced seafood and serious sake pairings, Masami offers good value for a special occasion.
- Booking: Reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited to a small counter and one private room. Walk-ins are unlikely to be seated.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from the Kocho stop on the Hiroden tram line.
- Seating: There are 8 counter seats and a private room for up to 6 guests.
- Age Restriction: Please note that children are not permitted in the restaurant.
- Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners, UnionPay), electronic money (transportation IC cards like Suica), and QR code payments (PayPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay) are all accepted.
- Language: The menu is often in Japanese only. A translation app may be useful.
- Service Pace: The kitchen is often run by the chef alone, so service can be slow. Please allow ample time for your meal.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
