Tabelog rating333 (pronounced 'San San San') is a small, celebrated grill restaurant in Kanazawa that reinterprets yakitori. Instead of serving everything on skewers, the chef showcases exceptional fire control by grilling premium Hinai-jidori chicken and seasonal Kaga vegetables whole or sliced, plating them for sharing. This refined approach has earned it a Michelin Bib Gourmand and a place in Tabelog's 'Top 100' list for chicken restaurants.
Guests consistently praise the precision of the cooking. The chicken breast (sasami), served perfectly rare and silky, is a frequent highlight, as is the ultra-crisp chicken skin. Other standouts include the juicy thigh (momo), the flavourful meatball (tsukune), and expertly grilled vegetables like maitake mushrooms and Goro-jima sweet potato. Many international visitors appreciate the available English menu and the well-chosen list of sake and wine.
However, some aspects are inconsistent. A number of reviewers find the portions small for the price, and while many describe the owners as warm and friendly, others report brusque service, especially when the tiny restaurant is busy. The experience can feel slow, with just two staff often running the entire floor.
A typical dinner costs between ¥6,000 and ¥7,999. Reviewers recently paid around ¥1,050 for the momo thigh, ¥700 for sasami, and ¥300 for a tsukune meatball. While not a casual weeknight spot, most agree the quality of the ingredients and the masterful technique make it good value for a special meal.
- Reservations: Strongly recommended as the restaurant is small and often full. The owner posts the following month's schedule on Instagram around the 15th, and bookings are taken by phone. Walk-ins are sometimes possible right at opening but are not reliable.
- Getting There: Located a short walk (around 377 meters) from Hokutetsu Kanazawa Station.
- Seating: The venue is intimate, with 6 seats at the counter and two small tables. There are no private rooms.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not. Some guests have reported issues with card payments, so bringing cash is advisable.
- Menu: An English menu is available.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking available.
