Tabelog ratingIn a quiet townhouse in Kanazawa's Nomachi district, Hamaguri Zaka Maekawa (蛤坂 まえかわ) offers an exclusive yakitori experience for just eight guests at a time. The chef, who trained at the legendary Torishiki in Tokyo, demonstrates meticulous control over the binchotan charcoal grill, creating skewers that many reviewers consider a benchmark for the genre.
The menu is a strict omakase (chef's selection), showcasing both poultry and seasonal Kaga vegetables. Guests consistently praise the technical skill, noting the perfect doneness of every item. Signature skewers that draw universal acclaim include the silken white liver, the rich burst of the chōchin (unlaid egg yolk), and the house tsukune (meatball) studded with lotus root. The meal concludes with one of two memorable rice dishes: a savoury soboro-gohan (crumbled chicken on rice) or a charcoal-kissed oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl).
While the experience is widely lauded, the main challenge is access. Reservations are released monthly and fill almost instantly. A minority of diners also note rising prices, though the consensus remains that the quality justifies the cost for a special occasion.
Reviewers report the omakase price has evolved from around ¥8,500 to ¥13,500–¥15,500 in recent years. With drinks, final bills per person often land between ¥18,000 and ¥22,500; recent examples include totals of approximately ¥19,150 and ¥22,500.
- Reservations: Strictly by reservation only, made via the OMAKASE website. Bookings are released monthly and are extremely difficult to secure. Walk-ins are not possible.
- Getting There: The restaurant is located in the Nomachi district, about a 10-minute walk from Nomachi Station.
- Seating & Etiquette: There are 8 counter seats. Dinner is served in two seatings, typically starting at 17:00 and 20:15. Guests wait in a small anteroom before being called and must remove their shoes upon entry.
- Payment: Major credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not. A service charge applies.
- Private Rooms: None available.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking is available.
