Koide: Top-Tier Seafood Izakaya

Koide (こいで) is an intense, course-only izakaya in Kanazawa, run by a husband-and-wife team in a tiny, lived-in space. The restaurant has built a formidable reputation for its singular focus on extraordinary ingredients: top-tier seafood from the nearby Sea of Japan, wild mountain vegetables the chef forages himself, and a trove of ultra-rare nihonshu to match.

Guests consistently praise the quality and generosity of the dishes. The sashimi course is a highlight, often featuring multiple types of giant prawns (botan, white, and king-class). Other standout preparations include the huge grilled or tempura-fried nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), seasonal golden crab (ōgon-gani), rich monkfish liver (ankimo), and tempura of foraged maitake mushrooms. The simmered fish dishes, like menuke or kinmedai, are also noted for their deep flavour.

While the experience is overwhelmingly positive, a few guests note that the pacing can be slow or the service curt, a point the restaurant itself makes by stating it prioritizes food and drink over ambiance. The final bill can also climb unpredictably if you order from the premium sake list.

Dinner is by set course only, with reviewers in 2024–2026 reporting prices of ¥25,000 to ¥35,000 per person. With rare sake, final bills can reach ¥40,000–¥45,000 or more. For travellers seeking a once-in-a-trip showcase of Hokuriku's finest seafood and sake, Koide offers exceptional value, but it is not a casual or budget-friendly meal.

• Booking: Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance. Solo diners are not accepted.
• Getting There: Located a 15-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Kanazawa Station.
• Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) and electronic money are accepted. QR code payments are not.
• Seating: There are 6 counter seats and a small tatami area for 10-15 guests. No private rooms.
• Language: Service is primarily in Japanese.
• Notes: The restaurant focuses on pairing food with sake and shochu; it may not be suitable for guests who do not drink alcohol. Portions are large.
• Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
• Parking: One parking space is available.