Tabelog ratingSushi Dokoro Mekumi (すし処 めくみ) is a temple to the seafood of Japan's North-Hokuriku coast. At an intimate eight-seat counter, chef Takayoshi Yamaguchi presents a highly focused omakase experience built on his personal relationships with Noto fishers and years of expertise in ageing and curing. The restaurant is particularly famous for its winter crab season, where multiple species are showcased in a sequence of preparations.
The signature of the house is its shari: warm, seasoned with red vinegar, and exceptionally soft. The nigiri are formed with such a light touch that they seem to almost collapse in the mouth. This distinctive style is a highlight for many, though it can be divisive for those who prefer a firmer rice texture. Reviewers consistently praise the crab courses, which can include crab porridge, steamed red snow crab, and Zuwai crab served with rich crab miso. Other frequently lauded dishes include grilled nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), uni rice, aburi botan shrimp, and steamed abalone. The chef's deep knowledge and the tightly choreographed service are considered integral to the meal.
Some diners find the overall portion size to be light, and a few have noted variability in the menu outside of the peak crab season. The restaurant operates with strict rules: service begins promptly for all guests, and photography of the nigiri is prohibited.
Dinner and lunch are typically priced from ¥40,000 to ¥50,000 per person. However, recent guest experiences show a wider range depending on the season and drinks. Reviewers have reported paying around ¥50,000 without alcohol, while a bill for two with a sake pairing was approximately ¥65,000. During the coveted winter crab season, the omakase can cost ¥80,000 or more.
- Getting There: The restaurant is not near a train station. It is best reached by taxi, which takes about 25–30 minutes from central Kanazawa (approx. ¥3,000–¥4,000) or 10 minutes from Nonoichi Station.
- Reservations: Essential. Bookings must be made online via sites like OMAKASE, Pocket Concierge, or TABLEALL for international visitors. Seats are released up to three months in advance and fill very quickly.
- Seating: There are just 8 counter seats. All guests are served at the same time, so punctuality is required.
- Payments: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Dress Code: Smart casual.
- Photography: Photography of nigiri sushi is not permitted. Photos of other small dishes (otsumami) may be allowed, but video and large cameras are forbidden.
- Smoking: The restaurant is officially non-smoking.
- Parking: Available.