Tabelog ratingSushi-ya Kozakura (すし屋 小桜) is a counter of just eight seats where a Tokyo-trained chef applies Edo-style technique to fish from the Hokuriku coast of the Japan Sea. Reviewers note how he adjusts the temperature and size of the rice to each fish. Fatty nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) and tuna get warmer, larger rice. The counter has been selected for Tabelog's Sushi WEST "Tabelog 100" in 2021, 2022 and 2025.
Almost every review praises the rice, which is loose in the mouth yet holds its shape. The pieces named most often are nodoguro, extra-large springy amaebi (sweet shrimp), shiro-ebi (white shrimp), sea urchin wrapped in Ariake nori, and squid with yuzu salt and sesame tucked inside. The soufflé-like castella tamago, made with brandy and honey, also draws praise. Many guests enjoy the chef's running commentary on the fish and the local sake list, and repeat visitors are common.
A minority find the chef curt or irritated, particularly with latecomers. Some mention a disputed booking time and the strict full cancellation fee. Smaller complaints concern the sweet pickled ginger, the coffee-jelly dessert and the tamago running out.
Diners in 2025–2026 reported paying around ¥11,000–12,100 for the lunch omakase: ten pieces, a hand roll, miso soup and dessert. The dinner omakase rose from around ¥22,000 to ¥26,500, and one diner's total came to about ¥30,000 with sake. Prices for extra pieces are not documented, but add-ons accumulate fast. Two diners spent ¥36,000 at lunch without alcohol. Expect roughly ¥10,000–15,000 per person at lunch and ¥20,000–30,000 at dinner.
Reviewers consider it good value and often compare it with Tokyo counters charging ¥50,000 or more. They say lunch uses the same fish as dinner, which makes it the better deal.
- Age restriction: no children; only guests of university age or older (students or working adults) are admitted.
- Booking: reservation only, by phone on 076-213-8558. Walk-ins are not possible, so book as early as you can. Cancellations sometimes free up seats.
- Language: the restaurant reportedly turns away guests who do not speak Japanese, so book through a hotel concierge or travel agent.
- Timing: everyone starts together at a fixed time (lunch at 12:00), so arrive punctually. A 100% cancellation fee applies.
- Getting there: 3 minutes' walk from JR Kanazawa Station, East Exit.
- Payment: VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX and Diners accepted. Electronic money and QR payments are not accepted.
- Seating: 8 counter seats, no private rooms. The whole counter can be booked for private use.
- Smoking: non-smoking; ashtray outside.
- Parking: none; coin parking nearby.
