Chinese Muramatsu: Creative Seafood Counter Dining

Chinese Muramatsu (中国料理 村松) offers a unique dining experience in Shizuoka: a long, theatrical tasting menu served at an intimate seven-seat counter. The entire evening is a performance, with Chef Muramatsu preparing and finishing each course in front of you. The focus is squarely on exceptional local seafood, sourced from the famed Sasue Maeda fishmongers, transformed using creative Chinese cooking techniques.

Guests consistently praise the quality of the fish and the sheer generosity of the portions. Standout dishes mentioned in reviews include a cold chawanmushi (savoury custard) with raw shirasu (whitebait) and nori seaweed, Hong Kong-style tilefish with its scales fried to a crisp, and whole steamed marbled rockfish (ukkari kasago) finished with sizzling scallion oil. A sashimi salad featuring horse mackerel or flounder is another recurring favourite, as is the house-made annin dofu (almond jelly) for dessert.

Diners should be aware that the meal is a lengthy affair, often lasting three to four hours, and is overwhelmingly focused on seafood. A few reviewers noted some inconsistency between dishes or felt that service favoured regular customers. The tasting course costs around ¥14,300 plus a 5% service charge, with recent guest bills including drinks typically landing between ¥17,000 and ¥19,300. Despite the price, most consider it excellent value for the quality, creativity, and volume of food.

• Reservations: Bookings are essential and should be made via TableCheck, often a month or more in advance for popular dates.
• Getting There: The restaurant is a 10-minute walk from Otowacho Station.
• Seating: There are just 7-8 counter seats, with one seating per evening.
• Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners, UnionPay) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
• Children: Children are welcome, provided they eat the full adult tasting menu. A children's menu is only available for private bookings of the entire restaurant.
• Practical Notes: The meal is very long and filling, so arrive hungry. The menu is seafood-forward; be sure to state any dietary restrictions or allergies when booking. A 5% service charge is added to the final bill.