: Hogetsu

I visited around 12:30 PM. At the counter on the right side of the restaurant, a tall and friendly itamae (chef) said, "Excuse me, we have a large group in right now..." indicating that the place was full. When I asked, "Is it okay to wait?" he responded with a smile, "We can accommodate you after 1 PM," so I waited in my car until then. I returned at 1 PM. "Thank you for your patience! Is a counter seat okay?" he asked, and I took a seat at the counter. According to Tabelog and Google reviews, there used to be reasonably priced lunch menus, but perhaps the information was outdated? It seems there are no lunch options available now for around JPY 1000. In the meantime, my companion ordered the seafood rice bowl for JPY 3800, while I chose the nigiri gozen for JPY 2800 (*´꒳`*). Seafood Rice Bowl - JPY 3800 The toppings overflowing from the lidded bowl were quite impressive! "Wow, this is amazing!" It's definitely the showstopper that elicits oohs and aahs from everyone! As my expectations soared, however, when I lifted the lid... I couldn't help but smirk at the somewhat modest presentation. Was it just me? (^◇^;) haha But hey, maybe I was overly excited about it... Presentation and color are indeed important! That said, the itamae immediately said, "I apologize for the wait, so I made sure to add a bit more. The central shellfish is called Tokobushi, which is usually served halved, but I placed two on top so you both could enjoy them, so please go ahead!" What a thoughtful gesture! This was my first time trying Tokobushi! I heard they used to be plentiful around Iki Island, but lately, their harvest has dramatically decreased, making them a rare delicacy. They are softer and tastier than abalone.♫ Nigiri Gozen - JPY 2800 The gozen includes tempura, five pieces of nigiri, chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), miso soup, white rice, and pickles. Being a kaiseki restaurant, the presentation was beautiful, offering a visual delight. If I had to critique, I think the miso soup and chawanmushi could benefit from a stronger dashi flavor. It would be perfect!