Amegen

Founded in 1838, this seafood restaurant is one of the oldest of its kind in Kyushu. It belongs to Karatsu City in the Saga Prefecture, to the northwest of the island, and it has remained in the hands of a single family now for five generations. The current owner is extremely proud of the heritage of his shop, and maintains the high standards that his family have kept for nigh on two centuries. He uses fish from the Tamashima River, carefully selected species which are historically native to the region, by looking through ancient accounts of regional produce. Such dishes include carp sashimi, grilled salmon with a sweet sauce, wild eel, simmered crab, and iced goby fish served so fresh that the body is still moving! The diligence of the owner in researching and creating these authentic regional dishes has won Amegen one Michelin star, just another reason to make the trip to this beautiful corner of the country should you find yourself in the south.