Imakoko

He may be a world traveler, but Chef Kimihiko Okado’s heart has always belonged to Japan. His father’s work took him to many countries from a young age, and he even enjoyed the privilege of serving as a chef in the Embassy of Japan in Bolivia for two years — a stint that earned him a special award from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But the more Chef Okado traveled, the deeper he fell in love with the delicate flavors of Japanese seasonal cuisine, in particular those of his hometown, Noto, in Ishikawa Prefecture. Founded in 2013, Imakoko is the syncretism of his global experiences, love for Japanese traditional cuisine, and desire to make Noto’s charm known throughout the world. As such, all ingredients are delivered directly from the Noto Peninsula, a region famed for the quality of its seafood, produce and beef. The combination of top-quality ingredients and Chef Okado’s novel twist on traditional Japanese dining ensures that every visitor leaves nursing a longing for Noto’s craggy cliffs, roiling waves and impeccable cuisine.