Makimura

The dining culture of Japan can at times seem overly formalist to outside eyes. Many of the high-end eateries in the city center are manned by chefs with furrowed brows and an intense aura. This couldn’t be further from the style of Makimura, a kaiseki restaurant in Shinagawa run by a friendly couple who give their guests the warmest hospitality possible. Akio Makimura travels to Tsukiji Market every morning to gather the best seafood from the day’s catch. In the evenings, his wife joins him in preparing excellent classic dishes such as rice and salmon with green tea, and their speciality sea bream. Their dishes are usually a pairing of just two ingredients, which the Makimuras believe allows the taste of each ingredient to shine fully, without getting lost in a flurry of flavors. The restaurant only seats six, and the owners are happy to let you dine for as long as you please. It’s no wonder that their cooking skills and personal charm have earned them a full three Michelin stars.