Matsuyama

This kaiseki restaurant in Kitakyushu adopts a minimalist style for its interior, putting all of the focus on the fantastic cooking which goes on here. Take a seat at their 6-capacity counter and prepare to appreciate a high level of artistry in their techniques and presentation. Making use of ingredients from all over Japan, they produce traditional kaiseki dishes which are tinted with the sweet and salty flavors preferred on the island of Kyushu. The final dish is a rice bowl flavored with tsukemono pickles in the Kyoto style, with baby sardines. The meals here are omakase (chef’s choice) only, and the menu changes with the seasons so you’re never sure exactly what you’ll be served. No matter what the chef dreams up for you on any given day, it’s always going to be top-notch, which is why Matsuyama holds a Michelin star.