Ryotei Okazaki

Everything from the architecture to the cuisine of this Michelin-starred restaurant will leave you speechless. There’s no doubt that the owner of Ryotei Okazaki pays careful attention to every single detail. Nothing can get more traditional than a ryotei — which is what the Japanese call a luxurious traditional restaurant — what’s more, one that was built over a century ago in 1912! A step into the restaurant will make you feel like you traveled back in time. The current owner is a second-generation master chef, and together with his son and daughter, they run the ryotei together. The main dish in the winter course meal is none other than the torafugu, which is a species of pufferfish known as the tiger pufferfish. It is one of Japan’s most famous delicacies, but also the most poisonous, so eateries selling pufferfish must have a license to prepare and serve it. Not only is Ryotei Okazaki one of the few restaurants allowed to serve the torafugu, but they do so using excellent cooking techniques. Don’t worry if you’re visiting in the summer as their summer course menu is just as delicious — cold miso-boiled eggplant with stewed ayu will leave you wanting more. Regardless of the season, Ryotei Okazaki has a menu specially prepared to exceed your expectations of dishes from a ryotei — all of this with a beautiful garden view during your meal.