Utsuwaryori Sano

It doesn’t get more traditional than this Japanese house-like ryotei built in the Taisho period, complete with tatami flooring and sliding doors as well as a view overlooking a Japanese garden. Utsuwaryori Sano is owned by Junko Sano, a humble yet extremely skilled chef who turned her everlasting love for food into a successful career. Her hospitality is like an icing on the cake — the whole dining experience feels like a visit to a distant relative. Everything about this restaurant is impeccable. Tableware by ceramic artists are used to present the creatively crafted seasonal dishes. Japanese festivals are transformed into edible stories — the cherry blossom-themed course menu is served in spring and ingredients are made to look like they’re covered in snow during the winter season. They’re not just limited to seasons, though. Chef Sano incorporates holidays like Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year) and festivals like the Harvest Moon and Tanabata, as well. The combination of the two components — home-like ambiance and innovative kaiseki cuisine — creates an experience like never before. It’s something that you can only come across at Utsuwaryori Sano, and people near and far have traveled exclusively for this. Because it only caters to a small group of people, it’s best to make your reservation well in advance to secure your spot.