Zeshin

Both the service and cooking at this traditional kaiseki restaurant in Osaka — the brainchild of a chef with a background in traditional inn kitchens, and a professional waiter — are completely on point. The menu is traditional enough to be recognizable as authentic kaiseki, with enough idiosyncratic flourishes to keep even seasoned fans guessing, such as the cream cheese-filled prawn dish. Central to the range of ingredients is fantastic fresh fish. Guests can enjoy the freshest seasonal varieties such as conger eel in summer and tilefish in winter. The winning combination of exciting cooking and top service have won Zeshin a spot among the Michelin-starred restaurants in Osaka, along with a stellar reputation among locals.