Machiya Dining Aguri

There are uncommon moments in life when you have a dining experience that is revolutionary. While Kanazawa is chock-full of amazing restaurants, Aguri is something very special, and definitely worth visiting if you appreciate artistically plated and perfectly flavored dishes. I read the 6 reviews he...re and decided to give this place a shot, as it happened to be walking distance from my hotel, and conveniently situated next to the stunning Nagamachi neighborhood where the Samurais once lived. The meal served here was fit for royalty, yet priced for the masses. The sashimi, quite honestly the best I've had in Japan, was supremely fresh, sliced with precision and served two of us for 1800 Yen. The hamachi kama, in this area called buri, was colossal, tender, juicy and easily the most memorable version I've ever enjoyed, for 1500 Yen. The menu price was half that, but our server said that because it was so huge, the price had to be adjusted. It was worth every Yen! We also ordered firefly squid in miso with an assortment of green vegetables, and this dish nearly caused a fight at the table because it was so delicious as became greedy... Service, as always in Japan, was relaxed and efficient. You receive a hot towel upon sitting, then a beautiful trio of small bites, including tuna, octopus and delicious local tomatoes, and snap peas. We enjoyed a solid French Chardonnay with our meal for around 600 Yen per glass, and all the food mentioned above with four glasses of wine came to 8000 Yen. We had much less satisfying meals for considerably more $$ elsewhere. Don't be fooled by the plain exterior; this place has a warm, inviting atmosphere inside, plus a sleek upstairs dining area that can accommodate larger groups and families. The chef/owner came out to say hello and express his gratitude for our visit, but mainly it was us gushing much-deserved praise for his culinary expertise and hospitality. Believe what you read in these reviews; Aguri is a hidden gem in this magical city.

Visited March 2020

We absolutely loved this place. As regular diners from New Zealand we are fortunate to enjoy amazing fresh food on a regular basis but not only was this our favorite meal in Japan this was one of the best meals ever.The beef is out of this world and the atmosphere and service is totally charming.

Visited December 2019

Very close to our hotel, New grand and we stumbled across this restaurant. Food was really nice and service great, they had English menu and one waiter spoke limited English. Beer and wine was good. Well worth a visit and you will probably want to return.

Visited October 2019

This was a fantastic evenings food. New to Japanese food, the range abd choicevof dishes was amazing. Far better than a similar meal in Tokyo earlier this week. Staff helpful, good sake to drink alongside meal. Great place, great food

Visited October 2019

Delicious Izakaya food. Yummy desserts. One of our best meals in Japan. Friendly staff. You won't be disappointed

Visited September 2019