タケマシュラン
Located a little away from the city center of Hakodate, "Umeno Sushi" has been selected as one of the top 100 restaurants on Tabelog, showcasing its true quality. Situated on a street called "Sakuragaoka-dori," lined with beautiful cherry blossoms, this place is perfect for a visit during the Golden Week holiday. The restaurant offers a counter seat with a view of a lovely garden and private rooms. While taking photos is not allowed at the counter, it is allowed in the private rooms. The atmosphere is that of a lively sushi restaurant, welcoming guests with phrases like "Welcome!" and "Oh my goodness!" The reason behind the no photography rule remains a mystery, perhaps out of consideration for the regular local customers. The prices for alcohol are reasonable, with bottled beer and sake priced under 1,000 yen each, making it a great place to enjoy drinks without breaking the bank. We ordered the 11,000 yen course menu, starting with a sashimi platter. The dishes were simple yet delicious, with no unnecessary embellishments. The grilled dish featured Kinmedai, which was rich in flavor without being overly seasoned. The squid sashimi was also delightful, showcasing the matured texture of the local squid. The addition of fresh sea cucumber as a bonus was a pleasant surprise. The "Seafood Yaki" dish, reminiscent of a savory pancake with various seafood cooked into the batter, was heartwarming and full of umami flavor. While unconventional for a sushi restaurant, it was a delightful addition to the meal. The sushi was served on a plate in the private room, lacking the personalized touch of being served one by one at the counter. However, the flavors of the Yellowtail, Botan Shrimp, and Snow Crab were irresistible. The soup dish was average, lacking the intense seafood flavors we were hoping for. After finishing the course menu, we decided to order additional dishes. The Ankimo was fresh and creamy, surpassing our expectations. The Scallop Ishibeyaki, a simple yet delicious dish of scallops grilled with seaweed, was a highlight of the meal. We ended the meal with a few more pieces of nigiri, including Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Kampyo. The unexpected deliciousness of the Mackerel left us in awe. Overall, the total cost per person was around 15,000 yen, which was reasonable considering the quality of the food and drinks. The restaurant offers a fair pricing system, allowing customers to enjoy a la carte options and order as they please. This traditional sushi experience far surpasses the competitive and hectic sushi restaurants in Tokyo.