アルボス
On a hot summer night in late July of this year (’22), I encountered a new counter-style Japanese restaurant called "Daigetsu" in Osaka Fukushima. The restaurant exudes a sense of luxury while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere, with a live cooking experience and impressive creative a la carte menu. The owner, Masakazu Nishiguchi, honed his skills for 8 and a half years at the renowned Osaka Shinsaibashi restaurant "Shimanouchi Ichiyō" before opening his own establishment. The interior of the restaurant features a hinoki counter, and the balance between luxury and casual vibes is just right, making it a delightful place to enjoy food and drinks.
During my visit, I was warmly greeted and served by the friendly owner and a young female staff member. Starting with a bottle of beer and a complimentary appetizer of "Okahijiki, Crab, and Itaya Clam with Japanese-style Hollandaise sauce," I could already sense the chef's skillful craftsmanship and rich harmony of flavors. I then proceeded to order dishes such as "Bluefin Tuna Sashimi," "Bonito Tataki," "Mikawa Eel Soy Grilled," "Crab Cream Spring Roll," and "Shrimp Tempura and Tamago Rice Bowl," each meticulously prepared with attention to detail.
The grilled eel stood out for its perfectly balanced fat content and seasoning, while the crab cream spring roll was a standout dish with its deep flavors and creamy texture. The finale of the meal, the shrimp tempura and tamago rice bowl, also impressed with its harmonious combination of flavors. I paired the meal with a glass of "Chou-Ōroku," a junmai sake from Shimane's Ōroku Sake Brewery, served in a beautiful tin sake pitcher and glass.
The drink menu featured clear pricing, with sake priced at 900 yen per serving, shochu at 600 yen, wine at 950 yen per glass, whiskey at 600 yen, and soft drinks at 500 yen. The atmosphere and service at the restaurant were casual and welcoming, with the owner even offering pickled cabbage and plum wine after the meal. Despite the restaurant being fully booked with regular customers of the owner, I, as a first-time visitor, felt relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience.
The total bill for one appetizer, two sashimi dishes, three main dishes, a bottle of beer, and a serving of sake came to 9,570 yen including tax. While the prices may be on the higher side, the unique charm of a la carte kaiseki dining at "Daigetsu" is worth experiencing, offering a high-quality Japanese cuisine with the chef's personal touch and creativity. If you're looking to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine in a casual setting, I highly recommend visiting this up-and-coming gem in Osaka. "Daigetsu" is open from 5:00 PM to midnight and conveniently located near JR Fukushima/Shin-Fukushima Station.