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The Quest for the Best: Japanese Restaurants in Geneva

Le Colibry brings you two very different Japanese restaurants that both offer the best of Japan to Geneva. These two establishments couldn’t be more opposed: on the left bank, a veritable institution of authentic Japanese cuisine; on the right bank, a trendy hangout serving fusion flavors…

Kakinuma: The Left Bank Japanese Institution

Japanese restaurant Kakinuma ownersWho better than owners Shinya and Sho Kakinuma to sum up the philosophy of this Japanese joint, probably the best in the city? “We offer Japanese food and service like they do in Japan. That’s what we want to give our customers.”
It’s true, when you walk into Kakinuma, you could almost be in Japan. The humble restaurant’s reputation is well-established, and you’ll find many Japanese people eating there. The servers are pleasant and attentive, in line with Japanese tradition.

Cuisine: Every dish is divine; the sushi and sashimi are ultra tender, the tempura crisp, and the beef incredibly delicate (Gyu no).
Bonus points: They make sushi platters to go. Very practical when you’re out of ideas for dinner (order in the morning for evening pickup).

Ambiance: Nothing special. The simple decor lets you concentrate entirely on the delectable food.

Getting there:
There are actually two Japanese restaurants with the same name and the same food, both in the Eaux-Vives neighborhood.
Kakinuma – 3 Rue Henri Blanvalet, 1207 Geneva
Isakaya Kakinuma – 6 Rue de Villereuse – 1207 Geneva
Isakaya has a better-lit dining room. On top of the classic menu, it serves typical Japanese family-style fare.
Expect to spend: 28 Swiss francs for the lunch special; most other meals are around 31 Swiss francs.
On the menu: Tendon (assorted tempura, white rice and miso soup), 33 Swiss francs – Gyu no Usuguri Ponzudare (thin slices of beef sautéed in ponzu sauce and served with salad), 37 Swiss francs – Sushi Moriawase (assortment of sushi), 43 Swiss francs.
More information: www.kakinuma.ch

Izumi: The Right Bank Trendy Hangout

Japanese restaurant Izumi viewAnd for good reason: Izumi is located on the rooftop terrace of the Four Seasons hotel.

Ambiance: You’re going to be a bit distracted by the decor…
In summertime, the terrace offers one of the most gorgeous views in the city of Lake Geneva. The nearly 360-degree panorama is simply magnificent.
In colder weather, ask for a table in the small rotunda room (the “library”) when you make your reservation if the terrace isn’t open.

Cuisine: Gourmet contemporary; they serve ingenious (and mouthwatering) fusion food, in the tradition of a sub-cuisine called “nikkei” that pairs Peruvian ingredients with Japanese recipes. A truly international culinary experience.

Must-try: Salad of Swiss Simmental beef with crisp shiitake mushrooms and black sesame-truffle sauce – Lobster salad and baby spinach with miso powder and white truffle oil – Rock shrimp tempura – Japanese Wagyu beef and yellow anticucho sauce with seasonal vegetables – Steamed sea bass with Shimeji mushrooms

Expect to spend: about 58 Swiss francs for a typical main course (à la carte)
Getting there: 33 Quai des Bergues – 1201 Geneva
More information: www.izumi.ch

Le Colibry’s Tip: I recommend making reservations at both Japanese restaurants as they often fill up for both lunch and dinner.

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