Last weekend, my friend Justin and I, along with our close friends and neighbors, decided to spend another weekend exploring the captivating city of Tokyo. After settling into our hotel, we headed to the elegant Aman Tokyo for some pre-dinner cocktails and whiskey pairings. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as we anticipated the culinary adventure that awaited us.
Our taxi dropped us off on a quiet side street in Akasaka, and as we walked up the lantern-lit stone pathway to Shirosaka, we knew we were in for a special treat. The restaurant’s intimate ambiance transported us to the serene beauty of Kyoto, with its L-shaped counter seating, floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a miniature Japanese garden, and the master chef skillfully grilling mackerel over charcoal.
The warm welcome from the charismatic Kota-san, the master sommelier, instantly put us at ease. He greeted us with perfect English, offering hot towels and refreshing drinks. Throughout the evening, he effortlessly ensured that our glasses were full and that every guest felt pampered and content.
The Masterful Hand of Chef Ii
Shirosaka is the brainchild of Hideki Ii, a Tokyo native who honed his culinary skills at renowned restaurants like Tetsuya in Sydney and New York. Before opening his own establishment in 2014, he served as the cook for Japan’s ambassador to the United Nations.
While Shirosaka embraces Japanese cuisine, it defies categorization. Chef Ii’s omakase menu, constantly evolving, offers a symphony of flavors in a relaxed yet refined setting. Each dish, meticulously prepared, pays homage to traditional Japanese techniques while showcasing Chef Ii’s innovative spirit.
The menu highlights the best of seasonal Japanese ingredients, infused with a contemporary touch. Every course is a work of art, bursting with deliciousness and presented with meticulous attention to detail. Shirosaka is especially renowned for its sake pairings, and Kota-san’s recommendations were spot on, complementing each dish perfectly.
A Feast for the Senses
We began our culinary journey with a delightful sip of seasonal autumn sake from Saga prefecture in Kyushu. The first appetizer was a perfectly grilled mackerel, adorned with grated daikon radish. The smoky flavor of the fish was enhanced by accents of sour cream and bonito flakes, creating a harmonious blend of umami and acidity.
Next came Shirosaka’s signature dish, presented in a handcrafted wooden bowl decorated with maple leaves. This artistic arrangement contained an egg-shaped rice cracker, revealing a treasure trove of flavors within: a delicate quail egg, melt-in-your-mouth chutoro (medium fatty tuna) sashimi, dashi jelly, sea urchin, herring eggs, micro-greens, and scallions. The combination of textures and tastes was truly an explosion for the palate.
The tender and flavorful roasted pork from Iwate further delighted our taste buds, accompanied by piquant mustard seeds and sweet potato puree. The perfectly grilled Kamasu white fish was generously topped with truffles and served atop a fragrant fish stock and white miso soup. The earthy notes of the mushrooms and the sweetness of the baby green sprouts perfectly complemented the delicate flavor of the fish.
A pure umami delight followed: thin somen noodles cooked in shrimp oil and topped with sakura shrimp. It was a dish unlike anything we had ever tasted before.
Our final main course was a wagyu beef from Yamagata prefecture, prepared in two ways: slow-cooked in dashi at a low temperature and then char-grilled to perfection. The accompanying Japanese eggplants were incredibly sweet, and the beef melted in our mouths, bursting with flavor.
In keeping with the Japanese tradition, we finished our savory journey with a bowl of rice topped with grilled Santa bowel, served with miso soup and pickles.
Sweet Finale and Unforgettable Experience
Our evening concluded with two exquisite desserts: apple sorbet paired with a 12-year-old Yamazaki whisky and cream cheese ice cream served with fig. The sweet finale was the perfect ending to our memorable culinary experience.
Dining at Shirosaka is a truly unique experience. Making reservations is effortless (simply message them on their Facebook page), the ambiance is both traditional and relaxed, the service is impeccable, and the food and drinks are simply exceptional. Best of all, the price point is incredibly reasonable considering the quality of the cuisine and service. If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Tokyo, Shirosaka is a must-visit.
