Chisou Sottaku Ito, a renowned Japanese restaurant in Hiroshima operated by master chef Hisamasa Hirano, is celebrated for its deep, rich broth utilizing local Hiroshima spring water and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Consistently maintaining a Tabelog score above 4.5, it holds the top spot in Hiroshima. Reservations are exclusively available through Tabelog or TableCheck.
How to Reserve a Table at Chisou Sottaku Ito?
Securing a reservation at Chisou Sottaku Ito is exclusively done online via Tabelog or TableCheck. The most straightforward methods involve aiming for the reservation opening dates or monitoring Tabelog for cancellations. If you miss the initial opening, you can also email the international sommelier to request a spot on the cancellation waiting list. One of their signature dishes, the rockfish (okoze) with a 36-year-aged ponzu sauce and unique momiji oroshi (a mix of daikon radish and chili pepper), is a must-try.
What Makes Chisou Sottaku Ito's Broth So Special?
The restaurant's standout feature is its broth, crafted using the abundant spring water from the Hiroshima region. It incorporates carefully selected ingredients like Rishiri kelp aged for 9 years and bonito flakes aged for 20 years. This unique blend, combined with Hiroshima Mihara's soft water, creates a distinctive and profound flavor profile. The broth offers an immediate, stimulating yet fresh taste, so much so that many patrons feel it's worth visiting for the broth alone, especially for those who enjoy sake. Their clam dish, for instance, emphasizes freshness over a strong aroma, delivering a subtle sweetness.
What Are the Signature Dishes at Chisou Sottaku Ito?
Chisou Sottaku Ito offers a variety of dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. A notable example is their 'Wanmono' (soup dish), featuring pufferfish milt and mochi in a broth made with Morikawa Jozo brewery's water from Kure City, Hiroshima. Another popular item is the bamboo shoot dish, using premium bamboo shoots from the Wakagoro farm in Kōtsu, Osaka. These bamboo shoots are cultivated in darkness and fertilized organically, ensuring exceptional texture and flavor. It's often served with Kinome miso (a sansho leaf miso paste) to enhance the bamboo's natural taste.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Chisou Sottaku Ito?
Reservations are mandatory at Chisou Sottaku Ito, especially for weekends and peak seasons. As mentioned, booking is only possible online through Tabelog or TableCheck. The restaurant focuses on the delicate flavors characteristic of Japanese cuisine, which might be a new experience for those accustomed to bolder tastes. However, the carefully selected ingredients and unique broth promise a truly special culinary journey. English-speaking staff are available, making it a comfortable dining experience for international visitors.
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