For over a decade, Ishinomaki has cultivated a loyal clientele drawn to its exceptional Japanese cuisine. What began as a single unit serving Izakaya-style dishes, has now expanded to occupy three of the four units in the basement of Palais Renaissance. This steady growth is a testament to Ishinomaki’s commitment to quality, offering premium ingredients at attractive prices. Recently, they have introduced thoughtfully crafted set menus, providing even more enticing reasons for guests to visit and experience their diverse offerings.
A good example of their value is the Wateishoku Set, priced at $48++ for lunch. I like to call it the “Kiasu” set as it features 17 meticulously arranged items on a single tray. It showcases the breadth of Japanese cuisine in one meal. This impressive selection could easily be transformed into a multi-course “omakase” experience if served individually.
Begin with fresh sashimi and follow it with a selection of small dishes such as monkfish liver, marinated mountain yam, and other pickled dishes. Then proceed to tempura, nimono (simmered eel and bean curd roll), and an assortment of fried and grilled items like gindara, breaded oyster, grilled pork belly, and tamagoyaki. The set also comes with chawanmushi, rice, and soup, ensuring to complete the dining experience. It is worth noting that all the items are made in-house and not out of a packet, so the quality is very good.
Best Seller for the last 10 Years
Much of Ishinomaki’s reputation has been built on their Chirashidon which has been a best seller since their opening a decade ago! And it is not hard to see why.
Each bowl of vinegared rice is topped with 16-17 different types of seafood. And the slices are relatively thick! It is almost like eating a 17 piece sushi course! The seafood varies by season. It is one of the most generous chirashidon I have come across, especially at this price!
Value Sukiyaki Lunch Sets
Their sukiyaki lunch sets start at an accessible $36++ for chicken. For an additional $12, diners can indulge in 120g of premium Japanese A4 wagyu—a truly impressive upgrade. Each set includes a hotpot filled with rich sukiyaki broth, accompanied by rice, chawanmushi, and soup for a complete meal. For those who find Japanese wagyu too decadent, the US short rib is an excellent alternative, priced at $36++ for 150g.
Found by veteran of Japanese cuisine
Although referred to as the “Ishinomaki Group” on their website, the restaurant is, in fact, a family-owned and operated establishment. Chef-owner Chi Pin Han and his wife, Janice, a skilled sake sommelier, embarked on their culinary journey after a meaningful trip to Ishinomaki, Japan, where they provided aid following the tsunami.
Chef Chi, a pioneer in the local Japanese dining scene, channeled his extensive experience into their first restaurant. Over time they expanded by acquiring the adjacent space and transforming it into a bar concept known as Table 33. Their growth continued with the addition of Ki, a teppanyaki and robatayaki venture that further expanded their offerings.
Teppanyaki & Grill
With the Teppan sets, you can either choose to sit at the Teppan counter to enjoy the show, or have it served at your table.
For their Teppan lunch sets you get to choose one meat, two appetizers and two sides. Prices start at $38++ for chicken and $48++ for Beef Tenderloin and Gindara. Aside from the sets you can also do ala carte dishes.
For the grilled section, they also offer grilled seasonal fish such as the Hokkaido makogarei (right facing founder) for $40++. The lunch set comes with chawanmushi, rice and soup.
Conclusion
Situated in the basement of Palais Renaissance, Ishinomaki has built a strong reputation for serving quality Japanese cuisine at attractive prices. Their newly introduced lunch sets uphold this commitment and continuing the approach that has garnered a loyal following over the past decade.
