If you’re looking to enjoy sushi in the beautiful city of Amsterdam, the city of sin, you have many fantastic Japanese restaurants to choose from. One of these options is the Japanese restaurant Hosokawa, which has been around since 1992. It was established by former Masterchef Hosokawa from the renowned Okura Hotel. It’s beloved by many sushi enthusiasts and is also listed in the Michelin Guide and GAULT MILLAU. A refined Japanese restaurant where the art of Japanese cuisine comes to life. It’s a place you simply must experience, right?
Refined sashimi
What can I say? I’m crazy about sashimi—absolutely obsessed, in fact. Especially when I get a plate of sashimi with the quality I experienced at Hosokawa. Just one glance at this beautiful plate and you’re bound to melt, right? Just like the tuna that melts on your tongue as soon as you take a bite. The quality served here is outstanding. The fresh, delicate sashimi is just a preview of the culinary delights yet to come. Every bite is a celebration, and I can’t wait for the next round. This is pure bliss!
A feast with a plate full of delicious nigiri!
But that wasn’t all. Next, I was served a plate full of delicious nigiri. This selection was a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The salmon nigiri was butter-soft, the tuna had a rich, full flavor, the scallop was silky and perfectly cooked, and the tamago was a perfect balance of sweet and umami. Each piece of nigiri was a small work of art and a perfect complement to the exquisite sashimi. This plate, bursting with flavor, completed the experience and left me craving more.
The rich flavor of unagi
And as if it couldn’t get any better, a plate arrived featuring, among other items, an Uramaki Unagi. It was truly perfect in flavor. The outside was beautifully crispy, while the inside was filled with tender, rich eel that melted in your mouth. The combination of the crunchy cucumber and the lightly sweet sauce on top made each bite an absolute sensation. The balance of flavors and textures was spot-on, and it was clear that the kitchen team had put a lot of skill and passion into their work.
The restaurant itself
As you can tell, there was nothing wrong with the food. My taste buds danced around in my mouth all evening. But when I go out to eat, I’m not just looking for delicious food; I also seek warmth and coziness to have a great evening.
Unfortunately, I missed that in Hosokawa. The location itself is a bit hard to find, despite being next to the Holland Casino. It’s somewhat tucked away in a corner of Max Euweplein. Perhaps that’s why there weren’t many customers on the Friday evening we visited. For me, Friday marks the start of a sparkling weekend, but unfortunately, it wasn’t sparkling inside the restaurant. It was… quiet. There was only one other table occupied, and that was by the Teppanyaki grill.
The staff seemed a bit downhearted as well. It’s something you notice not just as a guest, but also feel as a guest. There was no pleasant background music either. As a result, the restaurant lacked any atmosphere, which is a shame because, for lovers of Japanese cuisine, this place is a paradise!
Hosokawa has so much potential with its excellent dishes. If the atmosphere were as sparkling as the food, this restaurant would be a top destination for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine. With a bit more focus on the ambiance, Hosokawa could truly become a place where you go not only for the fantastic food but also for a complete and unforgettable night out.
Address Hosokawa
Address Hosokawa:
Max Euweplein 22,
1017 MB Amsterdam
Booking via the website: https://hosokawa.nl/