Ika ikezukuri (live squid sashimi)
Ika shūmai (squid dumpling)
Geso (squid legs) tempura
Kawatarō claims to be the first restaurant in Japan to install an on-site fish pool from which the very freshest seafood could be served, pool-to-table. The validity of such a claim aside, this sprawling, delightfully retro Shōwa era restaurant is popular among both locals and visitors alike.
The menu encompasses a variety of fresh seafood from the Genkai Sea, but the star of the show is undoubtedly the Fukuoka speciality ika-ikezukuri; bite sized sashimi prepared from the torso of live Yobuko squid. The result, as the still living squid arrives at your table, is a surprisingly sweet tasting, slightly chewy and transparent flesh the flavour of which is best brought out with either salt or soy sauce and wasabi.
Several prix fixe courses are available, utilizing the whole squid to create ika-ikezukuri, shūmai dumplings, geso (squid leg tempura) and soup, accompanied by several delicate appetizers, simmered dishes and a dessert.
092 271 2133