While visiting Miyajima, I had already heard about the extremely popular Kakiya, said to be the pinnacle of oyster cuisine. After waiting in line and trying it for myself, I completely understood why it has such high ratings and a great reputation!
As soon as I reached the entrance, the traditional Japanese wooden building gave off a warm yet professional feeling. Although you may have to wait during meal times, the staff is very efficient at seating guests and taking orders. As soon as we sat down, we ordered their signature Kakiya Set Meal, which includes oysters prepared in a variety of ways.
The most impressive dish was the plate of plump, freshly grilled oysters in the shell! They arrived at the table still steaming and fragrant with charcoal. With the first bite, the outside was lightly charred and aromatic, while the inside was plump and juicy. The fresh, sweet flavor of the sea burst in my mouth. They were unbelievably fresh, without even a hint of fishiness. In addition to grilled oysters, the set included fried oysters, oyster rice, oysters dressed with vinegar, and oyster miso soup. It was truly a luxurious all-oyster feast.
The oyster rice was especially good, with the rice soaking up the rich seafood flavor. The fried oysters had a crisp, non-greasy coating, with a crunchy exterior, tender center, and all the juices sealed inside. Every dish showed the restaurant's extremely high standards for ingredient quality and freshness. Although it's slightly expensive for a casual meal, it's absolutely a top-quality experience worth the price for seafood lovers. If you're visiting Miyajima, I highly recommend adding Kakiya to your lunch or dinner plans. You're sure to leave completely satisfied and thinking about the meal long afterward!
