After the New Year, we traveled to Izu.
The winter air was crisp, the hot spring was deeply relaxing, and by evening we were more than ready for dinner.
Arcana Izu’s cuisine feels less about dramatic presentation and more about being truly, reliably delicious.
Local ingredients handled with care. No unnecessary theatrics. Just thoughtful cooking that builds satisfaction course by course.
Here is the dinner, in order.
- 💎 Tapas
- 🐟 Fine Slice of Sawara / Cauliflower / Dill Jus
- 🐓 Amagi Chicken Galantine / Burdock Coulis / Composed Salad
- 🦞 Lightly Cooked Langoustine & Bisque / Broccoli / Black Rice
- 🐟 Fish of the Day / Scallion Heart / Yuzu Butter
- 🦌 Wild Boar (Two Preparations) / Jerusalem Artichoke / Caramelized Shiitake
- 🧀 Cheese Course
- 🍓 Ice Cream Disk / Strawberry in Red Wine / Pomegranate
- 🍊 Citrus & Chocolate Combination / Cheese Crémeux
- 🍫 Mignardises – “Boîte d’Épices”
- ✨ Final Thoughts | Consistently, Comfortably Excellent
- 🤝 Familiarity Index 🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏 2 Globes
- 🔗 Related Article
💎 Tapas
The tapas were presented like a small forest floor — playful but elegant.
They were visually delightful and genuinely tasty.
A charming and appetizing start that naturally raised expectations for what was to come.
🐟 Fine Slice of Sawara / Cauliflower / Dill Jus
The first plated course featured sawara (Spanish mackerel).
The texture was tender, and the cooking felt precise.
It had richness without heaviness, paired beautifully with the gentle sweetness and texture of cauliflower.
A clear dill jus added freshness and lightness.
From the first bite, I quietly thought, “This is going to be good.”
🐓 Amagi Chicken Galantine / Burdock Coulis / Composed Salad
The Amagi chicken had a firm, satisfying texture, with flavor that deepened as you chewed.
The slightly tangy burdock coulis added an earthy note, while the composed salad and herbs kept everything balanced and fresh.
Not flashy — but by the end, I found myself thinking, “I really like this.”
There’s something reassuring about a dish that simply tastes right.
🦞 Lightly Cooked Langoustine & Bisque / Broccoli / Black Rice
The langoustine was plump, sweet, and beautifully textured.
The broccoli element added brightness and color, while the bisque brought gentle depth without overwhelming the seafood.
Black rice provided a pleasant textural contrast.
I honestly caught myself murmuring, “Wow… this is so good.” Those spontaneous reactions are always a good sign.
🐟 Fish of the Day / Scallion Heart / Yuzu Butter
The market fish that evening was delicate and refined.
A yuzu-scented butter sauce added subtle richness, while the scallion heart gave natural sweetness and structure.
The finishing butter, placed on top, was thoughtfully crafted and visually charming.
It wasn’t dramatic — just genuinely delicious.
And sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
🦌 Wild Boar (Two Preparations) / Jerusalem Artichoke / Caramelized Shiitake
The Amagi wild boar was presented in two preparations.
The first featured thinly sliced mushrooms layered over the dish, adding aroma and an earthy depth that complemented the meat beautifully.
The main preparation was tender and deeply flavorful, paired with a rich sauce and the comforting winter notes of Jerusalem artichoke and caramelized shiitake.
It felt seasonal, satisfying, and thoughtfully composed — a strong centerpiece of the meal.
🧀 Cheese Course
A cheese course followed, offering a savory pause before dessert.
At this point we were already comfortably full — but still happily continuing.
🍓 Ice Cream Disk / Strawberry in Red Wine / Pomegranate
Strawberries marinated in red wine paired with the brightness of pomegranate.
Light, not overly sweet, and refreshing after the richness of the previous courses.
The presentation was charming and uplifting — a lovely transition into the final desserts.
🍊 Citrus & Chocolate Combination / Cheese Crémeux
Bright citrus, gentle bitterness from chocolate, and a creamy cheese component.
Each element was balanced; none dominated the others.
By now I was quite full, but somehow when something tastes this good, you still finish it. Funny how that works.
🍫 Mignardises – “Boîte d’Épices”
Small sweets presented in a spice-box-inspired display.
Enjoying the aromas while slowly nibbling at the end felt relaxed and unforced.
Even when you say you’re completely full, you still reach for one more.
✨ Final Thoughts | Consistently, Comfortably Excellent
Dinner at Arcana Izu isn’t about showmanship.
It’s about skill, balance, and respect for local ingredients from Izu’s mountains and sea.
Course after course, the meal delivered steady satisfaction rather than dramatic highs and lows. By the end, I felt genuinely fulfilled.
To begin the new year with a meal like this — calm, precise, deeply enjoyable — felt like a very good start.
If you’re looking for a place in Izu where the food truly delivers, Arcana Izu is one I would confidently recommend.
🤝 Familiarity Index 🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏 2 Globes
👉 Click [here] for a full explanation of the Familiarity Index.
🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍 (5 Globes)
Very Easy to Enjoy — Flavors and ingredients are globally familiar, often with Western influences or elements that international guests already love (such as beef, creamy textures, or fusion touches). Approachable and comforting, though from a Japanese perspective they may feel less “purely traditional.”
🌍🌍🌍🌍 (4 Globes)
Mostly Approachable — Primarily Japanese in style, but with gentle flavors or familiar ingredients that make them easy for non-Japanese diners to enjoy. Subtle adaptations or influences may make the dish feel slightly less traditional, but still well-balanced.
🌍🌍🌍 (3 Globes)
Moderately Familiar — A balance of traditional Japanese elements with flavors that remain accessible. Some aspects may feel unique or surprising, but the overall impression is understandable. Often seen as a good “bridge” between cultures.
🌍🌍 (2 Globes)
Challenging but Interesting — Deeply rooted in Japanese culinary culture. Flavors such as fermented notes, delicate broths, or unique textures may feel far from Western-style meals, but rewarding for those who enjoy culinary exploration.
🌍 (1 Globe)
Highly Unfamiliar — Very traditional and often perceived as mysterious or even difficult for non-Japanese palates. These dishes embody the essence of Japan’s food culture, even if they feel distant to global taste.
🔗 Related Article
If you’d like to see more about the stay itself, including details of the guest room and atmosphere, you can read my full room review here:
Arcana Izu Room Review:
https://aveniora.com/en/arucanaizu-room/