TRY THIS PLACE!!!!
SERIOUSLY.
Just try it.
If I didn't live nearby I would make the trip.
Please do not come here if you are in a rush. Please do not come here if you want to order a la carte. It is the chef's menu and totally worth it. (Although they do ask if you have allergies when you reserve and adjust accordingly).
DO come here if you enjoy Japanese food made with care and authenticity.
DO come here if you want something other than just sushi, teriyaki or trendy Japanese styled expensive bistros.
DO come here if you want excellent food
and DO come with an appetite.
You that you will not be disappointed.
It is a nice change from tempura, sushi and sashimi that seems to be the main focus of many Japanese places... here you will find gorgeous presentation and complex and satisfying tastes... ingredients such as soba noodles, dried fish (Bonito? ), seaweed, rice , tuna and other seafood, etc etc.... in traditional style Japanese food made with flare. It is not trying to be trendy... and yet by not being "trendy" Jardin Iwaki manages to be modern and clean in taste while respecting tradition. There is the occasional surprise as well. For example I don't think of bacon when i think japanese... but the small bite sized pancakes with bacon and dried fish.... oh my. I am in danger of drooling at the memory.
Did I mention how pretty the servings are?
Very decent sake menu... wine and Japanese beer are also available.... (not sapporo- for those wanting something different and very tasty). Their house sake is extremely decent for the price... and I recommend it hot... sooooo tasty.
Seriously. .. why are you still reading this and not calling for a reservation?
As a side note... assuming you can handle the extra course you will need to reserve a day in advance if you intend to have the EDO menu which does include a sushi course. Part of me regrets that we did not do this... but we intend to make up for it ... by calling ahead to order and by skipping lunch so we have room.
Also... it is a wonderfully tiny place... with extra space on a terrace... i would assume reservations would be a necessity on busy nights.
As for the service. .. expect polite, kind and gracious service. Also expect a relaxed pace while still efficient... it takes time to savour 6 or 7 courses. And your hosts are delightful.
Domo arigato for the best Japanese meal I have had since Japan.