Conveniently located seven minutes on foot from the West Exit of JR Kanazawa Station, ecoutieres is located in a residential alley off a bustling street. Passing by a small signboard bearing the restaurant’s name in front of a detached house, guests are greeted with a light noren curtain with the restaurant’s name on it.
Chef Norio Kawamoto, born in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, in 1964, opened his own restaurant, Preeminence, in Kanazawa to fulfill his dream of opening a three-star French restaurant in his hometown and received the Chevalier de l'ordre du Merite Agricole (Knight of the Order of Agricultural Merit) from the French government. He was also awarded one star in 2021. Subsequently, the renowned chef, who represents the French gastronomic scene of Ishikawa, opened a new restaurant, ecoutieres.
The restaurant’s name is a coined term that means “listening to the voice of ingredients.” Taken over from his previous restaurant, the idea of listening to the voice of ingredients to wow guests is now more explicitly articulated by showing guests how ingredients are transformed into culinary masterpieces right in front of their eyes.
The food menu of ecoutieres features locally produced, seasonal ingredients from around Ishikawa Prefecture and the Hokuriku Region, such as Noto brand beef produced in Ishikawa Prefecture, vegetables from Noto Island, and seafood from Ushitsu, Nanao, and Kanazawa Ports and Toyama Bay. The best ingredients of the day are supplied by producers with whom Chef Kawamoto has built strong relationships through in-person interactions. Wild game meat, such as boar and bear, is also delivered by Hakusan Fumoto Kai in Ishikawa during the game season. In addition, edible wild plants from the sacred Mt. Hakusan, such as wasabi, wild parsley, and spicebush, are essential ingredients that add depth to dishes. To celebrate the natural bounty of the Hokuriku Region, the wild plants from the community forests are powdered or infused in oil to add flavor.
About 80% of the wines on the menu are imported from France, including 25 Champagne wines. There is also a list of French wines, Japanese sakes, and non-alcoholic drinks, such as teas and mixed juices from Shikoku, to pair with dishes.
The dining room and kitchen with a wood-fired oven at the center are furnished and equipped by the chef himself with all his heart and soul. The oven is powered by wood and charcoal. With an L-shaped counter table that seats nine and a dining table that seats four, ecoutieres is the perfect place for small business gatherings, intimate dinners, and anniversary celebrations. In addition, Chef Kawamoto’s elaborate dishes make the restaurant a gourmet hotspot. The restaurant only accommodates children of school age and older who can eat the same meals as adults, but when it is booked exclusively, children of any age are welcome. Moreover, the restaurant also has a simple English menu for guests from overseas.
Upon arrival, guests are first greeted by a large, gilded painting of Kaga Umebachi crests and cherry blossoms, with a height of two meters and a width of five meters, which engraves the image of Kanazawa into their minds. Enjoy dishes at ecoutieres, the ideal destination for all occasions, including personal celebrations, social events, friend gatherings, and trips.
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* The availability of this webpage does not guarantee that the restaurant presented provides services in English, unless otherwise stated. Please be aware that English services may also depend on staff availability at the restaurant.
Access
7 minutes walk from Kanazawa Station West Exit
