Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan｜LA CHIAVE

I rarely comment on restaurants; but, the review of 3 days ago was so far off the mark that I must comment. We came for dinner and had the set menu.which involved 6 courses We were thankful for this as we do not speak any Japanese The meal was a culinary experience. I lived in Rome for a year and have been going to Italy for over 50 years with the last time being this April. This meal was as good as any that I have had in Italy. The chef/owner was charming and a very good chef. He worked in Tokyo and and Torino before coming home to Matsumoto. The name of the restaurant means key in Italian. This is a play on words as the chef' s family name means key in Japanese.

What an incredible food experience! The owner and chef is truly amazing!! I didn't feel any attachment to the restaurant's decor. I ordered a bottle of wine for myself, as it was a birthday celebration and my wife was driving. I drank the wine when I got it, and I wasn't impressed since I like red wine with a taste and aroma of oak. The bottle of wine cost 4.800 yen, so I wasn't very happy with that. BUT that all changed when the appetizer plate was served. First of all, it was presented beautifully on the plate. All of the plates of food presentations' had a similar artistic elegance. Secondly, the food was magnificent! After eating, I tried the wine again and realized that it had been paired perfectly. Each plate of food brought out a different experience with the wine. My wife and I were the only customers in the restaurant, as it is the policy of this restaurant to only accept one reservation for lunch. That was incredible, as well. I just found out from my wife that we will be going back to this incredible restaurant on Friday, December 17th. I can't wait!!! This time it will be for my daughter's birthday (and a present for me).

Had an amazing dining experience! Service was phenomenal and the Wagyu steak and gorgonzola spaghetti was full of flavor.