Rome · Kaiseki · omakase
Kohaku
KaisekiMichelin Inspector's Favourite50Top Italy 2024 #3 Best SushiGambero Rosso 3 BacchetteFirst kaiseki in RomeLudovisi
The first kaiseki restaurant in Rome and a Michelin Inspector's Favourite, Kohaku near Via Veneto is led by Japanese chefs Hideyuki Matsushita (kaiseki tasting menu) and Kazuaki Kawane (kaiseki sushi counter). It was ranked #3 Best Sushi in Italy by 50Top Italy 2024 and holds three Bacchette in Gambero Rosso.
- Price
- ¥¥¥¥
- Area
- Ludovisi
- Chef
- Hideyuki Matsushita
- Owner
- Sabrina Bai
Plate № 05
About
Kohaku brought Rome its first dedicated kaiseki experience — the multi-course Japanese haute cuisine that changes with the seasons and reflects the philosophy of harmony between food, vessel and setting. Japanese chefs Hideyuki Matsushita and Kazuaki Kawane lead the two-format operation: a full kaiseki tasting menu and a counter focusing on kaiseki-style sushi. Owner Sabrina Bai, born in China and trained in Japan, has built one of the most acclaimed Japanese restaurants in Italy, earning recognition from Michelin (Inspector's Favourite), 50Top Italy (2024 #3 Best Sushi in Italy), and Gambero Rosso (3 Bacchette). The restaurant also holds three Mappamondi in the Gambero Rosso guide.
Neighborhood & visiting
Kohaku sits in Ludovisi, one of Rome's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused kaiseki counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional kaiseki restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Rome's first kaiseki restaurant — a category-defining address
- Michelin Inspector's Favourite and 50Top Italy 2024 #3 Best Sushi
- Two Japanese chefs: Matsushita (kaiseki menu) and Kawane (sushi counter)
- Gambero Rosso 3 Bacchette — Italy's top sushi recognition
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Frequently asked
About Kohaku
- Is Kohaku an authentic kaiseki restaurant in Rome?
- Yes — Kohaku is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for kaiseki in Rome: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused kaiseki format.
- Where is Kohaku located?
- Kohaku is located at Via Marche, 66, 00187 Roma, Italy, Rome, Italy in the Ludovisi neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Kohaku?
- Kohaku accepts reservations online. For an authentic kaiseki experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Kohaku?
- Kohaku sits in the ¥¥¥¥ price range — typical for kaiseki of this format in Rome.
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