I walked into Genkichi with a bit of a paradox: I was in a temple of Kobe beef… and I don’t eat meat. Not for ethical reasons, I just don’t like it. Add celiac disease and a long list of foods I don’t enjoy, and I’m basically the definition of a “difficult customer.”
And yet, I have never felt so understood, respected, and welcomed as I did here.
As soon as I arrived, the sweetest waitress started patiently listing every ingredient, every type of fish, every possible option while I kept answering “no”. She never lost her smile. She took notes and built an entirely customized, meat-free, gluten-free menu just for me. something incredibly rare, especially in smaller Japanese cities.
Meanwhile, my boyfriend (the reason why we were there) finally got to try Kobe beef in Kobe, and according to him it was the best he has ever tasted: tender and fragrant.
The real heart of the evening was the sweet and kind Keiji, the leader and chef of the restaurant. He checked on us several constantly, making sure everything was perfect. He and the entire staff made us feel truly cared for, and not once did they make me feel like a problem for my dietary needs.
I left the restaurant happy and satisfied, something that doesn’t happen often for me, given how picky I am with food.
If you love Kobe beef, this place is a must.
If, like me, you have dietary restrictions or simply very selective tastes, this is one of the few places where you will feel fully listened.
Noemi
