Kado no Mise: An Authentic Japanese Experience in Minneapolis
Kado no Mise (translating to “Corner Restaurant”) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a Japanese restaurant and bar known for its dedication to authentic, traditional Japanese cuisine, particularly Edomae sushi and the refined art of Kaiseki.1
🌟 What Makes It Unique
Kado no Mise stands out for offering three distinct, high-level Japanese dining and drinking experiences in one location, centered around the philosophy of Chef Shigeyuki Furukawa:2
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Authentic Edomae Sushi: Kado no Mise focuses on serving simple, delicate Japanese fare and Edomae sushi, which is true to the tastes and form Chef Furukawa learned in his hometown of Tokyo.3 This means avoiding “Midwesternized” or bizarre rolls and expertly seasoning each piece of nigiri, often with real fresh-grated wasabi or a house-pressed soy sauce, removing the need for customers to season it themselves.4
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Kaiseki Furukawa: This is a rare, multi-course Japanese dining experience rooted in 16th-century tea ceremony traditions, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and being present in the moment.5 It is a reservations-only, intimate experience.6
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Gori Gori Peku: Located across the hallway, this is an intimate Japanese whisky bar, offering a comprehensive selection of premium Japanese whisky for walk-in patrons.7
The restaurant aims to introduce the Midwest to this traditional style of Japanese food and culture, moving away from what Chef Furukawa once called being “sick of making California rolls.”8
📜 History and Key Events
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Opening: Kado no Mise, along with Kaiseki Furukawa, opened around 2017 on the second floor of its North Loop location.9
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Chef’s Mission: Chef Shigeyuki Furukawa, hailing from the Saitama Prefecture in Greater Tokyo, established the restaurant with the mission to introduce authentic Japanese cuisine and culture to the local scene, having been dissatisfied with the “Midwesternized” Japanese food he’d encountered previously.10
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Evolution of Service: Over time, the restaurant has evolved its service model. While it initially had an a la carte dining area downstairs, it transitioned to primarily focus on Omakase (a chef’s tasting menu, meaning “I leave it up to you”) reservations upstairs at the chef’s counter and dining room.11
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James Beard Recognition: Chef Shigeyuki Furukawa was named a finalist for the prestigious James Beard Awards Best Chef: Midwest in 2025 (according to search results from the past year), a significant event highlighting the restaurant’s quality and impact on the national dining scene.12
🍽️ Highlight Menu Items
Kado no Mise’s menu centers on its set Omakase and Kaiseki tasting menus, offering a progression of thoughtfully prepared dishes:13
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Omakase Nigiri: The core offering includes multiple-piece nigiri courses, sequenced from lighter to stronger flavors.14 The fish is noted for its freshness and unique variety beyond the typical tuna, salmon, and yellowtail.15 Specific standouts often include:
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Toro (fatty bluefin tuna)16
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Uni (sea urchin)17
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Wagyu (in the deluxe Omakase option)18
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Chawanmushi: A savory steamed egg custard, frequently highlighted for its delicate flavor, often featuring king crab, shiitake mushrooms, and gingko nuts.19
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Specialty Dishes: Other well-regarded items from the tasting menus include:
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Masunosuke Yuan Yaki: Yuzu-glazed king salmon.20
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Kinoko Chasoba: Matcha-buckwheat noodles.
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Jikasei Sorbet: A refreshing house-made sorbet (often green tea or a seasonal flavor like tomato) that serves as a palate cleanser.21
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Beverages: The drink menu is extensive, with a particular focus on Sake and a wide array of options at the adjacent Gori Gori Peku Japanese whisky bar.22
🗣️ Customer Feedback
Customer feedback generally praises the restaurant for its authentic experience and high-quality ingredients.23
| Positive Feedback Highlights | Occasional Criticism/Notes |
| Authenticity: Feels like a genuine Japanese dining experience; not “Midwesternized.” | Price: It is noted as a splurge/expensive experience. |
| Omakase Experience: Seeing the chef prepare the food and the carefully orchestrated flavors is memorable. | “Japanese Full” vs. “American Full”: Some note that even the maximum number of courses leaves one “satisfied but not stuffed,” in line with traditional Japanese dining. |
| Exceptional Service: Servers and chefs are friendly, engaging, and attentive, often noting details like a guest being left-handed. | Rice Quality: While many praise the preparation (noting it’s often a Hokkaido rice prepared with red vinegar), some isolated reviews have questioned the texture or mouthfeel. |
📍 Location & Contact Information
| Item | Details |
| Address | 33 North 1st Street, Second Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55401 |
| Phone | (612) 338-1515 |
| Website | https://www.kadonomise.com/ |
