Located on the lower level of the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel, the Nadaman restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui East was the first branch of the famed Namadan to be opened outside of Japan. Although the cuisine is traditional, the setting at Nadaman is modern. Instead of private tatami dining rooms, as is usually the case for kaiseki ryori restaurants in Japan, Nadaman has a large open dining room. Patrons can opt for seats at the sushi bar or teppanyaki bar. The restaurant can get a bit noisy.

Nadaman is best known for its kaiseki, consisting of multiple courses of traditionally prepared Japanese cuisine. The Kansai region in Japan, where the original Nadaman opened in 1830, is especially renowned for its kaiseki cuisine. Several kaiseki options are on offer at Nadaman, but the most exquisite is the omakase kaiseki, which includes the best dishes chosen at the discretion of the chef. Dishes are seasonal but include an assortment of appetisers, sashimi, a simmered dish, a grilled dish, steamed rice in earthenware with pickles and miso soup, tea and dessert. Each of the dishes are beautifully presented on delicate Japanese chinaware, bringing meaning to the phrase “you eat with your eyes first.” A full a la carte menu is also available, including teppanyaki grilled to order using the freshest ingredients, sushi and sashimi, tempura and rice and noodle dishes. The tokusen nigiri moriawase, a deluxe selection of sushi chosen by the chef, is a good deal at HK$480.

Nadaman’s wine list is limited but carefully selected, with many options available by the glass. Try any of the shochu or sake offerings to accompany a kaiseki meal. Sakes from the Niigata region are renowned for their crisp, clean flavour.

The staff at Nadaman could use a bit more training describing the various dishes, especially since kaiseki ryori often includes subtle flavors and unexpected ingredients. Service is attentive, with the staff making sure glasses are never empty and towels are exchanged frequently.

The omakase kaiseki dinner for two will cost about HK$3,000, excluding wine. A la carte or set meals will cost about HK$1,600 for two.