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Ichikawa

RESTAURANT SUMMARY

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Where three decades of sushi mastery converge with Italian sensibility, Ichikawa Milan represents the pinnacle of authentic Japanese cuisine through Chef Haruo Ichikawa's deeply personal culinary vision. This intimate restaurant stands as a testament to the chef who fundamentally shaped Japan's gastronomic presence across Italy and Europe.

Chef Haruo Ichikawa's journey began in Tokyo before taking him to Los Angeles and finally to Italy in 1990, where he became the architect of authentic Japanese dining culture. His influence spans over 300 restaurants across Europe, and his previous venture, Iyo, earned Milan's first Michelin star for Japanese cuisine in 2015. After decades of elevating others' establishments, Ichikawa opened his eponymous restaurant to offer an unfiltered expression of his culinary philosophy. His mastery earned recognition at the prestigious Girotonno competition in Sardinia, where his innovative approach to tuna preparation claimed first prize in 2014.

The cuisine at Ichikawa transcends typical Japanese offerings, presenting both familiar sushi and sashimi alongside lesser-known family recipes and street food from Japan. The menu showcases Chef Ichikawa's meticulous technique through carefully crafted nigiri and his signature "Toccami" – an award-winning tuna trilogy that employs distinct cooking methods from Tokyo, Carloforte, and Milan. Each dish reflects decades of expertise, balancing texture, flavor, and presentation with surgical precision. The restaurant operates à la carte service, allowing diners to explore the full breadth of authentic Japanese gastronomy beyond conventional expectations.

The dining experience unfolds within a modern, minimalist space where clean lines and thoughtful details create an atmosphere of focused elegance. The sushi counter provides front-row seats to Chef Ichikawa's artistry, while charming touches like panda-shaped chopstick rests add warmth to the refined setting. Service embodies Japanese hospitality principles, with knowledgeable staff eager to guide guests through menu selections. The beverage program features a carefully curated Italian wine list alongside premium green tea varieties, creating harmonious pairings with the seafood-focused cuisine.

Ichikawa Milan offers more than fine dining – it provides access to culinary history in the making. Reservations are essential for this intimate venue where every seat witnesses the mastery of a chef who fundamentally transformed Japanese cuisine in Italy. For discerning diners seeking authentic Japanese gastronomy elevated by decades of refinement, Ichikawa represents an unmissable opportunity to experience the artistry that earned Milan its place on the global Japanese culinary map.

CHEF

Katsumi Ichikawa

ACCOLADES

(2025) Michelin Plate

(2024) Michelin Plate

(2025) Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in Japan Ranked #105

(2024) Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in Japan Ranked #92

CONTACT

Via Lazzaro Papi, 18, 20135 Milano MI, Italy

+39 02 4775 0431

FEATURED GUIDES

NEARBY RESTAURANTS

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