Zho Fishing Restaurant — Review by Eating With Tod
Osaka, Japan — Japanese seafood
Zho Fishing Restaurant in Osaka offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience where guests fish for their own dinner from a boat. The caught fish is expertly prepared two ways - as crispy tempura and fresh sashimi - all for an affordable price of around 3,500 yen. This is an unforgettable interactive restaurant experience, though it requires patience and time commitment.
What was great: Unique interactive fishing experience, fish cooked two ways (tempura fried and sashimi), crispy preparation, affordable price for the experience
What could improve: Requires significant time commitment for the experience
The Dishes
The star of the experience at Zho Fishing Restaurant is undoubtedly the fish you catch yourself. Once your catch is reeled in and announced to the entire restaurant with a dramatic drum bang, you get to choose how it's prepared. The reviewer opted to split the preparation two ways. The first portion was prepared tempura style, deep fried to create a super crispy exterior that maintained the delicate fish inside. The second half was served as sashimi, showcasing the fresh, raw quality of the freshly caught fish. Both preparations highlighted the quality of the catch and the kitchen's skill in executing different cooking methods.
The Experience
The entire dining experience is centered around the interactive fishing activity. Located on a boat, guests are handed fishing rods by staff and settle in to wait for their catch. The restaurant has built an entire experience around this unique concept, complete with ceremonial announcements via a massive drum when someone successfully catches a fish. The atmosphere is lively and communal, with the success of individual catches celebrated by the whole restaurant. This is not a quick meal but rather a full experience that requires patience and a willingness to participate in the fishing process.
Value and Pricing
At 3,500 yen (approximately 16 pounds or 20 US dollars), this experience is remarkably affordable for what you receive. You're paying not just for the food but for the unique interactive experience, the boat setting, and the entertainment value of the fishing itself. For a memorable dining experience with fresh seafood prepared multiple ways, the price point is excellent value.
Notable Moments
This is one of Japan's craziest dining experiences where you fish for your own dinner
The dramatic announcement of catches via the restaurant's massive drum creates memorable moments throughout the meal.
The Verdict
Zho Fishing Restaurant is perfect for adventurous eaters and those looking for a truly unique Japanese dining experience. It's ideal for people who have time to commit to a full experience rather than a quick meal. This restaurant comes highly recommended for anyone visiting Osaka who wants to participate in something truly unconventional and memorable.