What a shame, I wish I had known the owner at Komatsu Yasuke was still around! I missed it when I was in Kanazawa.

This is a bit overdue, but I just wanted to comment that we thoroughly enjoyed our meals in Kanazawa and Takayama! Here's a rundown:

KANAZAWA

Daiba - Great seafood, had a lovely grilled nodoguro (black throat sea perch).

Itaru (there are a few locations) - This turned out to be one of our most enjoyable meals of the trip. Everything we ordered was delicious, including the sake.

After dining at Itaru, we randomly ended up next door at 'Things Ain't What They Used to Be,' a cozy bar that was playing live soft jazz. The owner has had the venue for 40 years! If you are a fan of Bob Marley, go to Pole Pole, a dive bar with a great vibe.

TAKAYAMA

Center 4 Hamburgers - Great Hida beef burger (buns are buttery goodness) in a charming, kitschy setting.

Yamatake Shoten - Owned by a butcher who raises the cattle himself. We grilled a healthy portion (over 700g for two!) of Hida beef that literally melted in our mouths.

If anyone tries these places, would love to hear what you think of them. Thanks to all for your suggestions.

Thanks, Robb! Really appreciate all of your other CH posts on Kanazawa and Tokyo, as well as the reviews on bento.com. They've been HUGELY helpful as I am planning my trip for next month.

Thanks Cheryl, much appreciated!!

By the way, I was sadly informed by the Takayama Tourist Office that Ryori Ryokan Hanaoka has closed. Does anyone know of a nice ryokan that serves excellent food???

Putting together a food itinerary for my trip to Kanazawa and Takayama next month. Any feedback or recs are gladly welcome.

Kanazawa - Day 1
Any good izakaya recs for dinner?

Kanazawa - Day 2
Lunch at Miyoshian in the Kenrokuen Gardens
Dinner at Komatsu Yasuke — I saw in a previous CH post in 2009 that Yasuke is 79 years old and will be retiring soon... does anyone know if he is still there?
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6341...
Alternatively, dinner at Daiba

Takayama - Day 1
I am hoping to book Ryori Ryokan Hanaoka and enjoy their dinner here, having read many positive reviews about this place. Still waiting to hear back from them.
Any alternative ryokans, if they are all booked?

Takayama - Day 2
Lunch at Yamatake-Shōten
or any other place for good Hida beef, preferably grilled
Has anyone been to Suzuya or Maruaki?

Also, how do reservations work? I'm a month away from the trip, do I need to start calling these places in the next few weeks? Thanks so much!