‘Mizai’ means ‘not there yet’, the creed by which owner-chef Hitoshi Ishihara lives. All guests are served at the same time under the concept of ‘building together’ to facilitate communication. Rice is served freshly steamed rice and scorched to signify thanksgiving to Japan for her bounty. The matcha is made with holy water from Yasaka Shrine. Taking to heart the counsel of 16C tea master Sen-no-Rikyu, ‘arrive before the appointed time’, Ishihara is already waiting for customers at 6:00 p.m.