‘Kotan’ refers to having depth of taste in light foods. Owner-chef Masanori Mizukawa chose the name as one that chimes with the essence of Japanese cuisine. Embodying this idea is the dashi for the soup; its simple, refined flavour comes from kombu and dried tuna. He puts his experience of having worked as a cook at a ryotei to use in the elaborate vegetable takiawase as well. Accenting the menu is the beef hobayaki speciality.