In a space that utilizes a renovated traditional house, the wooden table is comfortable. The counter where you can see the cooking process is also attractive, and the scent of firewood gently spreads. The smooth potato soup and the flavorful local vegetable salad instantly lift your spirits. The risotto and lasagna are carefully prepared, and the tanginess of the pickles provides a nice accent. The herb-scented roasted pork is tender, and you can enjoy variations in flavor with salt, fruit sauce, and honey. The gelato and sorbet after the meal are refreshing, leaving you satisfied until the end.
A restaurant with a diverse menu and a comfortable atmosphere
Kaizantei Iccho Usuda is a popular restaurant and izakaya among locals. It features a spacious parking lot and a wide variety of dishes, appealing to a diverse clientele, including families. The interior, brimming with Japanese charm, allows for a quiet dining experience, providing a warm welcome to guests. This establishment offers heartwarming moments over meals.
Founded in 1949, Torichu Shokudo is known as the birthplace of the local soul food 'mushiri,' and its signature fried chicken thigh dishes are exceptional. The spacious interior allows guests to enjoy a variety of menu items in a relaxed atmosphere. With hearty portions and warm hospitality, this charming diner attracts many locals and tourists alike. Especially memorable is the experience of savoring freshly fried dishes in a homey setting.
Since it's a style where you reserve and pick up, the waiting time is short, which is helpful. The moment I opened the package, a fragrant aroma wafted up, instantly increasing my appetite. The flavor penetrates deep into the meat without being too salty, and it's delicious no matter where you bite. The skin is crispy, while the inside is moist and not greasy, allowing me to finish it all by myself. Of course, it goes well on its own, but it's also easy to pair with rice, bread, or salad. I can clearly understand why it's widely loved in the local area; it was a highly satisfying dish.
BISTRO8 is a newly opened and beautifully designed restaurant that delights visitors with dishes made from fresh local ingredients. The charm lies in the ability to taste local specialties such as Shinshu salmon and Daiou iwana sashimi. In a woody setting, guests can conveniently order while helping themselves to water.
A restaurant where you can enjoy local specialty dishes
Big Ben Usuda is a place where you can enjoy freshly grilled young chicken, highly praised in the local area. In particular, the crispy and juicy roast chicken will be a delightful surprise. The interior is adorned with colorful paper decorations on one wall, creating a calm atmosphere. Alongside chicken dishes, the restaurant offers a diverse menu that provides visitors with surprises and joy.
The dishes make use of local ingredients, and each one has a careful flavor. I was particularly impressed by the seasonal items and the dishes featuring Shinshu salmon. The dish with Shinshu pork was also tender and paired excellently with the sauce. The fragrant dip-style sauce was striking, making it hard to stop eating. The service was quick, allowing for a relaxed dining experience. The remnants of a family dining room are charming, and the beautiful presentation brings a sense of joy.
A rising soba restaurant where you can savor local flavors
Hisui Soba Specialty Shop Kawasemi is a new soba restaurant that offers 100% buckwheat soba primarily made from Shinshu hisui soba. Using locally sourced ingredients from Sakuhomachi, the hand-made, thin soba boasts exceptional firmness and smoothness. The interior is bright and modern, yet stepping inside, you can feel the warmth of local production for local consumption. Various tempura dishes also skillfully incorporate local ingredients, allowing you to enjoy a blissful moment alongside the soba.
Suzumoto Shokudo is a historic diner established in the 12th year of the Taisho era, cherished by local customers for over 100 years. The interior exudes a nostalgic atmosphere, providing a comforting space even for first-time visitors. Popular dishes include ramen, udon, and fried foods, each offering a taste of traditional flavors.
A beloved local Western-style restaurant with a calm atmosphere
Alpen Rose is a wooden Western-style restaurant cherished by the locals, where you can enjoy delicious dishes in a comfortable setting. The pasta is particularly exquisite, with popular menu items featuring mentaiko and spinach. The homemade bread, abundant salads, and desserts are also well-regarded, offering new discoveries with each visit. It's a lovely place where you can relax and savor heartwarming cuisine in a quiet interior.
The interior is bright like a café, and even the small flowers on the tables are tastefully arranged. There are terrace seats, and it exudes a sense of cleanliness. The staff is attentive and flexible in accommodating arrangements for children. The salt ramen, infused with the flavor of salmon, and the smaller salmon bowl, combined with the popping texture of the salmon roe, are very delicious. The dish that allows you to enjoy Shinshu salmon in three different ways is fun to eat as you can add condiments or pour broth over it. The set of selectable side dishes and the crispy fried horse mackerel also provide high satisfaction, and it's nice that you can choose between brown rice or white rice.
Miyoshiya is a place where you can enjoy 'mushiri' (grilled young chicken) carefully cooked with a rich soy sauce flavor. Each piece of young chicken is grilled with care, resulting in a perfect harmony of juiciness and deep soy sauce taste. The warm atmosphere reminiscent of a small-town diner makes for a comfortable dining experience.
Washoku Iroha is a well-regarded kaiseki restaurant in Sakuhomachi, known as a hidden gem among locals. The interior, set in a tranquil atmosphere, exudes a sense of traditional Japanese aesthetics, with the katsu-don being a particularly popular dish. The katsu is tender and juicy, and the special sauce offers a delightful flavor experience.
This unique cafe, operated by the high-performance brake manufacturer ENDLESS, features an exhibition space where guests can enjoy classic racing cars and vintage vehicles up close. The interior, where shoes are removed upon entry, offers a calm atmosphere complemented by attentive service. Guests can savor rich iced coffee, decadent soft serve ice cream, and a special curry popular at racing events, all of which reflect the world of motorsports. This is a must-visit spot for both car enthusiasts and cafe lovers.