This is a calm izakaya located in an alley near the station. I had a head bowl, and it was exciting with plenty of tuna cheek, brain, and jaw. The sashimi was glossy and fresh, and it was enjoyable to experience the differences in fat and aroma for each part. The seaweed and shiso on top of the rice were fragrant, and the warmth made the fat melt perfectly. Miso soup and pickles were also served, and the sashimi, which was carefully prepared, was very easy to eat. The interior has a raised seating area where you can relax, and the side dishes were homely and satisfying.
Sushi Makoto Annex Umean
The Iwafune Fishing Port is one of the most famous fishing ports in the prefecture, and the food is delicious. Shellfish is especially delicious.
The fried fish is even better.
The tuna is also very fresh, with lean, medium, and fatty tuna. What amazes me is how inexpensive the food is, even though the three of us were full and drank a lot of sake. It was just amazing.
The restaurant staff was courteous, the interior was comfortable, the food was very tasty, and I had a wonderful time with a friend I hadn't seen in a while. I would definitely like to visit again.
Thank you very much...!
A Casual Japanese Restaurant to Enjoy Fresh Seafood and Local Sake
The interior is newly relocated and exudes cleanliness, allowing guests to experience the lively cooking scene up close at the counter. The signature seafood rice bowl and sashimi platter are piled high with fresh local fish, and the rich, grilled Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) and marinated mackerel are particularly popular for their diverse flavors. The selection of local sake, including homemade liqueurs made from Niigata fruits, pairs perfectly with the meals. With smooth service and warm hospitality, this establishment is a comfortable spot for everything from dining with friends to solo drinking.
At Kanaya Soba, you can savor soba that emphasizes its original flavor and has a delightful texture. The tempura made with seasonal vegetables enhances the deliciousness of the soba. You can enjoy a pleasant time in a spacious traditional Japanese setting.
The cold tea that was served first seeped pleasantly into my body, showing thoughtful consideration. The sashimi made from fish caught off the coast of Iwafune is all fresh, and the flavor expands with each bite. The chawanmushi and soups are also made with care, contributing to a high level of satisfaction with the entire set. The seafood fry has a light and crispy batter, allowing the flavor of the fish to be fully appreciated. The chirashi and sushi set is rich in ingredients, and you can also enjoy tempura and small noodles. The cozy interior of the restaurant has a warm touch with handmade dishes, and the seating at tables and the counter is comfortable.
A Japanese-style restaurant where you can enjoy local flavors at a roadside station
Honamitei is a Japanese-style restaurant located at a roadside station in Niigata, boasting a rich menu that features local ingredients. The rice dishes and tare-katsu don are particularly popular, with their sweet and savory sauce being exquisite and generously portioned. You can relax in the tranquil tatami seating and savor heartwarming dishes at your leisure.
We decided to go based on the reviews.
We used the restaurant for lunch,
The menu was extensive.
I ordered oyster pasta, which I love.
I was very satisfied with the large oyster cream pasta!
It seems to be very crowded during lunch time,
Reservations are recommended.
A hidden gem of creative cuisine in the countryside
Yanagiaan is a restaurant that feels like a hidden gem, located near Iwafune Town Station amidst picturesque rural scenery. The owner has trained at a long-established restaurant in Kyoto and offers dishes that skillfully utilize seasonal ingredients. The interior has a retro yet modern atmosphere, with a stunning view of the impressive cooking hearth from the counter. Once you step inside, you are transported to a different world that makes you forget the everyday, allowing you to enjoy a special time accompanied by a diverse selection of wines.
A renowned Japanese restaurant showcasing fresh ingredients
Iwafune Sou Bekkan is a Japanese restaurant that meticulously prepares fresh seafood delicacies. Guests can enjoy consistently high-quality dishes with each visit. Popular among families, the casual atmosphere makes it easy to drop by. The oyster fry and simmered dishes are particularly beloved by many.
A warm and inviting restaurant serving countryside cuisine
Wa Dining Yui is located in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, and offers heartwarming countryside dishes. In a clean and tranquil setting, you can enjoy seasonal sashimi sets and tempura meals. The small side dishes and desserts, which reveal different charms with each visit, further enhance the satisfaction of the meal. With the chef's heartfelt hospitality and delicious food, it provides a special experience for all who visit.
A Sushi Place to Savor Seafood from Niigata and Murakami
Umean is a sushi restaurant located in Shimosukebuchi, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, offering authentic sushi made with fresh local seafood. The tranquil, traditional Japanese interior features counter seating where guests can enjoy sushi prepared right in front of them by skilled chefs. Umean is well-known for its nigiri sets and seasonal course meals, allowing diners to experience exquisite flavors crafted from the freshness of the ingredients and the chefs' techniques.
Weekend Soba Soba no Yamase is located in the charming old row house area of Shioya, and is a home-converted restaurant filled with the owner's dedication. In a calm atmosphere surrounding a irori (traditional Japanese hearth), you can enjoy thin, chewy 100% soba served with a fragrant broth made from local soy sauce. When tasted with salt, the aroma and flavor of the soba stand out, and the tempura, especially the fresh shrimp, is exquisite.
Fii Factory Cafe 109 is a heartwarming cafe located amidst vast rural landscapes, providing a soothing experience for its visitors. The furniture inside is custom-made, exuding a handmade warmth. In this environment where a pleasant natural breeze flows, you can feel a sense of community love with each visit. The fresh and visually stunning dishes promise a wonderful time for all guests.
Restaurant Imajuku is a Japanese restaurant in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, known for its Japanese katsu curry. With a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a local diner, it offers a diverse menu including ramen and rice bowls. The spacious interior provides a welcoming space for people of all ages to enjoy.
A Long-Established Restaurant Offering a Rich Variety of Sushi and Japanese Cuisine Near the Station
Watakou, located right in front of JR Sakamachi Station, is a restaurant where you can enjoy a diverse range of Japanese dishes from nigiri sushi to tempura rice bowls. The fresh ingredients used in their chirashi sushi and nigiri are beautifully presented, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. With meticulous attention to detail in the preparation of the sushi rice and miso soup, guests can savor authentic flavors even during a quick stopover. The restaurant's deep-rooted connection to the local community and its warm hospitality towards visitors are truly appealing.
The traditional Japanese kaiseki was infused with French essence, creating a flow that was exciting both in appearance and taste. The colors of blue, yellow, red, white, and black contrasted beautifully, making each dish a photo opportunity. It seems that the broth is tailored to each ingredient, allowing the umami to unfold with each bite. The seasonal tender green onion and duck soup brought a moment of happiness as the aroma wafted up. The combination of bear meat and watercress in the hot pot was surprisingly harmonious, with no off-flavors, and I thoroughly enjoyed the aftertaste. The staff served the next dish in sync with the pace at which we were eating, ensuring a comfortable experience until the end.