I stopped by a store in Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture, and was excited by its atmospheric exterior. Inside, there were not only sake but also fun options like tea umeshu and limited-time lemon tea liqueur. I learned that the differences in label descriptions show that Kyushu uses kanji while Honshu uses hiragana. The Chiebijin Junmai Daiginjo Yamada Nishiki has a gentle aroma and a natural impression. The balance of sweetness and umami is good, and the acidity is also noticeable later, making it easy to pair with meals. The charm of its high polishing rate of 35% made it enjoyable to savor until the end.
Cute dishes lined up with small side dishes, each with a careful taste that makes me happy. The sweet potato soup and the gentle turnip soup seep into the body and are very delicious. The hamburger with tomato sauce and cheese is fluffy and soft, and the small gratin of taro and the lotus root with seaweed salt are irresistible. The salad with persimmon and bacon, as well as the ryukyu and seasoned egg, are also flavorful and pair perfectly with the glossy rice. The dessert apple parfait is satisfying both in appearance and taste, and the coffee can be enjoyed with a strong aroma in a matcha bowl. The restaurant, where you can see the cooking process, has a spacious and comfortable atmosphere, and the staff's warm response allows for a pleasant time.
Kaisentei Zakoba offers a delightful selection of fresh seafood. The interior is enveloped in a warm atmosphere, welcoming visitors with open arms. You can enjoy a variety of fish dishes, including fugu, and the carefully prepared delicious soup is exceptional. Special seasonal dishes are also available, making it a treasure trove of seafood cuisine where you can enjoy diverse flavors throughout the year.
The tranquility is pleasant, allowing for a leisurely time. Time feels relaxed, and you can't help but settle in. Every dish is delicious, especially the pasta, which is impressive. The confit duck leg has just the right amount of salt and is very tender, and it pairs well with a salad and a hearty soup, making for a satisfying meal with rice. The dessert plate, where you can combine your favorite types, is enjoyable and goes well with coffee. The Basque cheesecake and coconut milk shaved ice are also very delicious and memorable.
It was rainy, but the view from the window was nice, and I thought I would like to go again! The oysters were fresh and delicious, and the new pizza on the menu was incredibly tasty! The staff were also cheerful and friendly, and I was happy that they kindly accommodated me even though I arrived late for my reservation.
I had pasta. It was really delicious.
The staff were kind and the atmosphere was nice.
Since it is popular, many customers without reservations came in, and it seemed like they were having a hard time managing it.
You can enjoy a meal in a calming space that has been renovated from an old folk house, and the moment you sit down, you feel at ease. Spending time while gazing at the handmade crafts lined up on the walls and tables is also enjoyable. The local specialty, Dango Soup Set, comes with seasoned rice and small side dishes, and is more filling than it looks. The crab cream croquette of the day was topped with meat sauce, and the crispy coating paired surprisingly well with the rich sauce. The sea bream soup and kinpira had a refined flavor, and you can feel that each dish is carefully prepared. For dessert, I chose the chocolate strawberry parfait, and the mildly sweet cream combined with fresh strawberries made me incredibly happy.
Suehiromaru is an enchanting oyster specialty restaurant located by the sea. Guests can enjoy fresh oysters prepared in various ways, with a particular emphasis on the delights of charcoal grilling. Despite its prefab exterior, stepping inside reveals a lively and enjoyable oyster grilling area. There are also unique menu items like shirasu soft serve, ensuring that visitors are never bored.
A long-established yakiniku restaurant with a Showa-era ambiance
Shokudoen Honten, boasting 50 years of history, is a yakiniku restaurant where you can enjoy a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere. The secret soy sauce-based sauce pairs wonderfully with a wide range of meats, from lean cuts to offal, captivating visitors. The interior has a retro vibe, allowing you to savor delicious yakiniku while reminiscing.
A Cozy Café Proud of Its Kitsuki Beef Bowls and Sandwiches
This café, located near the Kitsuki City Hall, is open from morning and is appealing for its accessibility without breaks. It is well-known for its hearty bowls made with tender Kitsuki beef and sandwiches filled with gratin, showcasing local ingredients. The freshly brewed coffee and crushed ice juice served while waiting for your order add to the pleasant experience, and the warm, smiling service welcomes every visitor.
Honmachi Bingo-ya is located near Kizuki Castle, offering an izakaya experience that captures the essence of a castle town. The interior exudes a traditional atmosphere, retaining the charm of a former tatami shop. You can enjoy local flavors with dishes made from fresh local fish, as well as unique chicken tempura. It's a tranquil space with a Japanese aesthetic, perfect for savoring the tastes of the region in a luxurious setting.
The interior has an overseas atmosphere, and the service is gentle and comfortable. The set with two types of curry can be enjoyed with the two-colored rice in the middle. You can choose your preferred spiciness, and it provided just the right amount of stimulation that made me sweat a little. The aroma of the spices was pleasant, and the carefully made dal bhat was satisfying. The takeout curry and ethnic yakisoba were also delicious and memorable. The lassi I had at the end was refreshing and made me feel very good.
After walking through the castle town, I stopped by and was able to relax in a calm tatami seating area. The pom-poko bowl served in a bamboo-split dish is colorful and exciting just to look at. The pork infused with the aroma of tea and plenty of grated daikon are a perfect match, making the rice go down easily. The tempura of local fish is fluffy and soft, allowing me to enjoy it without worrying about bones, which is delightful. The small bowl of Ryukyu-style kanpachi marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce is rich in flavor and hard to put down my chopsticks. The warm hospitality from the staff and the homely local side dishes left me feeling satisfied even after the meal.
Shokuraku Shubo Yutori is a cozy izakaya located in the historic Kitsu Castle town, housed in a traditional kominka (old house). The space is elegantly designed in a Japanese style, making it suitable for various occasions. Inside, filled with the comforting scent of wood, you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks along with delicious dishes, providing a relaxing experience every time you visit.