A restaurant where you can savor exquisite Omi beef
Located in Shiga Prefecture, Restaurant Okazaki is known for offering fresh and high-quality Omi beef, directly sourced from its own ranch. The fully matured Omi beef, carefully raised for over 36 months, allows you to enjoy top-notch flavor. The teppanyaki and salt-grilled beef, in particular, highlight the natural deliciousness of the meat. Enjoy a blissful moment in a calm atmosphere while savoring local ingredients.
A stylish and relaxing hidden gem cafe in Hino Town
Tsubame Cafe is a trendy and popular cafe located in Hino Town, Gamō District, Shiga Prefecture. The interior features a wood grain design, creating a spacious and comfortable atmosphere filled with natural light. The menu is rich with local ingredients, offering new discoveries with each visit. It's a lovely cafe that you’ll want to stop by for a relaxing break during your drive.
Authentic soba in a wonderful space where time stands still
Located in Hino Town, "Hino Morisada" is situated in a charming area where the old merchant houses of a bygone era remain intact. The beautifully maintained garden and the modern Japanese interior are captivating, soothing the hearts of visitors. In particular, the authentic Sarashina-style thin soba is renowned for its exquisite texture and flavor. Forget the time and enjoy a relaxing moment in this tranquil adult space.
A curry restaurant where you can savor authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine
Indian-Nepalese Cuisine Asha Hino is a beautiful establishment renovated from an old house, where you can enjoy authentic Indian and Nepalese dishes. The curries, in particular, are aromatic creations made with a rich blend of spices, and the ability to adjust the spiciness to your liking is a delightful feature. The lively staff and the convenience of takeout attract many customers.
Hamburger Cafe Narisuke is a hidden gem cafe located in a residential area in Hino-cho, Shiga Prefecture. Run by the owner alone, the hamburgers here are filled with their dedication and are meant to be enjoyed without sauce. They also have a kids' room for families to relax and enjoy a meal together. With warm hospitality that will make you want to come back again, this place is truly charming.
The interior feels like a carefully restored old house, and the style of taking off your shoes at the entrance is very comfortable. The thick wooden tables and chairs are sturdy, and the natural scratches add character and a sense of calm. The aroma of pancakes wafting through the air while they cook is irresistible, and it pairs perfectly with iced coffee. The carefully selected coffee offers a choice between a light blend and a deep blend, making it enjoyable to compare the two. The shop features local artisans' crafts and tableware, and sometimes hosts regional live performances and gatherings for picture postcards, creating a very lovely atmosphere. The weekly lunch specials and lemon cake are delicious, and the self-serve water system allows for a relaxed experience.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is casual, with seats where you can relax and put your feet down. The meat is very fresh, and even lightly cooked, it releases a wonderful aroma and tastes delicious. The staff carefully teaches you how to cook it and eat it, and following their advice allows you to fully appreciate the flavors. The offal is plump and clean, and the more you chew, the more the flavors expand, bringing happiness. The kimchi is homemade, with a fruity flavor and a strong spiciness that lingers. There is also consideration for children, with toys provided, making it a comfortable place for families to spend time together.
In a quiet place by the lake, you feel a sense of calm as soon as you arrive. Inside the shop, where you take off your shoes, there are tatami mats and chairs arranged, providing a spacious and comfortable seating area. The staff's guidance is attentive, and the tables are spaced widely apart, allowing for a leisurely experience. The pleasant aroma of charcoal fills the air, and the eel, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, becomes even more delightful when paired with the table's sansho pepper and sauce. There are also side dishes like pickled Hino vegetables and red konjac, allowing you to taste the local flavors. Hitsumabushi and white grilled eel are also favorites, and enjoying them during a stroll is quite pleasant.
This café features a serene wood-toned interior where you can enjoy a variety of handmade sweets, including canelé and matcha tiramisu. The highly recommended canelé has a firm texture on the outside while remaining moist on the inside, making it a perfect match for coffee.
Entering a renovated traditional house feels like stepping into a relative's home, with a comforting atmosphere that envelops you. The seats on the engawa (veranda) are bathed in soft light, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely meal while gazing at the scenery. The monthly changing lunch features local vegetables as the main attraction, and the option to refill the brown rice adds to the satisfaction. On this day, the meal included fried chicken with nuts, dengaku (grilled tofu and konjac), and a salad of lotus root and hijiki, all offering a gentle yet never-boring combination of flavors. The sweet potato croquettes were fluffy, and enjoying them with a light miso soup brought a sense of happiness. The Mont Blanc tart I chose for dessert was wrapped up for me to enjoy leisurely at home, which was another delightful aspect.
A popular restaurant where you can enjoy crispy tonkatsu
Creative Tonkatsu Efu is a popular restaurant that offers tonkatsu with a delightful crispy texture. The tonkatsu made from domestically sourced pork perfectly combines a light, fried quality with juicy flavor. The self-service option to choose your preferred sauce is also a highlight, allowing you to enjoy a personalized taste. With stylish counter seating, it provides a comfortable atmosphere.
A kaiseki and sushi restaurant that showcases urban techniques
Otokiku is a restaurant run by a son who trained in Osaka, where each dish shines with urban craftsmanship. The Edomae sushi features a perfect balance of the airiness of the rice and the toppings, offering a refined rural charm that can't be found in the city. Each visit brings new discoveries and leaves you looking forward to the next.
A restaurant where you can savor delicious cuisine at a golf course
The restaurant at Asahino Country Club offers the ultimate dining experience for golf enthusiasts. Their signature minced cutlet and Chinese soup promise deliciousness for all visitors. The soba with rich dashi and miso soup are also exceptional, satisfying the appetites of players. Additionally, the restaurant features carefully crafted dressings, making it a charming dining destination.
Located in the food court of Friend Town in Hino, Shiga Prefecture, this restaurant is popular as a casual spot to enjoy delicious meals. The combination of noodles and fried dishes is exquisite, and the variety of rice options is a delightful bonus. Despite being self-service, you will be surprised by the refined flavors of the dishes. It's highly recommended as a relaxing place to take a breather during your shopping trip.