Category Archives: Food

Soba: Shizuoka Native Buckwheat Noodles at Teuchi Soba Tagata in Shizuoka City!

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Service: Friendly, attentive and informative
Equipment & Facilities: Very clean overall. Superb washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Only native buckwheat from Shizuoka and rest of Japan used. Great use of local seasonal ingredients. Great sake and shochu list.
Entirely non-smoking!

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Soba or buckwheat noodles is one of those underrated products in Shizuoka which ought to deserve more attention especially when you take in account that Shizuoka has produced its own soba for imemmorable times well before Tokugawa Ieyasu came to love them so much when he retired to Sumpu/Shizuoka in the beginning of the 17th Century!

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If one needed a single reason for patronizing Teuchi Soba Tagata would be that Chef Osamu Tagata/田形治さん not only uses exclusively Japanese native buckwheat/zairaishu soba/在来種蕎麦 from Shizuoka Prefecture and elsewhere in the country but also takes a rare pleasure extolling about his soba and other cuisine to whoever is interested or might ask!

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Of course I ordered “mori soba” made with native buckwheat grown in the mountains of Iwata in Central Shizuoka prefecture!
But I can assure it is not all about soba but more true Japanese gastronomy!

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You could always order a set menu but poring through the menu and choosing tidbits according to your whims is far more fun!

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The place is superbly clean but the dark wood color does not make photography easy! LOL

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What I enjoy at soba restaurants is looking at all the utensils served a few at a time, a good indication of the level of the establishment!

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On my next visit i will have to ask what secret brew is hidden inside that pot!

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The “mori soba” have come!

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Now, this lacquered box is a “mempa bento box” made only with cherry wood from Ikawa in the north of Shizuoka City!

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Soba made with native buckwheat from Ikawa, Shizuoka City as a “juwari/100%”!
Absolutely beautiful!

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Actually, Teuchi Soba Tagata in Shizuoka City is not only famed for their soba and cuisine but also for the superb sake (including Shizuoka, of course) and its beautiful shochu which also includes a beauty from Shizuoka Prefecture!
The above is sake brewed by Haginishiki Brewery in Shizuoka City!

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Deep-fried rekon/lotus roots grown in Asabata, Shizuoka City!

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Now, this is a bit special: these sato imo/taro roots are a native variety grown for centuries in Ikawa!
Served as tempura with a special miso paste, a must try!

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Soba yu/soba soup to mix with whatever soupstock/soba sauce you have left and drink to wash down your meal!

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I had to try another favorite: soba miso yaki!

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Buckwheat seeds grilled with miso paste!

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The last details are so important!
Wine-stewed figs and ice-cream!

More coming soon!

TEUCHI SOBA TAGARA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa Cho, 2-6-7
Tel.: 054-250-8555
Opening hours: 11:30~13:30, 17:30~22:00
Closed on Mondays and Thursday lunch
Parties welcome
Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Weird Japan 39: Baked Heart!

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Talk of half-baked jokes!
I discovered this I went out of Okitsu Station in Shimizu, Shizuoka City!

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Mind it seemed to be a decent enough bakery which goes as far as announcing the baking times of its various breads and cakes!
No wonder!
They probably meant “baked with a heart”! LOL

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Recommended Lunch Restaurants In Shizuoka Prefecture: Asian (November 2013)

LUNCH-ASIAN

Bain Seo, the Vietnamese equivalent, but a lot lighter, of a Japanese okonomiyaki at Annam, Shizuoka City!

Many people only have time to visit restaurants at lunch and it is certainly not easy to find a restaurant with a better lunch with all those cheap diners around!
Here is the sixth installment of a series of reports on recommended lunch restaurants in Shizuoka Prefecture which will be classified as follows:
-French
-Italian
-Western (American, European, et al)
-Japanese
-Asian
-Vegan & Vegetarian
-Ethnic
-Healthy
-For families

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NAMASTE NIPPON

Service: Very friendly, polite and smiling
Facilities & Equipment: Very clean overall. Spacious washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: A great blend of Indian and Nepalese cuisines. More than sufficient drinks list. Vegetarian set or single dishes available. Very generous portions!

NAMASTE NIPPON Nepalese-Indian Restaurant
420-0845 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Oda Cho, 31-1, Ono Bldg, 1F (along the Kitakaido Street, 10 minutes walk from Cenova Department Store)
Tel. & Fax: 054-247-6775
Opening hours: 11:00~15:00, 17:00~22:30
Closed on Thursdays
Credit Cards OK
Paries welcome!
Take outs OK!

LUNCH-ANNAM

ANNAM

Service: Very friendly, smiling and attentive
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Superb separate washrooms.
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive.
Strong points: Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine prepared and served by Vietnamese staff. Great use of local products. Vietnamese shochu!

ANNAM
420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Kooyamachi, 6-6, Mitduhisa Building, 2F
Tel.: 054-250-2266
Fax: 054-250-2323
Business hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~22:30
Closed on Mondays
Parties welcome
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking!

LUNCH-SHIKINJO

SHIKINJO

Service: Friendly and attentive!
Facilities & Equipment: Very clean overal. Clean washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Authentic Chinese gastronomy. Great dimsung/gyoza in 3 different forms!

SHIKINJO
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo Machi, 3-21-20, Kawai Bldg 1F
Tel. & fax: 054-2742727
Opening hours:
Weekdays: 11:30~13:30 & 17:30~22:00
Saturdays, Sundays & National Holidays: 17:00~22:00
Closed on Wednesdays.
Parties welcome
10 minutes walk from Shin Shizuoka Station in Cenova Department Store

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Soba Restaurants In Shizuoka Prefecture (As of November 2013)

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TEUCHI SOBA TAGATA

Service: Friendly, attentive and informative
Equipment & Facilities: Very clean overall. Superb washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Only native buckwheat from Shizuoka and rest of Ja@an used. Great use of local seasonal ingredients. Great sake and shochu list.
Entirely non-smoking!

TEUCHI SOBA TAGARA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa Cho, 2-6-7
Tel.: 054-250-8555
Opening hours: 11:30~13:30, 17:30~22:00
Closed on Mondays and Thursday lunch
Parties welcome
Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE
Entirely non-smoking!

LUNCH-SETSUGEKKA

SETSUGEKKA

Service: Very friendly and attentive
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: High quality soba. Beautiful tempura. Great local sake

SETSUGEKKA/雪月花
Shimada City, Hontouri, 2-3-4
Tel.: 0547-35-5241
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:00~22:00
Closed on Monday and third Tuesday
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking for lunch!

LUNCH-TAGATA

TAGATA ZAIRAI SOBA

Service: Smiling and friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Overall extremely clean. Superb washroom if a bit small
Prices: Very reasonable
Strong points: Only native buckwheat used. Good sake and shochu list

TAGATA ZAIRAI SOBA (make sure you understand the address as Tagata is a very common name for restaurants in Japan!)
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa Cho, 3-3-4 (left of Tokai Bldg across the street)
Tel.: 054-251-0707
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~21:00
Closed on Sundays

LUNCH-KAWAKATSU

SOBA SAKE KAWAKATSU

Service: Friendly
Equipment: traditional. Clean. Beautiful toilets
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Very fresh ingredients. Most ingredients not only local but sef-grown or self-raised! Local sake and shochu!
Entirely non-smoking!

Sake Soba Kawakatsu
426-0034, Fujieda Shi, Eki mae, 1-8-4
Tel./Fax: 054-645-1770
Business hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~22:00
Closed on Mondays, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays

LUNCH-SOBA-NO-MI

SOBA NO MI

Service: Friendly
Equipment: a bit old but clean
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Very fresh ingredients. Old-fashioned atmosphere
Entirely non-smoking!

Soba No Mi
Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Kawabe Cho, 2-2-3
Tel.: 054-251-8000
Business hours: 11:00~21:00 (or until soba are exhausted)
Closed on Tuesdays and third Wednesdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

LUNCH-YOSHINO

YOSHINO

Service: Shy but friendly
Facilities: old but clean. Traditional
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: 10 wari soba. Good list of Shizuoka sake.

YOSHINO
420-0839 Shizuoka Shi, Takajyo, 1-7-10
Tel.: 054-255-3277
Business hours: 11:00 until they run out of buckwheat!
Closed on Tuesdays

LUNCH-KUROMUGI

KUROMUGI

Service: Friendly
Equipment: Old but clean
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: 100% soba noodles (ju-wari soba). Traditional Japanese Soba Restaurant.

422-8078 Shizuoka Shi, Suruga Ku, Satsuki Cho, 8-15
Tel.: 054-287-8539
Fax: 054-287-8309
Business hours: 11:30~15:00, 17:00~21:00; 11:30~21:00 (Saturdays)
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
MAP(Japanese)

LUNCH-IWA-ICHI

IWA ICHI

Service: Very friendly and easy-going.
Facilities: Very clean overall. Excellent amenities
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Soba of course, but traditional Japanese gastronomy on the whole. Excellent all-rounder.
English spoken!
Non-smoking at tables.

IWA ICHI
420-01816 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Kutsunoya, 3-4-22
Tel.: 054-293-4151
Business hours: 11:30^14:00, 17:30~22:00
Closed on Mondays

LUNCH-TSUDONO

TSUDONO ZARU SOBA

Service: Very kind and a bit shy
Equipment & Facilities: Spotless clean. Superb washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Soba! Very Japanese atmosphere.

TSUDONO Zaru Soba
421-2121 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tsudono, 514-2
Tel.: 054-294-1005
Opening hours: 11:00~15:00 or until the soba are sold out!
Closed on Mondays (except on National Holidays)
Car parking available
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Nepalese-Indian Gastronomy: Vegetarian Lunch at Namaste Nippon in Shizuoka City!

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Service: Very friendly, polite and smiling
Facilities & Equipment: Very clean overall. Spacious washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: A great blend of Indian and Nepalese cuisines. More than sufficient drinks list. Vegetarian set or single dishes available. Very generous portions!

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Namaste Nippon Nepalese-Indian Restaurant and its bright colors have been standing along the Kitakaido Street in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, 10 minutes walk from Cenova Department Store, and had often been recommended to me by friends.
I took advantage of free time at lunch yesterday to pay them a belated visit!

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The owner and the staff all hail from Nepal but the chefs graduated from a cooking school in India, allowing them to combine the two cuisines with even a little Japanese twist at times!

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Lunch time is particularly busy and they do have a hefty menu!
One can choose from set menus or single dishes.
I already know I’ll have to plan a few more visits!
A good idea, since they serve a great variety of drinks including Shizuoka sake, would be to g there for a drink in the evening and eat their food as snacks!

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I chose the vegetarian set lunch which should give me a good idea of the chefs’ skills!
It includes a lot!

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But first of all I had to taste a “Nepal Ice” beer!

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Enormous potato samosa with vegetable salad!

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It would be enough as a great snack in the evenings!

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The Vegetarian Lunch Plate, which includes the aforementioned samosa and a drink!

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You can choose 2 out of 3 curries (sorry, this is how it is written on the Jpanese menu! Mind they all speak fluent English):
I opted for the above “Parapanilu” spinach and cttage cheese curry!

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Dahl/beans Curry!
The third one was “Alparaku” Potato and Cottage Cheese!

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Turmeric rice!
One can opt for plain rice, too!

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“Achar” home-made Nepalese vegetable pickles! Very tasty!

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“Papado”!

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And a great freshly baked nan!
Actually they bake many kinds of nan, chapati and so on!

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I couldn’ help taste an Indian Legend beer!

Meet you in the evening there again!

NAMASTE NIPPON Nepalese-Indian Restaurant
420-0845 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Oda Cho, 31-1, Ono Bldg, 1F (along the Kitakaido Street, 10 minutes walk from Cenova Department Store)
Tel. & Fax: 054-247-6775
Opening hours: 11:00~15:00, 17:00~22:30
Closed on Thursdays
Credit Cards OK
Paries welcome!
Take outs OK!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Italian Gastronomy: Dinner at Il Castagno (November 2013) in Shizuoka City!

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Granapado Cheese and pumpkin raviolis!

Service: Very friendly and attentive
Equipment: Great general cleanliness
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Great appetizers. Home-made pasta!. Great use of local products from the land and the sea. Southern Italy and Sardinia gastronomy.
Entirely non-smoking!

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Il Castagno is a simple-looking small Italian restaurant, but it is actually one of the very top in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City for so many reasons!

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Apart of the fact that the establishment is entirely non-smoking allowing guests to fully enjoy the savors of his cuisine, Chef Kenji Inami/稲見謙司さん is always on the lookout for new ingredients, especially local, to introduce in a very original gastronomy based on Southern Italian and sometimes French cuisines!

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Plenty of reasonable wines available by the glass or bottle!
It had been quite some time since I had purposefully visited the place and it was about time last Friday to taste new offerings!

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As an appetizer we first a couple of great fresh oysters from Mie Prefecture!

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And the same just lightly steamed!

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We are in full season for kaki/柿/persimmons and we had persimmon fritters wrapped in raw ham!

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A little beauty!

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As the last starter we switched to French mode and had this lovely Terrine de Campagne!

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This is one dish Italians and French agree on!

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Served with local and seasonal marinated shiitake mushrooms!

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Naturally, we had to satisfy a craving for pasta!

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Shrimps, mussles and mini tomato sauce!

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Chef Kenji Inami/稲見謙司さん’s half of his pasta is fresh and hand-made and includes some superb raviolis!
As he had two kinds on hand he was kind enough to combine them in a single dish!

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Amaretto-style pumpkin/kabocha raviolis served with shiitake and Granapadano cheese sauce!

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Very unusual raviolis in Japan!

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Granapadano cheese cream ravioli!

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Maybe more classic but very light and tasty! A morsel to slowly enjoy!

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And for dessert a succulent cheese cake and persimmon sorbet!

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Did you know that cheese cakes originated from Greece?

Hope to see you there again soon!

IL CASTAGNO
420-0843 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Tomoe Cho, 48
Tel/Fax: 054-247-0709
Business hours: 11:45~14:00, 17:30~21:00
Closed every Monday and 3rd Tuesday
Credit cards OK (dinner only)
BLOG (Japanese)
ENTIRELY NON-SMOKING!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Food & Drinks Bloggers in Japan (as of November 2013)

The number of foreigners and Japanese nationals who write about the food and drinks in Japan in English (or at least answer comments in English) has remarkably increased lately.
I thought it was about time to start some kind of round-up to help people discover these deserving foodies and their blogs!The list below is far from exhaustive, but I’m planning to update and announce it regularly!
Of course if you know more foodies residing in Japan, do please direct them to me and I will introduce them gladly!

HOKKAIDO TRIBE

(Hokkaido Island)

Hokkaido Kudasai by Melinda
Meishu no Yutaka by Carlin
The Best of Sapporo by Ben!
Handshakes And Hellos

TOHOKU TRIBE
(Northeastern Japan: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima)
Cooking with Mama Miyuki in Sendai
A Picky Eater’s Guide To Sendai Grub

KANTO TRIBE

(Eastern Japan: Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa)

Life in the Land of the Rising Sun by kate minor in Saitama
Cooking in Japan
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
Watch Japan by Mike Kato in Tokyo.
Erik in Nihon
Adventures in Japan
TOKYOBLING BOG
Japan-Hub.Com
Japan Eat’s Videos
Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton
Watch Japan in Tokyo
Little Japan Mama in Tokyo
Japan Eats (featured on request)
47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities By Sara and Roshni in Tokyo
Eating Out in Tokyo with Dominic
Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass by Melinda Joe in Tokyo
Tokyo Foodcast by Etsuko Nakamura in Tokyo
Tokyo Food Page
Sake World by John Gauntner in Tokyo: The inernational Reference for Japanese Sake!
Tokyo Terrace by Rachael in Tokyo
Gaijin Tonic in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture
Nonjatta by Chris Bunting in Tokyo
The Soul Of Japan in Kanagawa Prefecture
Sake, kimono and Tabi In Tokyo
Tokyo Kawai, Etc… in Tokyo
Blue Lotus in Tokyo
The Japanese Food Report by Harris Salat in Tokyo
The Sake Chronicles in Tokyo
Watashi to Tokyo by Mari Kanazawa in Tokyo
Japanese Food-Food Lover’s Guide by Yukari Yamamoto in Tokyo
Gaijin Life by a Canadian gentleman in Tokyo (in Japanese)
Leo’s Japan Food Blog in Tokyo
Eating Out In Tokyo With Jon
Fugu Tabetai in Tokyo
Japan Style in Tokyo
COCO’s Oriental Kitchen by angela Cooper in Tokyo
Free Online Japanese Food Recipes in Tokyo
Reminiscence in Tokyo
Cooking Japanese Style By Naoko, in Tokyo
Japan Farmers Market in Tokyo by Joan
Ramen By Shoe
Rameniac
In Praise of Izakaya
Onsen Addict
Follow Rory
Food For Life by a Myanmar resident
Good and Bad Japan’s Blog
Hello Sandwich
Japan Newbie
Japanese Snack reviews

CHUBU TRIBE

(Central Japan: Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi)

Navigating Nagoya by Paige
Passport, Tickets and a Suitcase by Hiedi in Shizuoka City
Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonbayashi in Shizuoka City!
Damonde Life by Matt Ryan in Hamamatsu & Enshu, shizuoka Prefecture
Mangantayon in Shizuoka Prefecture
Shizuoka Gourmet, Shizuoka Sake, Shizuoka Sushi, Shizuoka Shochu in Shizuoka Prefecture
Bryan Baird’s Beer & Brewery in Numazu in Shizuoka Prefecture
A Modern Girl from Niigata and all over Japan!

KANSAI TRIBE

(Western Japan: Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Kyoto, Wakayama)

MANNIYOT by Manokan in Osaka
Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
Yellin Yakimono Gallery by Robert Yellin in Shizuoka Prefecture, just moved to Kyoto!
Colorfood Daidokoro in Osaka (English & French)
Nagaijin in Osaka
Kyoto Foodie in Kyoto
Our Adventures in Japan by K and S Minoo in Osaka
Japan Food Addict by Mai in Kyoto
Kyoto Food Page
Osaka/Kobe Food Page

CHUGOKU

(“Central Country”: Tottori, Shimane, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi)

“Made in Matsue” in Shimane prefecture
San’in Monogatari by Buri Chan in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture
Get Hiroshima Blog in Hiroshima
The Wide Island Review, The JET Programme Webzine Of Hiroshima Prefecture (includes food & drink articles)

SHIKOKU

(Shikoku Island: Kagawa, Kochi, Ehime, Tokushima)

Obachan’s Kitchen & Garden Balcony in Kochi Prefecture
Still Clumsy With Chopsticks in Kochi Prfecture (Continuation of Obachan’s Kitchen & Garden Balcony)
Rocking in Hakata by Deas Richardson

KYUSHU

(Kyushu Island: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Saga, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima)

Finding Fukuoka
Food from Fukuoka, Kyushu and Japan by Fumiko Soda
Fukuoka Sake Guide by Daisuke Ito
Quixotidienne in Kagoshima Prefecture
Christine Molero in Kyushu & elsewhere
Alishan on the Move in Fukuoka

OKINAWA

(Okinawa Archipelago)

HWN Pake in Okinawa in Chatan, Okinawa
I’m sorry to say that Nate has just passed away and that his blog has disappeared, but I’ll keep it there as it is in his memory!
English Bento Box
Dojo Bar in Naha
Eating Okinawa
Okinawa Hai!
Total Okinawa

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Cheese Bus in Shizuoka City!

SN3O5531

The buses seem to have started running the gamut of food in their advertisements in Shizuoka City!

SN3O5532

It’s only cheep processed cheese, but I wonder what would happen if people did eat cheese inside in the summer! LOL

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Entirely Non-Smoking Restaurants in Shizuoka Prefecture (as of November 2013)

TETSUA-SUGIMOTO

Beautiful Vegetables at Tetsuya Sugimoto in Shizuoka City!

I agree that this particular article has been long overdue.
Not only my expats friends, but many Japanese friends have been at pains at finding restaurants, bars and cafes where they wouldn’t have to put up with the hazards and stink of smoke inhaled and expelled by uncaring customers.
Some time ago I mentioned partially non-smoking restaurants but I see little point to mention them unless the entirely non-smoking times are clearly announced and respected!

This is of course not an exhaustive list, but it will be regularly updated as I visit establishments for work!
There is no special order to this list, they come as they come!

One more important point: Non-smoking is not the only criterion, good food is, too!
If you are kind enough to recommend me restaurants not introduced here it will be my pleasure to survey them!

SN3O5306

STORIA

Service: Friendly and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Extremely clean overall. Splendid gender separated washrooms
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Light & mild Italian gastronomy. Great use of local products
Entirely non-smoking!

STORIA
Chef: Koushin Saita/才田亨辰さん
422-8076 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo 1-7-13, Espacio Takajyou, 2F
Tel.: 054-260-7552
Opening hours: Lunch-11:30^14:30; Cafe-14:30~18:00, Dinner-18:00~22:30
Closed on Mondays and 2nd Tuesday (the next day in case of National Holiday)
Credit cards OK
Entirely non smoking!

HARMONY

HARMONY

Service: easy-going and friendly
Facilities: good general cleanliness
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: Most of ingredients are local!
Completely non-smoking!

HARMONY
438-0831, Shizuoka Ken, Iwata Shi, Kamishinya, 499-1
Tel.: 0538-21-1511
Fax: 0538-21-1515
Business hours: 11:00~14:00, 17:00~21:00
Closed on Mondays, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
Big parking available
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

LUNCH-RAMA

Rama 4.5 Organic Cafe & Shop

Service: Friendly, smiling and helpful
Facilities: Overall very clean. Washroom a bit small but clean.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Exclusively vegan cuisine. A great scope of vegan ingredients on sale. Entirely non-smoking!

Rama 4.5 Organic Cafe & Shop
420-0031 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Gofuku Cho, 2-4-5
Tel.: 054-266-3845
Business hours: 10:00~19:00
Closed on Wednesday
Entirely non-smoking

Other home-restaurant at:

Rama
422-8052 Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Midorigaoka, 19-6
Tel.: 054-260-5186
Business hours: 11:00~23:00
Closed on Wednesday
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

LUNCH-KISSA

Service: A bit shy but very friendly and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Superb cleanliness overall. Superb washroom
Prices: reasonable
Strong points:
Exclusively vegan gastronomy. No wheat flour. Only mineral water used. Entirely non-smoking!

KISSA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryougae Cho, 2-1-7 (behind Shizuoka City Hall, along Aoba Street, on the right-hand side)
Tel.: 054-253-1339
Opening hours: 11:00~14:00 (lunch), 14:00~17:00 (cafe)
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Completely non-smoking!

LUNCH-LOCOMANI

LOCOMANI

Service: Very friendly although a bit shy!
Equipment: Great overall cleanliness. Nice washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Vegetarian menus. Healthy rice flour cakes. Can prpeare vegan meal with sufficient advance reservation.
Completely non-smoking!

LOCOMANI
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 1-10-6
Tel.: 054-260-6622
Closed every Wednesday and one Monday
HOMEPAGE/BLOG</strong> (Japanese)

PISSENLIT

Service: Excellent and very friendly.
Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom (mouthwash and toothpicks provided!)!
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive, very good value.
Strong points: Interesting wine list. Great use of local products, especially organic vegetables and Shizuoka-bred meat.
Can prepare vegetarian or vegan meals with sufficient advance reservation and discussion/explanations!

PISSENLIT
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 2-3-4
Tel.: 054-270-8768
Fax: 054-627-3868
Business hours: 11:30~14:30; 17:00~22:00
Closed on Tuesdays and Sunday evening
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Credit Cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!

LUNCH-SUGIMOTO

TETSUYA SUGIMOTO

Service: Highly professional and friendly
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Freshest produce and ingredients only, mainly from Shizuoka Prefecture. Organic vegetables, top-class Shizuoka-bred meat and Suruga Bay seafood. Seasonal food only.

Map (Japanese)

Tetsuya SUGIMOTO
420-0038Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Umeya,2-13,1F
Tel./Fax: 054-251-3051
Opening hours:11:30~14:30,17:30~21:30
Holidays: undecided (do make a call first!)
Credit cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!

SN3O5526

ALOHA TABLE

Service: Friendly and smiling
Facilities and equipment: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom on same floor
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Hawaiian gastronomy

ALOHA TABLE Hawaiian cafe & Dining
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den Bilg, 2F
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00 (Lunch until 17:00)
Non smoking until 17:00!
HOMEPAGE

LUNCH-KAWAKATSU

SOBA SAKE KAWAKATSU

Service: Friendly
Equipment: traditional. Clean. Beautiful toilets
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Very fresh ingredients. Most ingredients not only local but sef-grown or self-raised! Local sake and shochu!
Entirely non-smoking!

Sake Soba Kawakatsu
426-0034, Fujieda Shi, Eki mae, 1-8-4
Tel./Fax: 054-645-1770
Business hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~22:00
Closed on Mondays, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays

LUNCH-SOBA-NO-MI

SOBA NO MI

Service: Friendly
Equipment: a bit old but clean
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Very fresh ingredients. Old-fashioned atmosphere
Entirely non-smoking!

Soba No Mi
Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Kawabe Cho, 2-2-3
Tel.: 054-251-8000
Business hours: 11:00~21:00 (or until soba are exhausted)
Closed on Tuesdays and third Wednesdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

CHOJIYA

Service: Friendly and informative
Equipment & Facilities: Old but very clean
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Traditional japanese food in a traditional environment full of history!

CHOJIYA
421-0103 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Mariko, 7-10-10 (Take the bus going to Fujieda from North Exit Platform No 7 at Shizuoka JR Station. Get off at Marikobashi Iriguchi stop!)
Opening hours: 11:00~19:00
Closed on Thursdays and last Wedenesday of the month
Entirely non-smoking!
HOMEPAGE (English)

SN3O5595

SHIMIZU SUSHI DOKORO “UMI”

Service: Attentive and smiling
Facilities & Equipment: Great cleanliness overall. Suparb washeroom shared with oh\ther sushi restaurants
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive
Strong points: Many local fish and seafood in use. Superb product freshness. Great Sake list!
Completely non-smoking!

SHIMIZU SUSHI DOKORO “UMI”
Shizuoka City, Shimizu ku, Irifune Cho, 13-15, S Pulse Dream Plaza Bldg, 1F (get off at Shimizu JR Station East Exit and board the free shuttle bus to its final destonation at S Pulse Dream Plaza)
Tel.: 054-354-3700
Opening hours: 11:00~22:00
Credita Cards OK
Completely non-smoking!

LUNCH-TIALOCA

OSTERIA TIALOCA

Service: Very friendly
Facilities: Very clean
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Traditional Italian Country Cuisine. Very good value. Very interesting list of Italian wines at reasonable prices

Osteria TiaLoca
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 1-7-8, 1F
Tel./fax: 054-260-0217
Business hours: 11:30~14:30, 18:00~22:30
Closed on Mondays from 2012
Reservations recommended
HOMEPAGE/BLOG
Completely non-smoking!

LUNNCH-ORTA

ORTA RISTORANTE

Service: Very friendly and attentive
Facilities: Superb cleanliness through and through and beautiful washroom.
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Authentic Northern Italian Gastronomy. Good wine list. Very fresh ingredients, local whenever possible
Entirely non-smoking!

Chef/Owner: Mr. Sebastiano Bonomi Pattini
Orta Ristorante
Hamamatsu City, Naka Ku, Banya, 675, 2F
tel. & Fax: 053-455-0321
Business hours: 11:30~14:, 18:00~22:00
Closed on Tuesdays
HOMEPAGE
Credit Cards OK

LUNCH-IL-CASTAGNO

IL CASTAGNO

Service: Very friendly and attentive
Equipment: Great general cleanliness
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Great appetizers. Home-made pasta!. Great use of local products from the land and the sea. Southern Italy and Sardinia gastronomy.

IL CASTAGNO
420-0843 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Tomoe Cho, 48
Tel/Fax: 054-247-0709
Business hours: 11:45~14:00, 17:30~21:00
Closed every Monday and 3rd Tuesday
Credit cards OK (dinner only)
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
BLOG (Japanese)
ENTIRELY NON-SMOKING!

LUNCH-CONTORNO

CONTORNO

Service: Excellent and very friendly
Facilities: great cleanliness overall
Prices: reasonable.
Strong points: Many local products be they from the land or the sea. Organic vegetables. Car park.
no-smoking-logo1 Entirely non-smoking!
Map

CONTORNO
421-0122, Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Mochimune, 5-1-10, Sunrise Mochimune (5 minutes walk from Mochimune JR Station. Second stop after Shizuoka)
Tel.: 054-2565877
Business hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:00~21:30
Closed on Wednesdays
Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
BLOG

Lunch sets: 1,480 yen~
Dinner: Appetizers: 500~yen, 1,000 yen~
Pasta: 930 yen~
Pizza (oven-baked): 1,180 yen~
Carte available

LUNCH-NORI

NORI

Service: Very friendly and relaxed. Very intelligent explanations and presentations.
Equipment: Great general cleanliness in a beautifully decorated house. Superb washroom
Prices: Very reasonable considering the extravagant quality.
Strong points: A great accent on local products both from the land and the sea. Gastronomic Italian-style cuisine with a constant research on new products and methods. Excellent wine list. Superb grappa.

NORI
426-0204 Shizuoka Ken, Fujieda Shi, Tokigaya, 864-3
Tel./Fax: 054-641-4778
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00; 18:00~22:00
On reservation only for dinner
Closed on Tuesdays and first Monday
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese, but do check it for great photographs of the house and garden!)

LUNCH-SPICE

SPICE

Service: Very friendly
Equipment: Great general cleanliness
Prices: Reasonable
Strong Points: Local vegetables and meat! Very healthy meals!

SPICE
Mishima City, Hon-cho, 7-30, Via701-2, 2F
Tel.: 055-981-8889
Opening hours: 11:30~15:00, 18:00~22:00
Closed on Mondays
Parties welcome!
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking!

LUNCH-PISSENLIT

PISSENLIT

Service: Excellent and very friendly.
Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom (mouthwash and toothpicks provided!)!
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive, very good value.
Strong points: Interesting wine list. Great use of local products, especially organic vegetables and Shizuoka-bred meat and caught fish.

PISSENLIT
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 2-3-4
Tel.: 054-270-8768
Fax: 054-627-3868
Business hours: 11:30~14:30; 17:00~22:00
Closed on Tuesdays and Sunday evening
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Credit Cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!

LUNCH-TETSUYA-SUGIMOTO

TETSUYA SUGIMOTO

Service: Highly professional and friendly
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Freshest produce and ingredients only, mainly from Shizuoka Prefecture. Organic vegetables, top-class Shizuoka-bred meat and Suruga Bay seafood. Seasonal food only.

Tetsuya SUGIMOTO
420-0038 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Umeya,2-13,1F
Tel./Fax: 054-251-3051
Opening hours:11:30~14:30,17:30~21:30
Holidays: undecided
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

Entirely non-smoking!

LUNCH-BIO-S

RESTAURANT BIO-S (FUJINOMIYA CITY)

Service: Professional, welcoming, very attentive and smiling. Great explanations.
Facilities & Equipment: Extremely clean. Superb separate washrooms.
Prices: Reasonable considering the extravagant quality.
Strong points: Mainly local products including wild vegetables and meat. Vegetables mainly organic and grown by the staff. Menu changing for the most part every two weeks.

MAP (Japanese)

RESTAURANT BIO-S
419-0303 Fujinomiya Shi, Oshikakubo, 939-1
Tel.: 0544-67-0353
Fax: 0544-67-0098
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:00~20:00
Closed on Tuesday Night and whole Wednesdays
Reservations highly recommended!
Credit Cards OK
Parking for 8 cars
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking!

LUNCH-OGAWA

BISTRO GAWA

Service: Friendly
Facilities: old but very clean. Very clean washroom!
Prices: very reasonable
Strong points: excellent French cuisine without ostentation. Great local products from the land and the sea
no-smoking-logoentirely non-smoking!

Bistro Ogawa
411-0856, Shizuoka ken, Mishima Shi, Hirokoji Machi, 1-37, 2F
Business hours: 11:30~14:00, 18:00~
Closed on Sunday, Thursday lunch and Saturday dinner
Tel.: 055-972-5040
Cards OK (+5% handling fees)

LUNCH-HANA-HANA

LUNCH-EMMA-LESTAMINET

FRENCH BAKERY & RESTAURANT: EMA L’ESTAMINET

Service: Extremely friendly and attentive
Equipment: Supreme cleanliness and beautiful amenities
Prices: Reasonable. Very good value
Strong points: French gastronomy conceived mainly with local seasonal products. Beautiful bread baked on site! Parking available.
Entirely non-smoking!

EMA L’Estaminet
431-3115, Hamamatsu City, Higashi Ku, Nishigasaki, 1088-1 (within walking distance from Nishigasaki Station, Entetsu Railway Line)
Tel.: 053-433-7700
Business hours: !0:00~16:00 (Bakery)
11:30~ 13:00, last orders (Restaurant)
Closed on Sundays and last week of August

LUNCH-BEAU-CIEL

BEAU CIEL

Service: Pro and attentive
Facilities and Equipment: Extremely clean. Superb separate washrooms!
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Elegant restaurant and French gastronomy. Superb panoramic view of Shizuoka from Mount Fuji to the Suruga Bay. Building totally non-smoking!

BEAU CIEL
25F Sky Restaurant
GRANDAIR Bouquet Tokai
420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koyamachi, 17-1, Aoi Tower, 25F (right across from Shizuoka JR Station North exit)
Tel.: 054-273-5250
Fax: 054-273-5251
Opening hours: Lunch 11:30~14:30, Tea Time-14:30~17:30, Dinner-17:30~21:00
Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Completely nonsmoking!

LUNCH-OKAMURA

BISTRO OKAMURA

Service: Friendly if a bit shy.
Equipment & Facilities: Japanese traditional restaurant very clean overall. Cute washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Fish! Gastronomic bistro-style. Extensive use of local products and catch. Reasonably-priced wine list
Entirely non-smoking! Private rooms available.

BISTRO OKAMURA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 1-5-2
Tel.: 054-669-2087
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:30~23:00
Closed on Sundays and Monday lunch
Credit Cards OK
Counter: 5 seats, 4 private rooms (up to 8 seats each)
Entirely non-smoking!

GRILL KURAMOTO

Service: A bit shy but friendly
Equipment: Great general cleanliness. Beautiful washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Interesting combination of French and Japanese bistro-style cuisine. Traditional tarts and cakes.
Entirely non-smoking!

Grill-Kuraramoto
420-0081 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Gofuku-cho, 2-5-17
Tel.: 054-255-3090
Business hours: 11:30^14:00, 17:30~20:00
Closed on Wednesdays and 3rd Tuesday
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

LUNCH-SOLIO

SOLIO

Service: Pro and very friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Great overall cleanliness and superb washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Fresh local ingredients whenever possible. Both traditional and inventive Italian cuisine. Good wine list at moderate prices. Open late! Non-smoking from 16:00 to 20:00!

SOLOIO
420-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tenmacho, 9-7, Kita, 1
Tel./fax: 054-260-4637
Business hours: 16:00~24:00
Closed on Monday
Credit cards OK
Private parties welcome!
Happy hour: 16:00~17:00: 1,000 yen set-3 appetizers plate and 1 glass of house wine!
Smoking allowed BUT Non-smoking until 20:00 everyday!

SUSHI KO MIUE

Service: Very kind and easy-going[
Facilities: Impeachable cleanliness. Superb washroom
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive
Strong points: Unusual and happy combination of Sushi and French gastronomies. Shizuoka sake and even shochu!
Entirely non-smoking (extremely rare for a sushi restaurant!)!

Sushi o Miue/寿し幸実宇栄
420-0852 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, kooya Machi, 13-6
Tel.: 054-221-3888
Opening hours: 17:30~indeterminate
Closed day not yet decided
Credit cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!

HENRI-GALETTE

HENRI GALETTE

Service: Kind and easy-going
Facilities: very clean overall. Clean washroom (shared with anothet shop)
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: True French-style galettes and crepes! Cidre available. Local vegetables used.

HENRY GALETTE
470-0858 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 1-12-1, Aobaen Bidg., 1F
Tel.: 054-260-6116
Opening hours: 11:00~18:00
Entirely non-smoking!

LUNCH-TSUDONO

TSUDONO ZARU SOBA

Service: Very kind and a bit shy
Equipment & Facilities: Spotless clean. Superb washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Soba! Very Japanese atmosphere.

TSUDONO Zaru Soba
421-2121 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tsudono, 514-2
Tel.: 054-294-1005
Opening hours: 11:00~15:00 or until the soba are sold out!
Closed on Mondays (except on National Holidays)
Car parking available
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Shop with Intent by Debbie
BULA KANA in Fiji
Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Recommended Lunch Restaurants In Shizuoka Prefecture: Vegan & Vegetarian (November 2013)

LUNCH-VEGAN

Veggie Burger at Rama 45 Organic Cafe & Shop!

Many people only have time to visit restaurants at lunch and it is certainly not easy to find a restaurant with a better lunch with all those cheap diners around!
Here is the fifth installment of a series of reports on recommended lunch restaurants in Shizuoka Prefecture which will be classified as follows:
-French
-Italian
-Western (American, European, et al)
-Japanese
-Asian
-Vegan & Vegetarian
-Ethnic
-Healthy
-For families

LUNCH-RAMA

Rama 4.5 Organic Cafe & Shop

Service: Friendly, smiling and helpful
Facilities: Overall very clean. Washroom a bit small but clean.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Exclusively vegan cuisine. A great scope of vegan ingredients on sale. Entirely non-smoking!

Rama 4.5 Organic Cafe & Shop
420-0031 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Gofuku Cho, 2-4-5
Tel.: 054-266-3845
Business hours: 10:00~19:00
Closed on Wednesday
Entirely non-smoking

Other home-restaurant at:

Rama
422-8052 Shizuoka City, Suruga Ku, Midorigaoka, 19-6
Tel.: 054-260-5186
Business hours: 11:00~23:00
Closed on Wednesday
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

LUNCH-KISSA

Service: A bit shy but very friendly and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Superb cleanliness overall. Superb washroom
Prices: reasonable
Strong points:
Exclusively vegan gastronomy. No wheat flour. Only mineral water used. Entirely non-smoking!

KISSA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryougae Cho, 2-1-7 (behind Shizuoka City Hall, along Aoba Street, on the right-hand side)
Tel.: 054-253-1339
Opening hours: 11:00~14:00 (lunch), 14:00~17:00 (cafe)
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Completely non-smoking!

LUNCH-LOCOMANI

LOCOMANI

Service: Very friendly although a bit shy!
Equipment: Great overall cleanliness. Nice washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Vegetarian menus. Healthy rice flour cakes. Can prpeare vegan meal with sufficient advance reservation.
Completely non-smoking!

LOCOMANI
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajyo, 1-10-6
Tel.: 054-260-6622
Closed every Wednesday and one Monday
HOMEPAGE/BLOG</strong> (Japanese)

LUNCH-CAPU

CAPU

Service: Very friendly
Facilities: old but clean
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: Vegetarian and ethnic cuisine. Easy-going atmosphere for all ages and trends. Home-made umeshu and biscuits. Can prepare a vegan meal with sufficient advance reservation.
Non-smoking on Second Floor!

Food & Craft cafe CAPU/カフエカプ
3-6-13, Tokiwa-cho, aoi-ku, Shizuoka City, 静岡市葵ときわちょうー6-13
Tel.: 054-252-5343
Business hours: 12:00~21:00 (Sat. & Sun. ~22:00)
Closed on Wednesdays.
Private parties possible.
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

LUNCH-PISSENLIT-2

PISSENLIT

Service: Excellent and very friendly.
Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom (mouthwash and toothpicks provided!)!
Prices: Reasonable to slightly expensive, very good value.
Strong points: Interesting wine list. Great use of local products, especially organic vegetables and Shizuoka-bred meat.
Can prepare vegetarian or vegan meals with sufficient advance reservation and discussion/explanations!

PISSENLIT
420-0839 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Takajo, 2-3-4
Tel.: 054-270-8768
Fax: 054-627-3868
Business hours: 11:30~14:30; 17:00~22:00
Closed on Tuesdays and Sunday evening
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Credit Cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!

LUNCH-SUGIMOTO

TETSUYA SUGIMOTO

Service: Highly professional and friendly
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Freshest produce and ingredients only, mainly from Shizuoka Prefecture. Organic vegetables, top-class Shizuoka-bred meat and Suruga Bay seafood. Seasonal food only.

Map (Japanese)

Tetsuya SUGIMOTO
420-0038Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Umeya,2-13,1F
Tel./Fax: 054-251-3051
Opening hours:11:30~14:30,17:30~21:30
Holidays: undecided (do make a call first!)
Credit cards OK
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Shop with Intent by Debbie
BULA KANA in Fiji
Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Vegan Restaurant: Kissa in Shizuoka City!

SN3O5524

Service: A bit shy but very friendly and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Superb cleanliness overall. Superb washroom
Prices: reasonable
Strong points: Exclusively vegan gastronomy. No wheat flour. Only mineral water used. Entirely non-smoking!

SN3O5517

At last the second independent vegan restaurant has just opened in Shizuoka City right in the middle of the city along the Aoba Street!

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The name “Kissa” means “Cafe” in Japanese and “Cat” in Finnish, the real reason for the restaurant’s name!

SN3O5519

The menu bound to change with the seasons is clearly announced outside!

SN3O5520

The staff are shy but very friendly and attentive!

SN3O5521

you can choose between a seat (chair or sofa) at a table or at a small counter!

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And the place is so clean!
May I remind you it is totally non-smoking!

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Another kissa/cat!

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This must be the healthiest restaurant in Shizuoka City as they don’t use white sugar, wheat flour, eggs, dairy products and cook only in mineral water!

SN3O5524

This is the lunch (Japanese-style) that I ordered!

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And the tea that they serve is organic and has been matured from 3 years, making it lose most of its caffeine!

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The organic tea!

SN3O5525

Steamed white rice mixed with black/violet rice.
Incidentally all the vegetables, including the rice are organic whenever possible!

SN3O5526

Stewed Takano tofu and vegetables!

SN3O5527

Vegetables and tofu miso soup!

SN3O5528

Home-made pickles!

SN3O5529

Fresh vegetables salad. The broccoli is grown by the owner in her own garden!

SN3O5530

Persimmon and apple in tofu cream sauce!

SN3O5531

Konnyaku!

SN3O5532

The owner, knowing I had a special interest in her cuisine because of some of my friends who are vegan (I’m not) offered me her minestrone vegetable soup (only vegetables)! Very tasty indeed!

SN3O5534

While I was at it I ordered a dessert not waiting for tea time!
Their anko/sweet meat is home-made!
They do not use sugar but “karanka/Siraitia grosvenorii” whose fruit is 300 times sweeter and is recommended to diabetics!

SN3O5537

The dessert!

SN3O5538

Beautiful and very satisfying! Incidentally the jelly is made with local agar! Did you know that Shizuoka is a major producer of natural agar in Japan?

I’ll keep you posted about the different menus!

KISSA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryougae Cho, 2-1-7 (behind Shizuoka City Hall, along Aoba Street, on the right-hand side)
Tel.: 054-253-1339
Opening hours: 11:00~14:00 (lunch), 14:00~17:00 (cafe)
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Completely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Shop with Intent by Debbie
BULA KANA in Fiji
Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Blue Cheese and pineapple Hamburger Lunch at BLUE BOOKS cafe in Shizuoka City!

SN3O5507

Service: Very friendly, smiling and attentive
Equipment & Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Superb washroom in same building separated from the cafe.
Prices: Reasonable for such big servings!
Strong points: Very generous cafe/bistro multi-genred gastronomy. Great variety. Great products. Entirely non-smoking in very modern atmosphere. Great books!

SN3O5505

It seems I can’t keep away from Hamburgers these days in spite of my being French!
So the other I felt compelled to check the menu at BLUE BOOKS cafe in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, again!

SN3O5503

Now, what did I order?
Blue Cheese and Pineapple Hamburger Lunch Set!

SN3O5504

AS usual extra lettuce for good balance!

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The Blue Cheese and Pineapple Hamburger!

SN3O5510

For a closer look of the hamburger!

SN3O5511

I love the way they secure the whole edifice wit a wooden stick bearing their name!

SN3O5512

These hamburgers are always so well balanced! Plenty of lettuce again!

SN3O5513

And fresh tomato!

SN3O5514

Now, this is true blue cheese, piquant and tasty with salt of the cheese compensated by the sweetness of the fried pineapple ring!

SN3O5515

And succulent high class beef, with a good bite!

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And plenty of French (Belgian) fries!

SN3O5516

And a pot of tea served as it should be to wash it all done!

See you again there!

BLUE BOOKS cafe
420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki-Cho, 4-6, Den Bldg 1F (5~10 minutes walk straight ahead from Shizuoka JR Station North Exit, around the corner at the large crossroads)
Tel.: 054-280-7644
Opening hours: 11:00~14:30 (lunch), 14:30^17:30 (cafe), 17:30~23:00 (dinner)
Entirely non-smoking!

Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
Twitter: @BlueBooksCafe

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Shop with Intent by Debbie
BULA KANA in Fiji
Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

American Gastronomy: Hawaiian Loco Moco at Aloha Table in Shizuoka City!

SN3O5526

Service: Friendly and smiling
Facilities and equipment: Great cleanliness overall. Superb washroom on same floor
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Hawaiian gastronomy

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I have wanted to visit Aloha Table since the Den Bldg was renovated at lunch but I had been discouraged by the long queues until I came a bit later yesterday and finally could find a seat!

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The entrance is located on the second floor!

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Apparently the original restaurant is in Waikiki, Hawaii!

SN3O5519

I had a good look at the menu posted outside first!

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Loco moco, that’s what I wanted!

SN3O5521

A little geography lesson is always useful!

SN3O5522

Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing!

SN3O5524

The drink bar!

SN3O5525

Menus clearly announced everywhere!

SN3O5526

Very simple in concept but appetizing!

SN3O5527

Special mark for the free drink bar: consomme soup, lemonade and white wine! As much as you want!

SN3O5529

Good-balanced lunch!

SN3O5530

The meat patty is very tender and really tasty. A good mark for the sauce, too! Breaking the egg yolk and mixing it with sauce is a pleasure!

SN3O5531

And the rice is excellent, too. Not always easy! Eat the whole with a spoon!

Next I must try the Garlic Soft Shell Shrimps!

ALOHA TABLE Hawaiian cafe & Dining
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki Cho, 4-6, Den Bilg, 2F
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00 (Lunch until 17:00)
Non smoking until 17:00!
HOMEPAGE

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Shop with Intent by Debbie
BULA KANA in Fiji
Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Organic Vegetables from Shizuoka Prefecture with Aritsune Akutsu!

SN3O5547

My market of the day!
Top left to right: green kohlrabi, dark orange-violet carrots, golden carrots, black daikon.
Bottom left to right: Hinosai turnips, red ginger.

SN3O5548

Aritsune Atsuku is the link that all true producers wish to make their vegetables known and sell them.
Aritsune is always on the look out for producers who grow great organic vegetables and help them sell them with the ones he and his produce themselves.
He has a shop, “Real Food market” in Baban-Cho (report to come soon!), Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, but toady he was selling the products of 5 farmers from Fujieda City and Fujinomiya City on the basement floor of Isetan Department Store in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City, to try and reach a larger clientele and persuade consumers that the quality of the healthy vegetable he was selling was worth their price!

SN3O5549

Aristune has a true passion for healthy food and organic vegetables in particular, although he is not a vegetarian.
Let’s have a look at what he was selling today!

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Hinosai turnip and red daikon!
Not only he promotes good organic vegetables but also ones that are still rare in Japan!

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Red daikon and golden carrots!

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Golden carrots!

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Romaine lettuces!

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Red ginger!

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Reasonable prices for such rare organic vegetables!

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Dark red violet carrots in the middle!

SN3O5541

Violet Mustard leaves and Pak Shi Coriander!

SN3O5542

Green kohlrabi!

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Violet daikon!

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Another type of violet daikon!

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Organic rice!

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Customers could taste them raw or buy them steamed with rice onsite!

You can find and buy the same at:

REAL FOOD MARKET AKUTSU
Aritsune Akutsu
Mobile: 080-6902-0456
E-mail: akutuaritune@gmail.com
420-0864 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Baban-Cho, 91
Tel. & Fax: 054-221-4046
Opening hours: 10:00~19:00
Closed on Tuesdays

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Shop with Intent by Debbie
BULA KANA in Fiji
Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Recommended Lunch Restaurants In Shizuoka Prefecture: Japanese (November 2013)

LUNCH-JAPANESE

tempura at Setsugekka in Shimada City!

Many people only have time to visit restaurants at lunch and it is certainly not easy to find a restaurant with a better lunch with all those cheap diners around!
Here is the fourth installment of a series of reports on recommended lunch restaurants in Shizuoka Prefecture which will be classified as follows:
-French
-Italian
-Western (American, European, et al)
-Japanese
-Asian
-Vegan & Vegetarian
-Ethnic
-Healthy

LUNCH-SETSUGEKKA

SETSUGEKKA

Service: Very friendly and attentive
Facilities: Great overall cleanliness. Beautiful washroom
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: High quality soba. Beautiful tempura. Great local sake

SETSUGEKKA/雪月花
Shimada City, Hontouri, 2-3-4
Tel.: 0547-35-5241
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30, 17:00~22:00
Closed on Monday and third Tuesday
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely non-smoking for lunch!

LUNCH-KIIRO

KIIRO IZAKAYA

Service: Very kind and smiling
Equipment and Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. No shoes allowed inside. Very clean washroom
Prices: Reasonable considering the enormous portions!
Strong points: Pork and tonkatsu!

KIIRO
Shizuoka City, Aoi ku, Takajo, 2-3-2, Sun City Takajo, 1F
Tel.: 054-254-0453
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~22:30
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

LUNCH-TAGATA

TAGATA ZAIRAI SOBA

Service: Smiling and friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Overall extremely clean. Superb washroom if a bit small
Prices: Very reasonable
Strong points: Only native buckwheat used. Good sake and shochu list

TAGATA ZAIRAI SOBA (make sure you understand the address as Tagata is a very common name for restaurants in Japan!)
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa Cho, 3-3-4 (left of Tokai Bldg across the street)
Tel.: 054-251-0707
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~21:00
Closed on Sundays

LUNCH-KAWAKATSU

SOBA SAKE KAWAKATSU

Service: Friendly
Equipment: traditional. Clean. Beautiful toilets
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Very fresh ingredients. Most ingredients not only local but sef-grown or self-raised! Local sake and shochu!
Entirely non-smoking!

Sake Soba Kawakatsu
426-0034, Fujieda Shi, Eki mae, 1-8-4
Tel./Fax: 054-645-1770
Business hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:30~22:00
Closed on Mondays, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays

LUNCH-MATSUNO-SUSHI

EKIMAE MATSUNO SUSHI

Service: Very friendly, attentive and informative
Facilities: Overall clean if a bit old-fashioned
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Mainly local fish and seafood. Local sake. Always ready to improvise!
Entirely non-smoking!

EKIMAE MATSUNO SUSHI/駅前松乃寿
Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Koya Machi, 3-3 (Just in front of Shizuoka JR Railway Station
Tel.: 054-252-0123
Business hours: 11:00~21:00
Closed on Wednesdays and 3rd Tuesday
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Entirely Non-Smoking!

LUNCH-TOMII

TOMII

Service: Professional and attentive
Equipment: Great overall cleanliness, superb washroom
Prices: Slightly expensive
Strong Points: Refined Japanese gastronomy. Great list of Shizuoka Sake.

TOMII
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tokiwa-cho, 1-2-7, Tomii Bldg, 1F
Tel.: 054-274-0666
Business hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:00~22:00
Closed on Sundays

LUNCH-SOBA-NO-MI

SOBA NO MI

Service: Friendly
Equipment: a bit old but clean
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Very fresh ingredients. Old-fashioned atmosphere
Entirely non-smoking!

Soba No Mi
Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Kawabe Cho, 2-2-3
Tel.: 054-251-8000
Business hours: 11:00~21:00 (or until soba are exhausted)
Closed on Tuesdays and third Wednesdays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

LUNCH-SUNPU-NIKU-DOKORO

SUMPU NO NKUDOKORO

Service: Friendly, attentive and smiling
Equipment & Facilities: Great cleanliness overall. Beautiful and modern gender-separated washrooms
Prices: Reasonable (wayuu is not cheap anywhere!)
Strong points: Almost completely local ingredients. High class beef and pork. Great local sake and shochu list! Non-smoking at lunch time!

Sumpu No Nikudokoro
Shizuoka Sodachi
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Oote Machi, 2-15, MRK Bldg., 2f (across Cenova Dept. Store above 7 eleven convenience store)
Tel.: 054-251-4129
Opening hours: 11:30~14:00, 17:00~23:00
Closed on third Wednesday of each month
Credit Cards OK
Reservations highly recommended for dinner!
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

LUNCH-NARUKAWA

NARUKAWA SUSHI

Service: Professional and very friendly. Keen to please customers
Facilities: Very clean overall. Great washroom
Prices: Appropriate
Strong points: Extensive usage of local fish. Shizuoka sake.

NARUKAWA
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryogae-cho, 1-5-2
Tel.: 054-221-1689
Business hours: 11::30~13:30, 17:00~02:00
Closed on Mondays
Credit cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Jpanese)

LUNCH-HACHOKURA

IZAKAYA HACHOKURA

Service: Friendly
Facilities: Clean
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Lots of fresh local fish and produce. Great range of sake and shochu.

HACHOKURA/八丁蔵
Shizuoka City, Kurogane Cho 48 (inside Shizuoka JR Railway Station), Asty West Building
Tel.: 054-255-8180
Opening hours: 11:00~22:30
Credit Cards OK
Parties welcome
Smoking allowed

LUNCH-KOGAWA

KOGAWA HARBOR (YAIZU CITY) CANTEEN

Service: Friendly
Equipment & Facilities: Tradional and clean
Prices: Very Reasonable
Strong points: All fresh fish from Kogawa (Yaizu) fishing harbor!

Kogawa Fishing Harbor Canteen/小川港魚河岸食堂
425-0033 Yaizu Shi, Kogawa, 3392-9
Tel.: 054-624-6868
Business hours: 07:00~14:00
Open all year round except for the New Year and mid-summer O-Bon

LUNCH-YOSHINO

YOSHINO

Service: Shy but friendly
Facilities: old but clean. Traditional
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: 10 wari soba. Good list of Shizuoka sake.

YOSHINO
420-0839 Shizuoka Shi, Takajyo, 1-7-10
Tel.: 054-255-3277
Business hours: 11:00 until they run out of buckwheat!
Closed on Tuesdays

LUNCH-CHIGUSA

CHIGUSA

Service: shy but very friendly
Facilities: traditional but very clean
Prices: reasonable for eels (eels are very expensive in Japan)
Strong points: Eels! Only local fish used! Great view on Hamana Lake

CHIGUSA ちぐさ/千草
Hamamatsu City, kita Ku, Mikkabi Cho, Mikkabi, 1148-10
Tel.: 053-525-0218
Opening hours: 11:00~14:00, 16:00~20:00
Closed on 31st of December and 1st of January only
Reservations strongly recommended
Take-outs OK!
Cards OK
Non-smoking at lunch time
Car park available (30 spaces)
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
BLOG (Japanese)

UKIDONO-14a

UKIDONO

Service: Friendly and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Superb cleanliness overall and beautiful washroom
Prices: Slightly expensive but good value
Strong points: Superb Japanese gastronomy in a beautiful setting. Great list of Shizuoka sake!

UKIDONO
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Koyamachi, 11-1, Fugetsuro
Tel.: 054-2520131
Business hours: 11:30~15:00; 17:00~22:00 (until 21:00 on Sundays)
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
Credit Cards OK

LUNCH-CHOJIYA

CHOJIYA

Service: Friendly and informative
Equipment & Facilities: Old but very clean
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Traditional japanese food in a traditional environment full of history!

CHOJIYA
421-0103 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Mariko, 7-10-10 (Take the bus going to Fujieda from North Exit Platform No 7 at Shizuoka JR Station. Get off at Marikobashi Iriguchi stop!)
Opening hours: 11:00~19:00
Closed on Thursdays and last Wedenesday of the month
Entirely non-smoking!
HOMEPAGE (English)

LUNCH-KUROMUGI

KUROMUGI

Service: Friendly
Equipment: Old but clean
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: 100% soba noodles (ju-wari soba). Traditional Japanese Soba Restaurant.

422-8078 Shizuoka Shi, Suruga Ku, Satsuki Cho, 8-15
Tel.: 054-287-8539
Fax: 054-287-8309
Business hours: 11:30~15:00, 17:00~21:00; 11:30~21:00 (Saturdays)
Closed on Mondays
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)
MAP(Japanese)

LUNCH-IWA-ICHI

IWA ICHI

Service: Very friendly and easy-going.
Facilities: Very clean overall. Excellent amenities
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Soba of course, but traditional Japanese gastronomy on the whole. Excellent all-rounder.
English spoken!
Non-smoking at tables.

IWA ICHI
420-01816 Shizuoka Shi, Aoi Ku, Kutsunoya, 3-4-22
Tel.: 054-293-4151
Business hours: 11:30^14:00, 17:30~22:00
Closed on Mondays

LUNCH-TSUDONO

TSUDONO ZARU SOBA

Service: Very kind and a bit shy
Equipment & Facilities: Spotless clean. Superb washroom.
Prices: Reasonable
Strong points: Soba! Very Japanese atmosphere.

TSUDONO Zaru Soba
421-2121 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Tsudono, 514-2
Tel.: 054-294-1005
Opening hours: 11:00~15:00 or until the soba are sold out!
Closed on Mondays (except on National Holidays)
Car parking available
Entirely non-smoking!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Shop with Intent by Debbie
BULA KANA in Fiji
Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City