A short walk from Sakudaira Station, just off the main road, I visited a modest-looking restaurant. While it doesn’t boast the convenience of being right by the station, the distance becomes part of the charm — it heightens the anticipation of what awaits. I’d heard it’s a popular lunch spot that’s always packed, and after my first bite, I understood exactly why.
That day, I ordered the grilled fish set meal. It may sound like an ordinary lunch offering, but that impression vanished the moment the dish arrived. A large, plump fillet of sablefish (gindara) was presented on the plate — completely in a league of its own.
The size of the fillet was impressive, and the thickness even more so. It was perfectly cooked: the skin was crisp and fragrant, while the inside remained moist and tender. Every time I parted the fish with my chopsticks, steam rose gently, releasing an aroma that awakened the senses. And when I took a bite, the rich, slow-unfolding umami made me want to savor each piece with care.
The side dishes — simmered hijiki and pickles — were equally well-crafted, but the rice stood out most of all. Each grain was perfectly cooked, with a natural sweetness that deepened with every chew. Good rice is surprisingly rare, and this place didn’t just serve it — they encouraged seconds. I surrendered without hesitation and found myself polishing off a second bowl. Thoroughly satisfied, I could barely function for the rest of the afternoon.
If you want to skip the lunch rush, visiting a little before or after peak time is ideal. And in the evening, the prices remain fair. Next time, I’d love to come back for dinner, take my time, and enjoy the dishes with a glass of something nice.
佐久平駅から少し歩いた先、幹線道路に沿いにある一軒のお店に足を運びました
駅近の便利さはないものの、その距離さえも楽しみに変えてくれる――そんな魅力がここにはあります
特にランチタイムは常に満席、人気店と聞きましたが、ひと口食べれて理由を理解しました
この日は焼き魚定食を注文です
よくある昼食メニューのように思えますが、運ばれてきた瞬間、その印象が一変しました
大ぶりでふっくらとした銀だらが皿に鎮座しており、普段見かける焼き魚とは一線を画しています
まず身がやたらに大きい、しかも厚い
さらに、厚みのある身は絶妙な火入れで、皮目は香ばしくパリッと焼き上げられている
でも身はしっとりと柔らかく、箸を入れるたびに湯気とともに食欲を刺激する香りが立ちのぼります
口に運べばじんわりと広がる旨味、一切れ一切れを丁寧に味わいたくなってきます
小鉢のひじきも、お漬物もぬかりなく、レベル高しですが、何よりもご飯が美味しい
粒立ちがよく、かみしめるたびに甘みが広がる極上の炊き加減です
意外にごはんが美味しいお店は少ないのですが、その上、しかもご飯を「おかわりどうぞ」と勧めてくる
この誘惑に抗うことはできず、気づけば二杯目もしっかり平らげ、しっかりと満腹感に包まれていました
午後は仕事になりませんでした
ランチタイムの混雑を避けるなら、少し時間をずらして訪れるのがおすすめです。そして、夜もリーズナブルな価格帯です
次回は、ゆっくりとお酒でもいただきながら、夜の料理をじっくり堪能してみたいです
A short walk from Sakudaira Station, just off the main road, I visited a modest-looking restaurant.
While it doesn’t boast the convenience of being right by the station, the distance becomes part of the charm — it heightens the anticipation of what awaits. I’d heard it’s a popular lunch spot that’s always packed, and after my first bite, I understood exactly why.
That day, I ordered the grilled fish set meal. It may sound like an ordinary lunch offering, but that impression vanished the moment the dish arrived. A large, plump fillet of sablefish (gindara) was presented on the plate — completely in a league of its own.
The size of the fillet was impressive, and the thickness even more so. It was perfectly cooked: the skin was crisp and fragrant, while the inside remained moist and tender. Every time I parted the fish with my chopsticks, steam rose gently, releasing an aroma that awakened the senses. And when I took a bite, the rich, slow-unfolding umami made me want to savor each piece with care.
The side dishes — simmered hijiki and pickles — were equally well-crafted, but the rice stood out most of all. Each grain was perfectly cooked, with a natural sweetness that deepened with every chew. Good rice is surprisingly rare, and this place didn’t just serve it — they encouraged seconds. I surrendered without hesitation and found myself polishing off a second bowl. Thoroughly satisfied, I could barely function for the rest of the afternoon.
If you want to skip the lunch rush, visiting a little before or after peak time is ideal. And in the evening, the prices remain fair. Next time, I’d love to come back for dinner, take my time, and enjoy the dishes with a glass of something nice.