July 31, 2004
igrek (French)
Bellport Ashiya, Minami Ashiyahama / 0797-25-1909 / Lunch 11:30〜2:30 LO / Dinner 17:30〜21:30 LO / Closed on Tuesday / Yen 7000 / 7 pickels / ¥¥
Promising new French restaurant at stylish Bellport Ashiya
Even if you have no plans of renting a berth for your yacht or building a residence with your private landing stage, Bellport Ashiya is still worth a visit, as it hosts a new branch of Kobe's 'igrek'. The restaurant has opened just recently, like the entire complex. Therefore reservations are still quite easy to get, though we are afraid it won't stay that way for long.
The ambience is modern and clean, and all tables offer a view of the yacht harbor, which certainly will be more impressive once it fills up. igrek serves modern French cuisine. Their menu comprises of 4 cold and 4 hot starters and 10 main courses. For Yen 3.200 inclusive of service charge and tax, you may select a starter and a main course, Yen 4.200 2 starters and a main, and Yen 5.200 2 starters and 2 main courses. Very reasonable as we found, especially considering the quality of the food.
We started with a gazpacho with raw sea bass and smoked eel, continued with foie gras with raspberries on green fettuccine, and had duck breast with walnut parfait and balsamic vinaigrette as main course. Everything was flawlessly prepared. But for my taste the sweet raspberries were a bit too dominant, and I didn't expect the balsamic vinaigrette to be that sweet. Other diners may call this 'overly critical', and they may be right, as all in all the cuisine is right there in the upper echelon of Ashiya's fine dining spots.
The service was professional and attentive. The wine list offers an adequate selection, though maybe a bit on the pricey side.
Food: 7 Service: 7.5 Ambience: 7 Total: 7 pickles
Japanese/French menu, some English spoken.
How to get there:
June 15, 2004
Restaurant Thais (French)
Paseo Ashiya 1F, 6-22 Higashi Ashiya-cho, Ashiya/0797-32-1110/11：30～14：00&17:30-21:00(L.O)/Closed Wed/¥6000-10000/6.5 pickles/¥¥¥
Ashiya madams' favorite French. (This could be a compliment...)
It is sometimes said that restaurants are polished by their clientele. If so, it suggests the many Ashiya madams who reportedly come here (mainly for lunch and tea/cofee) may not be quite as genteel as they appear. But such is Ashiya. The food at Thais, though elegant and admittedly good, is not so authentic either and, though accomplished, ultimately lacks impact. The service and lighting were a bit off too; though the service improved on our second visit.
Since we had heard that the chef likes to use fresh seafood from local markets near the sea, we tried his seafood dish (poile of red snapper, greek style eggplant with red pepper sauce). We also tried dishes such as "boiled vegetables with Onsen egg and procuitto (1600yen)", "Ravioli of mushrooms, foie gras flavored (2000yen)", and "roasted French pigeon, foie gras flavored (3000yen)". All are not heavy, not too salty but not bland, light and pleasant.
The dinner course A(5500yen): Amuse-gueule, entree (choose from 5), fish from the market, poilee of veal loin with foie gras, dessert (choose from 6 such as warm chocola fondant with saffran ice cream) and coffee. They have a 3800 yen course as well as the evening full course which is 8000 yen.
Food: 6.5 Service: 6.5 Ambience: 6 Total: 6.5 pickles
Japanese/French
How to get there: Get off at Hankyu Ashiya Station. There's a bridge to cross over the river. When you cross the river, you see the building on your left. The restaurant is on the first floor. They have parking for 6 cars.
March 19, 2004
La Tortuga (French)
1-5-22 Koraibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka/06-4706-7524/11:30-14:00&17:30-22:00/Closed on Sunday/Yen 6000/8 pickles /¥¥¥
Savory and hearty country fare for urban gourmands.
Kitahama, the Wall Street of Osaka, seems to be rapidly becoming a mecca for discerning restaurant-goers. Although it might easily be overlooked (there are only 20 table seats, and 9 at the counter), we think La Tortuga, ("tortoise" in French), is one of the better new restaurants there. The decor is stylish and cozy and the service, though pleasant, was not fawning. But it is really the food that sets Tortuga apart. Our friend warned us the portions would be huge and insisted we order just a few dishes to share. Usually Tortuga's tiny kitchen doesn't accept a la carte orders from large groups, but he persuaded the chef to allow it. As starters for the six of us he ordered "country pate", "tuna tartar with capers" and "serrano ham." Although it took a long time (we were warned it would) each appetizer was delicious when it finally arrived. The 3cm pate slab shamed the stingy slices we've been served elsewhere, yet it was barely enough to whet three appetites, nevermind pacify six. Other starters were also ample and tasty but not "huge." Perhaps our appetites were larger than our friend was accustomed to, we chided. But then the three main dishes came. It was all we could do to finish them, and (to make a long story short) well worth the effort to do so. Each was as savory as it was hearty. For example the, "hobo (white fish) a al acqua pazza" is a whole fish stewed in the tomato-based sauce a la Italian. "African guinea bird in cocotte" is a juicy and ever so tender fowl(half) cooked in a big cocotte pot (30 cm long). We were impressed, not to mention stuffed. This is one restaurant to which we intend to return soon.
Food: 8 Service: 7 Ambience: 6 Total: 8 pickles
No English menu.
How to get there: Get off at Sakaisuji Kitahama stn (Mitsukoshi exit). SMBC bank is next to Mitsukoshi Dept store on Sakaisuji st. Pass the bank and turn right at the corner. Walk about 500 m and you find the restaurant on your right.
February 07, 2004
Genti Osier (French)
Ijincan Club Part II 1 F, Kitano, Kobe / 078-231-2815 / Yen 12000 / 7.5 pickles / ¥¥¥
Fine French Dining in Kitano
Genti Osier is not related to Tokyo's No. 1 French Restaurant L'Osier, but seems to have borrowed from it. Dining at Genti Osier is a rather solemn affair, in a quiet and homely ambience where you feel comfortable.
The food is first rate. You may order a la carte, but most people opt for one of the set menus, priced at Yen 6000, 8000, 10000 and 12000 (surprise menu). All include an amuse geule, appetizer, fish course, meat course, cheese and dessert, but the more expensive menus include the 'finer things' like foie gras. Some of the starters were excellent, but we were a bit disappointed with the main course. Oddly it seems a common phenomenon among Kansai's fine dining spots that the main courses usually can't keep up in quality and especially creativity with the appetizers.
The wine list focuses on French wines, which we find a pity, since the best value is usually found among the new world selection. The service is professional and friendly.
One drawback at Genti Osier are the chairs (or stools), that are utterly uncomfortable and seem out of place in an otherwise up market and recommendable establishment.
Food: 7.5 Service: 8 Ambience: 7 Total: 7.5 pickles
Bilingual menu French/Japanese.
February 04, 2004
Brasserie Pierrot (French)
La Myuro Bldg. B1F 19-13 Ishibane cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo/0798-71-1088/11:30am-14:30pm/17:30-22:00pm/Yen 5000-10000(credit cards OK)/7 pickels /¥¥
Accessible French in Shukugawa/Kurakuen
The chef of Brasserie Pierrot is a protege of the Chef of the extravagant Chez Ino in Ginza. Pierrot achieved some success by being among the first l area restaurants to introduce a pre-fix menu. Dinners start from 3000 yen (appetizer, main, coffe/tea) but, because the portions are humble, we recommend the 4500 yen course with appetizer, small soup, pasta, main course, dessert, and coffee/tea. Big eaters might still be waiting for the grand finale when the check comes. We tried grilled langoustine, pie of foie gras and porcini mushrooms, pasta pepperoncino, duck with Japanese poireau, roasted lamb, chocolate soufflee with vanilla ice cream and creme brulee. Everything exceeded our expectations. Pierrot also has a reasonably priced selection of mostly French and Italian wines. Service there is always personable. Unfortunately their English speaking waitress is leaving to have a baby. We hope she returns soon - all the daily specials are in Japanese. (Menu in Japanese/French.)
Food: 7 Service: 7 Ambience: 7 Total: 7 Pickels
HOW TO GET THERE: From Iwazono Tunnel, go straight. It's on your right after you pass the third big crossings for 50 meters. You can see French flags hoisted. If you're coming from Hankyu Kurakuen Stn, take the big street that goes toward Ashiya. Turn right at the second traffic light (second big crossing). After you pass the next big crossing and go for about 50 m, it's on your right.
February 02, 2004
Brasserie Tooth Tooth
Dai-ya108 bldg. 3F, 108 Ito-cho Chuo-ku, Kobe/078-332-3052/11:00am-12:00pm/Yen 2000-5000/6 pickels /¥
A new lunch destination in Kobe Daimaru Area (Kyoryu-chi).
In an airy 3d floor loft with floor to ceiling windows atop a boxy yellow building in the east end of Kobe Kyoryu-chi can be found "Bistro Tooth Tooth." This stylish French brasserie offers an affordable pre-fix lunch \1200-\1800 and dinner menu (\2500-4500). In the evening, one may also order typical a la carte brasserie fare such as minestrone au pistou, navarin d'agneau, asparagus et courgettes, and salade au saumon cru. There is nothing exquisite about Tooth Tooth, and but for the name it is rather straightforward, yet it is a sensible refuge for weary shoppers (despite being more than a few paces out of the shopping district proper). Although the spacious balcony was closed during our winter visit, it looks like an excellent venue for a breezy summy night party - which Tooth Tooth will arrange for \3000 pp. The menu is in Japanese/French.
Food: 5 Service: 6 Ambience: 6 Total: 6 Pickels
HOW TO GET THERE: From Kobe Daimaru, take "Nakamachi dori" (a fashion street where you can see shops like GAP, Emporio Armani, Prada & Paul Stuart) and walk east toward the city hall (Flower Road) direction for 5 or 6 blocks. You'll see a big yellow/brown building on your right in the corner. There's a post office across the street on your left side. Click here to find a map on their site
September 27, 2003
Kyoraika (French)*
Orchid Court 1F, 2-7-3, Nishiokamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe / 078-431-8117 / Yen 10000 / 8 pickels / ¥¥/¥¥¥
'Nouvelle cuisine francaise' at its best in Sumiyoshi
Due to the name of the restaurant one may expect some kind of fusion cuisine, but don't be mislead. This is pure French food, and we are glad to say at its best.
Kyoraika offers both 'a la carte' and set menus at Yen 3500, 6000, 8000 and 10000 that change every month. We took the Yen 6000 menu, consisting of an amuse geule, 2 appetizers, fish, a sherbet, meat, a small cheese plate, desserts from the trolley and coffee or tea. Not bad for Yen 6000! Especially considering the quality of the food. It's flawlessly prepared and some of the dishes are true delights.
The wine list offers a well-chosen selection in various price categories. Unfortunately the half bottle that we chose and the red wine by the glass were out of stock. But they made more than up for it by opening a full bottle instead and serving us half, and letting us choose another red wine from the list and serving it by the glass. This episode already gives you an indication of the level of service to expect. At Kyoraika everything is there in the right place at the right time without noticing it, and this is what good service is all about.
If there is something to criticize, then it's the ambience. Modern, clean and stylish, it however feels a bit cold and empty with the high ceilings, especially when there are few diners as in our case. But all in all a very pleasant dining experience.
Update Sep. 04: Kyoraika seems to be an example of consistency. We can gladly confirm our rating, which places Kyoraika right at the top of Kansai's fine dining places. We've yet to find better food here, especially at such price.
Food: 8 Service: 8.5 Ambience: 7 Total: 8 pickels
Bilingual menu French/Japanese. Some English spoken.
HOW TO GET THERE: On route 2 at Sumiyoshi River, coming from Ashiya turn right into the street just before the river (from Kobe turn left just after crossing the river). Turn right after crossing the JR line and look for the 'P' sign at Orchid Court. When you found the car park, Kyoraika is right next to it.
July 28, 2003
Orfeu (French)*
The45th10F, 45 Harimacho, Chuo-ku, Kobe / 078-334-7622 / 11:30-14:30 / 17:30 - 21:30 (LO) / Yen 13000 / 8 pickels / ¥¥¥
Fine French Dining in a modern & stylish ambience next to Daimaru
After our first 2 visits we were confident of having discovered one haven for epicures. Creative French cuisine, almost flawlessly prepared and well presented in a modern and elegant ambience made this place our fine dining favorite. On our 3rd visit we weren't so sure any more. Obviously the fact that the place was packed, whereas on our previous visits it was quite empty, made a difference.
Even if the food at Orfeu might lack in consistency, it still is a 'Major League' player, with the great ambience and a professional service. For dinner you may select among 3 course menus priced at Yen 5000, 8000 or 12000, or a la carte. The wine list includes a good choice of reasonably priced bottles from both old and new world.
Bilingual menu French/Japanese. Some English spoken.
Food: 7.5 Service 8 Ambience: 8.5 Total: 8 pickels
HOW TO GET THERE: Watch out for GAP (1st floor) to the south-east of Daimaru Department Store. Orfeu is on the 10th floor.
Website: http://restaurant-orfeu.com/
July 24, 2003
Pre Catelan (French)
16-25 Hinoike-cho, Nishinomiya/0798-73-7336/11.30～23.30/Closed on Tue/10000-20000yen/7 pickles
A gourmet's parlor in Kurakuen.
Pre Catelan always tries hard, and usually succeeds. In part because on many nights you may find yourselves to be the only customers, and in part because of the quirky decor, one feels like a house guest when first seated in their small dining room. Any awkwardness of this sort is quickly forgiven as the delicious and well-timed courses emerge from the kitchen. The best dishes at Pre Catelan rival those of the better French restaurants in Kansai, and even the misses have a nobility about them. Wines and service are equal to the food. The fussy might quarrel with the price point, and it definitely is not cheap; but like kids drawn to the home of a quirky aunt, we secretely look forward to our next visit.
Food 7.5; Service 7.5; Ambience 6 Total 7 pickles
French/Japanese menu available
How to get there: If coming by car from Ashiya, take Iwazono tunnel. Turn left at the first big crossing after going through Iwazono tunnel. Pass the first traffic light and go 50 m. It's on your left (before a bridge over a small river).
July 22, 2003
Seta Tei (French)
15-7 Minamikoshikiwa-cho, Nishinomiya / 0798-73-0777 / 11:30-14:30 17:30-21:00 (LO) / 9000 Yen / 7 pickels / ¥¥/¥¥¥
Hints of excellence in this small 'Franco-Japonaise' restaurant in Kurakuen.
Seta Tei is run by the owner and chef, Mr. Seta, and has been around for 20 years now, an eternity in restaurant's terms. Not surprisingly, as we found out. Seta Tei has only 6 tables in an ambience that feels more like a living room than a restaurant. The wine list is small and offers French Wines from Yen 6000.
You can choose among 4 different course menus, priced from Yen 3500 to Yen 10000. In what Mr. Seta calls "Franco-Janponaise", you may expect predominantly French cuisine, with Japanese influences, ambitious and partially innovative. The Yen 5500 course includes 2 appetizers, one main course, a sorbet and desserts from the trolley. Some dishes can be surprisingly delicious, others are less exciting, though never bad.
At Seta Tei the focus clearly is on the food, although neither service, nor ambience disappoint. Since the restaurant usually caters to Japanese customers, don't come too late. Otherwise you'll be served 6 dishes in 50 minutes, like on our last visit.
No English menu, no English speaking staff.
Food: 7 Service: 6.5 Ambience: 6.5 Total: 7 pickels
HOW TO GET THERE: If you come from Ashiya, turn right at the 3rd traffic light after Iwazono tunnel into Kurakuenguchidori. You will find Seta-Tei after ~ 150 m on the left.
July 14, 2003
Au Limo (French)
6-14 Kasuga-cho, Ashiya/0797-21-1234/11：30～14：00(L.O)17：30～22：00(L.O)/closed on Monday/5000yen/6.5 pickles
An authentic French bistroquet offering a cosy and friendly atmosphere to all comers.
Au Limo has firmly established itself as the most authentique and friendly bistro in the area - great for couples, friends, and even for families. With consistently good taste at very reasonable prices, it is a cornerstone in the restaurant rotation of many a local foreigner. A 3,800 yen course consists of a choice of entre, main course, dessert, coffee/tea, and bread (add a few hundred yen for delicacies like foie gras). Servings are ample - except perhaps for the cheese plate, which was a bit sad. You can also find decent wines at practical prices. Perhaps Au Limo's biggest plus is the personal touch of Thierry, the owner/manager, whose friendly suggestions in several languages are almost always spot-on. The menu is in English, Japanese and, of course, French.
Food 6.5 Service 7 Ambience 6
HOW TO GET: 5 min walk from Hanshin Uchide Stn (North side). By car from Kobe, turn right at Kusunoki-cho crossing (楠町）, then turn left at the second crossing at the traffic light. It's on your left.