The steamed eel rice in the wooden box was interesting. The portion was decent, but for the price, I expected a bit more eel. The rice stayed hot and flavorful though.

The mobile ordering was pretty convenient. Staff were friendly and attentive, and we got seated quickly even with our group. A decent spot for a casual meal.

The double beef intestine hotpot was a special three-course meal, and each flavor was delicious. The waiter provided good service and was very considerate.

Been coming here for years. Love that old-school counter vibe upstairs in the brick building. The place just feels consistent, you know? Same warm, cozy feel every time I walk in. That&#39;s what keeps me coming back.

The Kyoto-inspired decor is so calming. I loved the little stone garden in the corner. It felt like a quiet escape from the city for an hour. The matcha latte was a nice touch.

I had a delightful lunch experience with a beautifully prepared course meal. The service was efficient and the atmosphere was perfect for a leisurely meal.

No. 2 of Local Restaurants in Kumamoto City

Been coming here for years, and the terrace is always packed. Book ahead if you want a spot outside.

The Mapo Tofu was interesting. Not very spicy, actually leaned a bit sweet. They serve the Sichuan peppercorn powder on the side, which is nice&mdash;you can add as much of that numbing tingle as you want. A different take on the classic.

The tonkatsu here is the real deal. The breading is light and shatters with a crisp bite, but the pork inside stays incredibly juicy. It&#39;s not greasy at all. Just a perfectly fried cutlet. That&#39;s all I come for.

A cozy little spot with maybe ten seats. Feels like a real neighborhood place.

The owners are so sweet! I tried their seasonal fruit tart and it was incredible, the crust was perfectly flaky. The coffee is solid too, a great little spot to start the day.

The English menu was a lifesaver! The staff also spoke a few languages, which made ordering super smooth. Everyone was really nice, too. Made the whole experience much less stressful for a first-timer like me.

A regular spot for both tourists and locals. The vibe is cozy, with soft lighting and worn wooden stools. It&#39;s easy to end up chatting with people here, sometimes leading to an invite to another bar down the street.

The Aso Akagyu beef in the pastry was so tender. You could really taste the quality of the beef itself, very fresh and clean. The pastry was light, not greasy at all. A really nice, balanced dish.

Always grab the black sesame dandan noodles for lunch here. It&#39;s my go-to spot in Tsuruya when catching up with friends&mdash;the vibe is just right for a casual chat. The noodles are consistently good, though the portion could be a bit bigger for the price.

Great spot for late-night hangs with friends, the counter seats are always buzzing.

The lunch buffet here is pretty good. Decent variety, and the quality is solid. I liked the black vinegar pork and the aiyu jelly. The price is a bit on the higher side, but it&#39;s fine for what you get.

Been coming here for years. The ingredients are always top-notch, and you can taste the care in the preparation. It&rsquo;s a bit of a splurge, but that&rsquo;s exactly why I save it for when I really want to treat myself.

The beef tongue is always tender here. I like the thicker cuts with a bit of wasabi, the thinner ones with the onion sauce. Simple and good.

White rice, barley option. Two miso soups. The cabbage dressings though. Had the sesame one. Really good. Simple detail but makes the meal.

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KATSURETSUTEI South Kumamoto

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from the farm GIARDINO

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Tonkatsu Hamakatsu Kumamoto Hakusan-dori