Banri — Restaurant in Nozawaonsen

We loved our experience at Banri. Our hotel had made a booking for us a few days ahead which was lucky as they were only open for those who had booked, there appeared to be quite a few people trying to walk in and get a table that were turned away. Initial service was a little slow and not particularly attentive, however once we had ordered they were very fast with bringing food. The food was delicious and was a great experience and something a bit different from what we’d tried on other nights in Japan. The novelty of cooking on the mini barbecue was great for the kids, and the flavours were delicious. We tried the beef and lamb and a few different veggies and each had a small bowl of rice. The dipping sauce was awesome. As per other reviews we did leave smelling like the cooking, so keep that in mind (don’t wear best clothes perhaps) My only other negative was that we could not buy wine by the glass, they only sold full bottles. They do have sake hot or cold and draft beer though. Kids drinks which were Yuzu soda were delicious!! We found it to be good value...

took 40 minutes for the food to arrive and that is AFTER we asked. we also had to ask multiple times. (we were patient, we waited till the table near us sat down after us got their food first when they order after us to request check up for first time). not even rice and appetisers (pre cooked) arrived. no apologies whatsoever, just says “it’s coming”. by the time our food arrive and we finish cooking it’s already towards the end of our reservation (tot 1.5 hrs long). so yep, spent more than half of the time waiting for food (arrive + cook) when the table near us that arrived later than us gets food around faster than us. imagine you just finished a day long of ski and is tired and you just need to sit there and do nothing for 45 mins staring at the grill when your empty stomach is calling for help. oh also their ventilation doesn’t really work so the whole place is full of smoke. (at least the alcohol arrive...

Visiting Banri is great as a social activity with a small group of friends, and I highly recommend it for the novelty. But it is more about the experience than the food, and you'll find many other restaurants that are both cheaper and have better food if you look elsewhere in Nozawa Onsen.

If your group is larger than 4 people, you will almost certainly need to pre-book as the layout is very much based on 4-person groups. On weekends or during peak season, booking may even be needed for smaller groups. Make sure to wear light clothing that can be easily washed, as the room quickly becomes hot with all the grills running, and the air thick with the smoke of...