Kissa Suzuran — Restaurant in Biei

I was attracted by the food posted. When I visited Biei last month, I went for a breakfast but was disappointed that they don’t open until 11:30am, as told by the lady who opened the door. After walking around for 45mins, I realised all the restaurants or cafe wouldn’t open before 11am at Biei (low season?).

As I was starving, I went back to Suzuran and asked the lady again if she could open for me as an exception. She was very kind and said they had only coffee and dessert to offer. I had the coffee and waffles. I am impressed. So, I quickly reserve a table for dinner.

When I went in the evening, I could not get what had attracted me by the reviews. It’s because lunch and dinner are run by 2 different chef/owners. The menus are completely different. I was a little disappointed. Well, since there are no other restaurants available, I unwillingly stayed for a Japanese-style western dinner.

I am really glad I stayed.

(1) The dinner as shown in the photos was really a nice surprise. It was a 6 course set dinner, absolutely gorgeous. Every course came, I tried, and I was amazed. They all tasted so good.

(2) This set dinner cost me only ¥3,600. including a glass of ice woolon tea separately ordered. What a good value for money.

(3) I had another dinner there again on the third evening, after I had had a so-so dinner around the area on the second evening. This time I had grilled fish, rice, and curry lamb soup. ¥4200. So good!

(3) The chef must be very passionate about cooking. I had this strong feeling after I had finished the second dinner there. Every dish surprised my taste buds, was well presented with good and fresh materials. And, good portion.

(4) Although there are only one chef and one service staff, they served all the tables well. They were both of course very busy, yet they still managed to exchange with the customers albeit briefly. I certainly had brief chats (because they don’t really speak English) and was impressed by their good and natural service style. They apologised for keeping me waiting.

If I ever go to visit Bier again, I would definitely have dinner at Kissa Suzuran...

A very cosy restaurant with 12 table seats and 3 counter seats. Best if you come in less than 4 people. Tables with four seaters and two seaters. This cute cafe is operated by a young woman, which she’s the third generation of the shop. The food is super delicious, range from ¥800 for ala-cart. And ¥1000 for set lunch. Set lunch comes with drinks which shown...

They have a different evening/night menu and the food on the recommended menu was really good. We had chicken confit and soup curry and both were super tasty. The hot ginger ale that the master makes himself was also delicious!

They also open pretty late which works well for folks staying...