DONBURI＆CAFE ZEN | 箱根 強羅 カフェ ランチ — Restaurant in Hakone

Nestled in the peaceful hills of Gora, Hakone, DONBURI & CAFE ZEN offers a refreshing blend of comfort food and tranquil atmosphere—perfect for a midday recharge during your onsen or sightseeing itinerary. The café is stylish yet understated, with warm wood interiors and large windows that let in natural light and views of the surrounding greenery. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down and savor both your meal and the moment.

The donburi bowls are the heart of the menu, and they’re crafted with care. I tried the crispy chicken donburi, which came perfectly fried—light, golden, and juicy inside—served over fluffy rice with a well-balanced sauce that didn’t overpower the dish. The ingredients felt fresh and thoughtfully sourced, and the portion size was satisfying without being heavy.

Beyond the donburi, the café offers seasonal sides, desserts, and drinks, including local teas and coffee. The plating is elegant, and the staff are friendly and attentive without being intrusive. It’s clear they’ve designed the experience to be both relaxing and memorable.

Whether you’re coming from the nearby Gora Station or winding down after a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, DONBURI & CAFE ZEN is a lovely stop for a quiet,...

Cute place, but I expected a little more. Stopped by for a donburi, only to find that two of the three options were sold out (one of which wasn't stickered on the menu). We opted for a cheesecake and matcha latte a little later on. The matcha latte was good, but the cheesecake was very small compared to what i was expecting. Probably closer to free sample size than 500 yen. More attention was given to making the plate beautiful than cutting an adequate portion. Though it did taste quite good, the experienceof eating it was over far too quickly. Redeeming factors were the cute interior and friendly staff who apologised profusely for not adding the pork donburi...

If you come to Hakone, especially Gora, this cafe is a must-visit. It looks small from the outside, but inside, an incredibly cool space awaits you.

The owner's friendly hospitality is basic, and although I only tried the waffles, all the food (especially the donburi) seemed delicious.

This place, which is characterized by an owner with a variety of skills - who produces alcohol, sesame oil, and even smoky tea - is located on the slope leading up to Hakone-Gora-Park, so be sure...