CAFE & RESTRANT ZU-THONES — Restaurant in Hakuba

Early Feb, this place had nearly no reviews. Long ski day, tired and hungry; made a reservation somewhere else but accidentally scheduled for the wrong day. Standing in the rain outside the other restaurant , called several other places with no luck. ZU had nothing reserved and could seat us immediately (red flag) but it’s all we could find. Walked in to an empty restaurant tired and wet and disappointed. The menu was hard to order from and we were not happy. Then came the salad (incredible), then the pasta (very very good), a glass of beer and a glass of wine later and out came the Wagu Sirlion. It made me emotional, I can’t explain it. I don’t know what happened to my face, but ruined American beef for me. It’s all trash and I never knew. The gelato was also excellent and the crème brûlée was the best I’ve ever had. There’s a lady chef tucked away back there that is going to make a name for herself, if she hasn’t already. We came very disappointed and left knowing that that was the best meal we would have in a very long time. I almost didn’t leave a review because I wanted people to...

We stayed near this guesthouse and the food was incredible at their small restaurant. A limited menu but the place to come for Wagyu steak AU$42 for 200g and worth every cent. Veal also exceptional. Salads incredible. Cheese potato bake yummy but a heart attack waiting to happen. Deserts fantastic we had the Tiramisu and the Crème Brûlée. It was AU$55 a head including drinks. The most expensive meal we’ve had in Japan over 2 weeks through Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima but easily the best....

Amazing dinner!

We started with the warm paté and salmon carpaccio with bits of cacao nibs. Venison with beetroot sauce was amazing, perfectly rare and tender. Then had the creamy mozzarella cheese with citrus. Had the pastas as well. Highlight was definitely the crème brulée! Creamy and the right texture, not too sweet.

Atmosphere is cosy although room was slightly cold as we sat next to the window.

They have good natural wine! On our way out, we also bought their oatmeal cookie,...