Trattoria Gabriele — Restaurant in Matsumoto

Rarely have I come across a restaurant that left such a lasting impression as Trattoria Gabriele. This cozy little place appears to be run by an older couple, and it’s precisely this personal touch that makes the experience so special.

I was so impressed that I ended up coming here two days in a row. The highlight for me was without a doubt the spaghetti Bolognese. The sauce was rich, flavorful, and deeply aromatic – clearly prepared with time, care, and a generous splash of cooking wine. The pasta was perfectly al dente, just as it should be in a true Italian trattoria.

What made the experience even more memorable was the warm hospitality. The chef was incredibly kind and welcoming, and his partner – likely his wife – was just as sweet. She even made me a small origami gift and wished me a wonderful journey through Japan. It was a small gesture, but one that truly touched me.

In a world where so much feels rushed and impersonal, dining at Trattoria Gabriele was a refreshing reminder of what genuine hospitality feels like. Delicious food, authentic atmosphere, and heartfelt kindness – this restaurant is a real treasure for anyone looking for a soulful culinary experience.

I will absolutely be...

A good range of salads ( fresh salad and pine nuts with bacon cubes,a tasty miso vinaigrette) and fresh Italian starters -cheeses and charcuterie with lovely baguette. Risotto and pizzas made to order,as well as pasta dishes and chicken. The restaurant is small, better to reserve ahead. Service is a little slow but the lovely waitress is extremely kind and speak some English. She is keen on origami and makes you try to do them! The menu is also in English. Do try the Nagano wine, it's a surprise and very good. A small restaurant which deserves all the...

In one sentence, this was our favorite restaurant on our trip. Never have we spoken with people THIS friendly, the pricing is really good and the people there spread pure joy!! We had some Bolognese, Arrabiata and hot garlic noodles and they were very good.

Can only recommend this. They were super friendly and talked with us about a lot of things like our Japan trip, what to do in Tokyo, the Mt. Fuji etc. Can really, really...