The Ship — Restaurant in Minokamo

I won’t be short.. want to talk about the location first: situated in center Minokamo city on the old “nakasendo road” a very super cute place with a super cute terrace (built from the owner himself) ,place offers only 10 (wide) counter seats with an open kitchen,so you can have a nice chat with the owner chef Robert. I Went there for lunch time because a friend recommended it. There is a Large lunch selection which allow that allow you to choose the best food experience you want to have. 8 different dishes that you can experience from the east to the west side of the Mediterranean Sea. We were 5 people and we tried 6 of it and every plate came with a totally ingredients,and lovely flavors,well balanced ,respecting the tradition of each country,not at last with affordable price,good volume and good value! Was a big surprise To Find a place like that in a place like Minokamo! Also there is a nice choice of wine selection,picking some of the nicest grapes and wineyard not only in Mediterranean area but all around the world. Owner chef and wife keep you in a warm and friendl environment! I’m sorry to not be able to take a picture of all the food cause at the same time the first plates arrived we start to eat it cause it looked super delicious! Place is just one year open and I really recommend you a lot! Thank you for everything mr Robert Shipman and wife and hope to see you soon! I will certainly come again the next Time I pass through...

Outside a small veranda, inside like a normal isakaya, but the special part of this place is the food. When you are in the area and looking for a nice dinner, this place is a must. I would recommend to call first, because there is not a lot of space. The owners are fluent in Japanese and English. The cook has a lot of experience from all over the world, working in England, Switzerland, Italy, Bahrain and probably in other countries in exquisite restaurants.

Like the description sais, the food is mainly influenced by Mediterranean and also probably Arabic cuisine.

We had different dips with bread, an Italian soup, one of the best risottos I ever had and 30 hours cooked meat with polenta. Every dish was followed with a detailed description where the food is coming from and what ingredients were used, like in a 5 star restaurant.

And it was incredibly delicious. We were coming from Nagoya, but we will definitely come back to explore more...

I visited today with my sister for lunch. The restaurant was relax atmosphere, and there were several herbs planted outside the restaurant. We started with a salad (with fruit) and a cup of their homemade mint tea (which was refreshing). I ordered the braised rib pork,bulgur plate. The bulgur was cooked with spices, parsley, and scallions, and the rib pork was tender the perfect not too heavy but not too light! I liked the spiciness, so I added some harissa to the mix and it was more better. The chef explained the dish and I enjoyed it very much because we often use spices.

The food was delicious, with a good mix spices and it might be adapted to Japanese tastes. I will be back again soon. They were friendly service and the taste is good. If you're in the area.definitely check...