awai 戸隠 旧中社公会堂 / Restaurant — Restaurant in Nagano

I’ve eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world and… this place is a can’t miss if you are anywhere within 100 miles.

It is also tragically cheap - such a ridiculous deal for the quality and the environment and the level of service.

The environment is super cool. It’s an old renovated 70s building in a modern JapiScandi style.

The chef is friendly, but does not speak English. His host is a lovely young woman who speaks excellent English and is very excitable and friendly. They are both named Yuki, which is pretty funny. She knows the chef’s food deeply and can speak about it well in English.

The food itself has amazing plating and is very low on carbohydrates - mainly seasonal vegetables and local meats presented extremely well.

I will say, if you are someone who is into heavy flavors this might not be the best place for you. The food was delicious, but very light in style - not a lot of oils or sauces. Just perfectly cooked rarish meats and fishes and vegetables slightly on the raw side, but not too much.

For me, the highlights were the venison and the tempura baby corn still in its husk. And the ice cream which they made from some random local tree or bush or something, and tasted a bit like Matcha.

The portions are actually a bit too large to be honest - again an insane value. Don’t feel like you need to eat everything.

If I came back again, I would probably stay at the hotel upstairs, which they also run - Yuki #1 gave me a look and it’s super cool.

The coffee at the end was quite good as well.

Keep in mind it is a set menu so you’re going there putting your trust in the chef - but I felt like my...

We stumbled across this place by accident and so glad we did. The food was exquisite! My taste buds were dancing through every special dish. The unique combination of flavours, presentation was a culinary delight! The chef talked to us about the dishes he created using fresh local ingredients. I would highly recommend that you don't miss this opportunity if you are visiting Togakushi. An amazing find and such a treat. It will be a highlight of...

I'd give it 6 stars if I could. The food was delicious and beautifully presented, you can tell that this is a special chef who probably has had fine dining training or experience. You won't get a better meal for this price anywhere in Japan, an...