Wander — Restaurant in Naoshima

What a hidden little gem on Naoshima!

I visited Naoshima during the day, rented a bike and drove around the island while visiting some art galleries and enjoying the natural views. I wanted to stop somewhere for lunch, but also wanted to avoid the crowds. That's how I found Wander, which was randomly advertised alongside the road.

It's a cozy home-style restaurant owned and operated by just one gentleman. You can tell he puts a lot of care into the service and food he provides, so if you are in a rush, this might not be the place for you. As this restaurant is run out of a home, there is also limited seating, so keep that in mind.

There were three different curries to choose from, including vegetarian-friendly options. You could also pick a set with beer or a set with soda, to make it a bit cheaper. I had the soda set with the Wander curry. It took maybe 10-15 minutes for my meal to get to my table. And it did not disappoint! The flavors of the dish are truly wonderful, and the amount you get is definitely worth the price. It fully recharged my energy bar so I could continue biking around the...

Tucked away quietly, this small, independently run curry restaurant offers one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve had in Japan. The atmosphere is unpretentious and intimate, allowing the focus to remain entirely on what matters most: the food.

The curry is nothing short of exceptional – rich, deeply flavourful, and clearly prepared with great care and expertise. This is not the kind of dish designed to please the masses; it is a truly authentic expression of Japanese comfort cuisine, crafted by someone who understands the layers and subtlety of a perfect roux.

I highly recommend ordering the chef’s signature curry. It stands out not only for its perfectly balanced spices and texture but also for the personality it carries – a dish that reflects pride, tradition, and genuine culinary talent.

Whether you’re a visitor seeking an honest taste of Japan or a local in search of quality, this place deserves to be on your list. Service is personal and attentive, and the entire experience feels heartfelt from...

Aufgrund der guten Bewertungen haben wir uns für dieses Restaurant entschieden.

Es liegt versteckt in einer Gasse und bietet maximal für 14 Personen Platz. Es gibt einen Tisch für zwei Personen hinten links in der Ecke und einen langen Tisch mitten im Raum.

Wir wurden herzlich begrüßt und konnten uns direkt setzen. Es gibt eine englische Übersetzung der Speisekarte.

Das Essen war fantastisch – vielleicht optisch nicht der Hingucker, aber der Geschmack war top!

Besonders fand ich, dass das ein Ein-Mann-Betrieb ist. Sollte er in der Küche sein, hat man die Möglichkeit zu klingeln, und dann kommt er innerhalb weniger Sekunden nach vorne, um einem weiterzuhelfen.

Leider war es unser letzter Tag auf der Insel, ansonsten wären wir am nächsten Tag nochmal hingegangen!

Absolute Empfehlung von uns!

We chose this restaurant because of the great reviews.

It’s hidden away in a small alley and seats a maximum of 14 people. There’s a table for two in the back left corner and a long table in the middle of the room.

We were warmly welcomed and could sit down right away. There is an English translation of the menu.

The food was fantastic – maybe not the most visually appealing, but the taste was amazing!

What I found special is that it’s a one-man operation. If he’s in the kitchen, you can ring a bell and he’ll come to the front within a few seconds to help you.

Unfortunately, it was our last day on the island, otherwise we would’ve come back the next day!

An absolute...