ao — Restaurant in Omachi

Review for Ao Cafe

Last night, after a refreshing swim in the lake following work, my wife and I visited Ao Cafe. This wasn’t my first visit—in fact, I’ve dined here at least six times since it opened. While I’ve had a few enjoyable meals, I’ve also experienced several recurring issues that I feel now need to be addressed. I usually don’t write reviews, but I’m hoping that by sharing this feedback, some improvements might be made—not just for us, but for all future guests.

The most pressing issue is the septic tank. Each time I’ve visited, I’ve noticed an extremely unpleasant smell emanating from the tank located right beside the deck. It’s a consistent problem, and last night, it was so overpowering that we left shortly after arriving. For what should have been a beautiful summer evening, the experience was unfortunately ruined by the stench.

It appears the tank may either be too small for the number of patrons using the facilities, or it is not being emptied frequently enough. This is something that absolutely must be investigated and resolved. I noticed blue plastic sheets had been placed over the tank, presumably in an attempt to reduce the odour—but unfortunately, this isn’t working. For such a well-designed venue in a prime location, it’s disappointing that this issue continues, and frankly, the construction company should be held accountable if the installation was inadequate from the beginning.

Other issues from last night:

Bathroom cleanliness: Upon arrival (around 6:00 PM on a quiet Monday evening), I visited the men’s restroom and found it in a very poor state—dirty, unmaintained, and not acceptable for any dining establishment. There were several staff present at the time and the restaurant wasn’t busy, so regular cleaning checks should have been possible and expected.

Food quality: I ordered the steak, which I’ve had twice before and previously enjoyed. Unfortunately, last night’s serving was inedible—extremely tough, gristly, and full of fat. I left nearly all of it untouched, and even my wife, who sampled it, agreed it was quite unpleasant. It’s frustrating to have such inconsistency in quality, especially for a menu item priced at a premium.

All of these factors—the overwhelming septic tank smell, the unclean bathrooms, and the poor-quality meal—contributed to our decision to cut the evening short. We paid our bill (approximately ¥8,000) and left without raising the issue directly, as my wife preferred we not make a scene.

Please understand that this review is offered in the spirit of constructive criticism. Ao Cafe is in a beautiful location, and with the right attention to these matters, it could truly live up to its potential. However, until these issues—especially the septic tank—are properly addressed, we won’t be returning.

I sincerely hope this feedback is taken seriously and leads to improvements for the benefit of all...

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Aoki Lake in Nagano Prefecture, ao LAKESIDE CAFE offers a perfect blend of modern design and natural beauty. Since its opening in July 2024, it has quickly gained popularity among both locals and travelers seeking a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the Japanese Alps.

Ambiance & Design

The café is designed to take full advantage of its breathtaking lakeside setting. Expansive glass windows and multi-level seating ensure that every guest enjoys panoramic views of Aoki Lake and the surrounding mountains. The interior features locally sourced cedar wood, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that harmonizes with the natural surroundings.

Food & Drinks

Emphasizing "local modern comfort," the café's menu highlights fresh, regional, and seasonal ingredients, offering a contemporary take on traditional Nagano flavors.

Baked Goods: A selection of pastries and bread, perfect for pairing with their beverages.

Beverages: Specialty coffees and teas designed to complement the calm lakeside experience.

The menu is simple yet refined, focusing on quality ingredients that elevate classic flavors.

Customer Experience

Visitors often praise the café for its peaceful ambiance and well-crafted food. Many highlight the unique experience of enjoying coffee or pastries outdoors, where the fresh mountain air and lake breeze enhance the overall enjoyment. The quiet and relaxing environment makes it an ideal place for a slow morning, an afternoon break, or a reflective solo visit.

Accessibility

Located in Omachi City, the café is easily accessible by car, with parking available for guests. Its proximity to Hakuba makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the region. Whether you're coming from a skiing trip, a nature hike, or simply looking for a scenic escape, this spot offers a perfect pause in the journey.

Final Verdict

ao LAKESIDE CAFE is a must-visit for anyone in the Hakuba or Aoki Lake area. With its breathtaking views, thoughtfully designed space, and focus on high-quality local ingredients, it delivers an exceptional café experience. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a delightful meal with a view, this café is well...

We were excited to go to this place as it looks beautiful... And it is! The building and scenery are very nice. The staff were also very kind and cheerful.

...however, the food was actually so bad. We got the salmon and the rump steak, which are the two most expensive dishes on the menu, and both were barely edible. The rump steak was rubbery and tough and we could barely chew it. The black garlic sauce was the only part of the dish that we actually liked. The salmon was probably the worst I've ever had. It was a strange cut and actually stank when they sat it down on front of me. I've never had salmon that smelled that strongly of fish (not in a good way). The taste matched the smell unfortunately. The blueberry sauce on top was good but did not go with the taste of the salmon at all (not sure if it doesn't taste good with salmon or if it is just THIS salmon). Even the sanzoku yaki was a bit strange as it was chicken breast and not thigh, and the breading was not the typical sanzoku style, which makes me really question the quality of the food they are serving.

Another thing I found super strange was that the water was self service. For a place trying to be so fancy and charging 650+ yen for a drink, you'd think they would at least serve you that. There is even a person standing at the self service station, so I'm not sure why they don't provide that service when it's not a question of man power.

The drink that I had was good, but expensive.

The menu looked great when we saw it online, but unfortunately it feels like it was thought up by someone who is not cooking it. Hopefully they can work on the quality of the food because the space is...