Komedoko Shokudo — Restaurant in Onomichi

Just a short walk from Onomichi Station, this restaurant sits on the second floor of a waterfront building, offering stunning views of the Onomichi Channel. With a concept centered around rice and fermentation, they serve set lunch menus (around five options) and offer both à la carte and course meals for dinner.

I visited with my vegan friend for lunch, and I was impressed to find five vegan dishes permanently on the menu! We tried several, including vegan miso gratin, vegetable croquettes, stir-fried vegan “meat” champuru, and seasoned rice, and everything was absolutely delicious.

Onomichi is famous for Onomichi ramen, and the restaurant is currently developing a vegan version that will be added to the menu soon. We were lucky enough to try it! Instead of the traditional pork back fat, this vegan version uses garlic pulp for richness, topped with soy-based chashu, and served with rice flour noodles—it was incredibly flavorful!

The owner is also very knowledgeable about veganism, making it easy to navigate the menu without any worries. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner in Onomichi, this is definitely a spot worth...

We came here as people’s comments on their lunch seem overwhelmingly good; however our dinner experience was rather disappointing. Their course menu is on the pricy side, to begin with; however the food doesn’t justify the price at all. Their policy is confusing, too. First, although we later found it in the fine print on the menu, we are asked to order a drink per person. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly understand this is not an uncommon convention in Japan, but requiring customers who already ordered pricy set to order drink is a bit… awkward. Second, when we told the waiter that we would order two 4000 yen sets and two 5000 yen sets, we were asked to order 4 sets of either one. This seems entirely defeating the whole point of ordering a course set, which is supposed to be personal. And the food? The roasted beef, the entree of the 5000 yen course, is just mediocre. Also note how the vegetables are reused (see my second and third...

Vegan options for dinner in Onomichi are thin on the ground, so I am was thrilled to hear that this place has developed a vegan menu.

Located on the Onomichi Waterfront, it is a very pleasant place to spend some time, looking out at the boats that go back and forth from the big windows on the second floor.

The menu has 6 vegan options - vegan miso gratin, vegetable croquettes, stir-fried vegan “meat” slices with mushrooms and lemon ginger sauce, organic salad, and rice served in ceramic pots cooked with mushrooms and veggies. I finished the meal with a slice of probably the best vegan cheesecake I've ever had!

The owner said he is currently working on a noodle dish inspired by the local Onomichi Ramen that is not only vegan, but gluten free too. I will definitely be back...