Oku — Restaurant in Takayama

Tucked away in the charming streets of Takayama, this small bakery café is a true hidden gem. On a snowy morning, the smell of freshly brewed coffee greeted us like a warm hug.

The sourdough bread was standout—crisp on the outside, soft and warm within, the perfect accompaniment to their simple yet deeply flavorful carrot ginger soup. Each spoonful was comfort like home.

The croque madame was crafted with quality ingredients and attention to detail that elevated this classic dish. The woman behind the counter was a gracious host, her warmth matching the cozy atmosphere. It’s amazing she does it all herself.

This café is not just a place to eat but an experience that lingers, much like the memory of its inviting smells and tastes. The 630 opening was great for our jet lag. Highly recommend....

We visited here for lunch after the cat cafe next door, and had a wonderful set menu! Each course was explained by the waitress, and tasted absolutely perfect, especially the bread and butter, and sautéed pork (pictured).

This definitely had similarities to various fancy French-inspired cafe back in the UK, with a relaxed coffee shop vibe combined with clearly high quality food and friendly staff. Slippers are worn throughout, with shoes left outside the front door, the toilet is quite outdated so maybe...

This place is sooo popular and gets full very quickly, so I considered myself very lucky when I noticed a free table while passing by! We immediately took the opportunity to try it out and it was really worth it! The breakfast menu was delicious and filling, the bread and homemade apple jam were the absolute stars for me. The atmosphere is lovely and the staff is super nice, it's really...