D'oh! Bakery — Restaurant in Tanabe

I have visited Tanabe on numerous occasions going back and forth up to the Kumanokodo region in the Kii Mountains and while waiting at the main station for the train or bus, hunger usually sets in. However, I have struggled to find anything really tasty to eat until recently. On this occasion I had myself and 3 family members to feed so I was on a mission. I stepped in to a shop that had some bento boxes which looked very unappealing and were overpriced. I left. Realising I had a few extra minutes before the train was due I ventured a little further down the road (heading directly away from the train station) and came across the most wonderful sight – a bakery, called 焼きたてぱんD’oh! which I think loosely translates as “Freshly Baked D’oh!” I was sure I had not seen it before. Even before I went in I could see the quality and range of treats on display – yippee I thought, this was going to be good! As I walked around with taste buds salivating, picking up fresh buns, breads and pastries (anything I could hold really), the owner Yukino greeted me in perfect English and explained that she and her brother owned the business. It turns out she had spent some time in my home city (Sydney) and had great memories of Australia. As I returned to find my family sitting hungry at the Visitors Centre next to the station (a little annoyed that I took so long), I thought my eyes had been bigger than my stomach and I had probably bought too much. But within minutes everything was eaten and they said, “why didn’t you buy more?” As the expression goes, the proof is in the pudding, and the delights that we enjoyed from 焼きたてぱんD’oh! were more than enough proof that great food is available just near Tanabe station. Just walk straight ahead (don’t turn left) and the bakery is on the right-hand side. Say hi to Yukino when...

Delicious food can be found throughout Japan. To us, this bakery is especially memorable because of its creative and delicious bread items. For example, the baguette with bacon in a miso relish and the yakisoba sandwich with tonkatsu were unforgettable. This shop should be on everyone's list of Tanabe take...

We visited this bakery twice while staying in Tanabe. Best to visit early to see the huge and lovely variety. The pastry chef is a wonderful, friendly man and the staff are awesome too. Very courteous and helpful. If only similar style bakeries in Australia...