Otowa restaurant — Restaurant in Utsunomiya

Rather than relying on luxury items like caviar or truffles (expensive but simple), Otowa emphasizes the “flavor of the land” and the natural depth of each dish.

Lastnight’s meal was exceptional—more than half the courses left a lasting impression.

We opted for the non-alcoholic pairing, which was a multiplicity of pairing impressively thoughtful and well-matched.

Kana provided a detailed explanation of the ingredients and Otowa’s history and culture in fluent English. Her passion and attentiveness in service were deeply moving.

We will make a point to return to...

IG: pon.withacat

去日光避暑的時候尋找了一番栃木県必吃，結果被我們發現這間4.35高分的Fine Dining 🤩（也是Tabelog Bronze & Tabelog 百名店），說什麼也要來體驗看看😆。

一開始就被Finger Food驚艷到，三種不同的小鹹點精緻到根本捨不得吃 🤤；後續的餐點就如同開場一般完美，吃的我驚呼連連。印象最深刻的就是包著鮑魚的Pâté en Croûte😻，一定是我人生中吃到過最好吃的法式鹹派了，比起傳統的肉餡，鮑魚口味的更鮮美。

非常奢侈的這也是我人生中第一次Pairing，覺得非常值得😍，每一隻搭配的酒跟當下品嚐的菜餚相得益彰，無敵完美！

讓我最深刻的除了餐點以外，服務的部分也很棒；

經介紹我們才知道這是一間有歷史的店，爸爸到法國跟知名主廚學習後回到故鄉宇都宮開業，利用栃木県的食材及正宗的法國烹飪技術來製作精緻的菜餚；三個小孩成年以後一起接手這間店，大哥二哥都是主廚，一個負責內場一個負責外場；跟我們講述整個故事是妹妹。妹妹的英文超級好，溝通起來很順暢，從介紹菜品開始到最後又多跟我們聊了二十分鐘，充分感受到他們一家人對這間餐廳的熱愛，還有兄弟姊妹間互補互助的友好。🤗是很難得吃到的一間很有“人情味”的法餐。

其中妹妹分享的一段話我還滿認同的，她說來餐廳除了是享用佳餚之外，從進門開始的服務、中間上菜說明的環節、整體空間感受等等，每一個瞬間都是很重要的環節，而我真的有在他們的店裡感受到這一點。

即使東京有很多米其林我還沒吃過，但我覺得我會二訪 😆。

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During our summer escape to Nikko, we found a fine dining restaurant in Tochigi (4.35 on Tabelog, Tabelog Bronze, and Top 100). We had to try it!🙌🏻

The exquisite finger foods were almost too beautiful to eat. Each dish was perfect. The Pâté en Croûte with abalone was the best savory pie I've ever had.🤗

It was my first wine pairing experience, and each wine matched the dishes perfectly.☺️

The service was outstanding. We learned the restaurant has a rich history. The father trained in France and returned to Utsunomiya to open this restaurant, using local Tochigi ingredients with French techniques. The three children now run it. The sister, who speaks excellent English, shared their story. Their family's passion and teamwork were evident.🙌🏻

The sister said dining is about more than food; it’s about the service, explanations, and ambiance. I truly felt this here.😻

Even though Tokyo has many Michelin-starred restaurants I haven't tried, I think I'll return...

Many french in Japan Here in Tochigi, utsunomiya city.

Gem. Flawless.

Michelin, used to be reliable in 1980's to late 90's but already super commercial. Besides, those who knows "Relais &chateaux" you know what ai mean.

Here, the thing, only one french restaurant in that traditional book. From Japan.

Modern french based on Alan chapel experience in 1970's!!! , yet amazingly still revolving with great chef's sons.

Worth travelling with bullet train from Tokyo station only...