Yumezen Kumamoto Yatsushiro — Restaurant in Yatsushiro

We were staying in the hotel and decided to try this restaurant. We walk in and the waiter decided to seat us at the counter. At first we balked, there were some free tables, but understandably these were being held for parties of three or more, so we decided to stay.

We explained we eat seafood and eggs, but no other meat. The waiter understood and helped guide us through the menu. We ordered a number of small plates and sake. Some of the plates, like the “marinated” (cured) salmon with fresh lettuce and the mustard stuffed fried lotus root (a regional specialty of Kumamoto) were both excellent. The wood ear mushroom sashimi was very good (the spicy yuzu paste served with it was excellent) as was the fried eggplant (but the eggplant absorbed a lot of the oil, unfortunately). One dish, recommended by the waiter, fried seaweed “Aosa” balls was just ok. We tried three sakes by the pitcher which were somewhat average in flavor. None stood out as being exceptional.

The service, on the other hand, was exceptional. The waiter and females that served us were all very kind, friendly, and enthusiastic. They brought each dish we had as a course, and didn’t overwhelm us with a bunch of dishes all at once. Given the limited counter space, this was much appreciated. Kudos also go to the kitchen for pacing the meal as well. I know the temptation of wanting to cook everything at once to get on to the next order, especially when it’s busy.

Anyway, if you’re staying in the hotel, by all means do yourself a favor and eat here. (And if you have too much sake like I did, you don’t have far to walk...

鹿児島への旅行途中に立ち寄りました。 味は最高ォ〜なうえに、ベテラン女性スタッフが親しみやすくて、メニューのアドバイスも的確でナイスでした👍 また店長さんも負けず劣らず、各種お酒の説明と焼酎離れを食いとめたいらしく、オススメ焼酎「甕匠」(かめのたくみ)が抜群に美味かったッス♬...

朝食は 最悪です。《バイキング形式は良いのですが》 取り盆＆取り皿は 子供のオモチャ/レベルの大きさで… お味噌汁椀は 湯呑レベルの大きさです。

勿論 お代わりも出来るのでしょうけど…如何にも￥対策としか思えず…『こんな店で食べる自分が 情けない…』っと思える店です。 ￥も1050と 高くは ないのですが…他店に比べて…《何これ？》の レベルですので...