Isao Cucina — Restaurant in Yusui

Ok. Ok. Here we go. I have been in Japan for 10 years. I have eaten at a lot of amazing restaurants. A lot. This place might be the best restaurant I've ever been to. Definitely the best Western cuisine I've had here. The atmosphere which is a mix of rustic, rural, chic, modern, and Mediterranean(?) is amazing. The building is an old cow stable that has been renovated. The interior is amazing. Beautiful exposed wooden rafters. The food is Italian, but maybe with flavors more subtle than Italian typically is, making giving it a hint of Japanese influence. The three course meal was amazing. The ingredients are fresh and organic (I believe.) The red wine and white wine was really good, and only 500 yen a glass. The chef studied in Italy, and he seems to know his stuff. I'm not really sure if the food is that much better than other good places, but the food paired with the atmosphere and rural setting made for a special meal. It was an unmatched experience. Let's see, I guess i should mention that the meal isn't cheap. But, given the locale, the atmosphere, and how good the food was, it was worth every yen. I will definitely go here again. Next time want to try dinner. Yeah, this rural place somehow is open till 10pm! I think it would be awesome staying in the bungalows up the road - there is a onsen there!!!! - and then walking to this place for some food and drink. Oh, can't wait! And lots of amazing hot springs in the area, so it's just all around...

Went to Isao Cucina at the end of August. Did not know about needing reservations so we made a reservation and returned the following day for lunch. The Chef Isao and his lovely wife were very nice and accommodating. Even though we did not speak Japanese they happened to have a friend visiting that did! That made it way easier to order and get some information.

The food!!!!! SO DELICIOUS! We had an amazing Italian meal with drinks, wine, dessert, and even a small cappuccino at the end. If you find yourself anywhere near here......call and make a reservation. You will not regret it. Will be back soon when we return to see our house! THANK YOU...

Probably the best Italian restaurant in the Ebino Kogen area. The Chef-owner and his wife prepared and served an outstanding dinner menu. Almost all ingredients used are fresh and from the local area. Dish preparations are beautifully displayed and cooked to perfection, fish and meat. Nothing oily found in many, so call "Italian" restaurant, in Japan! A real pleasure. Italian wines, red and white, are good and complemented perfectly the food served.

The kindness and hospitality of Chef Isao and his wife, will definitely make us come back on our next trip back to...