The other day, I had lunch for the first time at my favourite Japanese restaurant. It is Mimi Sana Uwokura, located in Shichiku 3-chome, Higashi-ku, Niigata City.

The restaurant happened to be near the apartment I used to rent and I wandered in on a whim. I became a fan of the restaurant because of its atmospheric counter seating, the personality of the master and, above all, the delicious Japanese cuisine. Since then, I have invited my parents, friends and other visitors to Niigata and used the restaurant for important occasions.

Image credit: taken from the official Uwokura website.

When you hear the words 'kappou' or 'Japanese cuisine', you have an image of a place that is somehow expensive and reserved, don't you? Certainly, Uwokura offers only courses in the evening, and the prices are reasonable.

However, even kappo restaurants are much more affordable when it comes to the 'lunch menu'!

Here is the lunch menu we had the other day!

800 yen including tax, with rice, miso soup (pork miso soup), grilled fish for the main course, salad and many small dishes!

At night, the omakase course costs as much as 4,000 yen! At lunch, you can enjoy such authentic cuisine for less than ¥1,000! It's a bargain.

The grilled fish (I asked for the name twice and forgot) was oily and plump.

Octopus as a vinegared dish. I feel that it is somewhat like a kappou restaurant. The small bowls of food also look elaborate and healthy.

At lunch that day, the area was crowded with people of all colours, including office workers, nearby housewives and elderly people.

You can also enjoy the master's light-hearted talk at the counter. It is interesting to see a restaurant where the chef is so outspoken!

Shop information

Uwokura

• Address: 3-1-9, Shichiku, Higashi-ku, Niigata City, Niigata
• Opening hours: Daytime 11:30-14:00 / Nighttime 18:00-21:30
• Closed: Wednesdays and irregular holidays.
• Website:http://www.kappou-uokura.com/