改めて美味しい。 : BENSON

This was my third visit. The restaurant operates in two seating times, from 17:00 and 19:00, but it seems that the regulars prefer the earlier slot, as reservations fill up quickly. On this day, there was only availability from 19:00.
Here’s what I ordered:
- Clam Chowder JPY 660
- Shinshu Green Asparagus Salad JPY 900
- Wagyu Hamburg Steak JPY 2,000
- Shinshu Pork Sauté Gratin (Tomato Flavor) JPY 1,800
- Rice
- Drinks
The soup was truly homemade, packed with clams. It was an elegantly refined clam chowder.
The highlight was the Shinshu Green Asparagus. It was carefully prepared and beautifully plated. The Southern Island-style dressing, diced tomatoes, and finely crushed cashews added a delightful crunch, making for a great accent.
My wife ordered the Shinshu Pork Sauté Gratin. Despite it being July, the temperature in Karuizawa was below 20 degrees, which made the gratin title appealing. The thick-cut Shinshu pork was incredibly delicious, topped with cheese and tomatoes, then baked in the oven. It was the perfect combination, matching excellently with either rice or bread.
I am a huge fan of the Wagyu Hamburg Steak; the texture of the ground meat and the hint of nutmeg were just perfect. The seasoning was spot on. It’s a hamburger I could eat every day.
At 19:00, there were about 16 to 17 guests, including us. Despite the variety of orders, the dishes were served promptly without any delays. I am truly grateful for the care taken in preparing each dish.
Next time, I’d like to try something other than the hamburg.
It was a great meal.

Last month, I visited for the first time and was deeply impressed, so I made another reservation to come back.
Being a popular restaurant, it seems they operate two seating times at 17:00 and 19:00.
I arrived just before 19:00 and noticed a few people gathered near the entrance. The popularity of the place remains strong.

Here’s what I ordered this time:
- Combination Salad JPY 900
- Chicken Steak (Anchovy Butter Sauce) JPY 1,600
- Black Wagyu Hamburg Steak JPY 2,000
- Sautéed Mushrooms JPY 900
- Chestnut and Sweet Potato Potage JPY 660
- Rice
- Various Drinks

I ordered the Combination Salad again because it was delicious last time. The vegetables from Karuizawa are fresh, and I believe a simple oil and vinegar dressing suits it best without any frills.

Next, the Chestnut and Sweet Potato Potage. I wonder if it's made with chestnuts from Obuse? It’s an exquisite soup where you can fully enjoy the rich texture of chestnuts, thick yet smoothly served. Delicious.

The Sautéed Mushrooms is the perfect dish to enjoy the seasonal flavors of Karuizawa. Is it the chef’s excellent seasoning or the delicious mushrooms? Regardless, it was a satisfying dish.

As for the main dish, the Chicken Steak, the aroma and richness of the anchovy butter elevate the chicken's umami to its fullest. The meat quality is remarkable, and the cooking level is just as impressive.

Now, the long-awaited Black Wagyu Hamburg Steak, is this really 'The Hamburger Steak'? The doneness of the meat, the use of spices, and the richness and seasoning of the demi-glace were all perfect.
I've encountered a Hamburg Steak that I could eat every day.

I've heard that Western-style restaurants unique to Japan tend to be avoided due to the labor-intensive preparations despite their reasonable prices, but I appreciate that they meticulously prepare each of these dishes. It seems I will be stopping by every time I visit Karuizawa.

It was a great meal.

This Western-style restaurant is located on a street slightly away from Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza. It features a variety of dishes that Japanese people love, but it’s far from typical town food, offering a dangerous lineup of options that pair beautifully with wine.

The clientele seems to be mainly those with vacation homes. The atmosphere here is unique, and many customers appear to be regulars, enjoying friendly conversations with the staff. Many regulars are thoughtful and often place orders like, "Feel free to serve me after the other customers, please."

On this visit, we ordered the following:
- Japanese Pork Fillet Cheese Cutlet JPY 1,800
- Simmered Hamburg Steak JPY 1,500
- Stewed Baby Octopus in Tomato Sauce JPY 990
- Combination Salad JPY 780
- Rice JPY 300
- Various Drinks

First of all, the name "Combination Salad" is superb. The taste, presentation, and balance of ingredients make it easy to eat. The handmade dressing is just right.

The stewed baby octopus in tomato sauce arrives piping hot in a cocotte and is truly enticing. The octopus is tender, and the rich tomato sauce pairs perfectly when you soak the accompanying baguette in it.

As for the main dish, the simmered Hamburg steak was easily one of the most delicious I’ve had recently. I was deeply impressed by the strong aroma of nutmeg in the hamburger, which I hadn’t experienced for a long time.
The pork fillet cheese cutlet has a sauce on top that perfectly enhances the cheese and cutlet with its exquisite flavor. Though it appears rich, it’s refreshing and complements the fillet meat perfectly; taking a bite with rice puts a smile on your face.

I had been curious about this place for quite some time, and I’m glad I made a reservation to visit. It’s incredibly reasonable, and the standard of the food is high. A very convenient restaurant where people of all ages love to enjoy Western cuisine.

It was a great meal.
I will definitely come back again.