大当たりの軽井沢ディナー : L'ombra

A Memorable Dinner in Karuizawa
During a golf trip to Karuizawa, I was searching for a restaurant that captured the essence of the area while being a hidden gem. I discovered "L'ombra," a charming house restaurant enveloped by the serene nature of Karuizawa.
Upon arrival, the entrance exuded the delightful atmosphere of a rustic Italian restaurant, reminiscent of a quaint town in Italy.
As we began our meal, we enjoyed the breathtaking view of the mountains through the large windows, especially as the sun began to set. The dishes were crafted primarily from local ingredients, showcasing a modern Italian cuisine that harmonized seasonal elements with the chef's creativity.
One standout dish was the tartare made from locally sourced ostrich meat. I was pleasantly surprised to find ostrich on the menu. The meat was fresh and free from any gamey taste, offering a light yet rich flavor and a satisfying texture unique to red meat.
Next was the eggplant "oyaki." When I saw it on the menu, I was thrilled to try this local delicacy. It was presented like an amuse-bouche, refined and elegant.
I was astonished by how stylish this oyaki was, with the eggplant filling beautifully complemented by the surrounding tomatoes, elevating it to a true Italian dish.
For the main course, the Shinshu beef fillet was cooked to perfection, highlighting the meat's aroma and tenderness in a high-quality presentation.
This dining experience, paired with the fresh air of Karuizawa, created a beautiful harmony between nature and food. It was a restaurant that will remain in my travel memories.
Although it may be a bit difficult to access and surrounded by nothing else, I highly recommend this place to anyone who has visited multiple times.
It was a great meal!