うさぎ追いしかの山～♪懐かしくもあるおふくろの味でおもてなし！『酒菜うさぎ屋』 : Usagiya

Enjoy local seasonal ingredients in the charming obanzai of Sakata at 'Usagiya' A cozy Japanese-style restaurant where you can take your time enjoying a lunch made with local produce! Located in the heart of Sakata, in the Nibancho area, it's a small, relaxing space for adults, nestled in a two-story building next to 'Hair Make Seeds'. There are two parking spots across the street, marked with the Ozeki sign. (You can also use a free parking voucher for two hours at the Sakata City underground parking.) I arrived right at opening time! After passing through the noren, I sanitized my hands and entered, where a kind staff member (the owner's daughter) welcomed me! Soft jazz played in the background, and while the space is a bit tight, the Japanese-style décor lends a very calming atmosphere. However, there's one thing... the phone service was lacking... I called to confirm if they were open before arriving... (Especially during these times when many places have unpredictable hours.) "Q: Are you open today? A: Since I'm answering the phone, of course we are...etc..." I called, and my wife was not impressed (laughs). (The owner is a bit strict with managing communications! It’s unfortunate, but I believe she means no harm...) Now, putting that aside, for lunch, they only offer the 'Daily Lunch' option, which allows you to choose between fish or meat as the main dish, and either white rice or brown rice, all for just 750 yen, including coffee after the meal! A healthy homemade meal featuring plenty of fresh, locally sourced ingredients! The menu is determined by the available ingredients each day! Most of the food comes from "Yotte ne", a local direct-sales shop, and meat and fish are sourced right from the area. Many regulars frequent the restaurant, and even during my visit, there were returning customers before and after me! (^O^) About 10 minutes after ordering, the food arrived! ◆ Daily Lunch Choose between a meat or fish main dish, which includes the main, rice, two small sides, miso soup, pickles, and coffee! ◇ Main Fish My wife ordered the salt-grilled sea bream, which is a fish essential for celebrations! Caught off the Shonai coast, it was just under 20cm long. Despite being a white fish, it had a lovely richness and flavor✨ ◇ Main Meat I ordered the herb-grilled Aomori chicken thigh. The aroma of herbs was appetizing! The outside was crispy, while the inside was moist and juicy, and the flavor was delightful✨ ◇ Small Dishes (Two items) - Winter melon and egg stew - Boiled cabbage and tuna with plum sauce Both were gently flavored without excessive seasoning, making them a comforting choice✨ ◇ Rice You can choose from white rice or brown rice. Both varieties are "Haenuki rice", fluffy and shiny, delicious rice indeed! The brown rice had a delightful nutty flavor! ◇ Miso Soup Rich in dashi flavor, the nameko mushroom soup had a pleasant texture that slurps nicely! ◇ Pickles Shiso-flavored daikon pickles. It was a great meal!✨ Using seasonal vegetables, the delicious fish from Shonai, and various meat dishes like Shonai pork—all homemade with a mother's touch! In contrast to the impatient owner, the staff member was excellent at customer service! (She rides her bike to work.) Combining the two personalities balances the vibe well! The taste I'd missed for a while was just as good as I remembered. It was a great meal!✨ Please note, in the evening, they do not allow guests who do not drink alcohol, so those wanting only a meal should opt for lunch! Opening Hours: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM (Last Order 2:00 PM) 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Last Order 10:00 PM) Closed: Sundays and Holidays