Recommended Lunch in Tomonoura: "Kisetsu Ryori Kinugasa" | Savor the Famous Specialty "Tai Uzumi"

Hello from the staff at Hotel Ofutei.
When visiting Tomonoura, many travelers often wonder, "Where should we have lunch?"
Since you have made the journey to Tomonoura, savoring fresh Setouchi seafood and local dishes cherished here for generations is a wonderful part of the travel experience.

This time, we would like to introduce "Kisetsu Ryori Kinugasa," located just moments from Hotel Ofutei.

This charming, serene Japanese restaurant serves seasonal cuisine prepared with fresh seafood caught locally in Tomonoura and seasonal vegetables.
From its signature sea bream dishes to Fukuyama's traditional local specialty "Uzumi," it is an ideal dining spot we warmly recommend for lunch before checking in.

Savoring the Flavors of Tomonoura in a Serene Setting

Kinugasa is located just a 1 to 2-minute walk from Hotel Ofutei.
It is conveniently close not only while out sightseeing, but also if you arrive in Tomonoura a little early on your check-in day.

Inside the restaurant, you can enjoy seasonal dishes featuring seafood caught in Tomonoura and seasonal produce.
Its understated, calming Japanese interior provides an inviting and relaxing ambiance.
It is an excellent choice for anyone who thinks, "I want to taste authentic local flavors of Tomonoura," or "I want to take my time enjoying lunch before exploring town."

What is "Uzumi," Fukuyama's Traditional Local Dish?

When you visit Kinugasa, one dish you should certainly try is Fukuyama's traditional specialty, "Uzumi."
At first glance, it looks like a bowl of plain white rice. However, when you dip your chopsticks in, delicious ingredients appear from underneath.
The origins of Uzumi are said to date back to the Fukuyama Domain during the Edo period.

At the time, under strict sumptuary laws promoting thrift and frugality, eating luxuries such as meat, fish, and shrimp was heavily restricted for commoners.
To avoid reprimand from local officials, people cleverly hid these ingredients beneath a layer of white rice, disguising it as a simple bowl of rice or plain broth-topped rice.
It is said to have received the name "Uzumi" from the Japanese word "uzumeru," meaning to bury or conceal ingredients beneath rice.

Originally, it was enjoyed as a modest dish featuring tofu, taro root, and shiitake mushrooms simmered in dried sardine broth. Today, you can enjoy various versions of Uzumi incorporating sea bream and other local delicacies.
Knowing its history makes discovering the hidden ingredients all the more delightful, offering a taste of the ingenuity and wisdom of daily life passed down in this region.

Savoring "Tai Uzumi" at Kinugasa

The "Tai Uzumi" served at Kinugasa is priced at 1,500 yen (tax included). The bowl arrives topped generously with grated Japanese yam (tororo) and fresh shiso perilla leaf.
While it appears minimalist at first, as you gently part the rice, beautifully marinated sea bream (tai) reveals itself from within.

To begin, take a bite of the fluffy yam, rice, and marinated sea bream together.
While delicious and comforting on its own, adding condiments such as scallions, wasabi, nori seaweed, and sesame seeds halfway through introduces new layers of flavor. Finally, pour the warm dashi broth over the bowl to finish it as a delicate, refreshing ochazuke-style dish.
Finding the sea bream beneath the rice, adding condiments, and finishing with hot broth--enjoying the dish through subtle changes in flavor is part of the true charm of Tai Uzumi.

Seasonal Dishes Beyond Uzumi

Kinugasa offers several other enticing lunch options in addition to Tai Uzumi.
The weekday-exclusive lunch set is 2,000 yen (tax included). For an additional 230 yen, you can upgrade your plain white rice to savory sea bream rice (tai-meshi).
This is a delightful option for guests looking to savor more of Tomonoura's iconic sea bream cuisine.

Other favorites include the "Shiki Teishoku" (Seasonal Set Meal) for 2,750 yen (tax included), which features fresh sashimi and crispy tempura, as well as the "Salmon & Ikura Don" for 2,500 yen (tax included).
Being able to choose different dishes is especially wonderful for couples or families traveling together.
Please feel free to enjoy the authentic flavors of Tomonoura according to your mood of the day.

Strolling Through Tomonoura After Lunch

After enjoying lunch at Kinugasa, step right outside to explore Tomonoura.
With historic landmarks such as the Joyato stone lantern, gangi steps, and charming alleys lined with traditional townhouses nearby, there are plenty of sights to discover on foot.
Taking a leisurely walk after your meal allows you to fully appreciate the distinctive seaside ambiance of this historic port town.

Kinugasa is located just a 1 to 2-minute walk from Hotel Ofutei, making it remarkably convenient for lunch before or after your stay.
When you travel to Tomonoura, be sure to pay a visit.

Kisetsu Ryori Kinugasa Restaurant Information

*Business hours, regular holidays, menu contents, and prices are subject to change. Please verify the latest information before visiting.

[References]

▷ Fukuyama City "Uzumi"
▷ Fukuyama City "Kisetsu Ryori Kinugasa"

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