あかりあん - 勝央町

This restaurant offers a rare option of 100% buckwheat soba in Okayama. Not only the 100% buckwheat soba, but also the soba with black bean paste and duck tsuke... read more This restaurant offers a rare option of 100% buckwheat soba in Okayama. Not only the 100% buckwheat soba, but also the soba with black bean paste and duck tsukemen are unique menu items. There are about 4 single seats, 3 two-person seats, and 2 seats for about 6 people from what I remember. Despite it being a weekday, the restaurant was almost full, giving the impression that many people come here specifically to eat. They also offer bento boxes for takeout, and the menu displays photos of all items.

Located in Katsuoka Town, Okayama Prefecture, "Akari An" is a soba restaurant where you can enjoy dishes made with local specialties such as 100% buckwheat soba... read more Located in Katsuoka Town, Okayama Prefecture, "Akari An" is a soba restaurant where you can enjoy dishes made with local specialties such as 100% buckwheat soba and "kuro-mame" (black soybeans). I recommend trying the Duck Zaru Soba (warm dipping broth with Okayama-grown yellow chives and duck meat) for 1250 yen, which surprisingly has a rich flavor. The black bean soba, made with the famous kuro-mame, has a delicious aroma of black beans and is best enjoyed by taking a bite without dipping it in broth. In addition to Zaru Soba, Ten Zaru Soba, and Kitsune Soba, they also offer Curry Soba, Tomato Soba, and a tasting set of dipping sauces, which are only available in the summer. They serve both cold soba and hot broth soba. For the autumn and winter season, they have a Truffle-scented Mushroom Soba, which is a dish with the richness of four types of mushrooms and the aroma of truffles. Parking is available for a few cars next to the restaurant as well as on the road in front of the shop. I look forward to trying the limited 5-dish weekday lunch set, "Akari Teishoku," on my next visit.

This was my first visit and we were seated shortly after the restaurant opened. However, due to it being a Sunday, there was a continuous stream of customers an... read more This was my first visit and we were seated shortly after the restaurant opened. However, due to it being a Sunday, there was a continuous stream of customers and soon the restaurant was full, with people waiting for a table. I ordered the recommended set menu for 850 yen. Although there was a bit of a wait, it wasn't too bothersome as I enjoyed looking out the window. The food was delicious and the portion size was quite generous, making it good value for money!