Foodies Asia (en)For "foodies" who are particular about food.

What truly catches the eye is the remarkable cost-performance ratio, coupled with the quality of dishes that you wouldn’t expect at that price point.

They skillfully utilize locally sourced ingredients to deliver consistently high-quality Western cuisine.

On a nationwide scale, this can be considered a hidden gem among farm-to-table restaurants.

Ave. Budget: Lunch 2,000-3,000 JPY, Dinner 5,000-7,000 JPY

店の特徴

Located just a 2-3 minute walk from Iga-Ueno’s prominent street, Ginza-dori, tucked away from the main thoroughfare. In a stylish establishment that’s been thoughtfully renovated from a traditional Japanese house, you can enjoy a pleasant time as if it’s guaranteed.

However, the cuisine is a different story. Being trendy doesn’t necessarily equate to being delicious. Moreover, considering the excellent value of the lunch course, I made a reservation with low expectations, thinking that even cafe-style food would suffice.

They only offer set menus for both lunch and dinner

They offer only set menus for both lunch and dinner.

Although it’s named “Lunch Set,” it consists of about 4-5 courses, priced at 2,750 yen (as of April 2022).

The dinner course is 5,280 yen.

Perhaps due to their commitment to quality ingredients, the menu isn’t so much based on seasonal changes but varies daily depending on the ingredients available. It reflects the skill and expertise of the chef.

Since I was driving, I opted for a non-alcoholic lemonade.

Iga rice and carrot soup

Salad

Fresh vegetables paired with grated cheese create an excellent combination.

Assorted appetizers

Pasta

Choose from 3 to 4 options. I opted for the “Creamy Spaghetti with Chicken and Cabbage.”

On this day, other options on the menu included “Crispy Sardines and Tomato Tagliarini,” “Gnocchi Stuffed with Mozzarella Cheese,” and “Basil-Flavored Meat Sauce.”

Roast Spanish sunflower pork with simmered sauce on the side

For the main course, you can choose between meat and fish. The fish option was “Sea Bream Piccata with Taro Gratin.”

Rediscovering the Town of Iga Through Cuisine

As a locally-sourced Italian restaurant, it undoubtedly reaches a high level of Italian dining. You can enjoy it with the feeling of a trattoria, but it has the level of quality that might make you think you could even go to a fine dining restaurant.

However, by imposing the constraint of using locally produced ingredients, they maintain an approachability without overemphasizing their seriousness. This balance is quite pleasing.

I’d like to quote the concept of the restaurant, which includes the origin of its name, as it is quite clear:

“To rediscover this town through cuisine. – Riscoperta –

The name “ris.” is derived from the Italian word “riscoperta,” which means “rediscovery.” Through Italian cuisine made from ingredients grown in this town, we aim to help people rediscover this town.

We mainly use vegetables and meat produced in Iga and Mie, and fish is sourced directly from South Ise. Since we use seasonal vegetables, we do not have fixed menu items. We design the menu based on the ingredients available on that particular day.

Located in the narrow streets of the castle town of Iga Ueno, this renovated machiya (traditional townhouse) store allows you to rediscover this town through Italian cuisine.”

Menu

【Lunch】

“Ris Lunch Course A” 3,200 JPY

This course includes appetizers with local vegetables and seasonal seafood, pasta dishes, a main course featuring Iga pork, and a dessert with a selected post-meal beverage. *Reservation required by the day before.

“Ris Lunch Course A” 5,500 JPY

An upgraded omakase course based on Lunch Course A, featuring Iga beef as the main meat dish. *Reservation required at least 3 days in advance.

【Dinner】

*The menu and prices are provided for reference only. Please keep in mind that they may change depending on the season and the availability of ingredients.

How to make a reservation

Reservation required. Please call ahead.

Map/Access

Approximately an 8-minute walk from Iga Railway’s Chigamachi Station.

Parking available.

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