Welcome to the second part of our article dedicated to exploring Awaji Island’s local delicacies. In the first part, we uncovered the wonderful local specialties of Awaji Island—onions, Ebisu Sea Bream, and shirasu. In this second part, we will delve deeper into the realm of rare delicacies that Awaji Island has to offer.
Table of Contents
Awaji Island Hamo (Conger Eel)
Hamo, the esteemed Japanese conger eel, shines a spotlight on Awaji Island’s culinary scene. A sought-after delicacy, hamo graces the table as a seasonal treat that enchants refined tastes. During the summer months, the enticing call of Awaji Island’s hamo draws numerous guests to relish this Awaji Island specialty.
The hamo found on Awaji Island exhibits a distinctive physique, featuring a compact body and elegant form, with a majority being females. These eels are meticulously caught one by one using a special method ensuring their meat remains intact. They are harvested from the water near Nushima, Awaji Island, and mature in soft sandy surroundings, safeguarding the delicate belly skin from abrasion and resulting in a tender texture. The nourishing environment of Naruto Strait is believed to contribute to the superior meat quality, richness, and color of Awaji Island’s hamo.
Auberge “French Forest”: Restaurant La Rose
Auberge “French Forest” is widely renowned as one of the most luxurious restaurants on Awaji Island. It is also known for its authentic French cuisine, showcasing the finest fresh ingredients from Awaji Island. Among the three French restaurants at Auberge, La Rose is a restaurant that represents a mix of Japanese and French culinary traditions.
During summer this year, a highly recommended menu is the special full-course menu featuring three exquisite summer delicacies: abalone, sea urchins, and conger eel. The skilled chefs pride themselves on using only the finest ingredients, crafting a fusion of delectable dishes paired perfectly with carefully selected champagne and wines. This unique menu promises a harmonious blend of flavors, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the essence of Awaji Island, complemented by meticulously selected wines chosen by a certified sommelier.
| Name | Auberge “French Forest” La Rose |
|---|---|
| Address | 2593-8 Kusumoto Aza Banaka, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 |
| TEL | 0799-70-9062 |
| Official Web Site | https://frenchnomori.jp/la_rose/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/french-larose/reserve |
| Operation Hours | Lunch – 11:30~15:30 (Last Entry: 13:00) Dinner – 17:30~21:30 (Last Entry: 19:00) |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
Click here for details of Auberge “French Forest”
Ristorante Scuola
Ristorante Scola, situated on the second floor of Nojima Scuola, presents a unique offering: cold pasta combined with Awaji Island’s hamo. Hamo, cultivated in Awaji Island’s waters, is gently seared after boiling to enhance its delicate yet flavorful profile. Paired with cappellini, the result is a refreshing dish perfectly suited for enjoying during the warm summer months.
| Name | Nojima Scuola |
|---|---|
| Adress | 843 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Website | https://www.nojima-scuola.com/ |
| Reservations | 2F Ristorante Scuola https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/nojima-scuola/reserve |
| Tel | 0799-82-1820 |
| Operation Hours | 1F Marché /Bakery: Weekdays 10:30~19:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays 10:00~19:00 1F Café Scuola: Weekdays Lunch 11:00~14:00/ café 14:00~18:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays breakfast 10:00~11:00 Lunch 11:00~15:00 Café 15:00~18:00 2F Ristorante Scuola: 11:30~15:30 (in by 14:00) / 18:00~21:30 (in by 19:30) Outdoor Zoo: Weekdays 11:00~16:00 Sat., Sun. & Public Holidays 10:00~16:00 (13:00~14:00 animals in recess) Closed: Wednesdays (Open on Public Holidays) |
Click here for details of Nojima Scuola
Awaji Beef
Awaji beef is reserved for only a handful of cattle, guaranteeing that only the finest and most exceptional animals are granted the privilege of being called “Awaji Beef”. These meticulous requirements have earned the beef “phantom beef” due to its exceptional rarity. The scarcity and exclusivity of this premium meat enhance its appeal, making it a sought-after delicacy for those fortunate enough to enjoy its unmatched flavor and quality.
Awaji Beef also stands out for its remarkable quality flavor and exquisite marbling. When indulging in this delicacy, one can savor the harmonious interplay of flavors, where each element complements the other to create a truly savory and mellow taste. The exceptional marbling ensures a tender and succulent texture that elevates the overall dining experience.
It is worth noting that Awaji Island cattle serve as a crucial foundation for Japan’s renowned beef brands. Remarkably, around 65% of the widely recognized brand beef, such as Kobe Beef originates from calves that were initially born and nurtured on Awaji Island.
Aman no Shokutaku: Sajiki
Aman no Shokutaku is a luxurious restaurant that fully brings out the charm of Awaji Island’s gourmet. The menu showcases Awaji Island’s seafood, beef, and mountain delicacies that are cherished through generations in Japan.
On the second floor, Sajiki invites you to embark on a culinary journey that harmoniously showcases the charm of teppanyaki and sukiyaki. You can treat yourself to a sumptuous full-course meal, highlighted by the renowned Awaji beef known for its exceptional quality. As you dine, you will also have the privilege of witnessing the mesmerizing art of teppanyaki, where adept chefs skillfully craft your dishes, infusing them with delightful flavors and captivating presentations.
The tranquil and serene ambiance of Sajiki also sets the stage for unhurried conversations, allowing you to unwind and relish the moment to the fullest. Immerse yourself in a world of luxury as you relish dishes crafted with the finest ingredients, ensuring every moment spent here is truly special and unforgettable.
Click here for reservations Utage Click here for reservations Sajiki
| Name | Aman no Shokutaku １F Utage ２F Sajiki |
|---|---|
| Address | 1042 Nojima-Tokiwa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1726 |
| Tel | "Utage” 0799-70-9089 “Sajiki” 0799-70-9090 |
| Operation Hours | “Utage”: Weekdays 11:00~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) / Sat., Sun. & Holidays 10:30~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) “Sajiki” 11:00~15:00 / 17:00~21:00 (L.O.19:30) Closed: Tuesdays |
| Website | https://amannoshokutaku.jp/ |
| Reservations: Utage | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-utage/reserve |
| Reservations: Sajiki | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-sajiki/reserve |
Click here for details of Aman no Shokutaku
Ocean Terrace
Ocean Terrace, a prestigious dining establishment on Awaji Island, proudly upholds the esteemed Awaji Beef Certification Standard. As its name suggests, the restaurant provides an inviting atmosphere, offering terrace seating that affords captivating views of the clear blue sky and the enchanting Seto Inland Sea, which shimmers with the sun’s reflection.
As the day transitions to evening, guests are treated to the mesmerizing sight of a picturesque sunset, accompanied by the gentle sea breeze that graces the location year-round. At Ocean Terrace, the heart of the dining experience lies in its diverse menu, skillfully curated to highlight the exquisite flavors of Awaji Beef. With each dish thoughtfully prepared using this prized ingredient, guests are assured of an unforgettable and indulgent culinary experience.
Guests are highly recommended to try “Awaji Beef Tasting Full-Course Meal,” a delightful summer meal. The full course offers a mouthwatering array of dishes, including a refreshing vegetable salad appetizer, champagne, and a luxurious assortment of Awaji beef (50g fillet, 50g sirloin, 50g rib roast). Completing the course are seasonal soup, dessert, and a choice of beverage.
| Name | Ocean Terrace |
|---|---|
| Address | 816 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Tel | 0799-82-1907 |
| Website | https://ocean-terrace-awaji.jp/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d17354212-Reviews-Ocean_Terrace-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Operation Hours | Lunch 11:30~15:00 (L.O.14:00) / Dinner 17:00~21:00 (L.O.20:00) |
Click here for details of Ocean Terrace
Closing
In these two articles, we have delved into a selection of restaurants that proudly present the local specialties of Awaji Island, making use of its distinctive ingredients. Recognized as the “Land of Food”, there are even more restaurants where you can savor the local delicacies of Awaji Island. Our intention is that these articles serve as a guide to further acquaint you with Awaji Island’s unique specialties, sparking your curiosity and interest to visit Awaji Island.
