Karuizawa, a historic resort town in Nagano Prefecture, is renowned as a summer retreat with a rich history and as a popular winter ski destination due to its proximity to Tokyo. The town has a unique culinary scene shaped by its past as a favored getaway for foreigners, resulting in a high concentration of renowned Italian and French restaurants. The main areas of interest include the surroundings of Karuizawa Station and the Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, but restaurants are scattered throughout the expansive Karuizawa area. Visitors should note that due to local ordinances, all establishments close by 8-9 PM.
Karuizawa offers a blend of upscale Western dining and traditional Japanese cuisine, all emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The town is also famous for its excellent sake and wine, with local breweries and vineyards offering tastings that highlight the region’s unique flavors. This combination of traditional and modern cuisine, paired with Karuizawa’s tranquil setting, makes it an ideal destination for food enthusiasts seeking a refined and memorable culinary experience.
[Dinner Restaurants]Karuizawa-軽井沢 - Google マイマップ
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1.Resutoran Sujuu Masayuki-レストラン酢重正之 軽井沢
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☆☆☆ - Google Map
https://maps.app.goo.gl/s3vNDosK47Ff2mho9 - Parking MAPCODE
No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Resutoran Sujuu Masayuki in Karuizawa is a popular dining spot known for its delicious miso-based dishes and fresh fish. Located near the center of Old Karuizawa, the restaurant attracts both locals and tourists, including many from overseas. It’s recommended to make a reservation as the place tends to be fully booked, with seating available on two floors. The beautifully presented dishes, such as the special roast beef and saba miso, are highly praised, with many menu items featuring Shinshu miso, which enhances the flavors of the meals. The set meals come with freshly cooked rice, miso soup, and pickles, and diners can choose between white rice and brown rice, with the option to get free refills. The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, with antique furniture adding to the charm. The service is excellent, and the overall dining experience is enhanced by the quality of the ingredients and the care put into each dish. Whether you opt for the flavorful mountain chicken, the rich hayashi rice, or the crispy pork cutlet, the food here is sure to satisfy.
2. Jinen ya-じねんや軽井沢バイパス店
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292 611 314*25 - Description
Jinenya in Karuizawa is a dedicated vegan and organic restaurant that emphasizes healthy eating with a wide selection of plant-based and gluten-free options. Located near the popular Tsuruya supermarket, the restaurant also offers a small shop where customers can purchase organic and vegan products. The menu features dishes like soft yuba with grilled vegetables curry, vegan chili, and gluten-free vegetable curry, all made fresh to order, which may result in longer wait times. While the food is flavorful and health-focused, some may find the prices slightly high for lunch. The restaurant operates on a cash-only, pre-payment system, with a cozy interior that includes individual seating areas. Despite its unassuming exterior, Jinenya provides a unique dining experience, perfect for those seeking a healthy meal in Karuizawa, though it may not be suitable for those on a budget or in a hurry.
3. Usagi no mori-うさぎの森
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☆☆☆☆ - Google Map Link
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DVNVn3AEzFH7J14H9 - Parking MAPCODE
292 645 029*14 - Description
Usagi no Mori is a cozy Western-style restaurant located just a few minutes’ walk from Karuizawa Station. Known for its hearty dishes like beef in red wine sauce and various types of hamburg steaks, the restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices, especially for the tourist-heavy Karuizawa area. Each meal comes with a side of salad, rice, and pork miso soup, adding great value to the experience. The small, family-run establishment doesn’t take reservations, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours. Despite the occasional wait and slow service, the quality and flavor of the food, paired with the welcoming atmosphere, make Usagi no Mori a beloved spot for both locals and visitors alike.
4. trattoria ABBIOCCO
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Trattoria ABBIOCCO, located near the Karuizawa Rotary, is a charming Italian restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and thoughtfully prepared dishes. The restaurant features a menu that highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients, such as the highland vegetables used in their octopus appetizer. The pizzas, particularly the mushroom and blue cheese variety, are a standout, offering a crispy crust and rich flavors. Although the portions are elegant and may fill you up before the main course, the overall dining experience is highly satisfying. The small dining space and popularity of the restaurant mean reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons. The attentive service and reasonably priced menu make ABBIOCCO a delightful spot for a special occasion or a casual meal in Karuizawa.
5. Mon Chemin Bistro-ビストロ モン.シュマン
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☆☆☆ - Google Map Link
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5g23zcyfM487nFoN6 - Parking MAPCODE
No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Mon Chemin Bistro in Karuizawa offers an exceptional dining experience with a prix-fixe menu priced at 6,500 yen, which includes a selection of appetizers, soup, fish, meat, and dessert. The dishes are meticulously prepared, showcasing the chef’s dedication to quality and flavor, with portions that are generous for the price. This cozy, family-run bistro features a charming atmosphere complete with a fireplace, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed and intimate dinner. Located near the Hoshino Resort, the restaurant is popular, so reservations are highly recommended. The value for money and the culinary craftsmanship make this bistro a must-visit for those seeking a refined yet reasonably priced meal in Karuizawa.
6. Trattoria Primo-トラットリア プリモ 本店
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☆☆☆☆ - Google Map Link
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MC:292 645 629*03 - Description
Trattoria Primo, located in Karuizawa, is a popular Italian restaurant known for its delicious pizzas and pastas. The restaurant often attracts a crowd, especially during peak seasons, so it’s advisable to arrive early or be prepared to wait. The interior is spacious and welcoming, with a charming atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. The menu features a variety of Italian dishes, with highlights including the sea urchin gnocchi in tomato cream sauce, the rich formaggi pizza with gorgonzola and mozzarella, and the restaurant’s signature pasta, Partinobe, which combines tomato sauce with eggplant, bacon, and fried egg. The pizzas are noted for their thin, crispy crusts, and the generous toppings make each dish satisfying. Despite the high demand, the staff maintain a friendly and attentive service, making it a pleasant place to enjoy a meal. Trattoria Primo is a must-visit for those in Karuizawa looking for quality Italian cuisine in a relaxing setting.
7. Bleston Court Yukawatan‐ブレストンコートユカワタン
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☆☆☆☆☆ - Google Map Link
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8b1WYhqF7pPHoiqL6 - Parking MAPCODE
MC:292 670 599*84 - Description
Bleston Court Yukawatan, located within the Hoshino Resort Hotel Bleston Court in Karuizawa, is a highly acclaimed French restaurant offering a serene and elegant dining experience. Nestled in a tranquil forested area, the restaurant specializes in French cuisine that showcases the natural bounty of the Shinshu region, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients like game meats, river fish, and seasonal vegetables. Each meticulously prepared dish is artfully presented, with flavors that are both complex and harmonious. The multi-course meals feature a variety of amuse-bouches, appetizers, fish and meat dishes, and desserts, all crafted with refined French culinary techniques. The service is impeccable, with knowledgeable and attentive staff enhancing the experience through detailed explanations of each dish and expert wine pairing suggestions. Yukawatan’s dedication to hospitality, combined with its innovative cuisine and picturesque setting, makes it an ideal destination for special occasions and luxurious dining experiences.
8. THE COWBOY HOUSE‐カウボーイハウス
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MC:292 671 753*56 - Description
The Cowboy House in Karuizawa is a popular steakhouse known for its hearty portions and American-style ambiance. Visitors often queue up well before opening to secure a spot, with a system in place for signing up on a reservation list upon arrival. The restaurant is famed for its robust steaks, such as the Cowboy Steak and fillet options, which are served sizzling on hot plates with a choice of house-made miso or soy sauce-based condiments. While the meat is the star of the show, other dishes like the garlic soup and hamburger steak are also highly praised. The rustic interior, complete with cowboy hats and casual seating, adds to the dining experience. Despite its popularity, some patrons note the lack of air conditioning, long wait times, and the fact that the restaurant only accepts cash, which might pose an inconvenience. However, the overall experience, characterized by friendly service and flavorful, generously portioned meals, makes The Cowboy House a must-visit for steak lovers in Karuizawa.