Welcome to Sakanaya Shokudo Marutaka

Hello, travelers! I’m Gachako, a writer for Saru Kuma, your local guide to hidden gems in Kumamoto.

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Sakanaya Shokudo Marutaka, a charming family-run eatery tucked away in Shimosakashita, Nankan Town, Tamana District.

This wonderful spot was born from the legacy of “Himawari Shokudo,” a beloved local diner that had served the community for years. The new owners, who have trained extensively in both traditional Japanese cuisine and creative Italian cooking, transformed the space into something truly special with their family.

The restaurant just opened on July 15, 2022, making it one of the freshest dining experiences in the area!

Heads up — the restaurant sits right along a curve in the road, so it’s easy to drive right past if you’re not paying attention.
Keep your eyes peeled!

Once you turn into the property, you’ll find a spacious parking lot that makes pulling in a breeze.

The entrance features a wheelchair-accessible ramp, making it welcoming for all guests.

Inside, you’ll find two traditional Japanese tatami (zashiki) rooms and two regular table seating areas.
The tatami rooms have flat floors (no sunken kotatsu), so they’re perfectly safe and comfortable for families with babies.

There are also four spacious counter seats — perfect for solo diners.

True to its name (“Sakanaya” means “sake companion house”), this restaurant excels at shukou — small dishes designed to pair with sake — but the lunch sets and full-course meals are equally impressive.

Takeout bento boxes are also available — great for picnics or hotel meals!

Did you spot it? Free large rice portions! A welcome treat for hungry travelers.

Here’s a look at the lunch menu (note: prices may have been updated since this photo).

You’ll see a wonderful selection of reasonably priced set meals.
Fair warning — choosing might take you a couple of hours!

Must-Try Dishes at Sakanaya Shokudo Marutaka

I ordered the signature Marutaka Sakana-bako (Marutaka Treasure Box).

Are you ready? Let’s lift the lid…

Slowly…

Wow — it’s absolutely sparkling!

Three kinds of fresh sashimi paired with six delicious side dishes — what a luxurious feast!
All this for just 1,200 yen (+150 yen for rice and miso soup) — that’s incredible value!
If you’re more of a drinker, skip the rice and order sake instead — you’ll easily go through several rounds with these perfect pairings.
By the way, this photo shows a small rice portion — I was trying to fight off autumn appetite season!

The kanpachi (amberjack) sashimi has a wonderfully firm, satisfying bite — absolutely delicious!

Fresh sashimi was hard to find in this area before, so we’re so grateful this restaurant opened.

The house-made pork belly chashu is incredibly tender, with a gentle, distinctly Japanese flavor.

The box also includes tuna sashimi, sea bream sashimi, soy-marinated soft-boiled eggs, ika no okizuke (squid marinated in soy sauce), sweet-and-savory simmered daikon radish, and stir-fried green peppers with bacon — what a spread!

And the absolute showstopper in the bottom-center compartment was the taramo salad — unbelievably good!
The chef grills the cod roe and prepares it by hand.
The balance of toasted nori seaweed, mayo, potato, and cod roe is absolute perfection.

 

And of course, everyone’s favorite — karaage (Japanese fried chicken)!

Italian-style shrimp — even the photo radiates deliciousness, doesn’t it?

Wagyu beef salad-style (“Tagliata”) — the chef’s top recommendation, available evenings only!

The evening à la carte menu is wonderfully extensive — perfect for a relaxed dinner with sake.

If you’re exploring Kumamoto’s countryside, be sure to drop by Sakanaya Shokudo Marutaka in Nankan Town for an unforgettable meal that beautifully blends Japanese and Italian flavors!

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