Welcome to AlterN

Hello travelers! This is Gussan, writer for SaruKuma.
On April 25th this year, HAB@ Kumamoto opened its doors on the former site of the beloved Parco department store.
I hadn’t had the chance to visit until recently, when work brought me into the area and I finally stopped in for lunch — and I’m so glad I did!
Today I’m introducing a true gem located in Tetorihoncho, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City:
AlterN.

This stylish Western-style restaurant sits on the second floor of HAB@ Kumamoto, the city’s newest urban hotspot.

The name “AlterN” comes from the word “alternative” — reflecting the restaurant’s mission to create something new and exciting that offers an alternative to the mainstream dining scene.

For locals, the closure of Parco felt like losing a piece of our youth. But with HAB@ Kumamoto now revitalizing the same spot as a fresh tourist destination, the name AlterN feels perfectly fitting.
Step inside and you’ll find a clean, contemporary interior that immediately puts you at ease.
The long wooden communal tables are paired with chairs crafted from real wood — each one slightly different in shape and size, adding warmth and character.
In the back, you’ll find regular table seating, while a counter sits closer to the entrance — ideal for solo diners.
The table setup is simple yet charming — with the menu cleverly displayed standing upright on the table. A fun little touch!
Ordering is easy and modern — just scan the QR code at your table.
Of course, if you have any questions or prefer to order in person, the friendly staff are happy to help.

Now, let’s take a look at AlterN’s mouthwatering menu.
The AlterN Special Lunch.
*Served with a mini appetizer, soup, and salad.
“Kikuchi Gengo Beef” and “Ozu Koshin Pork” Hamburger Steak with Sunny-Side-Up Egg, paired with freshly cooked donabe (clay pot) rice (¥2,800).
Salad Plate with 10 Kinds of Kumamoto Vegetables and Your Choice of Meat
*Served with appetizer and soup of the day
[Daiaso Chicken] Jerk Chicken (¥2,000)
[Ozu Koshin Pork] Porchetta (¥2,200)
[Kikuchi Gengo Beef] Roast Beef (¥2,500)

Three-Tomato Pasta [Fermented × Semi-Dried × Fresh] (¥1,600)
*Served with appetizer and soup of the day

Side Menu
Donabe-Cooked White Rice with Pickles (¥300)
Uki [Nasu Farm] Fresh Egg (¥150)
Ashikita Boiled Whitebait with Grated Daikon (¥250)
Alcoholic drinks are available too, so feel free to enjoy a leisurely daytime tipple.
The drinks menu features Kumamoto shochu and cocktails made with locally grown Kumamoto fruits — yet another testament to the restaurant’s commitment to local sourcing.
Pairing food with drinks does add up, but for an occasional treat — it’s absolutely worth it!

AlterN’s Recommended Dishes

This visit, I went with the Three-Tomato Pasta [Fermented × Semi-Dried × Fresh] (¥1,600).
*Served with appetizer and soup of the day.

First up — the appetizer.
A bruschetta topped with Daiaso chicken ham, micro herbs from Yamato Town, and a vibrant basil sauce.
The chicken ham was incredibly juicy and tender — honestly, a revelation.
Next came the salad onion and potato soup.
Rich yet gentle on the palate — I could have had three more bowls easily!
And then — the star of the show: the pasta.
The tomatoes are sourced from LATO Farm in Kikuchi.
I’m normally not a fan of overly tart tomatoes, but LATO Farm tomatoes are so naturally sweet you could snack on them like candy.
In fact, I credit my own kids’ love of tomatoes entirely to LATO Farm — true story!
What a luxurious moment! The flavors of Kumamoto’s local produce really do nourish the soul.
And the salad plate my friend ordered was just as impressive!
A glorious parade of Kumamoto-grown ingredients on a single plate.
Is there anywhere else where you can taste so much of Kumamoto in one dish?
The chef at AlterN personally connects with local farmers and producers, constantly seeking out the best Kumamoto-grown ingredients — a true expert in regional cuisine.
That dedication shines through in every dish: the flavor is always on point, and you can dine with total peace of mind.
If you’re planning a visit to HAB@ Kumamoto, be sure to drop by AlterN — you won’t regret it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please verify before visiting.