Introducing Galette Shokudo Kontomatoru

Hello travelers! I’m Aikero, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’m excited to introduce a hidden gem in Ansei-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City:
[Galette Shokudo Kontomatoru].This is a galette specialty restaurant!

Galettes are a traditional dish from the Brittany region of France.
They’re made by thinly cooking a batter of buckwheat flour and topping it with savory ingredients — think of them as the savory cousin of crepes.

The main difference is the flour: galettes use buckwheat (soba) flour, while crepes use wheat flour.
Since “soba” feels so quintessentially Japanese, it was a delightful surprise to learn that buckwheat is also the heart of this French specialty!

[CLOSED] 1.5gakuya garden – A buckwheat crepe and galette specialty shop with warm hospitality and a charming poster girl (Kyomachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City)

Many locals fondly remember [1.5gakuya garden], which sadly closed at the end of January.
If you were a fan of their galettes, here’s some wonderful news!

The very same beloved galettes from [1.5gakuya garden] are now being served at [Galette Shokudo Kontomatoru]!

“I had thought it would be at least 10 years before opening another shop, but here we are after just six months,”
shares manager Mako Kitagawa with a smile.

[Galette Shokudo Kontomatoru] was founded by President Kuwamoto, who runs childcare businesses and is active in the Shimotori shopping district — the two have known each other for 13 years.
With Kitagawa’s background in childcare, the idea came together: “If I’m going to make the most of who I am now, it has to be a galette restaurant.”

Curious about the unique name [Galette Shokudo Kontomatoru]?
Kyushu, Kumamoto, Kagomachi, Kuwamoto, Kitagawa…
They all start with “K,” so a K-themed name was the original goal.

Then one night while putting her daughter to sleep, inspiration struck Kitagawa: “Kuru to, mattoru… kon to, mattoru…!” (“If you come, we’re waiting… When you come, we’re waiting…!”)
“People often ask if it’s French, but it’s actually Kumamoto dialect!
We get a wide range of customers, and when I explain to older guests in Kumamoto dialect — ‘Kon to? Mattoru yo!’ meaning Kontomatoru — they remember it instantly,” she laughs.
And she’s right — once you know the meaning, the name is impossible to forget (●＾o＾●)

I’d love to walk you through the location now, but here’s a confession — I forgot to take a photo of the building [Galette Shokudo Kontomatoru] is in! (>_<)

I’ll do my best to describe it, but for visual help, please check the [Galette Shokudo Kontomatoru] Instagram, where access info is pinned to their highlights!

First, head toward the Daiso on Kagomachi Street.
The restaurant is on the 3rd floor of the Kuwamoto Building, located right next to Daiso, directly across from Tsuruya Wing.
There’s an elevator, so visitors with strollers can access easily ♫

The signboard isn’t up yet, so you might feel a little uncertain — but rest assured, the shop is definitely there (^_^;)
The moment you step inside, a gentle, toasty aroma greets you!
So exciting!!!

The interior is bright, open, and wonderfully spacious.
The harmony of natural wood and lush green plants creates such a calming atmosphere (●＾o＾●)
There’s plenty of seating ♫
The window-side seats offer lovely views of the city outside.
The counter seats feel just like a live kitchen experience!You can watch your galette being made right in front of you — it’s a treat I highly recommend!
I couldn’t take my eyes off it (*^^)v lolAnd great news for families — there’s a tatami (zashiki) seating area perfect for kids!
They’re also planning to add a dedicated kids’ play space soon ♫
It’s so reassuring to find places that warmly welcome families with children (#^.^#)

In the back, you’ll spot dog and monkey figurines.

“You know the saying ‘fighting like cats and dogs’? In Japanese, it’s ‘inu-en no naka’ — referring to dogs and monkeys.
The president wanted this to be a space where even dogs and monkeys could become friends.
The logo represents everyone gathering inside a circle — children, customers, and staff all together within that circle.
Like at our previous shop, we cherish that 100% feeling of satisfaction so guests leave thinking, ‘I’m so glad I came’ (＾＾)”

Just as Kitagawa describes,
the spacious layout, warm interior, and friendly, attentive staff make this a place where families with kids — and really anyone — can spend a delightful time.Now let’s take a look at the menu at [Galette Shokudo Kontomatoru]!

《Galette Lunch》
★Galette Lunch comes with soup and a drink
・Galette of the Day 1,600 yen

・Complète 1,700 yen
(Aso Shizen Pork Ham / Egg / Cheese)

・Choose-Your-Own Galette 1,900 yen

《Dessert Set》
・Crepe 450 yen
Butter & Sugar / Chocolate / Cinnamon Sugar
★You can choose between crepe or galette batter

・Daily Dessert 450 yen

・Plate 800 yen
Both the crepe & daily dessert above

・Special Crepe 850 yen

★Ice cream and whipped cream toppings availableAnd get this — there are 14 types of galettes!

“At first I planned to start with fewer types and gradually expand, but I ran a survey and got around 100 responses.
Each galette had its own loyal fans, and I just couldn’t bear to remove any. So we ended up with 14 (^^),”
she explained.

When I asked Kitagawa about her personal favorite, she said,
“Probably the Bretosoise — tuna and tomato.
People often ask, ‘Tuna?’ but the caramelized onions and fresh tomato pair so beautifully with it.
I also love the Méditerranée (ratatouille) without the egg ♫”

“The Nordique pairs wonderfully with wine, while the cream-based ones are popular with women.
We even have a staff member who used to dislike mushrooms but conquered her aversion thanks to the Forestière (#^.^#)”

“The Complète is the universal classic — ham, egg, cheese, eaten the same way all over the world.
It means ‘complete’ — nutritionally balanced and visually beautiful.
Paysanne is French for ‘country person’ — and since it uses potatoes, it has that rustic, earthy feel (^^)”

Hearing the stories behind each galette makes the experience even more enjoyable ♫
The staff carefully explains the menu, daily galette specials, and desserts, so even first-timers (like me!) won’t feel lost ♫

Galette Shokudo Kontomatoru – Recommended Menu

I went with the Galette of the Day!
On the day of my visit, the special was the Provençal — sautéed fresh tomato with olive oil, cheese, anchovies, and southern French herbs.

The vivid red of the tomatoes was absolutely gorgeous!
The soup of the day was a turnip and sweet potato potage.
I absolutely love potage♡

The velvety soup had a gentle natural sweetness, with the rich aroma of sweet potato shining through ♪
“The salad dressing is crafted to complement the galette. You can enjoy it on its own, but I recommend wrapping the salad in your galette ♫”
Following her advice, I first tried just the vegetables.

The slightly tangy dressing was incredibly delicious!
Then I tried wrapping the salad in the galette.
The toasty galette and tangy dressing — what a perfect match!!

It’s amazing how just vegetables, dressing, and galette can produce so many layers of flavor that come together harmoniously.
Simply put: it’s irresistible (#^.^#) lolThe texture of the galette changes depending on which part you bite — what fun!

The juicy freshness of the sautéed tomatoes, the salty kick of anchovies, the gentle herb fragrance dancing through your nose…
Galettes can be this delicious?!

And surprisingly, they’re very filling!

“Customers often say they want to try different ones, but they end up returning to their favorite, saying ‘I just had to have that galette again’ (＾＾),”
Kitagawa told me — and honestly, I get it. I already want to come back for that same Provençal! lol
Kitagawa first encountered galettes in Fukuoka.

“My mentor taught me everything, and it was up to me to honor that gift or waste it.
I built my previous shop determined to create something truly delicious — something that wouldn’t embarrass my mentor.
Now I feel I’ve added my own personal touch too.
Going forward, I want to create ‘a plate that represents Kumamoto.’
I dream of making galettes using seasonal vegetables and delicious ingredients from Kumamoto’s local farmers.
Our chef on staff genuinely loves cooking and gets excited just looking at fresh ingredients, imagining how to use them — I can’t wait to see what we create ♫
Galette restaurants are slowly increasing in Kumamoto, too.
Just like in Brittany, every shop has its own unique batter style. My dream is to create a Galette Map of Kumamoto!”

A galette map made by a galette chef? That sounds incredible (●＾o＾●)

“I want guests to relax and enjoy without worrying about the time.
Since it’s buckwheat flour, it’s gluten-free, and it retains rutin — a nutrient found in buckwheat.
It’s even good for your health and beauty ♫”

Between the delicious galette and the wonderful conversation, my visit was a truly special experience!

There’s still no signboard, and the only announcements come through the previous shop’s Instagram.
Even so, weekends are bustling with customers.
Weekday lunches are also lively, so reservations are recommended if you’d like to be sure of a seat ♫

[Galette Shokudo Kontomatoru] is a place filled with the heart and dedication of the president, Kitagawa, and the entire team.
A warm, welcoming new spot has arrived right in the heart of Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City ♪

[CLOSED] 1.5gakuya garden – A buckwheat crepe and galette specialty shop with warm hospitality and a charming poster girl (Kyomachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City)

Here are some other galette spots Sarukuma has covered ♫

◆Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City

[Chocolat Cafe Bistro] A stylish cafe with striking red walls — galettes and waffles are lunch favorites ✩.*˚ (Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City)

◆Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City

[Cafe Le Ciel – Shiroyama-otomo, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City] A gathering spot for families with a free play space where parents and kids can also enjoy lunch ☆

◆Minamiaso Village, Aso District

[galette] A photogenic cafe where even the wait time flies by *.✧ (Minamiaso Village, Aso District)

◆Nagasu Town, Tamana District

[Soba Cafe Le Pliyer] A handmade soba shop in Nagasu — their wide variety of galettes are also a must-try ☆ (Nagasu, Nagasu Town, Tamana District)

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of coverage. Prices and opening hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.