About the Restaurant

Hello, travelers!
This is Maru, a writer for Sarukuma 🙂🙃

Today I’m taking you to
a hidden-gem cottage restaurant serving creative cuisine 🏡
tucked away in Hanatate, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City—
“Zawawa”.

The name “Zawawa, zawawa, zawawa~” kept playing in my head like the famous Okinawan sugarcane song, but apparently it comes from the owner’s name and has nothing to do with the song 😅

Just look at this storybook exterior—instant heart-eyes! 💕

To find it, head from Kengun tram stop toward Mashiki—you’ll spot it near Gasto Kengun. The Gasto family restaurant is visible in the back of this photo. Turn one street off the main road, and Zawawa sits on your left.

Parking is right in front of the restaurant.
Spaces are limited, so carpooling is recommended.

I was so excited I arrived before opening time 😆

Here’s the lunch menu!
It also lists this week’s rotating specials. Hmm, decisions, decisions…

The interior has a log-cabin feel with warm wood throughout—a cozy, welcoming space 😍

It’s intimate—about five tables in total.
Since it’s a popular spot, reservations are highly recommended!

I scored the last open seat with a same-day reservation. Lucky me ✌’ω’ ✌

Here’s the lunch menu.
A luxurious lunch for a special occasion sounds wonderful 💓

The drink lineup is just as impressive.

And here’s the dinner menu!

Hamburg steaks and homemade dressings are also available for takeout!

There are no high chairs, but children old enough to sit on their own and visitors with strollers are welcome.

They’ll even prepare a special kids’ meal with rice and a main dish!
So thoughtful ❤

I also spotted this charming illustration of “Kutsudaru”—a Japanese yokai (spirit) blamed for socks slipping down loose around your ankles 😄 I’m pretty sure I saw this one on NHK once…

Recommended Menu

This time I tried the
Weekly Lunch Course (¥1,350) ✨

Every lunch course includes the appetizer of the day, soup, your choice of terraced-paddy white rice or multigrain rice, a homemade dessert, and a drink!
What incredible value 😍

First up—the appetizer ♪

The unique highlight: a homemade enzyme juice 😋

Fruity and refreshing, it served beautifully as an aperitif ✨
The simmered daikon (furofuki daikon) was gentle and warming.

Next up—sweet potato soup!

It was my first time having this. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato is subtle and absolutely soul-soothing 💛

Here it comes!

This week’s special:
Sautéed Beef with Japonais Sauce

The multigrain rice adds a healthy touch—love it 😋

Here’s the close-up ♪
The meat has just the right bite—deeply satisfying!

That Japonais sauce is utterly addictive—it pairs perfectly with rice ( ⁎ᵕᴗᵕ⁎ ) ❤︎
A delightful Japanese-Western fusion in every bite!

And finally—dessert and tea!
I was expecting a tiny bite-sized dessert, but this generous platter blew me away.

Oh my, what a treat 💓

What I thought was pudding turned out to be orange mousse!
Lightly tart and refreshing 😋

The homemade desserts were absolutely divine!

The owner’s wife served us with such warmth and care that we felt completely at home. We chatted away and ended up lingering far longer than planned. Thank you for the wonderful meal ( ⁎ᵕᴗᵕ⁎ ) ❤︎

Come savor delicious creative cuisine and dreamy desserts at this hidden cottage restaurant—zawawa~ 😄

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information was accurate at the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.