Introducing Italian Bistro Coraggio

Hello travelers! I’m Kanao, a writer for [Sarukuma] 🌼

Today I’m excited to introduce a hidden gem located in Ashikita Town:
[Italian Bistro Coraggio].

This is the Coraggio signboard.
The hand-lettered design has so much character — it really catches your eye!

There are several parking spaces right in front of the restaurant.
The spaces are diagonal, so parking is easy and convenient.

Inside Coraggio, you’ll find three table seats.
The wooden chairs and tables create a wonderfully calm and relaxing atmosphere.

There are also four counter seats.
From the counter, you can watch the chef at work in the kitchen — a fun front-row experience!

There’s also one traditional Japanese-style raised tatami seating area (koagari).
It’s separated by a partition, giving it a semi-private room feel.
We lucked out and got it that day, but since there’s only one koagari seat, I highly recommend booking ahead if you’d like to sit there.

The step up to the koagari is on the higher side, so be careful with little ones — my own son was running around, so watch your step!

Coraggio is open for both lunch and dinner, and they also offer takeout — perfect if you’re on the go.

Here’s a look at the Coraggio grand menu.

[Pasta Menu]

・”Popular with women” Small Shrimp Genovese — 1,370 yen

・”Popular with women” Mushroom & Bacon Cream Sauce — 1,370 yen

・”Chef’s Recommendation” Bolognese-style Meat Sauce — 1,380 yen

・”When in doubt, try this” Carbonara — 1,100 yen, and more

※ Spice level can be adjusted

※ Large size (double portion) is +440 yen

[Pizza]

・Margherita — 880 yen

・Bolognese Pizza — 1,270 yen, and more

[Side Menu]

・Focaccia (1 piece) — 300 yen

・Apple Pie — 550 yen, and more

And there’s even more! ☺️

[Antipasti]

・Three-Variety Antipasti Platter — 1,290 yen

・Rice Paper Rolls — 400 yen, and more

[Salad & Bread]

・Prosciutto Salad — 810 yen

・※Grissini (6 sticks) — 440 yen, and more

※ Thin, cracker-like crispy breadsticks

[Main Dishes]

・Oven-Baked Dai-Aso Chicken — 1,800 yen

・※Dai-Aso Chicken Cacciatora — 2,000 yen, and more

※ “Cacciatora” means “hunter-style” in Italian — a classic rustic Italian dish

[Desserts]

・Fondant au Chocolat — 480 yen

・Apple Pie — 550 yen, and more

And here’s the drink menu.
Among the soft drinks, I spotted something called “Kumamoto’s Four Heavenly Kings Black Tea” — a local specialty!
I didn’t order it this time, but it’s definitely on my list for next visit.

And here’s the Coraggio lunch menu. On weekdays (Monday–Friday), they offer a daily lunch special.

The lunch menu lets you choose from three options:

① Pasta Lunch (antipasto, soup, daily pasta)

② Pizza Lunch (antipasto, soup, daily pizza)

③ Rice Lunch (antipasto, soup, daily rice dish)

Every option comes with an antipasto and soup. And believe me when I say the price will surprise you…

Just 1,000 yen — tax included!

Quantities are limited, so reservations are highly recommended. Daily lunches are also available for takeout, which is perfect if you don’t have time to dine in but still want a taste.

Coraggio’s soup is described as a “medical soup that energizes the body.”
Curious, I looked it up and learned it’s a vegetable soup said to help in cancer prevention.

It was a new concept for me, but I really appreciated the restaurant’s commitment to actively serving food that’s good for your health.

Italian Bistro Coraggio Recommended Menu

Here’s what we ordered this time.

“When in Doubt, Try This” Amatriciana (¥1,100) was our first pick.

The moment it arrived, the rich aroma of tomato filled the air, and the presentation was gorgeous. A beautiful white plate piled with tomato sauce pasta, generously topped with cheese.

The menu showed three chili pepper marks, so I was bracing myself for spice — but the deliciousness totally won out, and even my 1-year-old son devoured it! 😂

And here’s our second dish.

Ashikita Beef Baked Curry (¥980).

Spoon goes in!

…and a runny egg yolk oozed out from inside. Pure heaven. Mouth-watering perfection.

The dish was served in a piping-hot vessel, with melted cheese spilling over the edges atop the curry.
True to its name, the Ashikita beef curry was packed with chunky, generous pieces of beef.
The meat was so tender it practically melted in my mouth.

We ordered both the pasta and the curry, but everything was so delicious we ended up splitting them three ways among the family! 😂
I could have eaten so much more.

Here’s a personal touch I really appreciated ↑

Before our meal, the complimentary water they brought us was actually Japanese tea.
After being thirsty, sipping warm tea before the meal was just perfect.
They also kindly brought a cup and small dishes for my son.

The weekday lunch is an incredible deal! Be sure to give Coraggio a try ☺️

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Frequently Asked Questions

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