Ryobo: Japanese-inflected Italian tasting courses

Ryobo (両忘) is an intimate six-seat counter restaurant in Takamatsu, run by a husband-and-wife team. The experience is built around a single tasting menu that thoughtfully combines Italian culinary traditions with a deep respect for local, seasonal Japanese ingredients. The open kitchen provides a theatrical view of the chef's precise work, from finishing fresh pasta to order to expertly managing the charcoal grill.

Guests consistently praise the handmade pastas, with seasonal variations like a whole sweetfish (ayu) pasta or a rich mushroom and shrimp (mosa-ebi) version earning special mention. Other highlights include a delicate, cold soup of peach and potato, and prosciutto sliced paper-thin on a vintage Berkel machine. The main courses, often fish or meat cooked over live fire, are lauded for their perfect timing and seasoning. The warm, knowledgeable service from the wife, who also acts as sommelier, is a key part of the experience.

Diners should be aware that the meal is an unhurried affair, typically lasting between two and three hours. Portions are generous, though the restaurant can accommodate requests for smaller sizes if notified in advance. While the cooking is highly precise, a few guests have occasionally found some fried items to be slightly oily.

Expect to spend between ¥20,000 and ¥29,999 for dinner or lunch. Reviewers in recent years reported the tasting course was often priced around ¥16,000, with a half wine pairing available for about ¥6,600. For the quality of ingredients, craft, and personal attention, visitors almost unanimously agree that Ryobo offers excellent value and is worth a special journey.

• Reservations: Essential. Seats are extremely limited and must be booked well in advance, typically via the restaurant's website.
• Getting There: A 7-minute walk from Kotoden Kataharamachi Station.
• Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), electronic money (iD, QUICPay), and QR code payments (PayPay, Alipay and others) are accepted.
• Age Restriction: Children must be 13 years of age or older and able to eat the full tasting course.
• Dress Code: The restaurant suggests refraining from overly casual attire.
• Seating: 6 counter seats.
• Service Charge: An 8% service charge is added to the bill.
• Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
• Parking: No dedicated parking is available, but there are paid car parks nearby.