Tabelog ratingShimanami French Murakami (しまなみふれんち Murakami) is chef Yuya Murakami’s tribute to his home, the Shimanami Kaido region of Ehime Prefecture. Seated at the intimate counter facing an open kitchen, guests experience modern French technique applied to the islands' finest produce. The result is a playful, beautifully plated tasting menu that feels both sophisticated and deeply personal.
Reviewers consistently praise the inventiveness and quality of the cooking. A recurring highlight is the signature amuse-bouche, “A Gift from Ehime”—a foie gras mousse coated in citrus gel to resemble a perfect small mandarin. Other celebrated dishes include a surprising soup of sweet corn and coffee, expertly cooked local fish like managatsuo (silver pomfret), and a comforting dish of sazae (turban shell) with mochimugi pearl barley. The house-made hijiki seaweed focaccia and thoughtful wine pairings also draw frequent compliments.
While the vast majority of reviews praise the friendly, approachable chef and staff, a few isolated reports mention minor service lapses, such as a seating mix-up or a missed request. These are exceptions in a sea of positive feedback about the warm atmosphere.
For the quality and creativity, most guests find the restaurant offers excellent value. Reviewers recently paid between ¥8,200 and ¥10,000 for the lunch tasting menu, with one bill totaling ¥10,870 with drinks. Dinner is typically ¥15,000–¥19,999; one guest reported a dinner course at ¥16,500 with an optional wine pairing for ¥8,800.
- Booking: Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance, as the small restaurant is often full.
- Getting There: A 5-minute walk from Minamimorimachi Station or Osaka Tenmangu Station.
- Seating: 22 seats, including an 8-seat counter, tables, and sofa seating. Semi-private rooms may be available upon request.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Age Restriction: Only school-age children and older are permitted. They must order the children's course. Infants and toddlers are not allowed.
- Dress Code: There is no specific dress code.
- Language: Staff can communicate in English, and international visitors report being able to follow the meal and its explanations.
