Tabelog ratingAroma Fresca Atami hayashi ga oka (アロマフレスカ 熱海林ガ丘) offers a unique tasting experience from one of Tokyo's famed Italian chefs, transplanted to a renovated traditional house, or kominka, on a hill overlooking Atami. The setting is exclusive, with just three private dining rooms, one of which includes its own private onsen hot spring bath. The focus is a multi-course omakase menu that marries Italian techniques with the best of local Izu and Suruga Bay seafood and seasonal produce.
Guests consistently praise the creativity and execution of the dishes. Standouts frequently mentioned include a delicate kadaif-wrapped prawn, capellini with local Shizuoka strawberries, and rich pastas featuring crab or sea urchin. Service is described as attentive and discreet, with the chef often greeting diners personally. The meal's conclusion, a pairing of matcha with Italian petits fours, is another often-noted highlight.
The main drawback noted by visitors is access; the roads leading to the restaurant are steep and narrow, making a taxi the strongly recommended mode of transport. With only three rooms, reservations can also be difficult to secure. A few reviewers found occasional dishes slightly too salty or desserts overly sweet, and noted that the drinks menu is heavily focused on wine.
Expect to pay from ¥10,000 for lunch and ¥15,000 for dinner. Reviewers in 2024–2026 noted lunch courses around ¥11,000–¥12,100 and the full dinner course at about ¥17,600. One party of three reported a bill of around ¥36,960 including wine. The private onsen room carries an extra fee, quoted by guests at about ¥11,000. For the quality of ingredients, craftsmanship, and private setting, most find it excellent value for a special occasion.
- Reservations: Essential. With only three private rooms, booking well in advance is required.
- Getting There: A 5-minute taxi ride from Atami Station is strongly recommended. The walk is steep with narrow roads and stairs.
- Age Restriction: Only guests of junior high school age and older are permitted.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Seating: All seating is in private rooms for 2–8 people. One room features a private onsen, which requires a separate booking and an extra fee.
- Parking: One space is available but must be reserved by phone in advance.
- Smoking: The restaurant is non-smoking, with a designated smoking area outside the entrance.
- Dress Code: There is no specific dress code.
