For our 14th wedding anniversary, our ivory anniversary, we headed to Izu Nagaoka Onsen, a hot spring resort in Izu, Shizuoka, that has long been cherished as a famous hot spring. The first thing we chose to do on our trip was to enjoy a meal that would nourish our bodies from the inside out. We visited a restaurant that serves a dietary style of cuisine with brown rice as the main ingredient.Genmai Restaurant Zenna」。
Guests with dogs should proceed to the terrace seating area, located at the end of a cobblestone approach, rather than using the regular entrance.
Chocolat, too, seems to have been set free, and happily trots along the aisle.
One of the unique charms of this restaurant is that you can enjoy a meal alongside your beloved dog in an open space overlooking the garden.
The terrace seating overlooking the courtyard is dog-friendly and even includes a footbath, making for a truly luxurious experience. Here you can enjoy Izu Nagaoka Onsen, known for its skin-beautifying properties. The special feeling of being able to experience this historic hot spring with your beloved dog is something unique to a hot spring resort.
The bright interior, bathed in soft light, boasts high ceilings, an open and spacious design that exudes the warmth of wood. The style of removing your shoes before entering creates a healing space that somehow soothes the soul. This is a place where you can enjoy the rich flavors of dishes made with abundant seafood and mountain produce from the naturally abundant Izu region, as well as pesticide-free vegetables, and feel your body gently being restored from within.
In one corner of the shop, you'll find a selection of handmade accessories and miscellaneous goods, all handcrafted items that exude warmth. Take your time to browse and enjoy the lingering feeling of your meal.
The terrace seating features long tables facing the garden, providing a relaxing space for 4-6 people to enjoy the soft light and greenery. You can bring your dog along, and the peaceful atmosphere encourages natural conversation.
Zenna's concept is "food therapy" based on Eastern wisdom. They use plenty of pesticide-free vegetables and seafood and mountain produce from Shizuoka and Izu, and prepare the dishes using cooking methods that bring out the natural power of the ingredients.
The dish I ordered this time was their most popular item, the "Today's Lunch Plate," priced at 2,200 yen. It's a well-balanced meal consisting of fish, vegetables, brown rice, and miso soup.
I learned from the shop owner about the origins of this shop. The shop owner's father, a doctor of medicine...Isamu NumataHe is a person who has supported many people through "nutritional therapy" centered on brown rice. Inheriting his philosophy and practices, a variety of dishes with brown rice as the main ingredient are offered here.
There's a space behind the bench where we can place the pet stroller, so Chocolat seems to feel safe and secure near us.
In the courtyard in early spring, though the greenery is still sparse, the gentle sunlight pours down softly, and a pleasant breeze caresses your cheeks. Spending time here, feeling the signs of the season slowly beginning to sprout, is an indescribably comforting experience.
Today's Lunch Plate: 2,200 yen
Today's fish, today's vegetables, brown rice, miso soup, pickles
This one-plate meal features a balanced meal of fish, vegetables, brown rice, and miso soup, with a variety of colorful side dishes that make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
For the main course, you choose your favorite fish from five options provided, and we selected "Saikyo-style marinated black cod" and "Kasuzuke (sake lees marinated) rockfish."
This is a truly comforting and delicious meal that makes you feel like this is exactly what "food that makes your body happy" means.
"Saikyo-style marinated black cod"
The star of this one-plate meal is the Saikyo-style marinated black cod. The gentle sweetness and aroma of Saikyo miso spread softly, and the fatty flesh is plump. The flaky texture and elegant aftertaste harmonize beautifully with the nourishing flavor of the brown rice.
"Marinated mackerel"
The vinegar has a mild, mellow acidity without any harshness. The gentle flavor, characteristic of lightly pickled vegetables, allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to unfold beautifully.
"Firefly squid with teppo-style dressing"
The plump, bouncy firefly squid, the first catch of the season, is accented with a hint of spiciness. A sophisticated flavor with a touch of spring bitterness.
"Taro dumplings with Yoshino-style sauce"
The taro, kneaded to a smooth consistency, has a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the Yoshino-style bean paste with yuba (tofu skin) adds a refined umami flavor, making this a truly comforting dish.
"Seasonal vegetables and Kinzanji miso"
Crisp and sweet bell peppers are served with fresh daikon radish and cucumber, complemented by the salty and rich flavor of Kinzanji miso.
"White sesame dressing with mugwort gluten, maitake mushrooms, and spinach"
This dish features chewy mugwort gluten, fragrant maitake mushrooms, and spinach, all gently enveloped in a delicate white sesame dressing.
"Simmered hijiki seaweed"
The hijiki seaweed, cooked to perfection, has a simple yet profound flavor. A gentle sweet and savory taste spreads slowly throughout your mouth.
"Japanese parsley salad with Shinoda dressing"
The slightly bitter taste of the Japanese parsley is complemented by the savory flavor of the soft fried tofu. The gentle aroma of the broth spreads throughout, creating a dish that evokes the changing seasons.
"Vegetable salad"
A generous amount of fresh leafy greens, coated in a gently tangy dressing, offers a natural sweetness that leaves you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
"Burdock and root vegetable potage soup"
This rich and thick soup has a wonderful aroma of burdock root and a gentle sweetness from the root vegetables, making it a comforting and heartwarming bowl.
"Pickled rockfish in sake lees"
Another star of the show is the pickled rockfish in sake lees. The rich aroma of sake lees wafts gently, and the thick, firm flesh, with its mellow umami flavor that slowly spreads, has a depth of flavor that makes it perfect with rice.
"Brown rice with sea bream"
This bowl features brown rice that releases a sweet flavor with every bite, generously topped with shredded sea bream, creating a rich and nourishing taste that nourishes you to the core.
"Miso soup with daikon radish and green onions"
The broth, carefully prepared with bonito flakes and Rausu kelp, offers a gentle, lingering flavor. The sweetness of the daikon radish and the aroma of the green onions combine to create a bowl that warms the heart.
After the meal, relax and unwind in a footbath.
A moment when warmth gently spreads, soothing even your heart.
Enjoy a deeply flavorful Japanese meal based on the principles of nourishing food, and spend a relaxing time with your beloved dog in a peaceful space. With your mind and body refreshed, your journey to Izu-Nagaoka begins.
Genmai Restaurant Zenna
Address: 475 Ohito, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture 410-2323
TEL: 0558-76-1073
Opening hours: 11:00 - 15:30 (Last order 14:30)
*Evening service is by reservation only: Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance (minimum 10 people required).
Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Pets: Allowed only on the terrace.
Parking: Available in front of the store (8 spaces)
https://zenna-izu.com/
