Hiromatsu Branch, a long-established Western-style restaurant that was 35 years old and located in Azukimochi along Sumiyoshi Street, was unfortunately struck by a fire and had to close temporarily from October, but on November 10, 2013, it relocated to the former location of "La Oggi," next to the Yotsuiike Golf Driving Range.Western-style restaurant HiromatsuTwo months have already passed since the long-awaited reopening of the shop, and perhaps because the shop's appearance has become more cafe-like, there have recently been many new solo female customers. Indeed, in the previous shop, you often saw solo male customers at the counter, but you certainly never saw solo female customers. It seems that the space has become much more welcoming!
The restaurant retains the same warm, inviting atmosphere as when it was Oggi, making the most of the original wooden interior. With 8 counter seats and 12 table seats, it's a slightly more spacious setting than the previous Hiromatsu restaurant. You can even catch a glimpse of the kitchen from the counter seats. On this particular day, I arrived just before closing time at 8 PM after work, so the restaurant was quiet, but Chef Kengo Suzuki gave me a warm welcome!
Around this time of year, I always think, "I want to eat that thing Hiromatsu-san makes♪" and sure enough, my favorite limited-time item was written on the blackboard♪
Hiromatsu is a family-run business. The father, the previous owner, and Kengo work together seamlessly!
"Fried Oysters" 1,350 yen (comes with rice, miso soup, and pickles)
The limited-time special from Hiromatsu is none other than these fried oysters! Made with plump oysters from Lake Hamana, the batter is light and fluffy, and a generous six oysters are piled high on top. The inside is, of course, juicy. You can enjoy them with either their homemade, mildly flavored tartar sauce or regular sauce, whichever you prefer. The accompanying vegetables are Hiromatsu's classics: shredded cabbage, tomatoes, and ketchup spaghetti. The dressing on the shredded cabbage is Hiromatsu's original onion dressing with just the right amount of acidity, which has become a popular staple in their stores within the two years since it was first introduced. This dressing has overcome the aversions of children who dislike vegetables, men who don't like salads, and even those who dislike onions, and has gained many fans!
"Rice, miso soup, pickles"
I usually leave some rice behind, but with my favorite fried oysters as a side dish, I polished it all off in no time. This might have been a little disappointing for my husband, who usually finishes off the leftover rice and is just the right amount to feel full (lol). Hiromatsu's fried oyster set meal, only available during this season when oysters from Lake Hamana are in season, is highly recommended!
Western-style restaurant Hiromatsu
Address: 3-5-17 Saiwai, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu City TEL: 053-473-9134
Opening hours: 11:30-14:00, 17:00-20:00. Closed on Wednesdays.
