What surprised me at first was that the meal began with an introduction to the ingredients being used that day. I was given a list of producers, which immediately conveyed the restaurant's commitment to local ingredients from Oita and Kyushu. In front of me were live eel and impressive oysters, heightening my anticipation for the meal to come.The food was, of course, excellent, but what stood out most was the lively atmosphere. The preparation of the ingredients right in front of me, along with the careful cooking to achieve the best results, made the entire course feel like a performance. It’s not just about the deliciousness; it’s about enjoying the process of how the ingredients transform into dishes, which is unique to this restaurant.The interior features only a counter, with a well-maintained garden visible outside the window. It’s a calm space that allows you to focus naturally on the food without feeling too formal.While many restaurants promote local consumption, few engage so thoroughly with Oita and Kyushu ingredients and bring out their charm like this one does. Each dish felt like it had a story, including the background of the ingredients and their producers.Many people come to Beppu for the hot springs, but dining at Hirokado itself becomes a reason to visit. I definitely want to return in a different season.
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