I revisited Restaurant Naz, located in a historic post town that thrived during the Edo period as a junction for the Nakasendo and Hokuriku highways. This reservation-only restaurant opened in its new location in June 2025. Previously, before the move in September 2020, it received the Tabelog Award 2025 Gold and 2024 and 2023 Silver awards.The nearest station is Shinano Railway's Shinano-Oiwake Station, and the restaurant is set in a lush area facing the old Nakasendo road. It has a cozy, hidden-gem atmosphere, featuring a beautifully warm space with abundant wood. The large windows offer a soothing view of the outside scenery.Here’s the course menu I enjoyed today:- White Mochi (Jomon ancient rice) steamed with Goya- Fermented cucumber, Suzaka's fresh somen, fermented cucumber extract- Grilled dumplings made only with Nagano's local flour and eggplant, served with perilla, round eggplant, and Nagano's pure black pork- Corn ice cream with café and caramel- Shinshu salmon- Ice made from squeezed corn juice, corn caramel, corn crumble, marigold oil, nasturtium flowers, and fermented mango- Sweetfish spring rolls- Summer venison cutlet with caramel cream, fermented chili paste, paprika, and red wine sauce- Grilled zucchini juice with squid and spaghetti- Watermelon gelato with concentrated extract, pine, and rubbed oilNon-alcoholic pairings:- Mountain mugwort tea with ume- Sweet sake with fennel and Granny Smith apples- Nagano white peach with lingonberry, lavender, and fermented eggplant skin extract- Tea with Benifuki and cacao shells- Fermented rose with Darjeeling and shiso- Watermelon with rhubarb and butterbur buds- Brand orange with red bell pepper and pink pepperA personal note... The sweetfish spring rolls were the best I've ever had. The sweetfish, retaining moisture, was plump and incredibly flavorful. I believe this dish requires perfect cooking to achieve such taste.The venison cutlet was tender and full of umami.The various dishes utilizing fermentation are gentle on the body, which I appreciated. I enjoyed a healing moment that was good for both the heart and body.The atmosphere was very comfortable, allowing me to savor the delicious food. The staff's service was also outstanding.I will definitely visit again. It was a great meal.Cafe Mocha Man Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafemocao?igsh=MWJ5bDlncTZrcjJwZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=q
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