Stanza della SINCERITA (OSTERIA SINCERITA) (Stanza della SINCERITA (OSTERIA SINCERITA)) Nanyō

I attended the food event "La nostra sfida in YAMAGATA" held on July 26 (Sunday).It was a vibrant and special night featuring top chefs from Niigata and talented cooks from Yamagata, all coming together for an unforgettable experience! It was a fun and delicious event!The lineup included some of the top-rated restaurants on Tabelog in Yamagata, which was fantastic!- fiorita- Masaharu Kamizuma- pas mal- Hitsujiya- santo piatto- al-che-cciano- Endo Fish Shop- osteria bacco- restaurant l’ermoise- restaurant nikaho- Wafu Gelato Okaji- UgaOf course, Takinami and SINCERITA were also present.The champion of this event was undoubtedly the dish from Stanza della SINCERITA, which was the "Dish of the Day."I will definitely visit again! Less

It's no surprise that dinner here is fantastic, but breakfast exceeded my expectations! You can choose your morning drink, and while I was torn between juice and champagne, I went for the champagne. Morning champagne really lifts your spirits! As you can see in the photo, the food is delicious, but it also surprises and delights in unexpected ways! Since it was almost a holiday weekend, the prices were a bit high, but I was completely satisfied. It was a great meal! I haven't mentioned the dinner menu, but as everyone says, everything is delicious and top-notch. What particularly impressed me was the high-hydration focaccia. I genuinely believe it could be considered one of the best in the Japanese focaccia scene! Less

Founded in the historic Akayu Onsen, which boasts over 920 years of tradition, this hidden gem of an Italian auberge, OSTERIA SINCERITA, was built about three years ago within the expansive grounds of the prestigious Yamagata-za Takinami, a renowned ryokan with over a century of history.The restaurant is named "SINCERITA" (meaning sincerity in Italian, derived from Chef Makoto Harada's name) and is led by Chef Harada, who previously operated the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant "Il Riposo" in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture.Adjacent to the restaurant, there are three guest rooms equipped with hot springs, where a Michelin-starred chef prepares exquisite meals exclusively for the limited number of three overnight guests each night.The rooms are luxurious, spanning approximately 150 square meters, and we felt a bit overwhelmed by the spaciousness as a couple! With two bedrooms, it seems ideal for around four guests.While there is a private outdoor bath on the premises, the room features a semi-outdoor bath and a mist sauna, allowing us to enjoy the Akayu hot spring's natural source privately and continuously for 24 hours, significantly enhancing our satisfaction with the stay.Last year, both "Yamagata-za Takinami" and "SINCERITA" were awarded the "Michelin 1 Key Hotel Selection 2025," highlighting their high evaluation as accommodations, but the culinary offerings at both establishments are truly exceptional.▪️ DinnerI have detailed each dish in the captions of the photos, but Chef Harada has thoroughly researched how to best showcase the ingredients from this land, blessed with a unique climate characterized by temperature and elevation differences, known as the "Okutama Basin."The dinner was a wonderful experience, allowing us to witness Chef Harada's remarkable ideas and consistently delicious dishes being prepared right in front of us at the live kitchen.Since all three groups start simultaneously, there may be a theatrical aspect to the experience that some might find divisive. However, Takahashi, the sommelier, skillfully engages with all guests, balancing the atmosphere and ensuring that no table feels left out, making for a very enjoyable dining experience.My partner, who is usually shy and not fond of carp, was transformed and praised the carp, repeatedly expressing a desire to return, which speaks volumes.The restaurant has so much to share about the dishes, pairings, ingredient origins, and local attractions, providing a fulfilling experience akin to receiving one-on-one guidance from a knowledgeable tour guide.Additionally, the rice here is exceptional! The late-night salt rice balls and the morning's kamadaki rice were outstanding, making me seriously consider relocating to Yamagata Prefecture... and to top it off, we received rice as a souvenir! Less