The beachy neighborhood of Kisami Ohama in Shimoda is home to an eclectic family of restaurants definitely worth visiting if you find yourself in the area. From classic Japanese set menus and American-style club sandwiches to filling Chinese cuisine, there’s something for all taste buds. Although there’s a lot of variety across establishments, there are a few things that stay consistent: the hospitality is warm, the vibe is relaxed, and the seafood is incredible. Here are some places you have to add to your culinary itinerary.
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01
Shokudo Tobiishi
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Shokudo Tobiishi is a little big of an enigma—there’s very little about it online. If you’re in town, ask the locals to point you in the right direction, because it’s well worth the hunt. Other local businesses swear that this place practically never closes. Open from early morning, Shokudo Tobiishi serves a classic Japanese breakfast menu that’s sure to kick-start your day. Seemingly unchanged since the Showa Era, the couple who run Shokudo Tobiishi are more than happy to chat and give a few local tips, but only in Japanese, so get studying.
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02
Cafe Mellow
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With a name like Cafe Mellow, you can probably guess what you’re getting yourself into. A super laid-back beach-loving hangout, Cafe Mellow serves both classic Japanese snacks such as edamame as well as Western-influenced fare, including pizzas, hearty burgers, and thin-cut fries. If you ask around, you’ll learn one of the dishes the teams does best is swordfish, so if you’re not too sure what to order, go straight for the swordfish burger. They also have a fire pit outside for some serious BBQ-ing; if you’re interested in that, ask the friendly staff for more info.
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03
On the Beach
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Owned and run by internationally renowned surf photographer Takahiro Tsuchiya, On the Beach offers a feast for both the belly and the eyes. The walls of the stylish, beach-themed hangout are covered with Takahiro’s work, collected over a long and illustrious career of capturing world-class surfers in action. In terms of cuisine, On the Beach’s specialty is BBQ: There’s pork, shrimp, chicken, and swordfish meals, all neatly packed in their takeout containers. On the Beach’s meals are designed to be eaten out on the beach, down by the boardwalk, or indoors while admiring Takahiro’s creative prowess.
Iriyama-So
Kisami 1697 1713-2 Izu
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04
South Café
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Killer sandwiches, an extensive menu, great company, and the perfect beach holiday vibe, South Cafe has all the ideal cafe elements. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Thursday, it’s a can’t-miss option for brunch, lunch, or early dinner when you’re visiting Kisami. The chefs here are as talented as the menu is eclectic, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re after a spicy Thai vegetable curry or an American-style club sandwich—you won’t be disappointed.
- サウスカフェ
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- 静岡県下田市吉佐美918-2
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- 0558255015
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05
Ohama Momokawaro
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If you’re after an affordable, filling Chinese meal, be sure to pay a visit to local favorite Momokawaro. It’s one of Shimoda’s most reliable eateries, open practically every day of the year. Although finding a lot of information in English about the restaurant online is tricky, just ask a local to point you in the right direction—chances are they’ll know the place, as it’s one of the few restaurants that’s open late.
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- 百川楼
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- 静岡県下田市吉佐美269-6
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- 0558-23-5633
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