Tsutsumitei

Whilst looking for a place to eat before touring the gardens we found this gem. Just down from the entrance to the kenroku-en they invite you inside. The top floor has traditional floor seating but due to issues with people in our party sitting on the ground they allowed us to use western style seating at table on lower level. The service was amazing and they did everything they could to make us comfortable. The menus are in English and the servers who interacted with us all spoke it really well so no issues. The food was amazing, came out quick and very hot which was perfect for the winters day. The quality of food and the variety on offer meant everyone at the table got something they wanted. A few local specialties on offer which was nice and got to finish it off with one of the famous gold leaf icecreams which was a great finishing touch. Worth the visit if in the area.

Try the zenzai! (red bean mochi soup!) It will warm you up for sure. :) This restaurant has a lovely atmosphere with traditional Japanese-style tatami mat seating.

We stopped off here after going to the gardens. We were so hot we just wanted something to cool us down and discovered this beautiful place. We got two shaved ice (one melon, one lemon) we sat upstairs and because they had only just opened we were the first people there. The staff are beautiful, the shaved ice refreshing and was really affordable on a tourist budget and the upstairs section is delightful.

We were expecting a quick but non memorable lunch. However we had an excellent katsu curry and delicious udon cooked with a special burner. The plates were abundant and really affordable. Thanks

Great experience. Traditional tatami tables and tea at disposal. We had tonkatsu curry and tonkatsu with egg (forgot the name) both very tasty. We also had the gold sheet ice cream, that was expensive but fun to try. But what stood out for us was the atmosphere.

The staff are so nice to understand you are tired and cold after walking the whole kenrokuren and they will send you upstairs to watch the snow flying in the air. This is giving charcoal in the blizzard moment in my life. I love this spirit and this is what I long for as a tourist visiting Japan. I already feel the connection between me and the people around the community. P.S. the gold icecream is out of this world

Visiting this place at fall, matcha drink served as hot drink really helped us to warm at that night. Serving time also quite fast and the atmosphere really support the foods.