Cafe Pooch

Quite an unusual name and typography for this restaurant. It actually refers to dogs, as the owner is a dog lover. The interior is much smaller than it seems, but there is space between tables, so you can have a good feeling of sufficient space. The decoration is based on dark wood and bamboo, southern Asia resort style. Dishes are surprisingly voluminous for Japan, and that's a good thing. All the food is prepared upon order, super fresh and beautifully presented. What you can eat there is simple, like chili con carne or rice and veggies, but everything is prepared with the little extra care and know-how that gives a tremendous extra value to your meal. Taste is natural, balanced, and delicate. On top of that, prices can not be high, count around 1300 yen per person.

We searched for a restaurant with outdoor dining and stumbled upon this spot after our Daibutsu Hike and we are very happy we did. We didn't have our "pooches" with us but the owner of 15 years is a total dog lover and showed us pictures of her dogs and there are dog leash holders between the tables INSIDE. I just went inside to take a picture of the holders and then went outside to enjoy our delicious lunch and frankly one of the best meals I've had in awhile. The sun was shining bright that day and when my meal arrived "The Pooch" entree of veggies and pork and rice and salad on a very large plate I was taken aback by it's presentation. The only thing better was the taste which was wonderful. I highly recommend this place.

I love the ambience of the cafe. When we went there the weather is kinda gloomy and it was drizzling. It felt more like home. I had the specialty of the day which is duck meat, fish fillet with rice and salad while my friend got the omurice. The salad tasted so fresh like it was just freshly picked from a garden. The duck and fish tasted heavenly. I got the meal plus cheese cake and their houseblend raspberry juice for only ¥1500 which is a reasonable price talking about price of japanese meals. I also love the fact that they can speak English so it was easier for us to understand the menu and to convey what we want. I hope I can come back again and try their coffee and cakes.

Everything was delicious and healthy even for the dessert! Really recommend this place

Lunch here was so delicious! Staff speaks english and even said how to properly eat the dish. Worth every yen.

Popped in for the morning set which was slices of thick toast and a cuppa for ¥500. It did its job, especially as it’s located down the road from one of the big temples for ajisai/hydrangea viewing. Nice little place to take a break from the crowds.