Hiratsuka

A short walk from Hirai Station, Hiratsuka sits up a flight of stairs on the 2 floor. Inside, a welcoming counter and the friendly owner set an easygoing tone. At lunchtime, diners drawn by the restaurant’s reputation fill the seats, as generous set meals are prepared right in front of them.

The chicken nanban is a standout among the set meals, served in a notably generous portion. Tender chicken is coated in sweet-and-sour sauce, then covered with the house tartar sauce, rich with egg and retaining some texture from the egg whites. Eaten with a heap of shredded cabbage, it balances richness with freshness and makes for an easy, satisfying meal.

For the pleasure of grilling at the table, try the yakiniku set meal, cooked over a tabletop burner to your preferred doneness. Quickly seared cuts such as kalbi are served with sauce or salt and pepper, bringing out the sweetness of the fat. Rice is piled high in the bowl, and a comforting miso soup made with Kagoshima miso adds a gentle sweetness to the filling meal.

Hiratsuka is known for its hearty lunches, and in the evening the counter also makes a relaxed spot to enjoy meat with a drink. It is easy to drop in alone, and the restaurant accepts credit cards and electronic money, making it a dependable choice for an everyday meal.