ShigaFood

Enjoy the signature grilled mackerel somen noodles and grilled mackerel sushi lunch at a 200-year-old merchant house

About this spot

A specialty restaurant for grilled mackerel somen noodles, housed in a merchant house approximately 200 years old, renovated and situated along Hokkoku Street (北国街道), near Kurogane Square (黒壁スクエア). Grilled mackerel somen noodles are a Lake North regional dish in which browned mackerel is slowly simmered with a sweet-savory glaze, and somen noodles are cooked together in that broth. Legend has it that the dish originated from the custom of "May greetings" where young husbands would send grilled mackerel from their wife's parents' home during the busy farming season. The mackerel, which crumbles delicately when touched, and the translucent amber somen noodles infused with savory richness create an unforgettable flavor. Paired with their famous grilled mackerel sushi, you can fully experience Nagahama's mackerel-centered food culture. The interior, with its massive wooden beams intact, preserves the atmosphere of the original merchant house, and enjoying lunch in a rustic tatami room truly captures the spirit of travel. The weekend lines that form here attest to this course's highlight status.

Tips

About 7 minutes walk from Nagahama Station, along Hokkoku Street (北国街道). As this extremely popular restaurant closes when sold out, arriving right at opening time and joining the line early is essential. In addition to grilled mackerel somen alone, there are also sets pairing it with grilled mackerel sushi—sharing with friends lets you taste both signature dishes. Being an old merchant house, the interior has some steps, and tatami seating requires removing your shoes.