Kounoya

At midday, Kounoya lays out a generous lineup of substantial set meals. Anchored by a daily special that includes rice, miso soup, a side dish, and pickles, the lunch selection features comforting staples like Japanese fried chicken, ginger pork, and noodle combinations pairing beef and burdock root udon or soba—a reassuring spread for a solid workday lunch.

The Korean-inspired lunch offerings are particularly enticing. Diners can pick from hearty combinations such as bibimbap—served either in a sizzling stone pot or a standard bowl—savory sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew), and a refreshing Korean cold noodle set paired with a mini bulgogi rice bowl and kimchi. Robust plates like stir-fried pork kimchi and grilled meat sets give diners plenty of flexibility depending on their appetite.

Come evening, the dining room transitions into a relaxed izakaya, where patrons unwind over drinks and home-style cooking. Crisp, fragrant seafood or cheese jeon (savory pancakes) and spicy tteokbokki pair effortlessly with cold beer or makgeolli. Smaller plates like grated mountain yam provide a welcome change of pace, making the venue equally suited to an easygoing group dinner or a casual drink after work.