How the restaurant centered around candles came to be
This interview was conducted during our first visit in February 2019.
Why did you decide to run a restaurant centered around candles?
Inoue
The parent company of “Candle Taku Watanabe-tei” is a candle manufacturer called “Pegasus Candle.”
When we asked ourselves, “How can we make candles more popular?” we thought that having candles alongside “food,” one of the necessities of life—clothing, food, and shelter—might make them feel more familiar.
We also opened “Candle Taku Watanabe-tei” to create a space where people can experience candles.
When you dine surrounded by the magical glow of candlelight, you’ll want to use candles at home, too.
Inoue
Thank you.
Many people who experience the candlelight on the first floor also buy candles in the second-floor shop for their homes or as gifts.
Could you tell us about the care you’ve put into the exterior and interior?
Inoue
We renovated a storehouse from the Taisho era, preserving what we could and updating what needed to be new.
There are candles, and the food is creative French cuisine, so there are quite a few different elements, but I think they’re well balanced and harmonious.
As part of the concept, there are two professionals involved.
One is “Mito,” who has directed the restaurant since “Candle Taku Watanabe-tei” was established, and the other is table coordinator Noriko Hara.
The table setting just inside the entrance is by Hara. People who know her recognize it immediately and say, “That’s by Ms. Hara!”
Mito selects and creates many of the interior decorations, including the candle chandeliers in the hall and annex.
Could you tell us about the care you’ve put into the exterior and interior?
Inoue
As for the ingredients, we take time to prepare and cook everything because we operate by reservation only.
When the ingredients themselves are good, I think it goes without saying that the food will taste good. We serve dishes that show how “putting in a little more effort can make them even tastier.”
Also, since it’s creative French cuisine, we try to make it interesting.
When we bring out a dish, we explain each ingredient, but they’re probably things whose flavors you can’t imagine just by hearing about them.
I hope people enjoy the dishes, savoring each bite as they listen to the explanations.
Finally, what would you like guests to enjoy most?
Inoue
I hope you’ll feel free to come by.
Of course, we have a candlelit atmosphere, but we also take care to delight guests in ways they might not have expected.
You’ll have to come and see for yourself what those surprises are.
Recently, people have been sharing spoilers on social media and elsewhere, but I think you’ll enjoy it more if you come without looking them up.
From the Writer
At “Candle Taku Watanabe-tei,” you can enjoy creative French cuisine surrounded by the gentle glow of candles.
An immersive candlelit setting and exquisite creative French cuisine prepared by a veteran chef.
And I was truly impressed by the thoughtful attention to detail that you can only appreciate by visiting in person.
When visiting the Bikan Historical Area, you might enjoy spending a special evening at nearby “Candle Taku Watanabe-tei.”
You can also enjoy an “afternoon tea-style lunch” during lunchtime.
Lunch prices start at ¥4,500, tax included.
Both lunch and dinner require reservations, so it’s best to book at least a week in advance.
Be sure to visit with someone special.
Candle Taku Watanabe-tei details
| Name | Candle Taku Watanabe-tei |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-5-19 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-435-3930 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Dinner: 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Gallery & Candle Shop: 11:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Monday and Tuesday Except on public holidays and event days |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Required Reservations are required for both lunch and dinner. Phone reservations: 086-435-3930 Hours: 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. ※We are often unable to answer the phone during business hours and around opening and closing times, so online reservations are recommended. Online reservations accepted until 9:00 p.m. the day before |
| Seating | 32 seats total (22 in the hall, 10 in the annex): ・Three 4-person tables ・Five 2-person tables ・Five 2-person tables in the annex, accommodating up to 10 guests |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Candle Taku Watanabe-tei |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a search term to find articles on this site
