“A cafe reminiscent of Mizushima’s industrial complex”
We found a place in Kurashiki where you can experience something out of the ordinary.
The cafe is called “.KOMBINAT (Dot Kombinat)” and is located in Achi Terrace Kurashiki, a new spot that opened south of JR Kurashiki Station in 2021.
It was a completely new space where Japan’s distinctive wabi-sabi aesthetic harmonizes and blends with the rugged industrial style of industrial design.
Here, we’ll introduce the appeal of “.KOMBINAT.”
The information presented here was current when this article was published in October 2022. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is .KOMBINAT?
.KOMBINAT is located inside Achi Terrace Kurashiki, a multipurpose complex about a five-minute walk from Kurashiki Station on the JR Sanyo Line.
The restaurant was produced by Ishodo, which operates 72cafe (Natsu Cafe).
Its defining feature is its design: the exterior and interior are inspired by Mizushima’s industrial complex.
The stylish interior features a three-dimensional layout.
Another unusual feature is that nearly everything, from entering to leaving, is self-service.
A waterfall flowing inside
There was even a waterfall flowing inside the restaurant.
The gentle sound of the water lets you forget the busyness of everyday life and enjoy a relaxing moment.
Pipes run across the ceiling
Numerous pipes run across the ceiling.
Looking at them gives you the feeling of having wandered into a science-fiction world.
Pick up a lantern at the entrance and order with your smartphone
First, enter the restaurant and pick up a “lantern with a QR code.” Hang it on the hook on your table, scan the QR code, and the menu will appear.
Then order whichever dishes, desserts, and drinks you like.
Ordering from the menu on your own smartphone is a very modern system.
Even though you use your smartphone, the process is simple, so once you get used to it, you may find it easier to order without feeling self-conscious around the staff.
Enjoy authentic pizza baked in a wood-fired oven
When your food is ready, a staff member calls your number, and you pick it up at the counter.
After some deliberation, I ordered the classic Margherita.
After a short wait, a freshly made pizza baked in an authentic oven arrived.
It looked piping hot, and the appetizing aroma of tomato sauce and cheese filled the air.
I tried it, and it was just as delicious as I expected.
The pizza dough was chewy inside, with a thick, crispy crust.
The cheese, tomato sauce, and basil were perfectly balanced, making it a classic Margherita in every sense of the name.
Pasta featuring one of the world’s three great delicacies
Next, I ordered the “Supreme Spaghettini.”
This pasta is topped with truffle, one of the world’s three great delicacies.
And it’s used generously, not sparingly—it’s no exaggeration to call this a specialty.
When I tasted it, the delicious flavor spread through my mouth from the very first bite.
It was my first time trying truffle, and the aroma of truffle rising through my nose combined with the mellow cream sauce to create a rich, savory flavor.
The pasta was chewy, too, and went well with the cream sauce.
Other menu items
The dessert “Garden Tiramisu” is a rich, creamy tiramisu that expresses the charm of wabi-sabi.
It has a distinctly Japanese feel and is a photogenic menu item.
Other options included “.Wa Parfait,” made with rich matcha cream, crumble cookies, and hojicha ice cream.
I’ll try some of the other menu items on my next visit.
The interior design incorporates igusa, a traditional Kurashiki industry, and the industrial complex of Mizushima, allowing you to fully experience Kurashiki’s appeal.
.KOMBINAT is a place where attention to detail is evident in everything, from the interior and exterior to the food.
We asked general manager Shinya Fujiwara about the restaurant.
.KOMBINAT (Dot Kombinat) details
| Name | .KOMBINAT (Dot Kombinat) |
|---|---|
| Address | 124, North Building, Achi Terrace Kurashiki, 3-9-1 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-454-5000 |
| Parking | Available Municipal Achi Terrace Kurashiki Parking Lot (paid) |
| Hours | 11:30 a.m.–2:00 a.m. the following day |
| Closed | Tuesday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted Please bring a smartphone, as orders are placed via smartphone |
| Seating | 92 seats: 62 indoors + 30 terrace seats |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | .KOMBINAT, Ishodo Co., Ltd. |
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