When you hear about an Italian restaurant, you might have the impression that "a dress code is required" or "it's a bit too high a hurdle for a casual visit."
The Italian restaurant "TRATTORIA noi" located in front of JR Soja Station is a place that attracts customers with its casual atmosphere.
With simple dishes that cherish the flavors of the ingredients and the comfortable ambiance created by the owner's unpretentious personality, it helps visitors relax.
Let me introduce the charm of the Italian restaurant "TRATTORIA noi."
About TRATTORIA noi
TRATTORIA noi is an Italian restaurant that opened in front of JR Soja Station in September 2022.
The owner, Fujiwara Yohei, who loves food, started cooking for himself and encountered Italian cuisine.
As he learned more, he became fascinated by its depth and decided to open his own restaurant to deliver dishes that only he can create.
Now, not only solo diners but also couples, friends, and families visit the restaurant to enjoy their meals.
Lunch menu featuring seasonal ingredients
The menu at TRATTORIA noi differs between lunch and dinner.
Lunch offers two courses, A and B, while dinner allows customers to choose from a la carte dishes.
The menu is based on the content at the time of the interview.
During the interview, I chose the B course for lunch.
The B course includes soup, an appetizer, pasta, dessert, and a drink, along with the main dish of the day.
The first dish I had was "Ribollita," a traditional Italian soup made by slowly simmering leftover vegetables and beans.
Its gentle flavor warms the heart on cold days.
The appetizers were served on one plate and included four dishes:
"Sawara Carpaccio", "Chiayu Carpione", "Beef Tongue Boiled", and "Simmered Baby Octopus".
Each dish had a perfect balance of saltiness and acidity, stimulating the appetite.
The handmade focaccia has a chewy texture and is very satisfying to eat.
For lunch, you can choose from two types of pasta.
During the interview, the options were "Sawara and Shungiku Oil Sauce with Karasumi" and "Lingune with Harii Squid and Ink Sauce".
I chose the "Sawara and Shungiku Oil Sauce with Karasumi," which has a fragrant garlic aroma and a spicy kick that whets the appetite.
The main meat dish is "Daisen Pork Shoulder Cutlet with Green Salad".
Wrapped in a crispy coating, the juicy meat is exquisite.
The meat was so tender that I had never experienced before, and despite intending to savor it, I finished it in no time.
The dessert consisted of chocolate-flavored pudding "Bonet" and "Espresso Gelato". The balance of sweetness and bitterness was just right, making it so delicious that I wanted to have seconds.
Alcohol and soft drinks that enhance the charm of the dishes
The drinks at TRATTORIA noi mainly consist of wines sourced from "Kurashiki Sakaya Tokichi."
You can choose your own, but it's recommended to let them choose for you.
They can suggest wines that pair well with the dishes or match the customer's preferences.
For non-alcoholic drinks, there are options made with homemade syrups and soft drinks. The homemade syrups use seasonal ingredients and have a light sweetness that makes them easy to drink.
During the interview, homemade syrup made from edible hibiscus "Roselle" and "Red Kiwi" was served.
It features a refreshing mouthfeel and a subtly sweet and sour aroma, allowing you to enjoy a gentle flavor that does not overpower the taste of the dishes.
Late-night pasta for a special night
Occasionally held, late-night pasta is a special menu limited to pasta and dessert, operating from 10 PM to 1 AM.
Customers come for various reasons, whether it's for a second stop after a drinking party, a quick late-night snack, or a hearty dinner.
It's perfect for enjoying a calm time that can only be experienced late at night.
You can check the late-night pasta operating information on Instagram.
I spoke with the passionate owner, Fujiwara Yohei, about his thoughts on cooking and creating the restaurant.
Data for TRATTORIA noi
| Name | TRATTORIA noi |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-2-18 Ekimae, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 080-6379-9152 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | Lunch: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM Dinner: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM Late Night Pasta: 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM (irregular) |
| Regular Holidays | Monday, irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted Lunch is divided into two sessions. Session 1: 11:30 AM - Session 2: 1:15 PM - |
| Seating | 12 seats, 4-person tables: 2, 2-person tables: 2 |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | TRATTORIA noi |
