関西将棋会館道場の常連客
Visit date and time: 2021/04/24 14:50
Third stop on the Awaji food tour, the Western-style restaurant "ALBAR" in Awaji. According to online information, it is a small chain with four stores in Osaka. The restaurant is located just as you enter the shopping street from the west exit of Hankyu Awaji Station, up the outer building staircase. I ordered the "Carbonara". While it had some difficult elements, the taste was to my liking.
- Food/Taste: 3.4
The "Carbonara" had a rich cheese flavor. In addition to bacon, it also included onions for a contrasting texture. The onions seemed to slightly soften the richness of the flavor, making it enjoyable until the end. The pasta noodles were slightly thin, with a chewy texture that felt firm when bitten. I really liked this. However, due to the small amount of sauce, the noodles tended to stick together towards the end. But increasing the amount of that rich sauce could make it too heavy. It's a delicate balance.
- Service: 3.7
The staff was kind and provided excellent service. They even brought out a special menu when I inquired about the lunch set. At the time of payment, they asked, "How was the taste?" and as I left, they opened the door saying, "We look forward to seeing you again." Despite being a Western-style restaurant, it seemed to operate continuously (a deciding factor for my visit). They also had thorough COVID-19 precautions in place, with hand sanitizer, temperature checks at entry, and partitions on large tables.
- Ambiance: 3.3
As mentioned, the location is a bit hidden. I initially passed by it when looking for it. The restaurant is spacious, with a view of the shopping street from the windows. The background music was stylish lounge music, with loud volume. There were no other customers when I arrived, only one after me. Given the quality of the restaurant, I believe this was due to the time of day. It felt like it could be more bustling like nearby cafes.
- Cost Performance: 3.2
The "Carbonara" was priced at 780 yen plus tax, which seemed reasonable for this dish. The overall price was quite reasonable for continuous operation. However, adding a salad or other items to the set could easily push the bill over 1000 yen, making it somewhat affordable. I paid 858 yen and received change, so I think rounding it up to 900 yen would be more convenient.
- Drinks: Data unavailable.
In a good way, this restaurant didn't feel local, and it could easily become popular in places like Umeda.