Nonjae

During my recent visit to Hakuba, I had the pleasure of dining at Nonjae, a restaurant that not only offered a delightful culinary experience but also a refreshing engagement with authentic Japanese hospitality.

The food at Nonjae was nothing short of exceptional. The portions were generous, providing good value, especially given the overall pricing standards in Hakuba. The menu offered a wide array of Japanese delicacies, but their pork shabu shabu, beef sukiyaki, and lamb BBQ were particularly outstanding, each dish showcasing the quality of ingredients and the meticulous care in preparation.

One aspect of Nonjae that stood out to me was the staff's willingness to communicate in Japanese, providing a more authentic and immersive experience. This was particularly refreshing as it allowed me to practice my Japanese, although it is worth noting that the staff are equally proficient in English, ensuring that all guests feel welcome and understood.

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a spot in this popular eatery. However, for those willing to take a chance, arriving at opening time (5 PM) might secure you a table without a reservation, a rare feat in Hakuba's bustling restaurant scene.

Opting for the "set" menu is a decision you won't regret, especially if you're dining as a group. The abundance and variety of dishes are such that you might need a larger table to accommodate everything. This option is perfect for those with a hearty appetite and a desire to sample a range of what Nonjae has to offer.

The attentiveness and detail-oriented service of the staff at Nonjae were commendable. Their ability to remember returning guests added a personal touch to the dining experience, making each visit feel special and valued.

In summary, Nonjae is a must-visit for anyone in Hakuba looking for delicious, well-portioned Japanese cuisine in a welcoming environment. Whether you're a local, a tourist with a grasp of Japanese, or an international visitor, Nonjae promises an enjoyable and memorable dining experience.

Delicious Shabu Shabu with a wonderful view. Portions were large and food was very fresh! Udon noodles were fantastic too. Was not very used to the sweet stock they provided but all in all still fantastic, especially with the large number of sides which were all standout dishes on their own, especially the small dish of wasabi vegetables.

Thank you for hosting us.

Great value tasty Japanese traditional food. Great selection. Foreigner friendly menu but also some tasty Japanese stuff if you're feeling brave. Recommend the horse meat sashimi! Quite busy after 7 in the peak season so make a reservation, but before 5 was quiet

I really enjoyed this restaurant. I am not sure why others reviews have complained about not being accommodating to foreigners as we were served with a smile. Yes, they do not speak much English but it makes the environment all the more authentic. The food is fresh, reasonably priced and service is efficient. We would certainly recommend this over other restaurants we have eaten at in Hakuba.

Their sets of meat Lamb/Beef are quite nice. Overall this place is nice and cozy but nothing exceptional either. They are reasonably priced for an Izakaya. The food was good. The service is a bit messy because its a family business but they still deserve 4 stars.
The yakitori was very good.