In this article, we’ll introduce a great place in downtown Hamamatsu where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.

This article was created on November 6, 2023.

After the pandemic, Hamamatsu’s dining scene has been steadily coming back to life.

With more visitors arriving from other parts of Japan for sightseeing and business, it has become a common sight to see travelers rolling their suitcases through the city center on their way to local restaurants.

In this article, we’ll introduce a great place in downtown Hamamatsu where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.

An Italian Bar Operated by One of Hamamatsu's Leading Wine Retailers

Located in the heart of Yūrakugai in Sakanamachi, central Hamamatsu, Sumibi Bar Mabuchi is an Italian-style bar operated by a long-established liquor store with over 325 years of history.

The restaurant offers an open and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy charcoal-grilled dishes and a variety of dishes prepared in its signature stone oven. As a liquor store–operated restaurant, it also offers an excellent selection of drinks at great value.

The wine selection is a particular highlight, featuring carefully chosen wines served at reasonable prices.

The restaurant has counter, table, and sofa seating across the first and second floors, making it suitable for everything from casual meals to large group gatherings.

*Maximum capacity: 80 guests
*A large monitor is available, making the venue ideal for wedding after-parties.

If you’re stopping by for a casual drink, the counter seats are the perfect choice. They offer a front-row view of the chefs preparing charcoal-grilled dishes right before your eyes.

Creative Italian Cuisine Made with Local Shizuoka Ingredients

We asked staff member Yamazawa for a recommendation featuring local ingredients, and the top pick was the Fresh Seaweed and Whitebait Pizza (生海苔としらすのピザ).

Baked in the restaurant’s signature stone oven, this Neapolitan-style pizza brings out the rich flavor of nori harvested from Lake Hamana. It is light enough to enjoy as a snack or alongside a drink.

The pizza dough is made fresh every day, giving it a wonderfully soft and chewy texture.

Other highlights include Shizuoka-raised Roast Beef, the Three-Tapas Platter featuring the chef’s recommendations of the day, and a variety of Ajillo dishes. The Ajillo pairs especially well with the complimentary baguette served as an appetizer, which can be refilled upon request.

When it comes to drinks, you’ll find not only beer and sours, but also an extensive selection of wines that are especially popular with guests.

“Our sommeliers carefully select our wines, and we also conduct in-house tastings. We hope you enjoy trying a variety of wines from different countries!”

The staff also introduced the restaurant’s all-you-can-drink menu, which allows guests to enjoy a wide selection of beverages.

Enjoy a Night Out in Downtown Hamamatsu with a Food and Drink Hopping Experience

Located in the heart of Yūrakugai, Sumibi Bar Mabuchi is a convenient starting point for exploring other nearby restaurants and bars.

Downtown Hamamatsu is home to many places where you can enjoy a casual drink, making it the perfect area for a food and drink hopping experience. Why not visit several spots and discover the local flavors and drinks that Hamamatsu has to offer?

For souvenirs, we recommend Mercato Mabuchi, another store in the same group as Sumibi Bar Mabuchi, which is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

It is a great place to pick up local snacks or something to enjoy when you want one more drink after returning to your hotel.

*The information in this article is subject to change.