MODESTO

Tucked away in a quiet area just off the main street of Naka-Karuizawa, this Italian restaurant sits surrounded by trees, offering a serene atmosphere. It’s well-loved for its healthy dishes that make generous use of locally grown vegetables, embodying the unique flavors of Karuizawa.

Opened in 2009 by chef Kōta Horiuchi-who honed his skills in Italy and later worked at renowned restaurants in Japan-the restaurant is known for its creative cuisine. By skillfully combining ingredients, Horiuchi draws out their full character with both technical precision and artistry, providing diners with dishes full of surprise and delight. True to his philosophy of carefully selecting ingredients, he personally chooses every product used. The colorful highland vegetables, sourced fresh each morning from the local market, are especially central to the menu. While both lunch and dinner are primarily course-based, there is also a wide à la carte selection, paired beautifully with wines selected by the chef’s wife.

The dining room features large windows that look out onto the greenery outside, with wide spacing between tables to create an open, relaxing atmosphere.