Japan is the foodie’s paradise. Traditional Japanese dishes such as ramen, sushi, and teppanyaki have become famous around the globe. The variety of cuisine available in a country as tiny as Japan is staggering. But there is one type of restaurant in which selection, atmosphere, and price all come together in a neat package: the Family Restaurant.
Though referred to as family restaurants (or famiresu in Japanese), these restaurants serve clientele from all walks of life, including groups of students, couples, individuals, and of course, families. Food, drinks, and dessert are served in an unpretentious environment conducive to relaxation and good conversation. Some of the most popular chains include Gusto, Denny’s, Joyfull, Jonathan’s, Royal Host, Bikkuri Donkey, and Saizeriya. The most popular of these, Gusto, boasts over 1,300 branches within the country. As they are usually located along busy thruways or near train stations, family restaurants are easy to find and can come in handy when searching for breakfast in an unfamiliar city.
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Some chains specialize in a certain type of food, such as Saizeriya and Jonathan’s which serve Italian-style pastas and soups. Others such as Gusto and Joyfull whose decors seem inspired by American diners, offer a large variety of Western fare, including hamburger steak, pizza, grilled meat, salad, and pasta, as well as Japanese dishes, such as udon and curry rice.
Regardless of the particular chain, most of their main dishes normally cost between 400 and 1000yen. Rarely is anything deep-fried or low-quality, making family restaurants a healthy alternative to fast-food. However, a cheese-filled hamburger steak, Bikkuri Donkey’s specialty, won’t help you lose any weight!
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The menus are bright, colorful, and full of pictures, making it easy to order without knowing how to read Japanese. Some locations might offer English menus, however in rural areas it is unlikely. Keep an eye out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials, as some restaurants, especially Jonathan’s and Gusto, offer different items throughout the day. One popular option is the unlimited “drink bar,” available at Joyfull, Jonathan’s, Gusto, and some other chains. For around 400 yen, you can refill nonalcoholic beverages such as soda, juice, coffee, and tea.
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At most locations, customers order by pressing a call button located at each table, whereupon an employee will come to take the order. While food and alcohol are brought to the table by waitstaff, nonalcoholic drinks can be filled by the customer as they like. At the end of the meal, one pays by going up to the cashier, usually located near the entrance of the restaurant.
Family restaurants provide a dining option with many choices; even the pickiest of eaters should find something they enjoy. As the prices and calories tend to stay low, budget and health conscious customers can feel comfortable as well.
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