Nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, "uzumé" is a French restaurant housed in a renovated traditional Japanese house. A chef who honed his skills in France and Tokyo opened this hidden gem in Okayama Bizen City, where you can enjoy exquisite lunches and afternoon teas featuring local ingredients.
2026.03.19-
Table of Contents
- A hidden gem restaurant in Okayama Bizen City
- A lunch course showcasing local ingredients | An unforgettable experience starting with the appetizers.
- Desserts featuring exquisite sauces
- No reservation required for tea time | A blissful moment you can drop by casually.
A hidden gem restaurant in Okayama Bizen City
Located on a quiet mountainside in the outskirts of Bizen City City, in southeastern Okayama Prefecture, amidst the soothing sounds of waves and birdsong, lies the French restaurant " uzumé ." The owner, who trained at Michelin-starred restaurants in France and later worked as the exclusive chef at the luxury ryokan "Hoshino Resorts Tokyo " in Tokyo , opened the restaurant in July 2023 after relocating to Bizen City , Okayama Prefecture . It is a special French restaurant housed in a renovated old Japanese house, offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Access and Parking | Parking is available a short distance away along the coast.
The parking lot is located a short distance from the store. It's across from the "Duskin Iri Branch" on National Route 250, in the space along the coast. Look for the French flag (blue, white, and red) as it's easy to spot. Once you've parked, cross the road and walk up the slope to reach the store.
The journey to the shop | A little adventure like searching for a secret place
Since the shop is not visible from the parking lot, it is recommended to follow the directions shown in the photos. Go up the road to the left of the Duskin Iri branch, and turn right at the vermilion fire hose storage building halfway up the slope. You will then enter a narrow alleyway that is barely wide enough for one person to pass through.
Turn left at the end of the street and continue up the hill, and you'll see blocks painted in the colors of the French flag, and beyond them, the shop will come into view. The joy of finally arriving is truly special.
The best seats are at the window counter | A breathtaking view framed like a picture.
The counter seats by the south-facing window are prime spots bathed in sunlight. The Seto Seto Inland Sea Sea, sparkling in the sunlight, unfolds before you like a beautiful painting. The Seto Inland Sea is a calm Utsumi surrounded by Japan's main islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and its stunning archipelago has captivated many people from both within Japan and internationally.
The shop has a pleasant antique atmosphere.
The ceiling above the counter seating area is adorned with flying wreaths made of dried flowers arranged in a ring shape. Dried eucalyptus from the garden and tasteful objects are placed throughout the space, creating a harmonious blend of the warmth and antique atmosphere unique to an old Japanese house. Stained glass windows that shimmer in the sunlight add a gentle accent to the space.
A renovated space overflowing with a sense of openness.
The renovated old house has a high ceiling, and the thick beams of the ceiling are left as they are, creating an open and airy space. Wooden tables and chairs are lined up, and there are also comfortable sofa seats in the Oku.
The restaurant has a loft (mezzanine) style interior, and you can enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea from the counter seats, which are positioned on a slightly elevated level.
View from the loft seats | You can see the ocean from anywhere.
The view from the loft seats is also exceptional. The Seto Inland Sea, viewed from a slightly elevated perspective, feels even more dynamic.
A lunch course showcasing local ingredients | An unforgettable experience starting with the appetizers.
Example of an appetizer
The appetizer for the day was "Mixed Grain Risotto with Jerusalem Artichoke Cream, served with Organic Cacao Nibs and Jerusalem Artichoke Chips." It looks like soup, but the crunchy texture of the mixed grains, including red rice, is delightful and pairs well with the smoothness of the Jerusalem artichoke and cream. Jerusalem artichoke is a superfood that is expected to have effects such as suppressing blood sugar levels, improving the intestinal environment, preventing high blood pressure, and supporting weight loss. The mixed grains are from Soja City, the Jerusalem artichokes are from Wake Town, and the parsley is from Setouchi City, demonstrating a commitment to using local ingredients from Okayama, embodying the spirit of "local production for local consumption" (consuming locally grown ingredients locally).
Choose your main course from meat or fish | Seasonal ingredients prepared with care
An example of a main dish (photo shows a fish dish).
For the main course, you can choose between a meat dish and a fish dish. Following the chef's recommendation, I chose the fish dish. "Pan-seared Spanish mackerel, taro fritters, sautéed chrysanthemum greens, salsa verde made with Rinoka*, canola flower, and cauliflower" is a dish that makes ample use of seasonal spring vegetables, and the delicate sauce harmonizes beautifully with the umami of the mackerel. *Rinoka is a citrus fruit native to Okayama Prefecture , characterized by its refreshing aroma similar to yuzu. The ingredients are sourced directly by the owner couple from various parts of Okayama Prefecture , including Bizen City, Okayama Okayama City, Akaiwa City, Kibichuo Town, and Kumenan Town . It is a moment to enjoy with all five senses, along with the scenery of the Setouchi.
Desserts featuring exquisite sauces
An example of a dessert
The dessert was "Strawberry with Ama Sauce and Chocolate." Amazake is a traditional Japanese sweet drink and sauce made from rice koji, and it does not contain alcohol. Strawberries ( Mine variety) from Nozomi Farm in Okayama City were beautifully arranged with meringue and cream, and the refreshing sweetness of the amazake sauce provided a perfect accent. The use of non-standard strawberries in the sauce also shows an awareness of reducing food waste.
[Lunch Course] Appetizer + Main + Dessert 3,300 yen *Reservations recommended
No reservation required for tea time | A blissful moment you can drop by casually.
Tea time, starting at 2:30 PM, is available without a reservation. The "Seasonal Fruit and Milk Gelato" (1,200 yen), featuring moist and flavorful crepes carefully baked with fermented butter and generously topped with seasonal strawberries, has an exquisite balance of sweetness and tartness. The fresh strawberries and compote blend perfectly with the cream, making it irresistibly delicious even after a full lunch course.
A memorable shop that makes you want to visit again.
All the ingredients are fresh, and each dish is carefully prepared, leaving you with a feeling of satisfaction that revitalizes you from within. Combined with the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, it's a rich experience that satisfies all your senses. The restaurant also sells teaware and other items, making it a great place to buy a uniquely Japanese souvenir.
【uzumé】
Location: 3490 Okayama Prefecture, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 070-8910-0947
Opening hours: Friday 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Lunch last order 1:30 PM) Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Lunch last order 1:30 PM)
Parking: Available
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