Café Rorie

Opening the menu at Café Rorie, what immediately catches the eye is the wide range of fresh pasta sourced from Awaji Island. The delightfully chewy noodles are served in an eclectic mix of styles, from an oil-based sauce featuring littleneck clams and fragrant green shiso to a punchy arrabbiata tossed with mixed mushrooms and tuna. Richer plates include a carbonara-style option fragrant with porcini mushrooms and a Japanese-accented sea urchin cream accented with shiso and shredded nori, making it easy to suit whatever you happen to be craving.

The kitchen puts just as much thought into dishes beyond pasta, offering plenty for a heartier meal. A sauteed pork shoulder chop featuring Hachimantai pork from Akita Prefecture showcases tender meat and pure, unmasked flavor. Alongside it, fragrant charred sea urchin cream risotto and garlic butter ajillos with scallops or shrimp keep the table lively and encourage another glass of wine.

The wine list covers glasses, carafes, and bottles from around the world, complemented by house-made sangria and ginger drinks. At lunchtime, the value-led lunch set with salad and a drink draws regular interest, while evenings offer a calm backdrop for lingering over small plates and wine. A small slice of nama chocolate cake drizzled with blueberry sauce makes a satisfying finish paired with coffee.