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I had dinner with a friend at HORaANA in Machida, which is themed as a "cave private dining." The interior truly felt like being inside a cave, creating a theme park-like atmosphere that was exciting from the moment we walked in. At the time, the restaurant was decorated for Halloween, with plenty of Halloween songs playing in the background, enhancing the theme park vibe even more.
The cozy two-person private room we were shown to had a relaxing ambiance, and once seated, they lit candles for us, adding a magical touch. There were also larger tables towards the back, indicating that there were quite a few groups dining.
We opted for the Starlight Course, exclusively available from Sunday to Thursday, which was a great deal at 2,500 yen for six dishes. We started with a trio of appetizers, followed by herb-grilled shrimp and cheese zeppole, perfect for pairing with drinks. There were hearty options like grilled beef ribeye and parmesan gnocchi as well.
The cheese zeppole was incredibly delicious! It tasted like a deep-fried Western-style treat, and I wished I could have had more. The grilled beef ribeye was tender, bursting with flavor, and had a variety of toppings for an extra kick, like matcha salt and pink pepper.
One highlight was the restaurant's famous parmesan gnocchi! The staff brought out a big parmesan wheel and set it on fire, allowing us to toss the gnocchi in the melted cheese for a spectacular finish. The initial blue flames were beautiful, and after plating, they generously sprinkled additional cheese and black pepper, filling the air with a delightful aroma. Eating it while it was hot was heavenly, with the creamy richness and flavor of the cheese enveloping me. The chewy gnocchi was a joy to savor, and I hadn't had it in a while!
For an additional 1,500 yen, we could add an extensive drink menu, which included wine cocktails and homemade sangria, all of which were delicious. After our meal, I enjoyed a warm cup of oolong tea, feeling utterly content.
Overall, for the reasonable price of 2,500 yen, the cost performance was excellent! Each dish may not have seemed large at first, but by the end of the course, I was quite full. I was very satisfied with the experience. The staff was attentive, explaining each dish, and it was a comfortable place to dine.
I highly recommend this restaurant for hanging out with friends, going on dates, or having meals with colleagues. Thank you for the wonderful meal!