In the western district of Hakodate, there are many shops aimed at tourists, but there is a popular and affordable restaurant called "Oriental Kitchen." Established in 1985 and located in the current location since 2006, the restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with 7 counter seats and table seating. I tried their lunch curry set with a drink for only 500 yen, which was very satisfying. It's a great option for those tired of sashimi or looking to save on dining expenses.

There are no photos, but the hot dog plate was delicious!

In Hakodate, there is a famous restaurant competition, and one of the top contenders is a place called Karibebi. Behind that, there is a favorite restaurant of mine. I heard that the owner of Karibebi and the owner of this place are related. Personally, I prefer this restaurant. The reason is the prices and variety of dishes. Located in an area with famous restaurants like Lappi, Hasest, and Snaffles (inside the brick warehouse), this place attracts a lot of tourists. And yet, the prices are reasonable, plus they offer free parking. The taste is not bad either. The salmon collar I had that day was a bit salty, but overall, I think the food is good. It's a bit far from my place, and it closes early, so I don't get to come here often. That's why I usually end up ordering the salmon collar, even though there are many other dishes I want to try. Next time, I want to try the steak bowl or something like that. Visited on March 11, 2013.

In the western area of Hakodate City's Bay Area, there is a restaurant known as "California Baby" that serves set meals and bento boxes. However, on this day, they were temporarily closed, so I stumbled upon a small restaurant tucked away in the back and decided to give it a try! This place mainly focuses on bento boxes and takeout orders (they receive many phone orders!). The interior is narrow, but if the weather is nice, you can also eat outside. It was lunchtime, so I ordered the "Karaage Plate," which was full of volume and the juicy karaage was impressive. It also came with a drink, and the iced coffee served was surprisingly large! Even though it's not a restaurant known for large portions, the "Karaage Plate" only costs 450 yen, making it affordable and highly recommended!

This is a shop that is tucked behind California Baby. It's located at the back of the parking lot, or rather, the inside of the shop is narrow. There are a few tables and chairs, maybe three tables? In the summer, there are also tables and chairs outside. Most of the customers seem to be getting takeout. You often see taxi drivers or people working stopping by. Most likely, they have made a phone reservation in advance to make it in time for lunch. Soft drinks come in large cups of cola. The menu for eating in is around 500 yen. Of course, takeout is also available. I remember that ramen and soba were even cheaper. Takeout bento boxes were 350 yen (as of 2008). I haven't been there for a while, but it's a convenient place to stop by during work.

I feel like I wrote a review before... I searched for it but it was gone, so I'll write again☆ At the entrance of the Calibebi, on the left, there is a cat path that leads to the back where you will find "Oriental Kitchen". I love the cozy atmosphere, like an American diner, but small and cute! It's not pretentious like a cafe, just a lovely little eatery♪ The only downside is that it closes early so I can't go often. It seems to be run by a couple - a woman manages the floor and takeout orders, while a man cooks delicious dishes in the kitchen. Ah~ spending time with my beloved husband like this, serving food and drinks, is my ideal retirement dream! The atmosphere is just so nice(๑′ᴗ‵๑) The shop and the people are both wonderful♪ The interior is small and cute, but it seems like many locals prefer takeout. I've only sat at the counter, but there are about 8 seats including tables. The menu is really extensive! They have curry, fish set meals, steak bowls, and more. And the prices are cheap! There was even a 300 yen menu for some occasion, and the portions are generous! I always have my companion eat it for me(｡>∀<｡) Maybe it's a limited time offer? Drinks were included too♪ Once you go, you'll want to try other dishes, and you'll want to stop by whenever you're nearby. It's a charming restaurant((*´∀｀*)) Maybe they don't have a parking lot anymore?

I visited this shop for the first time for takeout behind California Baby. There was a very cute cat in front of the shop that healed me. It was quite friendly, maybe the shop's cat? I had the Thai-style vegetable stir-fry rice for 640 yen. Overall, I think it is quite reasonable and delicious.

Hakodate's best cost performance! Huge volume, super cheap and delicious ♡ The menu is also rich. Drinks are also included in the lunch service. Details here ☟ Oriental Kitchen's bento is incredibly voluminous and cheap! Thai-style vegetable stir-fried rice is super delicious ♡