Sabataro, which opened on February 23 this year, is one of the most highly anticipated new restaurants of the year. As its name suggests, Sabataro specializes in saba (mackerel) dishes, including goma saba (sesame mackerel) and shio saba (grilled salted mackerel), both local delicacies. The mackerel is served with freshly cooked rice in an earthenware pot.
Currently, the restaurant operates only in the mornings, offering seatings at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 AM and at 11:30 AM for lunch. Reservations are required, and it turns out that many people are eager to enjoy fish served this unique way in the morning, as reservations are becoming increasingly difficult to secure.
Takuro Sueyasu, the owner of popular Fukuoka izakaya establishments Izakaya Mikan and Komikan, aims to provide visitors with the opportunity to savor a delicious breakfast featuring local flavors.
The ingredients and dishes are all carefully chosen Fukuoka and Kyushu specialties, complete with homemade seasonings like yuzu kosho (citrus and chili condiment) and an original mikan kosho paste, which adds a touch of heat and a pleasant citrus aroma. Be sure to try the mikan pepper paste with the grilled mackerel.
Seatings are scheduled simultaneously to ensure the freshly cooked earthenware pot rice is served at its best. The rice is accompanied by a serving of tender mackerel, dried overnight and grilled to crispy perfection over binchotan charcoal. Other small dishes of Fukuoka specialties that complement the rice, such as Hakata’s gameni, mentaiko, and a Japanese omelet, are also included.
For the goma saba, guests are invited to grind their own sesame seeds, mix them with Sabataro’s original sauce, and dip the market-fresh saba sashimi into the mixture. Condiments such as green onions and wasabi can be added to taste. With such an exquisite breakfast menu, starting the day has never been so enjoyable! Since our initial report, the service has expanded to include evenings, with operations as an izakaya beginning at 6 PM
Menu (including tax and service charge):
Sabataro Set Meal (Morning) ¥1,650, Sabataro Set Meal (Morning) with Sesame Mackerel ¥2,350, Sabataro Set Meal (Noon) ¥2,450
At night, it operates as an izakaya from 6 PM
Reservations: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/sabataro/reserve
