🍜 Hidden Soba Gem on a River Island – Ishiusutei, Nakatsu

We discovered Ishiusutei, a charming and slightly hidden soba restaurant located on a small island right next to a rest stop in Nakatsu — and it turned out to be quite the gem. There was a queue when we arrived, but to our pleasant surprise, the line moved quickly and we were seated within 15–20 minutes. Ordering is done through a ticket machine at the entrance — very common in Japan — and adds to the casual charm of the place. The restaurant seemed to be a hit with locals, with mostly Japanese patrons dining there during our visit. Always a good sign. We had their soba noodles with tempura, and everything was delicious. The broth was light yet flavorful, and paired beautifully with the perfectly cooked soba. The tempura was crisp and not oily, showing the care in their preparation. After our meal, we explored the little souvenir and shopping area inside the restaurant, which added a nice touch to the overall experience. If you’re in the area and craving soba, Ishiusutei is a worthy stop — authentic, local, and heartwarming. #summervacay #ishiusutei #nakatsueats #sobanoodles #hiddengemsjapan #japanesefoodie #tempuralovers #oitagourmet #reststopeats #localfavourites #nakatsujapan #石臼亭 #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip