Have a Good Slice

We ordered the fried chicken, duck, pork, and fries. The chicken was tender and very flavorful. The duck was good, but wasn't hot- more room temperature. I wish they had brought it out hot. The pork was fantastic and the fries had lots of fried garlic on top. I do wish the lettuce the dishes came with had some sort of dressing or olive oil as they were plain leaves of lettuce. These plates are pretty small, so I'd say look at these dishes as tapas to share vs a dish to fill one person. We ordered the castella and the basque cheesecake for dessert. Both desserts were not as sweet as we expected, but still nice. (The cheesecake was not American style cheesecake - more of a normal dense cake)

Wish I had a photo but the food was really excellent and one of the few places open in summer in the area. They do a couple of specialty drinks that they make in house, worth a try!

Very good casual NYC style slice pizza and over rice dishes! (Pizza is the way much better quality comparing NY)

If you want a modern, fair priced eatery that does not feel too touristy in Zao Onsen, then this is it. We visited here on a cold dark winter evening and the hearty food and friendly service perked us up. There was a good atmosphere and the staff were friendly. The illustrated menu was easy to follow and every dish was well presented (and matched the pictures). The local craft beer (Cherry Ale) was a neat little discovery, and the desserts were also worth a go.

I was staying at a local Zao onsen hotel and stumbled across this lovely cafe/bar. Delicious and tastefully put together decor. Really relaxing chat with the owner. Highly recommend if you want a break from the hot springs hotel food and surroundings.

Cafe with good vibes. This was my second time choosing Cafe Chotto, I was here last year as well (reminisced about their curry rice). I decided to try something different and ordered the salted mackerel and tomato banh mi. It included a consommé type soup as well as a salad. The bread was fresh and crispy, the portion may not be enough if you've been snowboarding all day But it does leave room for one of their many dessert options. I stole two bites of the wife's tiramisu (lady fingers were well-soaked, if that's the style you like). I had a pumpkin and white Kate terrine - it was very rich and satisfied my terrine craving. Service was pleasant, same as my previous visit. Water is self-serve as with many restaurants in the area. Credit card is accepted.

Although the pizzas are not made fresh to order, but it tastes delicious! Especially the japanese fusion flavour of white bait and Shiso leaves. Lunch has sets that come with a drink and salad. Great service and comfortable seating. We had a late lunch at 3pm and they were open to serve food. Recommended if you are staying at Zao Onsen area, as there are limited restaurants there.

My favourite and the best cafe restaurant in Zao! Cosy warm interior. Incrediblely clean and tidy. Thoughtful design everywhere such as a blanket at every seat during winter time. And applause to the dishes here. Absolutely delicious and worth every penny! The Japanese pork is tender and full of flavour. And the cheese cake with a pinch of salt on the side just elevated the whole sweet experience! The only downside: it's close on Tuesday just like every shops and restaurants here in Zao!