After I visited Takashima Castle, I had a little time before the Suwa Nomiaruki. I was looking for a place where I could eat and something local. I found a great little cafe called Le Pommier. It is right across from the castle and they opened for lunch. I got there a bit early as I didn’t spend that much time at Takashima Castle. I got there before 11 but lunch started at 11. Thankfully they let me relax until lunch started and I could order early.
Le Pommier
Le Pommier is a simple little house/cafe and they have a very friendly atmosphere. The main shop is setup in the living room area with hardwood floors. Most of the tables face the windows. They have a few seats outside but it was a little cold to eat outside that day.
Le Pommier
I decided to order a panini lunch set. It basically came with a panini, some potato salad, and green salad. You also have a choice of coffee or apple juice. After inspecting the menu, it appeared as if the apples were locally grown right behind the cafe in their own orchard. I was sold right away. The juice was delicious and full of pulp. I hadn’t had such a sweet and delicious glass of apple juice in a long time.
Le Pommier (Apple Juice)
When the food finally came, note that I did order before they were ready for lunch service, the food was delicious! The salad could have used a little more vinegar but it was still very good. The potato salad was freshly warmed up, I think, and the panini was also very good. I couldn’t have asked for a better meal. Since I was about to embark on a lot of sake drinking, I had to make sure I had enough food in my stomach to tie me over, and this really did a good job. It wasn’t too much food as I wasn’t stuffed, but just enough to help me keep drinking for the entire event.
Le Pommier (Panini Lunch Set)
While I’d love to visit Le Pommier again in the future, I don’t think I will have a chance. If I lived in Suwa, you can be sure that I would be there often enough to just relax. It is a great place and well worth your money if you finish with Takashima Castle. I just wished I had a chance to enjoy lunch outside as the view of Takashima Castle must be wonderful.
Information
- Le Pommier (Official Site – Japanese Only)
- Le Pommier (Tabelog – Japanese Only)