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[Closed Feb. 2025] Drive-in Marufuku: Savoring Superb Napolitan Spaghetti with a Panoramic Ocean View in Yoichi
For those driving towards Shakotan, Yoichi, or Otaru, we recommend a hidden gem called "Drive-in Marufuku." In this article, we'll introduce their incredibly popular "Napolitan" spaghetti and other menu items!
(*Note added March 10, 2025) We are very sorry to announce that Drive-in Marufuku closed on February 26, 2025. As it was a wonderful establishment, we will keep this article published as a record of its atmosphere at the time. Thank you for your many years of service.
A good old Showa-era drive-in nestled by the sea
The place to find delicious, old-fashioned Napolitan spaghetti is "Drive-in Marufuku," located right by the sea just after entering Yoichi Town from Otaru on National Route 5. This is a long-established drive-in, founded in 1969.
Inside, elegant classical music plays, and the restaurant welcomes you with its original atmosphere, featuring nostalgic lighting, a grandfather clock, and velvet sofas.
A nostalgic, ketchup-rich masterpiece: Napolitan spaghetti
Drive-in Marufuku's most popular dish is the nostalgic "Napolitan." While you're eating the salad that comes with the set, it arrives sizzling on a hot iron plate. Spaghetti smothered in ketchup, with red sausages and mushrooms—this is the quintessential Showa-era Napolitan.
The taste is just as ketchup-forward as it looks, but it has a rich flavor with a pleasant tang from the tomatoes, and it's not overly salty, giving it a refined quality. The thick pasta noodles cling to the sauce perfectly, allowing you to enjoy it to the last bite without getting tired of the flavor.
Marufuku's Napolitan also comes in variations like the "Ebi-fry Napolitan," topped with a crispy fried shrimp, and the "Hamburg Napolitan." Both the fried shrimp and the hamburger steak are generously sized!
Furthermore, for those torn between curry rice and Napolitan, there's the "Big Combo," which brings both dishes together. The curry rice has a slightly spicy, mature flavor.
"Torimen," a hidden gem that warms both body and soul
Another dish you should definitely try is the "Torimen." It consists of thin somen noodles with chicken, kamaboko (fish cake), and spinach. Its simple, gentle deliciousness will fill both your stomach and your heart with a sense of happiness. The thin noodles are easy to eat, making it a great choice for children and the elderly as well.
The menu is extensive, with other options like fish set meals, Zangi (Hokkaido-style fried chicken) set meals, and parfaits for dessert. Be sure to enjoy the wide variety of dishes!
A scenic spot to watch the sunset over Cape Shiripa
One of the reasons many people visit is for the view from inside the restaurant. You can see "Cape Shiripa," a symbol of Yoichi that juts out from Yoichi Bay. There are also raised tatami-mat seating areas, so it's a comfortable spot for families with children.
The sound of the waves is soothing, and you'll want to keep watching until the sun goes down. The tranquil seascape has provided solace to travelers for generations.
If you visit around the summer solstice, you might witness a rare phenomenon unique to Yoichi known as "the sun that sets twice," where the sun, after setting behind Cape Shiripa, reappears before finally sinking into the sea.
For your next drive, why not stop by the Showa-retro "Drive-in Marufuku" to be soothed by a delicious meal and the serene ocean view?
Drive-in Marufuku
■Address: 131 Sakaemachi, Yoichi-gun, Yoichi-cho, Hokkaido
■Hours
・Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM / 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
・Wed, Sun: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
■Closed: Thursdays
*There may be temporary closures, so please call to confirm before visiting.
■Phone: 0135-22-2556