A new restaurant, Dodo-Carlini, has opened in Chuo-ku, Sapporo, where you can enjoy everything from fresh Italian pasta to Japanese set meals! Dodo-Carlini is currently one of Sapporo's most talked-about restaurants, born from the fusion of Dodo Cafe, popular for its handmade pasta, and Yunon, known for its Japanese set meals.

The eye-catching retro exterior. Parking is available on the right side of the building (4 spots).

This Italian and Japanese restaurant is a renovation of a former seed and seedling shop built in 1930. The interior retains its historical depth, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Previously operating under the name Yunon, it was renewed on April 12th of this year, merging with the Italian restaurant Dodo Cafe from Minami 15-jo to become Dodo-Carlini, a new establishment combining the charms of both.

"Furano Wagyu Beef Cheek in Red Wine Sauce" for 1,800 yen (includes salad and soup at lunchtime).

The signature fresh pasta is handmade tagliatelle, a blend of Hokkaido wheat and semolina flour. This flat noodle type pairs perfectly with rich sauces and has an exquisite chewy texture. The most popular dish is the "Furano Wagyu Beef Cheek in Red Wine Sauce." The beef cheek is so tender it melts in your mouth, and the acidity of fresh tomatoes further stimulates the appetite. The sauce is packed with the sweetness of onions and other vegetables, and with every bite, the umami of the ingredients fills your mouth.

"Brown Rice Gorgonzola Cream Risotto" for 1,400 yen (includes salad and soup at lunchtime).

A risotto made with brown rice might be a rare find. Here, they use specially cultivated brown rice from Uryu Town in the Sorachi area. The surface is seared with a torch before serving, allowing you to enjoy the unique aroma of brown rice and the rich flavor of Gorgonzola.

Natural farming brown rice lunch "Ichiju Sansai" for 1,400 yen (add 100 yen for a large portion of rice).

At Dodo-Carlini, they continue to serve the daily "Ichiju Sansai" (one soup, three dishes) set meal, which was popular at Yunon. The set includes brown rice mixed with beans, side dishes made with plenty of home-grown, pesticide-free vegetables, and miso soup made with homemade miso. The ingredients are homemade whenever possible, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious diners.

"Heartwarming Zenzai with Organic Azuki Beans" for 600 yen (small size 400 yen).

For a Japanese-style dessert, the popular choice is "Zenzai," made with home-grown azuki beans carefully simmered to keep them whole. The beans retain their shape, making it a satisfying dish. It's subtly sweet, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural flavor of the azuki beans. You won't want to leave a single bean behind!

"Catalana" for 600 yen. Add 400 yen for a drink set.

For a Western-style dessert, we recommend the "Catalana." A smooth custard is topped with a crisp, fragrant layer of caramel. The rich flavors of egg and fresh cream spread throughout your mouth. Be sure to enjoy it with a cup of coffee.

There is a space at the front of the restaurant selling miscellaneous goods and vegetables.

The nearly 100-year-old building houses a spacious interior with a chic color palette. With table seating, terrace seats by the window, and a large tatami-mat seating area that was once a living space, it's versatile for any occasion. It seems like a great place for gatherings with children.

The tatami seating area also has toys for children to enjoy.

Owner Mr. Asuka, who aims for local production for local consumption and offers a variety of dishes.

The owner, Tomohiro Asuka, who used to run Dodo Cafe, has over 20 years of culinary experience. He has honed his skills in various genres, from ramen to Japanese and Western cuisine. Since his late 20s, he has focused solely on Italian food, and Dodo-Carlini is the culmination of his expertise.

Mr. Asuka, who now prepares Japanese dishes in addition to his Italian repertoire, laughs and says, "It's a lot of work," but he is enthusiastic about creating seasonal and new menu items in the future.

Dinner is also served from Thursday to Saturday. It's also great for a casual visit, much like a Spanish bar.