Sarabetsu Village, nestled amidst the vast fields and tranquil atmosphere of Hokkaido's Tokachi region. In 2022, the beloved Italian restaurant "Stella terra adomani," formerly of Obihiro City, relocated and opened its doors here. With the concept of "making Italian cuisine more accessible," the restaurant has gained a reputation for its pasta, which generously uses fresh local ingredients, and for dishes filled with the owner's travel memories. We'll introduce you to the charm of this restaurant and its cuisine, where the everyday meets the extraordinary, making it a place worth a special trip.

The restaurant is located in Sarabetsu Village's "Sarapark" complex, which also houses a hotel.

The restaurant is located inside "Sarapark," a multi-purpose facility in Sarabetsu Village. It's a place that feels like an extension of the local community's daily life, yet it naturally welcomes visitors from outside. It's not quite a tourist destination, nor is it just an ordinary place. A perfectly balanced atmosphere flows through this in-between space.

The table seating, where red placemats add a touch of the extraordinary.

The sofa seats are popular with families. Reservations are recommended.

Originally operating in Obihiro, "Stella terra adomani" made a fresh start in Sarabetsu in July 2022 after the owner decided to relocate following an introduction from an acquaintance. Compared to Obihiro, the population is smaller, and it may not be the easiest place to attract customers. Nevertheless, customers travel from all over Tokachi, including Obihiro and Taiki Town, and it has gradually become a beloved spot for locals as well.

Owner Mr. Hayasaka, affectionately known as "Stella Ojisan" (Uncle Stella).

The restaurant's concept is "making Italian cuisine more accessible." The dishes, centered around pasta, are all familiar yet carefully prepared. While it has the casualness of a place you can just drop into, each plate is infused with solid technique that brings out the best in the ingredients and a kindness that aims to delight customers. By the way, the name "Stella terra adomani" is a phrase coined by Mr. Hayasaka, meaning "Let's meet again on this shining land." It carries the hope that even after moving from Obihiro to Sarabetsu, he can "meet everyone here again."

Mr. Hayasaka has honed his skills at wedding venues and Italian restaurants in Obihiro, and has also served as the manager of a hamburger shop. He had always planned to start his own business at 30. He found that the climate and agricultural environment were somewhat similar to Italy, and that Italian cuisine, with its simple appearance, is well-suited to showcasing ingredients. He chose Italian food as the perfect approach to express the essence of Tokachi's produce.

Cherished photos from his time in Italy are on display.

"There are still not many restaurants in this area," says Mr. Hayasaka. "I hope that not just my restaurant, but the entire South Tokachi area becomes more exciting. I would be happy if people made the special trip to Sarabetsu."

Generously using ingredients from Sarabetsu Village and Tokachi. Savor them in exquisite Italian dishes.

"Stella terra adomani" incorporates local vegetables, bread, and other products. By tasting familiar local ingredients in the form of Italian cuisine, you can discover their charm from a slightly different perspective. It's not just "eating out"; it's an opportunity to rediscover the local food culture.

The appetizer plate available at lunchtime, packed with salad, bacon, pumpkin salad, carrot rapées, and more.

At lunchtime, you can choose between the "Pasta Course (6 dishes total)" for 2,300 yen, which includes the daily appetizer, pasta, pre- and post-meal drinks, and dolce for a satisfying meal, and the "Pasta Set (3 dishes total)" for 1,800 yen, which includes a salad, drink, and pasta.

Choice of pasta. The popular "Shrimp and Nori Cream Pasta."

A memorable part of the lunch is the appetizer plate, which allows you to enjoy a variety of flavors in small portions. A signature touch of this restaurant is that the chef himself explains each dish. Despite running the restaurant single-handedly, you can see his desire for customers to "enjoy the dining experience itself."

"Stella Ojisan's Omelette," a specialty since the Obihiro days, for 750 yen.

"House-made Roast Toyonishi Beef" for 1,300 yen.

Dinner, on the other hand, is centered around an à la carte menu where you can casually combine your favorite dishes. To meet the demand for parties, they also offer party plans with all-you-can-drink options (starting from 6,000 yen). One of Stella's charms is that all prices are very reasonable.

"I believe that being deeply moved comes from a 'gap' in expectations. I want to delight my customers with value that exceeds the price. It's easy to raise prices, but I want to be creative in other ways." These words from Mr. Hayasaka convey that he values not just the food itself, but the "satisfaction of the experience."

The interior is filled with sunlight during the day.

The interior is sprinkled with memories from his travels in Italy. From the paintings on the walls to the music and the creation of the atmosphere, you can feel his desire to "create a little piece of Italy right here in Sarabetsu Village."

One dish that embodies Mr. Hayasaka's travel memories is the tiramisu. During a trip to Italy, he encountered a chilled tiramisu made without sponge cake. Unable to forget its deliciousness, he was inspired to recreate it in his own way. "Stella Ojisan's House-made Tiramisu" is perfectly sweet and an ideal dessert to end a meal.

"Stella Ojisan's House-made Tiramisu" for 770 yen. Pictured is the half size for 550 yen. (For takeout, a container fee of +50 yen per item applies.)

From Obihiro to Sarabetsu. Perhaps the change of location has also gradually changed the role that "Stella terra adomani" plays. For the locals, it offers a slightly special everyday experience. For visitors, it provides an opportunity to touch the local way of life. "Stella terra adomani" exists in a space somewhere between daily life and a journey.

When you visit Sarabetsu Village, or during your daily life in this land, you might find yourself wanting to stop by this warm Italian restaurant. Why not visit and savor a gentle time connecting with the region through its food?

*All prices include tax.

stella terra adomani

■Address: 93-38 Minami 1-sen, Sarabetsu-mura, Kasai-gun, Hokkaido
■Hours: LUNCH: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM (L.O.) / DINNER: 5:30 PM - 9:15 PM (L.O.)
■Closed: Mondays, 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays
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