Cafe Goryo
Cafe Goryo: A Rustic Retreat for Culinary Curiosity
A Café Born from Old Barn Charm
Cafe Goryo offers visitors a unique blend of history, atmosphere, and food. Housed in what was once a leaning barn, lovingly repaired with the help of a local carpenter, the café maintains its rustic charm while embracing the spirit of its past. Inside, the décor leans toward the minimalist, retaining a slightly unfinished aesthetic to preserve the original character of the structure. Visitors are invited to appreciate the ambiance, which exudes a quiet, old-world atmosphere that harks back to the simple, agricultural heritage of the surrounding area.
The Menu: Simple, Fresh, and Global
Cafe Goryo prides itself on using ingredients sourced as locally as possible, particularly from its own vegetable garden. The menu, while small, reflects a global palate, featuring dishes inspired by the owners’ culinary experiences around the world. Offerings such as tomato curry, chili beans, and mushroom stroganoff bring an international flair, all while staying grounded in simple, hearty preparation.
Due to the café’s small size, food service can take a little time. This isn’t a fast-food stop, but rather a place to relax, enjoy the peaceful setting, and savor the meal. Diners are encouraged to visit when they have time to spare and can fully immerse themselves in the unhurried, rural charm of the café.
Vegetarian-Friendly, With Some Vegan Limitations
For those following a vegetarian diet, Cafe Goryo offers a few options that are both satisfying and creative. The café is a lacto-ovo vegetarian-friendly establishment, meaning that while dairy and eggs are present in many dishes, the staff are happy to accommodate specific dietary requests where possible. The Goryo sandwich, for instance, can be made without cheese for a simplified vegan option. However, some customers have noted that vegan options are sparse, with only occasional daily specials or adjustments available. If vegan fare is a must, it’s recommended to inquire with the staff ahead of time or be prepared for limited offerings.
Pros and Cons: What to Expect
Like many rural cafés, Cafe Goryo has its distinct advantages and potential drawbacks, depending on your expectations.
Pros:
- Delicious, Homemade Food: The limited but carefully curated menu reflects thoughtful preparation and the use of fresh, local ingredients.
- Friendly and Accommodating Staff: Despite the small kitchen and occasional menu limitations, staff are known for their kindness and flexibility, often willing to make adjustments where possible.
- Picturesque Ambience: The café’s rustic charm and countryside setting provide a tranquil escape, perfect for those seeking a serene dining experience.
Cons:
- Limited Vegan Options: While vegetarian choices are available, fully vegan meals are less common, and not all dishes can be easily modified to suit vegan diets.
- Distance from Town: If you’re not driving, the café’s location may feel a bit remote, making transportation a potential challenge.
- Small Menu: With only three main dishes and a handful of desserts and drinks, the variety may not satisfy those looking for an extensive selection.
Note: In this author’s modest view, the advantages handily tip the scales over the drawbacks!
Guesthouse and Outdoor Enthusiasts’ Haven
Next to the café is the Goryo Guesthouse, a traditional 80-year-old farmhouse, painstakingly renovated to offer cozy accommodations for those wishing to extend their stay. The guesthouse provides an excellent base for exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area, offering rustic comfort and a sense of connection to local history.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the café doubles as a hub for the local snowboarding community. As an authorized dealer for Gentemstick snowboards, Cafe Goryo offers rentals and test rides of various models from December through March. Riders can choose from a variety of boards suited to different styles, with rentals starting at ¥4,200 per day. The test center offers guests the opportunity to try out last season’s models, and reservations are recommended for those with specific preferences.
Practical Information for Visitors
Business Hours: Cafe Goryo is open Monday, Thursday through Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the last order taken at 5:30 p.m. It remains closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Table Seating: Seating is intimate, with options for two or four-person tables. The café enforces a strict policy for group sizes, limiting the seating to a maximum of four people per table. For larger groups, visitors may need to be seated separately, depending on availability.
For Families: Each child, regardless of age, is counted as a separate person for seating purposes, ensuring appropriate accommodations for all visitors. Guests are also expected to make at least one order per person, with flexibility around choosing from drinks, sweets, or meals.
A Cozy Online Shop for Coffee Lovers and Adventurers
Can’t make it to the café in person? Cafe Goryo offers an online shop where customers can purchase home-roasted coffee beans, original spices, and even postcards to capture the café’s charm. Whether you’re an enthusiast of quality coffee or interested in local souvenirs, the online shop brings a slice of the café’s ambiance to your home.
Additionally, for snowboarding aficionados, the shop stocks a variety of Gentemstick models and Karakoram bindings, with the option to order custom pieces not currently in stock. The store’s selection is curated to suit both beginner and advanced snowboarders, offering a unique connection between cuisine and snow sport culture.
Final Thoughts
Cafe Goryo is more than just a café; it’s an experience—a slow-paced, off-the-beaten-path haven for those seeking good food, beautiful scenery, and a genuine connection to local culture. While the limited menu and occasional vegan constraints may deter some, the café’s rustic charm, friendly staff, and unique offerings, such as the snowboard rentals, make it a memorable destination for travelers and locals alike. Whether stopping by for a meal or looking for an extended stay in the guesthouse, visitors to Cafe Goryo are bound to leave with a sense of peace and satisfaction.