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Nagasaki is a city rich in nature and history. Near the popular tourist spot “Megane Bridge,” there’s a hidden gem: the Italian deli “Ponte.”
In this article, I’ll share all the charm of Ponte, including the dishes that moved me. Discover the moment when Italian and local cuisine miraculously merge at this hidden gem in Nagasaki. Experience the sensation with your own taste buds.
Located in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, “Ponte” is a popular local Italian deli. It’s praised for offering the taste of its sister Italian restaurant “Piacevole,” just three doors down, in a casual setting. Ponte offers both eat-in and take-out options, and its lunch service is especially popular for enjoying authentic Italian cuisine casually.
Ponte’s owner-chef, Yasuhiro Imamichi, is a famous chef who also teaches on the “Pint Recipe” segment of the NBC Nagasaki Broadcasting evening show “Pint.”
This renowned chef creates a fusion of Nagasaki ingredients and Italian cuisine. Despite being labeled as an Italian deli, the menu is casual yet uncompromising in professional technique.
The main attraction of “Ponte” is its rich variety of Italian deli items. The showcase features a wide range of dishes like duck breast with orange sauce, beef braised in red wine and balsamic vinegar, and vegetable-rich bagna cauda. Each dish is meticulously crafted, allowing customers to enjoy restaurant-quality Italian flavors casually.
The menu also includes many healthy options using plenty of vegetables, such as meat and spring cabbage mille-feuille and chicken stew with nanohana sauce. It’s a recommended spot for those who want to eat lots of vegetables.
The must-try dish at Ponte is “Toruko Rice.” Originating in Nagasaki, Toruko Rice is a dish consisting of pilaf topped with hamburger steak, cutlet, vegetables, and more. At Ponte, you can choose between hamburger steak and kakuni (braised pork belly) for your Toruko Rice.
Personally, I think it’s the best in Nagasaki. Here is the Toruko Rice I confidently recommend.
On a large white plate, colorful ingredients are beautifully arranged like a work of art.
On top of the fluffy curry pilaf sits a generous portion of kakuni. The kakuni, simmered slowly, looks so tender that it seems to melt in your mouth. Surrounding it are crisp lettuce, fluffy potatoes, sweet paprika, and tomatoes that become sweeter with cooking. Each vegetable is carefully prepared to bring out its maximum flavor.
One bite, and the kakuni is as tender as expected, melting in your mouth. The rich soy sauce seasoning pairs perfectly with the curry pilaf. The vegetables retain a crisp texture, offering natural sweetness, while the scattered nuts add a crunchy texture, enhancing the overall dish.
This kakuni Toruko Rice, packed with various flavors and textures in one dish, is the epitome of Ponte’s culinary excellence. It’s a dish that provides a blissful experience for both the eyes and the palate. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Ponte is charming for its prime location near Megane Bridge, its extensive menu, and its heartwarming service.
Owner-chef Yasuhiro Imamichi is very approachable, never pretentious, and wonderfully attentive. The magic of combining Nagasaki ingredients with Italian cuisine is not only in the taste but also in the presentation and color. Even though it’s called a deli, the overflowing sense of style reflects the chef’s personality. Each dish is made with care, thinking of the person who will enjoy it.
It’s a highly recommended spot where you can casually enjoy the taste of a top-notch Italian restaurant. The rich deli menu and healthy options available for both eat-in and take-out are delightful. If you like it, be sure to visit the sister Italian restaurant Piacevole, three doors down, also owned by Chef Yasuhiro Imamichi. There you can enjoy more authentic Italian dishes, likely encountering even more artistic creations.
And of course, the highly recommended Toruko Rice from Ponte. The beauty and exquisite balance of its appearance and taste make it a luxurious adult version of a children’s meal.
When visiting Nagasaki, be sure to experience this wonderful Toruko Rice. Combining it with a visit to Megane Bridge makes for smooth access. You’ll be enchanted by its deliciousness and beauty.
