I had lunch at Saibitei, a popular Western-style restaurant located in the Iwama area of Kasama City, Ibaraki.

What makes this place special is that it’s run by a long-standing local butcher, well-loved in the area for years. Their signature dish? A generously thick pork steak made with premium-brand pork from Ibaraki — and it’s absolutely mouthwatering.

Saibitei is so popular that it often has a long line, especially during lunch hours when reservations aren’t accepted. It’s usually a bit of a challenge to get in… but on this particular day, I decided to try my luck just before noon — and to my surprise, I was seated right away!
I couldn’t believe it — such a rare stroke of good fortune!

That day’s special lunch featured a ginger sauce, so I was expecting a classic shogayaki-style dish. But what arrived was a plate with a massive cut of pork, far thicker than I imagined.

From the moment I sliced into it, I could tell this was no ordinary dish. Every bite was packed with tender, juicy flavor. The natural sweetness of the fat and the thick, satisfying texture made it a truly indulgent meal.

The portion size was generous, and I left feeling completely full and deeply satisfied.

If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping by to experience the amazing taste of “Rose Pork”, a local specialty. It’s a dining experience that won’t disappoint!

🏠 Restaurant Info

Name: Restaurant Saibitei
Address: 4067 Shimogo, Kasama City, Ibaraki, Japan
Phone: 0299-45-4118
Hours:

• Lunch 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (L.O. 2:30 PM)
• Dinner 5:00 PM – 8:45 PM (L.O. 8:00 PM)
  Dinner reservations available on weekdays only (between 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM)
  Closed: Mondays