Klootch, a charming establishment celebrating Itoshima’s local produce, officially opened its doors on March 13, 2024. Located just a short three-minute stroll from JR Hatae Station, it’s the realization of owner Sho Mawatari’s decade-long dream to create his own culinary space in his beloved hometown. The café’s name, inspired by a café from a pivotal film, translates to “key” in Russian, symbolizing the owner’s journey to independence.
This cozy spot boasts an inviting ambiance with eight counter seats encircling the kitchen, allowing patrons to indulge in their choice of Itoshima-inspired dishes, desserts, or simply unwind with a drink in hand.
The menu showcases the distinct flavors of Itoshima, particularly through their signature homemade herb salt, enhancing the fresh, locally-sourced vegetables like celery, carrots, and red cabbage, artfully prepared in their seasonal rapée.
While not locally sourced, the lamb skewers are a culinary highlight, perfectly seasoned and grilled, making an excellent companion to their selection of wines or craft beers. The lamb shoulder chorizo grilled pâté is a spicy, flavorful delight that lamb aficionados should not miss.
The menu is a thoughtful assembly of dishes that elevate everyday ingredients to gourmet standards, including Itoshima chili arrabbiata pasta, Itoshima oyster and whitebait paella, and a savory stew of beef tendons with Itoshima cilantro.
A sweet finale to your meal could be their signature firm pudding or the Itoshima fruit pudding à la mode, both deserving of a special mention.
Klootch’s offerings include lamb skewers (4 pieces) at ¥680, assorted rapées at ¥330, arrabbiata pasta at ¥1,000, paella at ¥1,100, wines starting from ¥770 per glass, natural wines from ¥1,000 per glass, craft beer at ¥700, and pudding à la mode at ¥580.
Klootch
Address: 1-9-10 Maruei Sanbankan 103, Hatae Station South, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
Phone: 070-4550-4649
Closed: Mondays
Operating Hours: 15:00~24:00 (Last Order at 23:30)
https://www.instagram.com/klootch0313/
