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Welcome To Drive In Wani
Drive In Wani, located in Otsu, Shiga, is a charming eatery exuding a nostalgic Showa-era ambiance. Run by a warm elderly couple, this hidden gem offers a unique dining experience reminiscent of "grandmother's food". Guests rave about the delicious, home-cooked meals like tender tonkatsu and flavorful karaage, all at reasonable prices. The swift service adds to the delightful experience, inviting patrons to savor each bite in a cozy, relaxed setting. With its retro decor, including a vintage jukebox, Drive In Wani stands out not just as a drive-in but as a beloved local diner, making it a must-visit for food lovers.
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About
Drive In Wani
Welcome to Drive In Wani, a hidden jewel tucked away in the serene setting of Otsu, Shiga, Japan. Located at 11-1 Waniminamihama, this charming eatery resonates with the nostalgia of the Showa era, promising guests a genuine taste of Japan that feels like coming home. The moment you step through the door, you'll be greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere curated by a delightful elderly couple who have turned this spot into a local treasure. Their commitment to serving heartwarming meals has certainly caught the attention of many, including customers who rave about the grandmother's food reminiscent of childhood comforts.
The reviews are a testament to the culinary delights that await you. From flavorful tonkatsu and crispy karaage to the delectable tonteki, each dish is crafted with care and passion. Patrons appreciate the affordable and hearty set meals, making fine dining accessible without compromising quality. As one satisfied customer remarked, the dishes are a reflection of a true shokudo experience, complete with an impressive miso soup that boasts a rich flavor enhanced by perfectly charred oil tofu.
What truly sets Drive In Wani apart is its ambiance. The retro aesthetic—complete with a jukebox and vintage decor—creates an atmosphere that transports diners back to a simpler time. Many visitors, like Francesco, have expressed a sincere longing for the warmth and hospitality of this quaint establishment, visiting multiple times to savor the comfort food and friendly service.
In essence, Drive In Wani is not just a restaurant; it's a haven for those seeking a taste of traditional Japan. It's a place where meals become memories, and each visit feels like a reunion with family. If you're ever in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the flavors and warmth that this charming eatery has to offer.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ 外見からすると 営業しているのか怪しい雰囲気出まくってるんだけど、しっかり営業中です！ レビューを見て行ったんですが、そのとーり 昭和レトロ出まくってます。 入り口右に鎮座してるジュークボックス(棚になっておる)とかテーブルとか… 店を切り盛りしてるのは老年のご夫婦でしょか、旦那さんが厨房 奥さんがホール担当です。 料理はというと ザ・食堂 です。 五郎さんが 好みそうな感じです！ 特筆すべきなのは「味噌汁」 濃いめな汁に入っている油揚げが炙られてるので、香ばしさ満々！ こんな昭和食堂 絶メシ認定ですね！！！ ”
“ 検索で見つけて一度行ってみたいと思ってました。ここは教えてもらないとわからないです。入口横に大きな木があり、営業中の看板でしかわかりません 昭和な雰囲気で、高齢のご夫婦でやられているようです。ここのコメント見てかつ煮定食が美味しそうだったのでそれにしました。 甘めの出汁でおいしかったです。ご飯は柔らかめでした。メニューもいろいろあるのでまた機会があれば寄ってみたいと思います。 ”
“ 美味しいアットホームなお店でした。 外観は、えっ！となりますが内装は雰囲気良いです。 数少ない湖西の食事処にお勧めします。 写真はかつ煮定食です。 ”
“ #2025/7/26 6月の週末に訪問しました。 先客は数名、各々ゆったり過ごされている感じでした。 店に入ると、そこは昭和・・・で止まったままなような店内。 高齢の御夫婦（？）が切り盛りされています。 いまどき、この価格でしっかりした定食をいただけるのは有り難いですね。ドライブインだけでなく、地元の定食屋としても欲しいお店。 ごちそうさまでした。 ”
“ I randomly found this place on my way to lake Biwa. The food is great. I had donkatsu w egg on top(?) and it was sooo good. The owners are nice too! ”
“ My friend and I went there four times. Showa era vibe is strong there. I ate tonkatsu (とんかつ), tonteki (とんテキ) and karaage (から揚げ) and everything was delicious! The owners are nice and the atmosphere is relaxing. I remember the melancholy I felt when leaving the place for the last time. Great place! ”
“ The place always seems closed. I've been coming to Wani for years to visit family, and always wanted to eat here once. Today was my lucky day! I had the sukiyaki set meal for dinner. It was delicious! It's a shame it took so many years before I could finally taste the food the elderly couple who run the place make. I hope they stay open for many more years, because now that I know the food is amazing here, I want to keep coming back! Thank you for the delicious meal! ”
“ Very delicious food, what a find. I wouldn't have expected the food to be this good, and the speed it came to our table was amazing. Lots of love to the couple running this place. Amazing people and if you want to taste a bit of "grandmother's food" in Japan, this is the place to go! ”