Caffe Ponte

A much needed classy Italian restaurant on the edge of Peace Park, Caffe Ponte shows the many visitors that pass through the park each day that Hiroshima is worth taking the time to enjoy.

The bilingual (E-J) menu boasts organic vegetables, light breakfasts of eggs and salad or foccacia sandwich set with a drink for under 1000 yen. The lunch sets include a pasta, salad and drink for just over 1000yen or add a plate of appetizers and a main meat dish for a delicious and filling meal at 3500yen. The dressings and sauces were light and tangy, the vegetables crisp and the fish and seafood fresh.

We went to Caffe Ponte on their opening day and enjoyed not only the excellent food and drink, but were surprised by good service. They are open from early in the morning to late in the evening, you can order ala carte dishes off the menu or set meals.

It does feel a bit wierd to sit enjoying yourself eating, drinking and being merry in Peace Park for obvious reasons, but as our friends who were born and raised in Hiroshima say, it is a park to be used and enjoyed- not only to be kept as a symbol of peace.

I like their sentiment, but still couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable. The wine and alcohol menu is also substantial, even on the breakfast menu. Lets hope that customers don't lose sight of where they are and keep a certain level of respect for others walking through the park.

directions
Walk to the end of Hondori and you will find Caffe Ponte at the first corner of Peace Park on the left in front of the river cruise boats.

• no parking
• credit cards can be used from September 2008
• vegetarian friendly
• Family friendly- no kid's menu, but kids eat well here (smaller sets or ala carte)
• English and Japanese menu
• Some staff speak a little English
• all seating areas are non-smoking
• locally grown produce and fish
• eco-friendly utensils (no waribashi)

"Fantastic!"
Jax - Sun Jul 2009
The food here has a home-made feel to it, and is full of fresh organic vegetables, produced locally in Sera. The friendly staff are always happy to accommodate requests for changes to the menu due to allergies, etc, and this place is high on our family list for breakfast, lunch or dinner.