“sole,” a creative ramen shop located in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, may sound Italian at first glance. However, what you’ll find here is not pasta or soup spaghetti, but authentic ramen with an Italian twist.
Tomato-based broth? Vongole in ramen? This shop challenges expectations in the most delightful way. In this article, we’ll take you through two of their signature dishes that perfectly blend Japanese and Western culinary elements.
Shop Overview: “sole” Hidden in a Quiet Kusatsu Neighborhood
Access and Exterior
“sole” is located in Nojihigashi, Kusatsu City, nestled within a quiet residential area. It’s a bit tricky to spot from the main street, so be on the lookout. The exterior is simple and resembles a small cafe.
Parking and Interior
There are three compact car spaces in front of the shop. However, these spots are quite narrow, so standard-sized vehicles may find it difficult to park.
Alternatively, there are several coin-operated parking lots within a 10-minute walking radius.
Inside, the shop has counter-only seating with a cozy wooden interior. Western music plays in the background, and guitars adorn the walls, revealing the owner’s personal touch.
Special Tomato Ramen: The Ideal Fusion of Ramen and Italian Cuisine
Overall Impression
The appearance resembles a pasta soup, with a bright red tomato base, grated cheese, and thick slices of bacon. The aroma alone evokes the feel of an Italian restaurant, but make no mistake — this is a full-fledged ramen dish.
Broth
The rich tomato acidity combined with the depth of cheese results in a deeply flavorful yet not overpowering soup. It has the elegance of a refined Italian starter.
Noodles
Straight, thin noodles are used. They pair excellently with the soup. While they don’t have the chewy texture of pasta, they offer a clean, satisfying bite characteristic of traditional ramen.
Toppings
The dish features both chashu and thick-cut bacon. The smoky flavor of the bacon enhances the soup and reinforces the Italian influence.
Risotto-Style Finish
At the end, adding rice and cheese to the leftover soup creates an incredible risotto. Many visitors return just for this part.
Vongole Bianco Ramen: A Shellfish Delight with a Gentle Broth
Overall Impression
This dish resembles a Western soup pasta. It’s generously topped with clams, making it clear from the visual that the flavor is going to be deeply savory.
Broth
The broth features delicate notes of white wine and clam stock. It is lightly salted, letting the natural umami of the ingredients shine.
Noodles
Straight, thin noodles once again serve as the base. Their firm texture balances the lightness of the broth beautifully.
Toppings
Plenty of clams add both flavor and texture, making each bite enjoyable.
Risotto-Style Finish
Just like the tomato ramen, the vongole ramen also offers a risotto ending. The umami-rich broth, soaked into rice and cheese, makes for an exceptional finale.
Google Map
Final Thoughts: “sole” is Not Just a Gimmick
Searching terms like “sole Kusatsu” or “sole Shiga” yields high ratings, but what truly sets this shop apart is the experience of tasting something so original.
Don’t dismiss it as just another fusion dish. Ramen lovers and Italian food fans alike will find something to love. If you’re in the Kusatsu area, this is a must-visit ramen spot.
Shop Details (Recap)
- Name: sole
- Address: 6-3-1 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture
- Parking: 3 compact car spots + multiple nearby coin parking lots
- Hours: 11:00–15:00 / 17:30–22:30 (Closed Sundays)
