A Place Where Everyone Can Feel at Home
We want to create a space where everyone can feel at ease—a place where you can return to your true self…
We Have Done So Many Things!
Italian Dining “Ryo’s” was founded with the heartfelt desire to provide you with a place where you can truly be yourself. We are committed to offering delicious cuisine, a comfortable atmosphere, and special moments shared with loved ones.
Memories of the Night Before Our Grand Opening
The night before our grand opening was a whirlwind of preparation. Our entire family worked tirelessly until late at night to ensure everything was ready.
One particularly touching moment was seeing my daughter, Yoko, who was in charge of desserts, give her all until the very end.
At one point, we almost gave up on completing the entrance pathway. It seemed impossible to finish on time, and we were close to abandoning the effort. But then, my son, with a look of determination, declared, “We can’t open like this!” His passionate words became a turning point.
Motivated by his resolve, I gathered my last bit of strength and dove into the final construction work. The pathway wasn’t perfect, but we managed to complete it just in time for the opening day. The sense of achievement was truly unforgettable.
Ryo’s – More Than Just a Restaurant
At Ryo’s, we strive to create more than just a dining establishment. Our vision was to craft a warm and inviting space—one where you’d want to stay forever. This dream was brought to life by my longtime friend of 30 years, Soga, a dedicated builder with a deep passion for architecture.
Soga is a craftsman who values nature and focuses on creating spaces that harmonize with both people and the environment. Even as the construction progressed, he never compromised on quality and frequently offered me invaluable advice.
For instance, during a break, we were discussing home building when he suggested, “This space needs an accent!” That conversation led us to repurpose a log that was lying around in the workshop, turning it into a beam for the ceiling.
As a result, I took on the task of grinding the wood to highlight its natural grain, adding a unique and personal touch to our space.
The Counter – A Masterpiece of Natural Craftsmanship
Our counter is crafted from a single slab of zelkova wood. To bring out its unique beauty, we carefully charred the surface with a burner and then meticulously polished it with a cloth. This process created a distinctive luster, giving the counter an exceptional texture and an inimitable charm.
The charring technique enhances the natural grain of the wood, highlighting its vibrant patterns while preserving its raw strength and warmth. This single-slab counter plays a crucial role in defining the atmosphere of our restaurant. It serves as a special space that bridges the connection between our guests and staff, adding depth and character to the entire interior.
Attention to Detail
The plaster walls of our restaurant were carefully designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, ensuring that guests feel comfortable even during long visits.
The corners of the rooms are gently rounded, and the walls feature subtle waves achieved by inserting wooden elements to create a natural bulging effect. This design, combined with soft lighting, casts gentle shadows that add depth and warmth to the space.
Our custom-built window frames are crafted by combining wooden materials, allowing for flexible adjustments in width and height. These frames are not only decorative but also functional, serving as shelves for small items or as accent pieces that enhance the ambiance of the space.
Additionally, the warmth of natural wood brings a soothing presence throughout the interior. As sunlight filters through, the space transforms with the changing seasons and time of day, creating a dynamic yet tranquil environment. Beyond aesthetics, we have also prioritized ease of cleaning and maintenance, ensuring that this design remains beautiful and practical for years to come.
We have kept decorative items and display shelves to a minimum, focusing not only on aesthetics but also on practicality in our design.
The creation of this restaurant was made possible through the support and collaboration of many people. There are still many handcrafted elements throughout the space, adding a unique and personal touch to the ambiance.
The Journey of 14 Years: Cherished Connections with Our Guests
Over the past 14 years, we have witnessed not only the growth of our restaurant but also the changes in the lives of our cherished guests.
A guest who once visited alone started coming with a partner. Later, when we met again, she was expecting a baby. Each time she returned, her belly grew bigger, and eventually, we had the joy of meeting her newborn for the first time. That moment of happiness is something we will never forget. The baby we once saw in their mother’s arms has now grown into a little child who can talk and express themselves.
We have been fortunate to share long-lasting relationships with many families. One particularly memorable family is a couple with three sons. When they first visited, the youngest child was still in kindergarten and would sometimes fall asleep beside his mother during meals. As they were leaving, we thanked them for dining with us, and the mother smiled warmly and said, “Our eldest son has grown so responsible; he even helps out at home.” That moment left a deep impression on us.
Even today, we continue to maintain a wonderful relationship with this family. We recently heard that two of their sons have left home for college. Whenever they return for the holidays, they visit us together, and watching their growth over the years has filled our hearts with warmth and gratitude.
We have also seen students who used to visit us during their school days return as working professionals, now bringing their colleagues along.
We eagerly look forward to the new encounters that the future holds. What wonderful relationships will begin next? We are excited to find out.
The connections we have built with our guests over the years, growing alongside them and their families, are truly irreplaceable. We cherish these bonds and hope to continue being a warm and welcoming place for everyone for many years to come.
