Ajidokoro Santori Chaya

After an excellent cruise from Shiogama brought us to the nearby port in Matsushima, we headed out in search of lunch. Santori Chaya ticked all the boxes and we were quickly seated in the upper area of the restaurant. Started with some local oysters which were not only huge, but tasted amazing. Settled for the unagidon set thereafter which was also amazing. Accompanied with the usual draft beer, however plenty of other options inc. lemon sour, highball and sake. Well-priced, friendly staff and an English menu if needed.

Dining in, alone, at night on a weekday, in October (oyster season!). It wasn't busy. I'm a foreigner who can speak some Japanese. I ordered 6 oysters expecting it to be a good appetizer for the eel bowl set - the oysters are HUGE though, so I was very full by the end of my rice bowl! I would probably only get 3 next time, seriously twice the size of American northeast oysters. The recommended sake was super delicious with all the food. I will probably come here again for dinner tomorrow and try some other stuff.

On December 20, 2018, when my family drove near here, it was already dark and there was nothing much to see. Seeing a vacant parking lot in front of the tea house, we parked and came inside. We were surprised with the variety of seafood sets being offered here.

Went to the place with the longest line and ordered the Oyster set lunch. The local Oysters are super plump, fresh and delicious. Worth the wait

I had a wonderful experience in Santori Chaya. I went on my own so I could only sit in front on the counter on the first floor but if you are a group you can go upstairs where you have the traditional japanese tables, try to get one that faces the window to have a beautiful view of Matsushima's bay. They have an English menu so it's easy to order even if you are foreigner, prices are quite low and the food is exquisite. I had vinegar oysters as an appetizer (highly recommended) and a sashimi set for 2000 yen... Fabulous!

A very quiet and chill restaurant at night time (might be busier during the day when the temples are open for visit). The anako-don is amazing and goes well with the recommended sake

Nice atmosphere and good food, but unfortunately, we got the typical foreigner treatment. Worst possible table (even though there were lots of free spots) and we got almost constantly ignored.

Awesome!