blog post

2026.07.15

Want to Try Some Unexpected Pairings? New Food and Drink Pairings

Hello. I’m the PR representative for Rakuzo Utage Shin-Yokohama, a restaurant featuring all-private-room seating.

With the intense heat continuing day after day, it’s the time of year when we start craving cold drinks. As a way to enjoy drinks that add a touch of flair to summer evenings, we’d like to suggest some unexpected pairings. Why not come to our bar and discover new flavors that go beyond the usual combinations?

 

A Harmony of Seasonal Freshness and Craft Spirits

"Water Eggplant Sashimi," an essential part of any summer meal, is known for its remarkable juiciness and sweetness. Try pairing this delicate vegetable with "AKAYANE Sansho Soda" for a unique experience. The unique tingling sensation and refreshing aroma of sansho pepper bring out the subtle yet deep sweetness of the water eggplant, creating a new harmony on your palate. By pairing it not only with standard soy sauce-based seasonings but also with the distinctive character of craft spirits like this, you’re sure to discover a whole new side to vegetable dishes. Why not take your time to savor this delicate pairing in the serene atmosphere of our restaurant, where every seat is in a private room?

 

The rich, savory flavor of the fat is balanced by the refreshing coolness of Japanese mint.

Surprisingly, “Craft Mint Soda” pairs remarkably well with rich, full-bodied dishes like “Miso-Stir-Fried Beef Offal.” The piercing coolness of Japanese mint instantly washes away the deep umami of the miso, allowing you to savor the next bite with even greater clarity. The fusion of seemingly contrasting elements—the sweetness of the fat and the refreshing coolness of the mint—ensures you’ll enjoy every bite without ever getting tired of the dish. Even in business settings or when entertaining clients, this unexpected pairing serves as a great conversation starter and is sure to create a memorable experience.

 

A dessert wine that lets you enjoy the unexpected contrast between sweetness and saltiness

Why not try pairing our popular after-dinner dessert, the “Rich and Indulgent Cheesecake of Happiness,” with “Kido KID Junmai”? The umami and acidity of the rice in this sake blend perfectly with the cheesecake’s rich, creamy texture, creating a depth of flavor reminiscent of a premium dessert wine. Pairing sweets with alcohol is a treasure trove of unexpected discoveries. At our restaurant, we cherish the joy of pairing drinks with dishes through this kind of creative thinking. Since you’re in the privacy of a private room, please feel free to explore your own ultimate pairings to your heart’s content.

Store Information

All private rooms Rakuzo Utage Shin-Yokohama

address (e.g. of house)
〒222-0033
3F YK-8 Building, 2-3-10 Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access
3 minutes walk from JR Shin-Yokohama Station North Exit
Yokohama Municipal Subway Shin-Yokohama Station, Exit 4, 2 min. walk
Phone number
050-2018-8882
Business Hours
17:00-23:30
(L.O. 22:30 / Drink L.O. 23:00)

Banquets can be held before business hours! (Early and late discounts available)
regular closing day
nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
Average budget
4,000 yen (regular average)/4,300 yen (banquet average)
settlement
▼ Credit Cards
VISA, Mastercard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DinersClub, UnionPay, discoverCard
▼ QR payment
PayPay, d-pay, auPay, Rakuten Pay, Melpay, ALIPAY, WeChat Pay, Quick Pay
▼ Traffic IC
PASMO, suica, Kitaca, TOICA, manaca, ICOCA, SUGOCA, nimoca, Hayakaken
▼ Electronic Money
ID

The registration number of the invoice system is printed on receipts and receipts.
Registration number: T6010701005431
Total number of seats
104 seats
Zashiki seating available, sunken kotatsu seating available, seating available
Couple seats available; sofa seating available
Banquet Max.
100 persons
chartering
not allowed
Non-Smoking/Smoking
Smoking allowed Smoking room available
(Smoking area is available separately from the seating area.)
parking lot
None (please use nearby parking)
Wi-Fi
nil

There is an appetizer as a seat charge (included in the course price).
pDK Point of Sale