Bambino - Niigata

Bambino requests that guests provide 48 hours notice in order to prepare the necessary ingredients for a proper vegan meal. Without advance notice, options are limited to the vegan marinara pizza and side dishes like olives and lettuce. While these options are sufficient for a meal, planning ahead allows Bambino to truly showcase their skills in vegan cuisine. Overall, I was impressed with Bambino's understanding of veganism and their ability to cater to my dietary needs in a region where such options are scarce. I would highly recommend making a reservation in advance and opting for the vegan menu at Bambino. 4 stars for their efforts in a challenging dining landscape.

Itoigawa has recently become a stop on the shinkansen line and a transfer point for ski areas frequented by visitors from abroad. However, the city still has a long way to go in terms of its food options. Vegetarian options are scarce, and ordering vegan at most restaurants usually results in disappointment. This is why my experience at Bambino was such a pleasant surprise. The young chef and staff are well-versed in veganism and were willing to create a custom 4-course meal for me, including a delicious wood-fired marinara pizza. The restaurant does require 48 hours notice for vegan meals to ensure they have the necessary ingredients on hand, but even without the advance notice, there are still options like olives and salads available. I highly recommend making a reservation and specifying your vegan preferences in advance to give them the opportunity to shine. My meal included a 20-vegetable salad and a 100% pure vegetable marinara pizza. Bambino deserves four stars for their understanding of veganism and their willingness to go above and beyond in an otherwise limited dining scene in Japan.