Honmachi “caloroso” : Enjoy a Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning Italian lunch!

I visited the Italian restaurant “caloroso” in Honmachi after a recommendation from a friend.

Caloroso has received Michelin Kansai’s Bib Gourmand two years running. The Bib Gourmand is given to restaurants and other establishments who do not receive a Michelin star, but are rated highly by inspectors for the value and quality customers receive for their money.

The inside of the restaurant is a relaxed space with a wonderful contrast between its soft lighting and large windows.

I made a reservation before coming.

Because it was a Saturday, they only offered the following three lunches from their weekend menu.
Lunch A: Soup, Bread, Pasta (#1), Coffee
Lunch B: 15-piece Assorted Appetizer, Bread, Pasta (#1-15)
Lunch C: 15-piece Assorted Appetizer, Bread, Pasta (#1-15), Main Dish (Fish or Meat), 3-piece Assorted Dessert, Coffee
All meals come at a great price and plenty of variety! Lunch A =¥950, Lunch B=¥1800, Lunch C=¥2500.
I could not decide between Lunch B and C, but chose C in the end.

The best thing about Caloroso is the number and variety of its appetizers and pastas.
When I went, I was able to choose my favorite of 15 different pastas.
You can also share! That day I went with someone else, so we were able to try two types of pasta and both the meat and fish main courses.

First the 15-piece Assorted Appetizer came out. Customers are able to enjoy so many different flavors and textures in just one dish!

I was surprised by how small the air bubbles were in the homemade foccacia!
Its warm, soft, and fluffy texture was wonderful!

Oyster, Scallop, and White Leek Spaghetti.
The oyster and scallop’s umami fills the mouth with wonderful flavor!

The sound and smell of Mangen-ton (pork from the base of Mt. Fuji) grilling whets customers’ appetites.

Fresh tomato spaghetti with short-neck clams and an entire freshwater prawn. (only 3 made daily)
I could no believe how harmoniously the umami flavors of the prawn and short-neck clams worked in this dish.

White Fish Sauté
This wonderfully sublime dish contrasts the flavor of plump white fish with a crispy brown skin.

Grilled mangen-ton brought in directly from the chef’s hometown of Fujimomiya.
This tender pork is full of the sweet flavor of its fat. This is a dish that pork lovers cannot pass up!

Finally the 3-piece Assorted Dessert I was waiting for!

Soufflé Cheesecake

Vanilla Ice Cream

Cassata made with strawberries, mint and marscapone cheese
All three of these desserts filled the mouth with the simple yet delicious flavors of their ingredients.

At the end I relaxed with a cappuccino, complete with heart-shaped latte art!
It was a completely satisfying lunch! SO delicious. A true feast!

As a two-years-running Bib Gourmand recipient, Caloroso is a great Italian restaurant with affordable lunch prices.
I recommend Caloroso, located just south of Utsubo Park, to anyone looking for a delicious Italian lunch in Osaka, a variety of dishes to try, or affordable yet delicious Italian food!