NAVIGANTE

Autumn is in full swing so why not enjoy a stroll through the colorful foliage of Yokohama on the way to lunch or dinner with friends and family. At Navigante in Ishikawacho, you can enjoy similarly colorful, healthy Italian cuisine centered around fresh fish and vegetables. It’s the perfect spot for a memorable meal after enjoying the fall scenery.

Owner Ryosuke Takahashi grew up in Yokohama and has been fishing since elementary school. He has fond memories of cooking fish he caught, which brought joy to his family. After university, he recalled those childhood experiences during his job search and decided to pursue a career in cooking. He trained for eight years under an Italian chef who ran restaurants in Tokyo, gaining further experience in Italy and Numazu before going independent in 2015. The restaurant’s name, Navigante, means “sailing” in Italian, reflecting his fishing roots and his connections to the port towns of Genoa and Numazu (where he trained), as well as Yokohama. 

There are three options for weekday lunches (¥2,200 to ¥4,000), while for dinner, there are two omakase courses (¥4,000 or ¥6,000; reservations required for the latter). Otherwise, enjoy à la carte dishes paired with wine. Navigante carries Italian wines from north to south to the delight of enthusiasts. Unlike typical Italian restaurants, Takahashi focuses on food with fewer carbs (pasta), emphasizing fish and vegetables instead. During my recent visit, I enjoyed an appetizer platter, cream soup made with sweet potatoes, a white fish main dish, light pasta, and dessert with coffee. The flavors were refined yet authentic and natural. Dishes change with the season, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each visit is a new, luxurious experience where you can savor the seasons in a relaxed atmosphere.