I loved this book as much as the first! This series is basically a warm hug in short story form. The slices of insight into characters, their past, and their futures are just delightful. I also appreciate the descriptions of food and how it connects humanity. If you want a rousing plot, this isn’t for you. But if you want to spend a couple of pleasant hours, pick this up!

A follow up to the ‘Kamagawa Food Detectives’ about the power of food and it’s connection to memory.

This book follows the pattern of it’s predecessor - father-daughter duo of Nagare and Koishi Kamogawa run a dinner - and a food detective agency with each ‘case’ being contained within a chapter. When someone shows up looking for a dish from their past, Koishi interviews them, then Nagare gets to work recreating the dish. A few weeks later, the individual comes back to the dinner, Nagare explains how he recreated the dish as he serves his creation, then the client goes on their way. And just like the previous book, there’s more to it - the dishes almost serve as a way for the individual to heal, make decisions about their future, or reconcile with a family or friend.

For example, the first client is university student - a swimmer. His request is for a dish his estranged father had made him years ago. His father had a gambling problem, which lead to his parents separating about 10 years earlier. He decided to stay with his father to help take care of him. And every day for lunch, his father made him nori-ben, a rice and nori (seaweed) dish with other seasonings typically bonito flakes. About five years ago, he got what sounds something like a swimming scholarship, so moved into the dorm - and he hadn’t seen his father since. Nagare researches the recipe and discovers all the extra effort his father had put into the nori-ben to give it extra flavor, protein, etc. And while the story doesn’t mention it, the reader can image this simple dish leading to a reconciliation between father and son.

I really enjoyed this book. While the stories aren’t action packed, they are food packed; even I though I haven’t had many of the recipes, they still sound scrumptious. It’s slow moving, but like a good meal, it's meant to be enjoyed, not devoured.

Highly recommended - if you enjoyed the previous book, you’ll probably enjoy this one as well.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.

Quick, easy, thoughtful read

I loved the first book in this series and was excited to read this one, too. I love the concept - there is one food that brings up a great memory/feeling and everyone wants to recreate that moment. This is a book of short stories - set in a small Kamogawa diner where a father/daughter duo makes the meals of your memories. Nagare does all the research and makes the most amazing sounding food - I don't know what most of it is and spent a lot of time looking things up but that just makes the book more enjoyable and immersive. His daughter, Koishi, helps in the diner and she takes down all the information about the memories. It's just a fun book to read, finding the recipes and learning why the meals are so important to everyone.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

A wonderful continuation of an instantly beloved series. Cozy and nostalgic feels like just the ticket for this fall!

The magic of rediscoveries hidden in the memories of nostalgic food continues in this second book by the Author.

More than the recreation of dishes lost to time, I enjoyed the process of discovering and solving the cases. The way they casually hinged one clue to the next and voila: you have a delicious bowl, left the foodie reader in me famished for more.

The Japanese symbol of the simplicity of things and their way of living is also depicted beautifully in the story. To a level that may transport you to the country simply through their penmanship. Book 1 still remains my favourite, though I enjoyed this one too nevertheless.

I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

There is something incredibly cozy and wonderful about the Kamogawa Food Detectives series, of which this is the second book. I've never been to Japan, I have no idea what many of the foods that are mentioned are or what makes them regionally distinct. Even so, the vibe of this book is delightful and immersing. I don't have to grasp the details to hunger for the goodness that is described--not just the food but the kindness of people.

This book, like the previous one, is essentially a sequence of short stories, each of the same formula. Someone seeks out the restaurant run by the Kamogawa father and daughter. They request the detective services and are served a delicious meal. They are then interviewed about the specific food that they are seeking to be recreated; in this book, that includes such scenarios as a mother and father wanting a recreation of the western-style Christmas cake their slain child loved, and a one-hit music star wanting to eat the tempura dish that she once thought symbolized her ascendancy to the top, in the eyes of the industry and her parents. The person then returns two weeks earlier to eat the heavily-researched dish, working through deep emotions in the process. They then pay whatever they want for the services rendered.

That's it. Every time. And it's wonderful. I hope more books are translated in this series, because I will keep reading them.

First off, my thanks to Putnam's and NetGalley for an eARC of this title. Due to be published October 2024.
I flew through the first in this series (there appears to be 7 titles total?), "The Kamogawa Food Detectives" the other day, and immediately started reading this the following night.
Again, charming, and follows a formula in each of the 6 stories here. A bit more about family issues, and a bit preachy in the first couple of stories. But that drops as we move along.
I just LOVE the food in here. Again, it is like reading a food magna, without the illustrations. Oh, and besides the food and the Japanese locations, he also names the dinnerware and serving vessels. Less of Koishi's possible boyfriend, the sushi chef down the road. Will Nagare take an interest in the one-hit-wonder singer they serve in the last story?
If more of the titles were currently in print I would be reading the subsequent volumes.
OK, the books, and the stories, are kind of like bob-bons. And as addictive. Just a great Summer-read. Or curled up under a throw in the Winter.
4 out of 5.

The Restaurant of Lost Recipes by Hisashi Kashiwai stands out as my favorite installment in the Kamogawa Food Detectives series, thanks to its engaging setting, distinct characters, and the evocative descriptions of food that make it almost impossible not to crave the dishes described. This book not only revisits beloved characters from earlier in the series but also introduces fresh themes centered around various forms of love—romantic, self-love, and familial.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is how the story supports personal growth. Through the encouragement of key characters, the protagonist of each chapter gains confidence and undergoes significant development over the course of the story. This progression is portrayed with sensitivity and depth, enriching the narrative.

Additionally, the novel’s depiction of a character’s unwavering dedication to their family, adds another layer of emotional complexity. It ultimately kept me hooked until the final page.

Overall, The Restaurant of Lost Recipes is a testament to Hisashi Kashiwai’s storytelling prowess, blending a captivating setting with relatable characters and meaningful themes. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series and extend my gratitude to @netgalley and @putnambooks for the opportunity to enjoy this remarkable read.

3.5/5

The sequel to Kamogawa Food Detectives, The Restaurant of Lost Recipes brings back the father-daughter investigation duo. Down a quiet backstreet in Kyoto, a special restaurant not only serves delicious meals, but also investigates a customer’s treasured dishes from their memory. Do you have one dish that you’d do anything to taste just one more time? Koishi and her father, Nagare, recreate dishes that hold keys to people’s past and future happiness. Delving into Japanese food and culture, this is a cute and unique novel where each chapter features a new dish and memory needing to be unlocked.

“Night had fallen, and puddles of warm light spilled from the windows lining the street. He could hear what sounded like a family sitting down for a meal. Blowing white puffs of breath into the air, Nagare gazed up at the night sky and, in a low voice, began to sing. A single star in the winter sky - twinkling just for me. I’ll dry my tears, I’ll wait for tomorrow to pass by. Because I know you’re watching from on high - always watching from on high.”

This was a heartwarming story, just like the first book. I actually liked this sequel more than the first book because I felt like it was more tear-jerking and emotional. However, because every chapter features a new customer looking for a specific dish from their memory, it can get a bit repetitive. The sequel did come up with a bit more interesting moments that helped break up the repetitiveness, but I don’t know if I’ll continue with the series because there is a limit to how much the plot can differ. The food descriptions were amazingly vivid, just like the first book, but towards the end, I just started skipping over it because I wanted to finish up. Good for people who enjoyed Before the Coffee Gets Cold, but don’t go into this for any mystery - even though the father-daughter are food detectives, most of the detecting is off-page.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Koishi and Nagare are back at the Kamogawa Diner and Food Detective Agency. Much like the first book, the chapters are broken up into short vignettes where customers come in, first enjoying a deliciously described meal and then seeking help from the food detectives.

What's a food detective? Well they track down recipes to recapture important meals for their clients, but it's not usually very fancy food. This is a very cozy slice of life book. The food descriptions leave me wanting to visit. If you enjoy stories connected to meaningful food experiences or memories, you will likely enjoy this series. Each character that seeks the agency's services are usually at a turning point in life and are craving a dish nostalgic to them. Though you could likely read this book as a standalone and be fine, there are small nods to characters from the first book.

Thank you to G. P. Putnam's Sons - Penguin Group Putnam for an ARC on NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This book is due to be published 10/8/24.

3.75⭐️ bumped up to reflect a 4 since there are no quarter stars on NetGalley.

Super wholesome book, make sure you have access to snacks because it will make you hungry. The descriptions of the food was so well done that it made my stomach growl and me yearn for food I haven’t tried before. The author was well done in showing the love and care for the food and showing those same emotions between characters.

However, there was not much plot to this book (though what was there made made me feel like I was being hugged). I do wish there was more to the story; such as maybe if it was longer and actually showing us Nagare’s investigations or maybe some more backstory on Kikuko or a share. Somehing added to this dtory would probably bump this up to a full 5 star rating, but as is, this book is lacking something to make it really be a standout novel.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and the authors for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!

Such a charming and comforting book! I didn’t read the first in the series, I didn’t even know there was another one. I’ll be heading out to buy a copy as soon as I’m done with this review. The only complaint I have is that I wish they included the recipes! It all sounded so delicious.

Just like its predecessor, The Restaurant of Lost Recipes failed to disappoint. This was a heartwarming, cozy gem to read. Every individual story has loveable characters. It's the perfect read if you don't have a long time to sit down and devour something all at once. Don't eat this while hungry or your stomach will be rumbling like crazy.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin for this ARC read. This review is voluntary.

A lovely sequel, as heart-warming and comforting as the first installment. The only negative thing I have to say is that these books always make me hungry.

In an unassuming building in Kyoto, you'll find The Kamogawa Diner. You'd probably just walk by it, except this is no ordinary diner, and you are no ordinary customer. You are here to see the father and daughter pair known as The Kamogawa Food Detectives and the minute you smell the delightful scents coming from behind the sliding glass door you know that you'll be in good hands here.

Alright, guys, I was prepared to read this one this time. I made myself some ramen, got myself a little sushi platter, and even had some green tea already to go. Because I knew I'd be starving after the first ten paragraphs, and ya know what? It barely helped. Kashiwai has a gift for describing food in such a manner that I was practically drooling by the time I finished this book. The last chapter about the Ten-Don!? Omigoodness I spent most of the chapter trying to remember if we had the ingredients to make it for dinner tomorrow night because now all I can think about is how absolutely delicious it sounded in the book. And by the way we do so, I am most definitely making Ten-Don for dinner tomorrow night.

Volume two is still episodic, and I again found myself enjoying this. Especially when I came to the chapters during the winter. It's almost 12:30am, and it's still seventy eight degrees out, Kashiwai's ability to describe physical sensations, whether it is an explosion of flavors or a crisp winter wind proved to be a godsend. It may not have cooled down in my house, but it sure felt like it did, and that's all that matters.

This volume focuses a lot on closure or life changes; we have two parents struggling to come to grips with the passing of their young son, a father trying to determine if allowing his son to follow his dreams is the best course of action, and an old family friend trying to decide how she'll break it to her fiance that her father was a criminal. Pretty hefty stuff all told, but as usual, Nagare and Koishi dish up advice as a side dish to their delicious meals.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this volume, maybe more than the first one. This one seems to be refined quite a bit from the original, and I have a feeling the next volume will be even better. This series has definitely become a comfort read for me, and after a week from hell, I was so glad to find these two characters there for me. I'm pretty sure I said it with the last book, but this series is just a much needed warm hug.


As always, thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the eArc!

Okay, so this book is formulaic and for most, unexciting. However, it is also exceedingly charming, lovable, and delectable. You will not get a plot full of adventure and twists and turns. Once you've read one chapter, you will know what to expect in the next. There is something deeply soothing about that in combination with the easy banter between father and daughter and the rich descriptions of the meals. They captured the seasonal and regional emphasis of Japanese cuisine in a beautiful way.

The Restaurant of Lost Recipes" by Hisashi Kashiwai invites readers back again into the enchanting world of the Kamogawa Diner, a place where food is not just sustenance but a bridge to forgotten memories and emotional healing. Chef Nagare and his daughter Koishi, through their culinary prowess, act as food detectives, unlocking lost recipes and stirring dormant emotions within their customers.

Kashiwai weaves a delicate tapestry of stories, each centered around a customer whose life is touched and transformed by the dishes served at Kamogawa Diner. From an Olympic swimmer seeking reconciliation with his father to a pop star reminiscing about a moment of success, each narrative unfolds with warmth and sensitivity. The novel's strength lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia and introspection, drawing readers into the emotional journeys of its characters.

The prose is evocative, painting vivid scenes of Kyoto and the flavors that define its culinary landscape. Kashiwai's writing is gentle yet poignant, capturing the subtle nuances of human relationships and the powerful role that food plays in connecting past and present.

While the premise of culinary therapy and lost recipes may seem whimsical, Kashiwai handles it with sincerity, avoiding sentimentality and instead delivering heartfelt narratives that resonate long after the book is finished. Fans of tender, character-driven stories such as 'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' will find much to love in this novel.

Overall, "The Restaurant of Lost Recipes" is a delightful read that blends food, memory, and emotional healing into a satisfying literary dish. Kashiwai's second book charms with its heartfelt storytelling and leaves a lingering taste of warmth and nostalgia.

Number 2 in this series and just as delightful as the first. I suggested last time that this is recommended for foodies and anyone who wants something a little different. Written as a series of very short stories, easy to get through and a nice break from the ordinary.

We are back at the Kamogawa diner for more food detective work. This book resembled the first one with 6 different people looking for their special dishes. Although it was very similar to the first book, the stories were new and interesting. It was a calming, cozy read and I could read these stories forever.

This book was wonderfully soothing, and a perfect follow up to the first one. I read the chapters for one recipe each night, and it was the perfect pleasant end to my day.