A Second View: Isekai Shoukudou

Synopsis

In a small corner of a shopping district near a business center, there lies a restaurant known as the “Yōshoku no Nekoya” (Western Cuisine Cat Restaurant). From Monday to Friday, this is simple restaurant with a large amount of loyal business customers. When Saturday comes however and the clock strikes midnight, a change comes over to the door of the restaurant. From a normal door it turns into a gateway to another world and act as a passage to all kinds of colorful customers,from an old mage, to elves, and even a mermaid, each one has a story to tell.

First Viewing

It’s a series that brings satisfaction both in terms of characters and story. Throughout the series, with each character introduced, they all added something colorful to the series. It was a simple series but it held a good amount of mystery and connected the characters and the their stories quite nicely. Another plus point of the series is the build-up towards the ending.

At first you would think that the series was simple showing different characters finding and enjoying their favourite foods but there is a connection that was built-up with the different interactions shown. It was a clever point to have the mage seem like a typical customer and one of the first to be introduced in the series only to be the one to end the series with his story. However, at the same time, given what was revealed throughout the story, it was somewhat expected.

In terms of issues, there are no prominent problems. It could have done better in showing more on the chef and the story could have been panned out better. Other than this, it’s a nice story that has quite a bit to offer.

Second Viewing

While there is a lot of satisfaction to be found with the series, what makes it so enjoyable is the experience that it gives. First there is the way that it presents the reactions of characters when they try the food then there is the way the overall tone and style is presented to the viewer. The way that the character expresses themselves and the way that animation bring out their joy forms a solid connection with the viewer. It’s a simple story but it’s a rather wholesome series that shows what makes an isekai story featuring food so fun.

The way that the series builds up the story connection and mystery is still well-done but the plot panning could have been done better. It’s interesting that it placed a mystery while it introduces different characters and their stories but it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere when you initially watch it. And while the series meant to be from the perspective of the customers and we’re meant to experience what they are, it still would have been nice to have gotten more exploration the chef’s character.

Other than this, the series just presents a great story of the feelings that comes with trying something new and falling in love with it. The aspect of these different characters all waiting for that one day where they can enjoy their favorite food is just an adorable factor.

Conclusion

“Isekai Shokudou” is the type of series that truly embodies the beauty of food fantasy. From the expressions to the characters to the presentation of the food and how the animation and style brings this out truly hooks in the reader. While it may seem like a simple story, there are interesting points to be found and the characters only add to this. True, it may seem like there is no real plot to be found but there is a solid built to be found in the story and the ending does leave a lot to the imagine. Overall, if you’re into fantasy, food and slice-of-life works, this is a top of the list series to watch.

Rating: 8/10