A top spot both at lunchtime, when soba-noodle dishes are to the fore, and in the evening, when Zen morphs into an izakaya (bar-restaurant), this place oozes Japanese atmosphere, with both tatami-mat seating and tables. Extremely popular with locals and visitors, it's about halfway between Happō and Echoland. Try the seared Nagano beef (¥1170).
Zen
Top choice in Matsumoto & the Northern Japan Alps