01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Located along Koshu Kaido between Sasazuka and Daitabashi, Bistro Papillons offers meticulously prepared wild game and low-intervention wines in an unpretentious setting. Butterfly motifs—echoing the restaurant’s name—accent the interior, setting a relaxed, warm mood from the moment you take your seat.
A fine way to begin is with the house specialty, the oeuf mayonnaise. A soft-boiled egg is draped in rich house-made mayonnaise, dusted with Parmigiano-Reggiano, and topped with a delicate butterfly-shaped crisp. Mopping up the leftover sauce with bread is one of the simple pleasures here. The appetizer selection also features charcuterie platters piled with house-cured hams and pâtés, as well as tender venison carpaccio, naturally building anticipation for the wines to follow.
For the main course, roasted Hokkaido Yezo sika deer is a standout choice. Slow-roasted venison thigh emerges moist and remarkably tender, delivering the pure, clean savor of lean red meat. Accompanying house-made red wine sauce and wholegrain mustard sharpen the meat’s contours, making it approachable even for diners new to wild game. Depending on the season, the menu might feature roasted wild boar from Shimane Prefecture or venison braised in red wine, showcasing the diverse expressions of game that make returning worthwhile.
By-the-glass natural wines span producers across France, Italy, Germany, and beyond. Whether you lean toward a fruit-forward white or a full-bodied red, the staff are happy to offer suggestions tailored to the dishes' sauces or your mood for the evening.
With a modest setup comprising both counter and table seating, reserving ahead is advisable for dinner and weekends. It serves equally well for a quiet solo evening of wine and small plates or a full multi-course meal shared with close company on days off.
