Robato is one of the first shokudo in Marseille! It’s Tomoko, our resident chef, who pushed us towards this concept, which is perfect to delight all food lovers! Robato, a new Japanese restaurant in Marseille, defines itself as a refined Shokudo, offering Franco-Japanese fusion cuisine.
What is a Shokudo?
The word Shokudo is a term derived from the Japanese language, which can be translated as “dining hall” or “cafeteria.” A Shokudo refers to a casual and affordable dining space found in Japan, offering a variety of traditional Japanese dishes. Shokudo are known for their relaxed and informal atmosphere, which may be highly appreciated by the people of Marseille!
You could say that a Shokudo is comparable to a Parisian Bouillon or an Italian Trattoria. Essentially a canteen, catering to workers in the surrounding areas. Robato aims to offer something similar with Franco-Japanese fusion cuisine for the workers of the Réformés and Canebière districts.
Where does the Shokudo come from?
The history of the Shokudo isn’t that old; it dates back to the early 20th century in Japan! At that time, rapid industrialization led to increasing demand for quick, affordable dining options highly valued by the working class. Traditional full-service restaurants were often too expensive and time-consuming, making them impractical for people seeking a meal during their work breaks.
To meet this need, the Shokudo emerged as a solution, offering an accessible and fast dining experience. These establishments generally offered a fixed menu with a selection of simple and nutritious dishes, catering to a wide range of tastes. Meals served at Shokudo are often family-style and reflect the local cuisine of the region where they are located.
The evolution of the Shokudo, this typical Japanese restaurant
Over the years, Shokudo gained increasing popularity due to its affordability, convenience, and the wide variety of dishes offered. They became favorite spots for lunch breaks, after-work meals, and casual gatherings with friends and colleagues.
Over time, Shokudo continued to evolve to meet changing culinary trends and consumer demands. Nowadays, you can find modern Shokudo that serve not only traditional Japanese cuisine but also international and fusion dishes. Some Shokudo even integrate self-service concepts, where customers can choose their dishes from a self-serve counter.
The arrival of the Shokudo in Marseille, a Franco-Japanese fusion restaurant
In recent years, Shokudo-style establishments have expanded beyond Japan, with cafeterias and dining halls inspired by Japanese cuisine appearing in various parts of the world. These establishments aim to recreate the relaxed and varied dining experience that a Shokudo offers.
In summary, the Shokudo holds an important place in Japanese culinary culture by offering a casual, affordable, and diverse dining experience. It continues to be appreciated by locals and visitors for its accessibility, convenience, and the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of delicious Japanese dishes.
Robato, this new Japanese restaurant in Marseille, tries to recreate this family-friendly and warm atmosphere, with flavorful dishes rich in Umami, and a touch of playful charm that so beautifully connects Marseille to Osaka.
Feel free to come and try our menu, which changes weekly, from Tuesday to Saturday, in the Réformés district, at the top of the Canebière, specifically at 63 Allée Léon Gambetta, 13001 Marseille.
