Asian dramas like
Late Night Restaurant

In the quiet hours of the evening, a chef at a cozy restaurant provides comfort to patrons with his flavorful creations. As a result, visitors flock to this nighttime spot to enjoy a meal and find solace in having their life challenges eased.

The narrative revolves around an enigmatic cook and his after-hours eatery that operates from midnight until dawn. Each night, the diner showcases the mundane tales of its customers as they converse and enjoy the signature dish.

"Ikkoken" is a unique eatery resembling a Chinese restaurant, discreetly located in a narrow alleyway

The series portrays Oizumi as the supervisor of a yet-to-open diner in Chigasaki, Kanagawa. Different individuals are featured in each episode as they visit the restaurant. This NTV show is a unique joint effort with Japanese rock group, Southern All Stars, and talent agency, Amuse, to commemorate Southern All Stars' 30th anniversary and NTV's 55th anniversary. A total of 33 songs by Southern All Stars serve as the inspiration for each episode in the series.

Located in a quaint eatery nestled in a shopping area, this unique restaurant operates exclusively during the late hours of the night. Despite offering only one option on the menu, patrons are drawn in by the lively conversations and the chef's eagerness to whip up any dish they desire. The series follows the diverse group of customers frequenting the restaurant, such as a yakuza member, a struggling actor, a clique of office workers, a newspaper delivery boy, and an exotic dancer. (Credit: Tokyograph)

Located in a quaint eatery tucked away in a shopping area, this unique restaurant operates exclusively during the late hours and offers only one dish on its menu. Despite the limited options, patrons are drawn to the establishment for its lively conversations and the owner's eagerness to prepare any meal requested. The show follows the daily lives of various customers, such as a yakuza member, a struggling actor, a group of office workers, a newspaper delivery boy, and a dancer. (Credit: Tokyograph)

Amamiya, Nakauchi, and Kobayashi were former classmates in high school. Amamiya was the class president and excelled academically, while Nakauchi was known for his love of cooking and reserved nature. Kobayashi, on the other hand, was a charming ladies' man. A decade later, fate brings them back together. Nakauchi, now a promising chef, had to leave his job due to losing his sense of taste. He meets Amamiya, who now works as a bartender at the Three Star Bar in Tokyo's Nishi Ogikubo District. Kobayashi, who initially found success as a writer but is now struggling, inherited the bar from his grandfather under the condition that he and Amamiya finish all the canned food in the pantry. Together, they convince Nakauchi to join them as their chef. The trio proves to be a hit with customers, with Amamiya mixing cocktails, Kobayashi offering advice, and Nakauchi showcasing his culinary skills. As the stocked canned food starts to dwindle, what challenges will they face?

Having spent a year at a local Italian eatery in his hometown of Fukuoka, Ban Shogo, a confident and eager college student, decides to further hone his culinary abilities by venturing to Tokyo to work as a chef specializing in Italian cuisine. Upon his arrival, he realizes the extent of his knowledge gaps and faces the challenge of proving himself to the fast-paced and highly competitive team at the high-end Italian restaurant.

In a hidden alley off a bustling street sits a small restaurant known as Meshiya, operated solely by its owner. Referred to as the late-night diner, it serves customers from midnight until 7 am. The menu features miso soup with pork and vegetables, along with beer, sake, and shochu. The eatery attracts a diverse range of patrons, as the owner's philosophy is to accommodate whatever is possible. The interactions between the owner, food, and customers are both amusing and occasionally poignant.

Toko operates a cozy eatery called Snack Kizutsuki. The establishment specializes in snacks and does not offer alcoholic beverages. She warmly greets patrons who may be burdened with emotional scars.

Kitada Gaku, with a natural talent for mathematics, once aspired to be a mathematician but eventually abandoned his dream. Feeling aimless, he crosses paths with the brilliant chef Asakura Kai, who introduces him to the world of cuisine. Gaku joins Asakura Kai's prestigious two-star restaurant K, where chefs from various backgrounds collaborate and learn together. Immersed in this environment, Gaku not only hones his culinary skills but also creates unique recipes inspired by mathematical concepts.

In a hidden corner of a bustling street lies a cozy diner called Meshiya, operated solely by its proprietor. Known as the "late-night diner," it serves customers from midnight until 7 am the next morning. The menu features a simple selection of miso soup with pork and vegetables, along with beer, sake, and shochu. Embracing a philosophy of "doing what can be done," a diverse array of patrons frequent the establishment. The interactions between the owner, cuisine, and clientele are both lighthearted and poignant.

French chef Jin Pai partnered with his friend Wu Cheng Xin to open a French eatery. Unfortunately, Wu Cheng Xin abruptly left, leaving Jin Pai struggling with financial difficulties. He was forced to give up half of the restaurant to cover unpaid staff wages and rent. Just as things were starting to look up for the family business, Jin Pai's grandmother fell ill.

Heaven's Door used to be a well-liked upscale dining establishment, but the patronage has dwindled since new management took over. Chie Ariga, a high school student working part-time at the restaurant, finds herself with very few customers to attend to. As the owner contemplates closing down the business, a surprising array of customers start showing up. Oda Nobunaga? Cleopatra? Napoleon? Every week, the staff must cater to a different renowned historical figure.

Inspired by the delectable anime, Wakakozake introduces us to Murasaki Wakako, a 26-year-old office lady who has a passion for exquisite food and beverages. For her, unwinding means venturing out solo after work to explore different eateries and drink spots, even those she hasn't visited before. The instant Wakako experiences the delightful combination of her chosen dish and its ideal drink, she can't help but emit a joyful "Pshuuu." So, where shall we enjoy a drink this evening?

Hyun Soo left her job to pursue a career as a television writer, while Jung Sun aspires to be a French cuisine chef and start her own restaurant. As they embark on their journeys to achieve their dreams, they learn that patience, determination, and above all, hope, are essential.

Yoshimi Iida, a quiet office employee, eagerly anticipates Wednesdays without extra work so she can indulge in ordering gourmet food items from various regions through mail-order services and having them delivered by a courier

This drama is a spin-off from Grand Maison Tokyo, focusing on the story of Hirako Shohei. A 3-minute summary of each episode is shown at the conclusion of every episode of Grand Maison Tokyo. Three years prior, Shohei was an apprentice under Chef Obana Natsuki. Currently, he is employed as a chef at a buffet restaurant within a luxury hotel. Despite his engagement to Ebina Miyu, Shohei's feelings are conflicted by his connection to Patissier Matsui Moe.

Eisuke used to play bass in a rock band before deciding to take over his family's French restaurant. The plot of the show will revolve around a love triangle, with Kuninaka and Takimoto vying for Eisuke's affections. Maris, Eisuke's older girlfriend who works at a bank, is surprised to learn about his career change and feels uncertain about their relationship. Chie, a 20-year-old college student from a farming background, initially had a negative opinion of Eisuke but starts to develop feelings for him after tasting his culinary skills. Tokio, the owner of a rival French restaurant, used to admire Eisuke's mother's restaurant but took advantage of her passing to acquire Eisuke's family business. Aware of Eisuke's talent as a chef, Tokio sees him as a competitor. Eisuke's former bandmates from ROCKHEAD are now assisting him in running the restaurant.

Bottakuri is a cozy bar situated in the quiet outskirts of Tokyo. Sisters Mine and Kaoru run the establishment, taking over from their deceased parents, serving delicious meals and sake. Along with their loyal patrons, the sisters engage in resolving minor issues and exchanging insights over food and drinks. This story is inspired by the web novel "Izakaya Bottakuri" by Akikawa Takimi.

After a tragic incident, three former classmates from art school come together after a long time. They each have a unique connection to the deceased man, including his ex-girlfriend, the manager of a rugby club he belonged to, and his ex-boyfriend. As they navigate their own struggles, the trio starts meeting up and sharing meals. Oda Chiharu had landed her dream job as a designer but left due to workplace bullying. She now finds joy in cooking for others, while indulging in convenience store meals when alone. Nakamura Seiko works in the PR department of a cosmetics company and feels pressured by her family's belief that marriage is a must. Her engagement is abruptly called off by her fiancé, who also works in the same company. Amagai Eiji, who used to work as a designer in an advertising agency, is now feeling lost after being transferred to the sales department. He grapples with his identity as a gay man, which he has not yet disclosed to his parents.

This tale offers a calming and intellectually stimulating glimpse into the tranquil daily routine of Jun and Yoshio, a married couple who have shared many years together. It showcases their traditional Japanese seasonal cooking and their leisurely strolls to well-known spots in Tokyo.

At 25 years old, Kurumi Ichiki has already experienced living in France during her youth. Upon returning to Japan, she found employment as a waitress at a prestigious traditional restaurant. Known for her culinary skills, Kurumi catches the attention of Prime Minister Ato Ichiro and Executive Secretary Koga Seiji, who are in search of a cook for the prime minister's residence after 70 years. Seiji recognizes Kurumi's natural talent for cooking during an encounter and offers her the position. Despite initial hesitation, Kurumi accepts the job and begins working at the prime minister's residence. However, she faces challenges in a difficult environment with the head chef and his team at the official residence's restaurant.

Children are facing a challenging environment due to the ongoing restrictions in place to limit the spread of the new coronavirus, leading to an increased risk of abuse while spending more time at home. How can we and society support them during this difficult period? Sakura, who grapples with making oyakodon (a dish with chicken and egg), offers us a clue through her alternating acts of kindness and strictness.

Gu Jing is a skilled chef who operates an innovative and vintage eatery. He chooses to open his restaurant at his own discretion. Gu notices that there is a young man, Liu Li, who consistently requests the most peaceful table. Liu is a writer specializing in gay themes, and he rents a room above Gu's establishment. Gu begins to regularly send Liu a serving of fiery beef noodles. Over time, Gu becomes the person Liu trusts and confides in, offering companionship during difficult times. As they spend more time together, Liu starts to realize that his idealized perceptions may not align with reality.

The narrative follows a dry goods merchant who enjoys sampling different restaurant dishes during his breaks from work.

Taking place in a historic Ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) in a small Tokyo town, a young Itamae (Japanese cuisine chef) grapples with the challenges of balancing his personal life, romantic relationships, and professional obligations as the longstanding restaurant and cherished community face the pressures of modernization. This heartfelt narrative explores the close-knit bonds of a bygone era, prompting viewers to reflect on their own priorities and the complexities of decision-making. Presented in the format of a letter addressed to his absent father, the story is infused with humor and affection. [Fuji Creative]

Kashiwagi possesses a unique gift of foreseeing the fates of couples. Despite her own struggles in love, she is able to witness the different outcomes of relationships at the cafe where she works alongside Sano and Konno, who specialize in ending relationships. As Kashiwagi observes the varied endings of these relationships, she gains insight into the true meaning of love and learns valuable lessons that contribute to her personal growth.

Bar Lemon Heart is back for another season, with the Master bartender tackling a customer's personal issues each week, all while impressing with his extensive expertise in wine and liquor.

The manga depicts a touching tale of the relationship between dietary assistance robots and the individuals they serve. Customers at the Food Company franchise can redeem points for a 25-centimeter robot at the chain store to help them with their dietary requirements.

In the series Wakakozake, we meet Murasaki Wakako, a 26-year-old office worker who has a passion for delicious food and beverages. Wakako enjoys unwinding after work by exploring different eateries and bars on her own, seeking out new culinary experiences. When she finds the ideal combination of food and drink, she expresses her satisfaction with a cheerful "Pshuuu." So, where will Wakako be dining tonight?

Haru is employed at a university library and has a casual approach to meals, preferring to stay updated on her favorite manga using her smartphone. Feeling disheartened by the constant expressions of sympathy she receives, Haru seeks solace at her usual drinking spot one evening. There, she meets Ao-kun, a gender-neutral individual, and they quickly form a strong connection. Spontaneously, they decide to live together, but the condition is that they must prepare lunch boxes for each other.

Mei Benikawa, aged 28, is employed in the public relations sector of a beauty company. She is not only attractive but also excels in her role, leading to her promotion as the head of the public relations team at a young age. Mei's colleagues sometimes envy her, spreading rumors that she strictly adheres to a healthy diet to maintain her looks. However, in reality, Mei indulges in alcohol alone at a budget-friendly chain eatery on her way home from work as a way to reward herself for her hard work. This solitary indulgence serves as motivation for Mei to face the challenges of the next day.

Amai Koichi, a skilled baker and confectioner, endeavors to assist attractive men in a unique way. According to a belief, if two individuals gaze into each other's eyes for 8.2 seconds, they will develop romantic feelings for one another. Amai finds himself drawn to these men as he looks into their eyes, leading to him developing feelings for them. In each episode, Amai's love interest faces a challenge, prompting him to create delicious sweets and desserts in hopes of aiding them in overcoming their obstacles.

Phet and his girlfriend are planning to launch a Thai restaurant in Korea. To acquire his recipes, he decides to assist his uncle Phong, who runs the well-known eatery Phong Phochana. Uncle Phong has always had a unique talent for creating dishes that please everyone, but recently, patrons have noted a decrease in his culinary skills. In response, Uncle Phong hurries to the countryside in search of the cherished flavors from his past romance. Given his ambitions, Phet feels compelled to accompany him. However, Uncle Phong's journey isn't limited to just one area, and it appears he is concealing something. With the urgency of opening their restaurant in Korea, will Phet manage to obtain the recipes he desires?

Tells the tale of Han Beom U, the heir to a major food corporation, who manages the top upscale eatery in Seoul without any regard for flavor, and Mo Yeon Ju, a chef obsessed with flavor who operates a tiny restaurant with just one table hidden in a remote countryside location. Their relationship blossoms as they run a modest restaurant in the city of Miraek, Jeonju.

Supper is a modest Korean eatery located in the rural area near a small train station. Young Shin, a high school junior, deviates from her peers by heading to the market after school to purchase inexpensive ingredients for the diner. The loyal customers who purchased daily meal tickets for $4 and enjoyed a hearty, tasty dinner formed a tight-knit group known as the Supper family. From a young age, Young Shin honed her cooking skills under the guidance of Gyung Soo, the diner's owner. She shared her upbringing with Da Jung, Jung Hoon, and Oh Bok. Jung Hoon relocated to the countryside with his father following his parents' divorce, while Oh Bok was cared for by his grandmother and uncle after being abandoned by his parents. Da Jung and her parents frequented Supper due to their busy work schedules, forging a bond closer than most siblings over the span of 12 years. The entrance of four young individuals into Gyung Soo's life sets the stage for a lively tale of love, friendship, ambition, and forgiveness.

Jiang Jie, a skilled young chef, has reached the highest level of traditional Chinese cuisine with his impressive knife skills and cooking talent. He has earned the prestigious Five-Star Kitchen Knife, the most sought-after award in the country for chefs. Currently working at a luxury hotel, Jiang Jie secretly desires a culinary showdown with an older chef known for his legendary skills. On the other hand, the older chef's apprentice, Li Nai, aims to restore her master's reputation by devising a plan to join the hotel's kitchen staff and infiltrate Jiang Jie's inner circle. Unbeknownst to her, Jiang Jie also has a clever strategy to demonstrate his unrivaled expertise in Chinese cuisine. The stage is set for a battle of intellect, emotions, and culinary mastery - who will emerge victorious in this clash?

The story centers on Kounotori Sakura, a skilled jazz pianist who also works as an obstetrician at the Persona General Medical Centre. Raised in an orphanage after losing his mother during childbirth, Sakura is driven by his desire to bring new life into the world. He aspires to assist in the delivery of every baby, celebrating the miracle of life bestowed upon them. (TBS)

Hanai Ao is a renowned manga artist known for her captivating romance stories, earning admiration from fans for her dedication and achievements

An accomplished chef from Japan who specializes in French cuisine has dedicated his life to the culinary arts. After establishing his own restaurant in Paris and earning two Michelin stars, he became known as a renowned chef. However, his confidence soon turned into arrogance as he aimed for the elusive third Michelin star. Facing pressure and obstacles, a major incident at the restaurant led to him losing both the establishment and his team. Feeling defeated, he encounters a female chef who inspires him to start anew. Determined to create the world's best three Michelin star restaurant, he strives to assemble a top-notch team. Despite facing challenges and rejection from former colleagues, he perseveres and pushes himself and others to aim higher. Over time, his unwavering determination begins to influence those around him.

Kakei Shiro and Yabuki Kenji share a life filled with challenges but also joy, with Shiro excelling in preparing tasty yet budget-friendly meals. Approaching their 50s, they encounter various transformations, yet they navigate this new chapter with kindness towards each other. (GagaOOLala)

Ruan Tang possesses exceptional culinary abilities as a passionate food enthusiast. She has a unique talent for uncovering secret recipes and identifying foods within a ten-mile radius using her sense of smell. While she aspires to pursue a career as a food editor, her father hopes she will take over the family restaurant. Wang Moyu, a skilled and cunning male chef, arrives to apprentice under Ruan Tang's father. Recognizing Moyu's deep passion for food, her father decides to impart his knowledge to him. As Ruan Tang and Moyu clash over their differing Eastern and Western culinary backgrounds, sparks fly between them.

The intense beating in my chest goes beyond mere admiration!? Tomoya Ishida is a new editor at the fashion magazine Sophia Monthly. When his senior unexpectedly falls ill, Tomoya is quickly tasked with retrieving a column manuscript from the renowned culinary expert Ayumu Mitsuya. Upon meeting Ayumu, Tomoya is surprised to find a friendly older man who speaks with a Kyoto dialect. While waiting, Tomoya is treated to a simple yet delicious dish that satisfies his hunger, leaving him eager for their next meeting!

Yoon Do Gun, a skilled chef, is the mastermind behind Laura Dining, a highly regarded restaurant in South Korea. Despite Yoon Do Gun's efforts in elevating the restaurant's reputation, conflicts arise between him and the restaurant's owner. While the owner prefers crowd-pleasing dishes on the menu, Yoon Do Gun aims to challenge diners with innovative creations. Tensions escalate when Choi Jung Woo, a chef known for replicating successful recipes rather than creating his own, joins the kitchen. Initially at odds, the two chefs eventually develop an unexpected romantic connection as they navigate the pressures of the culinary world.

Seo Yu Gyeong persevered through the demanding role of kitchen assistant at the upscale restaurant La Sfera for three years, all in pursuit of a chef position. Her fortunes seem to shift when she encounters an attractive stranger on the street, who turns out to be the new head chef at her workplace. However, on his very first day, he dismisses all the female cooks, including Yu Gyeong. Unwilling to abandon her aspirations, Yu Gyeong is determined to reclaim her position, no matter the cost. As she clashes with the new chef, she also strives to absorb his knowledge, leading to unexpected chemistry between them. Complicating matters is Kim San, an appealing patron who is interested in Yu Gyeong and appears to have enigmatic connections to the restaurant, alongside O Sae Yeong, a celebrated television chef and Hyeon Uk’s former lover, not to mention the kitchen rivalries that hinder their emerging romance.

With the slogan "Fast, affordable, and tasty," Tokyo Seimenjo has been offering budget-friendly and delicious udon to patrons since they first opened their doors. Boasting a steady stream of customers and a loyal following, the eatery has become a beloved spot in the community. However, the recent absence of the manager due to maternity leave and the departure of some key staff members has left the remaining team feeling uncertain. Haruto Aoi, Yoshio Midorikawa, Rin Momota, and Setsuko Kimoto are unsure about the next steps without their reliable colleagues. Adding to the challenge, the restaurant's parent company has assigned a new manager, Kotaro Akamatsu, who, although confident in his abilities, lacks experience in the food industry, coming from a background in hotel management.

Shoraku, the assistant head priest at Rakuji Temple, attempted to earn money by teaching calligraphy, but was unsuccessful

Akari's biological mother hails from Osaka. In order to delve deeper into her roots, she relocates to Osaka to reside with her grandmother. It is revealed that Akari's grandmother shut down the okonomiyaki eatery following the departure of Akari's adolescent mother. Subsequently, Akari takes it upon herself to revive the okonomiyaki restaurant and launch the business independently.