Italian restaurant GLICINE has moved from its previous home at Aqua Ignis Sendai to a new location in the Kokubucho area, at the heart of central Sendai. The restaurant, now operating simply under the name GLICINE, opened on April 28 (Tuesday), aiming to be more accessible to a wider audience while maintaining the culinary philosophy it has cultivated since its days at the Aqua Ignis venue.
Discovering the True Flavor of Ingredients in the Heart of Kokubucho
GLICINE's new home is in the Kokubucho area, just steps from Kotodai-koen Station — a neighborhood where energy and culture converge. The restaurant has been reimagined as a place to enjoy Italian cuisine at its essence, in a more relaxed and approachable setting.
A Philosophy Rooted in Reverence for Ingredients
The hallmark of Italian cuisine lies in drawing out the inherent qualities of each ingredient. GLICINE carries forward its longtime philosophy of "Italian that brings out the best of ingredients," with seafood sourced from Miyagi and Tohoku, and vegetables obtained from trusted local farmers. Every step — the way heat is applied, the timing of seasoning, the selection of olive oil — begins with listening to the ingredients themselves.
Casual Yet High Quality
One of the priorities behind the relocation was making it easier for more guests to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. At the Kokubucho GLICINE, quality remains uncompromised while the pricing has been revised to feel more approachable.
At lunch, vibrant pasta dishes offer a welcome pause in the middle of a busy day. At dinner, guests can enjoy the chef's à la carte selections and course menus in an unpretentious atmosphere — the kind of place to visit simply when the mood strikes for something genuinely good.
For Every Occasion
Situated on the second floor of the Luna Kokubucho Building, the new space offers a discreet, hideaway feel while opening up into a modern interior with a sense of openness once inside.
The restaurant suits a variety of occasions:
- Lunch: A colorful plate for those working near Kotodai-koen Station or stopping in after a shopping trip
- Girls' nights out / dinner with friends: Shared antipasto platters and seasonal dolci perfect for lively conversation
- Business dining: A refined main course paired with a carefully selected wine at a calm table
- Solo visits: A glass of wine and a small plate at the counter — drop by as freely as you like
Wine Pairings to Complete the Experience
GLICINE is also known for its thoughtful wine selection, which elevates the dishes further. With a focus on Italian wines, the staff suggest the perfect glass to match the day's ingredients and each guest's preferences — a quiet luxury to enjoy on a Kokubucho evening.
Restaurant Information
Concept: The philosophy of "Italian that brings out the best of ingredients," now in a more accessible setting.
Hours:
Lunch: Monday through Saturday, 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM (Last order 1:30 PM)
Dinner: Monday through Saturday, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Food last order 9:00 PM / Drinks last order 9:30 PM)
Closed: Sundays and public holidays
Address: Luna Kokubucho Building 2F, 3-3-29 Kokubucho, Aoba Ward, Sendai (3-minute walk from Kotodai-koen Station on the Sendai City Subway Namboku Line)
TEL: 022-352-9939 (available from May 8)
Instagram: @GLICINE_SENDAI
Reservations: Available via the TORETA reservation site
