A Little Bit of Spain on a Side Street in the Shopping District

Brandoli 4th Street, which runs north from Fuse Station. In an alleyway just beyond the hustle and bustle of the shopping district, the Spanish flag flutters in the breeze. A small, illuminated sign reads “PasePase.”

Opening the door reveals nine counter seats and a single table for four.The relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere is comforting, making you feel as if you’ve been invited into the living room of a foreign country.

Standing behind the counter is Eri. While her animal-ear headpiece catches the eye, her voice is gentle and her manner is polite. It felt as though she was crafting not only the food but also the restaurant’s atmosphere with her own hands.

A 30-Minute Journey Until the Paella Is Ready

The restaurant’s signature dish is, of course, “paella”—Spain’s iconic rice dish. Since each pot is cooked from scratch after an order is placed, it takes about 30 minutes to arrive.

But even the wait is enjoyable.

Nibble on some tapas, sip your drink, and wait for the aroma to rise from the depths of the paella pan.

There are five classic varieties of paella. The “Seafood” paella features shrimp, clams, mussels, squid, and octopus. It’s so lavish that the rice is practically buried under a mountain of ingredients.

Another special dish is “Squid Ink Paella.” Eri-san has carried on this dish exactly as it was—a dish the previous owner encountered while traveling in Spain and was instantly captivated by.

The jet-black rice boasts a deep richness and umami flavor.As a secret menu item, they’ll serve it with aioli for those in the know. The garlicky flavor and creamy texture pair perfectly with the squid ink.

“Mayonnaise is actually a Spanish dish, too.” It’s strange how such a casual remark suddenly makes foreign cuisine feel much more familiar.

The service strikes just the right balance

Eri doesn’t say much. But her timing in serving dishes and the way she makes eye contact reveal her thoughtful attention to her guests.

There’s a mysterious rhythm between the kitchen and the dining area. Talking, laughing, waiting, drinking.It seemed as though all of it was in perfect harmony with the movements of Eri’s hands.

Even the other guests, who were a little nervous at first, found themselves relaxing at their own pace before they knew it. It’s the comfort of not being bothered by anyone. Yet, you’re not left entirely to your own devices either.

That sense of distance is what creates the cozy atmosphere of this restaurant.

Led by Spanish Cuisine, She Put Down Roots in Fuse

Eri originally studied French and Italian cuisine and has been pursuing a career in cooking. It was during this journey that she encountered a Spanish restaurant in Mukonosho, Hyogo Prefecture. Although she didn’t have any particular attachment to Spain at first, she soon found herself drawn to its simple yet robust cuisine.

She chose Fuse as the location for her own restaurant. She says it was a chance encounter, but now she has firmly established a place for herself in this corner of Fuse.

Eri’s cuisine—which neither imposes a foreign atmosphere nor forces out Japanese elements—has blended into this community just as the steam rising from a paella pan gradually permeates the town.

The Next Step: Winemaking

Eri’s challenges extend beyond cooking.

Starting in 2025, she contracted three grapevines in Germany and began making her own wine. “I just wanted to try making my own wine,” she says casually, but behind those words lies a firm resolve.Just as with her cooking, her unique personality will surely find its way into her wine as well.

The drink menu features a wide variety of options, offering the joy of savoring each sip while exploring which pairs best with the paella. Freshly cooked rice, the aroma of tapas, and wine swaying in a glass—all of these are the result of Eri’s daily efforts.

Fox’s Ears. A small paella pan simmering at the counter. The quiet moments that flow between tapas and wine. All of these elements add a touch of the exotic to the town of Fuse. That subtle sense of the unfamiliar, mixed with a feeling of comfort, permeates this little eatery.