[Zushi Café] POOLSIDE DINER Pre-Opening: A New Spot Where You Can Feel the Spirit of an American Diner and the Story Behind It

Hello, this is Peli from Hayama Navi!
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Looking for a place in Zushi where you can enjoy a feel-good morning from the start of the day?
This time, Peli visited POOLSIDE DINER, a new spot currently in its pre-opening period near Zushi-Hayama Station.

The first thing I felt when I stepped inside was that this was not just another new café. The space had the atmosphere of a real American diner, with a striking row of high-chair counter seats. It was not only stylish, but the food and coffee were genuinely good. It felt like the kind of place you would want to stop by for breakfast, a casual lunch with friends, or during a walk around Zushi.

In this article, I’ll share what I experienced during my visit, along with the story and thoughts behind the owner’s new diner, based on publicly available reference information.

Charm 1: An American Diner Space That Brings a Fresh Energy to Zushi

POOLSIDE DINER is located very close to Zushi-Hayama Station. Tucked behind a large bus parking area, the place already feels a little special before you even walk in.

Inside, the design carries the mood of old America, making you want to look around slowly. What especially stood out was the counter lined with high chairs. It looks almost like a scene from a movie, yet it still feels relaxed and easy to settle into.

At first, I thought, “Maybe this is just a beautifully designed place?” But it was more than that. The space itself felt like it had a story behind it, the kind of place where you naturally want to stay a little longer.

Charm 2: Great Coffee That Carries on the Spirit of a Beloved Local Café

What left a strong impression was not only the food, but also how good the hot coffee was.

POOLSIDE DINER opened as a sister shop of POOLSIDE COFFEE. According to the reference information, even though it is a diner, the team values the perspective they have built as a coffee shop. After actually drinking the coffee, that made perfect sense.

This was not the kind of coffee that simply comes along with a meal. It was a cup you would want to enjoy properly. For anyone who wants to relax in the morning or finish a meal with a satisfying coffee, this is a lovely point.

Of course good food matters, but when the coffee is delicious too, it makes you want to come back again.

Charm 3: Memorable Dishes That Make Both Breakfast and Lunch Worth the Visit

On this visit, I ordered the POOLSIDE Breakfast Royale (¥1,600), the Soup of the Day (¥1,500), and the Spiced Chicken Rice Bowl (¥1,600).

The Breakfast Royale includes your choice of fried eggs or scrambled eggs, toast or gluten-free pancakes, crispy bacon, and country potatoes. I chose the scrambled eggs and pancakes. Together with the crispy bacon, it felt like a classic American diner breakfast. Simple, satisfying, and exactly what you hope for.

According to one of the staff members, the Soup of the Day was inspired by Southern American home cooking. It had a tomato base with a gentle yet rich flavor that stayed with me long after the meal. Dishes like this make an ordinary lunch feel a little more memorable.

The Spiced Chicken Rice Bowl was even more filling than it looked. Spiced chicken, tomato salsa, black beans, corn, avocado, and yogurt sauce came together beautifully. Despite its generous portion, the balance of flavors kept every bite interesting until the very end.

Charm 4: Why They Opened a Second Location—and What It Says About Zushi’s Future

POOLSIDE DINER is much more than just another new restaurant. According to the owner’s published note, the decision to open a second location came from seeing the growing popularity of POOLSIDE COFFEE and believing in the potential of the town of Zushi.

Another thing that stood out was that this shop was not created by one person alone. It was built by a team. From interior design and menu development to daily operations, everyone played a role. Perhaps that is why the diner already feels so comfortable and naturally settled, even during its pre-opening period.

The owner also explains that rather than simply recreating an American diner, the goal was to reinterpret it through the unique POOLSIDE perspective. That is what makes the space feel nostalgic while still fitting naturally into today’s Zushi.

It’s more than just a stylish café—that’s what makes this place so special.

I think many visitors will feel exactly the same.

Family & Kids Note

If you’re visiting with children, you’ll be happy to know that the available information describes the diner as kid-friendly. Detailed information about seating arrangements for families and mothers’ gatherings has not been confirmed, but it appears to be a comfortable place to enjoy breakfast or lunch. Facilities for babies have not been confirmed.

Dog-Friendly Information

Whether dogs are allowed inside has not been confirmed. The availability of a terrace or outdoor seating has also not been confirmed. If you plan to visit with your dog, we recommend checking the latest information on Instagram before your visit.

Access Information

* During the pre-opening period, only a limited menu is available.
* Temporary closures may occur. Please check Instagram for the latest updates before visiting.

Summary: A New Place That Brings Fresh Energy to Everyday Life in Zushi

POOLSIDE DINER offers much more than a beautiful atmosphere. It’s a place where you can truly enjoy both excellent food and outstanding coffee. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying breakfast or simply want to slow down during your time in Zushi, this is a place worth discovering.

Looking beyond the menu, you’ll also find a story about creating new experiences for the local community. It feels like a place where families, friends, couples, and solo visitors can all enjoy their own version of a relaxing day.

If you’re looking for a new favorite café in Zushi, be sure to stop by.
As for me, I’m already looking forward to coming back and trying more from the menu.

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Sources: Official Instagram of POOLSIDE DINER, Hawker’s official note “Why We Opened POOLSIDE DINER: The Story Behind Our Second Location and Its Design Philosophy”, and on-site information gathered during our visit.