Wondering where the Restaurant to Another World anime ends so you can pick up the light novel? You’re not alone; many fans get confused by the anime’s non-linear adaptation. Finding the right starting point is crucial to avoid spoilers.
To continue the story after the Restaurant to Another World Season 2 anime, you should start reading from Light Novel Volume 6. The anime’s second season covers various stories from the first five volumes, with the finale episode adapting plot points from Volume 4 and Volume 5, making Volume 6 the correct starting point for completely new content.
Based on detailed analysis of the official light novel releases, this guide provides the exact reading order. You’ll discover not only where to start but also what key differences exist between the anime, light novel, and manga versions.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: The correct place to start reading the light novel after finishing both anime seasons is Volume 6, which contains entirely new, unadapted stories.
- Season 2 Coverage: The anime’s second season adapts a mix of stories from Volumes 1 through 5, culminating in a finale that pulls from both Volume 4 and Volume 5.
- Primary Canon Source: The light novel is considered the primary and official source material for the series, offering more detail and stories than the anime adaptation.
- Manga Divergence: The original manga series (2016-2019) is not a faithful adaptation and diverges significantly from the light novel’s plot after the first chapter.
- Official English Publisher: Yen Press is the official English-language publisher for the light novels, making it the best source for supporting the series.
Where Does the Restaurant to Another World Anime End in the Light Novel?
The short and direct answer is that you should start reading from Volume 6 of the light novel after finishing Season 2 of the anime. The anime’s second season finale, which aired in December 2021, adapts stories from Volume 4 and concludes with a celebratory event found in Volume 5. This makes Volume 6 the first book with completely new material for anime-only viewers.
For a quick reference, here is a breakdown of where each anime season leaves off and where you should begin reading to continue the story or get the full experience. This verified reading order ensures you won’t miss any critical details.
| Anime Season | Final Episode Content Source | Recommended Light Novel Starting Point |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Adapts stories up to Volume 3 | Volume 4 (for new content) or Volume 1 (for cut details) |
| Season 2 | Adapts stories up to Volume 5 | Volume 6 (for new content) or Volume 1 (for the full experience) |
While jumping straight to Volume 6 gets you new plot, many fans recommend starting from Volume 1. The anime, by its nature, skips many charming character vignettes and world-building details. Reading from the beginning offers a richer, more detailed look into the world of Nekoya and its many patrons.
What Is Restaurant to Another World? (A Quick Series Overview)
Restaurant to Another World is a slice-of-life fantasy series about a Japanese restaurant called Nekoya that secretly serves customers from a fantasy world every Saturday. This heartwarming fantasy series, known in Japan as Isekai Shokudō, focuses on the stories of the various patrons and the profound impact that seemingly simple Earth cuisine has on their lives.
Written by Junpei Inuzuka, the story follows the quiet Master of Western Cuisine Nekoya and his two otherworldly waitresses. On Saturdays, a magical door appears in different locations across a fantasy world, inviting elves, dragons, knights, and mages to dine. The narrative explores their backstories, cultures, and personal struggles through their favorite dishes. It’s a culinary adventure that is both relaxing and deeply character-driven.
The main figures you’ll get to know are:
* The Master: The calm and dedicated chef of Nekoya who inherited the restaurant and its magical secret from his grandfather.
* Aletta: A kind-hearted demon girl who stumbles into Nekoya and becomes its first otherworldly waitress, finding a new home and purpose.
* Kuro: A powerful dragon who takes on a human form to work at the restaurant as a waitress, primarily because she loves the chicken curry.
Where Exactly Does Season 2 of the Anime End in the Light Novel?
Season 2 of Restaurant to Another World ends by adapting stories from Volume 4 and Volume 5 of the light novel. The finale episode is a great example of the anime’s non-linear storytelling. It combines multiple plot points to create a satisfying conclusion, but this can make finding your place in the books confusing.
The final episode of Season 2 covers two main segments:
- “Pork Loin Cutlet”: This first half of the episode adapts a key story from Light Novel Volume 4. It focuses on the Master’s background and how his grandmother, Koyomi, started the tradition of serving guests from the other world.
- “Buffet”: The second half features a massive buffet at the restaurant to celebrate the wedding of two recurring characters, Prince Shareef and Princess Adelheid. This event is a culmination of plot points and character arcs that are concluded in Light Novel Volume 5.
Because the anime finale adapts the celebratory conclusion of Volume 5, there is no significant new story content left in that volume for someone who has only watched the anime. This is why Volume 6 is the definitive starting point for fresh adventures.
So, Should You Skip Volume 5 Completely?
It is generally recommended to start with Volume 6. If your only goal is to experience new plot developments and meet new characters, you will find all of that in Volume 6. You will not be confused or miss any major story beats by skipping Volume 5.
However, it’s worth noting that the anime only adapts the outcome of Volume 5’s events—the celebratory party. The volume itself contains more detailed chapters about the restaurant’s official rebranding and the Master fully taking control. For completionists who want every detail, reading Volume 5 can provide extra context, but it is not essential for continuing the main narrative.
What Are the Key Differences Between the Anime, Light Novel, and Manga?
The Restaurant to Another World franchise exists in four main formats, and understanding their differences is key to choosing your reading path. The Light Novel is the primary canon source, but the other versions offer unique experiences.
Here is a breakdown of how the Light Novel, Anime, Manga, and Web Novel compare.
| Feature | Light Novel (LN) | Anime | Manga (Original 2016) | Web Novel (WN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon Status | Primary Canon Source | Canon, but abridged | Diverges, considered non-canon | Original draft, less polished |
| Story Structure | Episodic, chronological chapters | Episodic, chapters re-ordered | Different stories after Chapter 1. | Raw, unedited storyline |
| Pacing | Detailed food and character stories | Faster-paced, combines stories | Varies, focuses on different patrons | Slower, more iterative |
| Content | The most complete story | Skips some chapters/details | Has original content, ended in 2019. | The foundational story ideas |
| Recommendation | Best for the full, official story | Great introduction to the world | Read as a separate, alternate story | For hardcore fans who want the origin |
A crucial point of confusion is the manga. The original 2016 manga adaptation diverges from the light novel’s story after the first chapter and was completed in 2019. A second manga, Restaurant to Another World: Western Cuisine Nekoya, began in 2021 and is a more faithful adaptation, but it is still far behind the anime’s progress. Therefore, neither manga is a suitable option for continuing the story.
FAQs About where does the restaurant to another world anime end in the light novel
Is the Restaurant to Another World light novel finished?
No, the light novel series is still ongoing. The author, Junpei Inuzuka, continues to write the story, though new volumes are released infrequently. The most recent volume released in Japan was Volume 6.
Will there be a Season 3 of the anime?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for a Season 3 of Restaurant to Another World. While the series is popular and there is plenty of source material left to adapt from the light novels, fans are still eagerly awaiting any news regarding a sequel.
How many volumes of the light novel are there?
There are currently 6 official volumes of the Restaurant to Another World light novel available. All of these volumes have been officially translated into English by Yen Press and are available for purchase both digitally and physically.
Is the manga a good place to start reading?
For continuing the story, the manga is not the best choice. The original manga (2016-2019) is not a faithful adaptation. A newer manga series is more direct but is still far behind the anime. The light novel is the only format that continues the plot directly from where the anime left off.
Does the anime skip a lot of content from the light novel?
Yes, the anime skips a fair amount of content. Due to its episodic format and limited runtime, the anime production team selected specific customer stories to adapt. Reading the light novels from the beginning will introduce you to many delightful characters and their favorite dishes that were never shown on screen.
What is the difference between the Web Novel and the Light Novel?
The Web Novel (WN) is the original, unedited draft of the story, which the author published online for free. The Light Novel (LN) is the professionally published version. The LN is edited, features a more refined plot, and includes official illustrations. The Light Novel is considered the definitive canon source for the anime.
Where did Season 1 of the anime end?
Season 1 of the anime primarily adapted stories from the first three volumes of the light novel. For viewers who have only finished Season 1 and wish to continue the story in print, the recommended starting point is Volume 4 of the light novel.
Why is starting from Volume 1 often recommended?
Reading from Volume 1 is recommended for the full, immersive experience. The anime does an excellent job of capturing the series’ heart, but it skips many charming side stories and world-building details for the sake of time. Starting from the beginning provides a richer narrative and introduces many patrons not seen in the anime.
Who is the official English publisher of the light novels?
Yen Press is the official English-language publisher for the Restaurant to Another World light novel series. They are responsible for the high-quality translation and distribution of the novels in North America and other regions.
Is the original manga series (2016-2019) finished?
Yes, the first manga adaptation is complete. Illustrated by Takaaki Kugatsu, it ran for 4 volumes and concluded in June 2019. Because its story diverges from the light novel, it is best viewed as an alternate take on the world rather than a direct continuation of the main plot.
Key Takeaways: Restaurant to Another World Reading Guide
- Start with Volume 6: To continue the story with completely new content after watching both seasons of the anime, the correct starting point is Light Novel Volume 6.
- Season 2 Adapts Up to Volume 5: The anime’s second season finale adapts key events from the end of Volume 4 and the celebratory conclusion of Volume 5, leaving little new plot in that volume for anime-only viewers.
- Light Novel is the Canon Source: The Light Novel (LN) is the official, polished source material. It is more detailed than the anime and considered the primary canon for the story.
- Web Novel and Manga Are Different: The Web Novel is the original rough draft, while the original 2016 manga diverges significantly from the main story after its first chapter, making it a poor choice for continuing the anime’s plotline.
- Consider Starting from the Beginning: For the most complete experience, reading from Volume 1 is highly recommended, as the anime skips numerous character stories and world-building details found in the early novels.
- The Series is Ongoing: The Restaurant to Another World light novel series is not finished. However, new volumes are released very infrequently by the author.
- Yen Press is the Official Publisher: To support the official release, purchase the English versions of the light novels published by Yen Press.
Final Thoughts on Continuing Your Culinary Adventure
Now that you know exactly where to pick up, your journey into the expanded world of Nekoya can begin. Whether you choose to jump directly into the new adventures waiting in Volume 6 or decide to start from Volume 1 to savor every detail you missed, the light novels offer a deeper and more delicious experience. The intricate food descriptions and expanded character stories provide a richness that the anime could only hint at. Enjoy your next meal at the Restaurant to Another World!
Last update on 2026-02-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
