The story and preview stills for Episode 1 of the anime Welcome to the Outcast's Restaurant! (JP: 追放者食堂へようこそ！, Tsuihosha Shokudo he Yokoso!) have been released. The episode is set to air on Friday, July 4 at 12:00 AM (JST). A special pre-broadcast interview with Shunsuke Takeuchi (voice of Dennis) and Marika Tachibana (voice of Atelier) has also been published.

Episode 1

Dennis, a chef who was blamed for a failed quest and expelled from the elite adventuring party “Silver Wings Battalion,” now dreams of opening his own restaurant. While working toward that goal, he encounters a girl named Atelier being sold by a slave trader. Seeing his former self reflected in her eyes, Dennis spends all his money to bring her into his care. Thus begins the tale of a cast-out chef and a wounded girl, and their journey in running an “Adventurers’ Restaurant” together. What lies ahead for the two?

Cast Interview

—What were your impressions after reading the original manga?

Takeuchi:
Although it’s set in a fantasy world with monsters, the atmosphere of the restaurant felt incredibly real. It reminded me of a beloved local Chinese diner. I love those kinds of places. Restaurants aren’t just about food—they’re places where people connect. This story portrays conversations between staff and customers so naturally. The way people bond and grow over meals is a beautiful theme.

Tachibana:
Fried rice is my all-time favorite dish, and I was so moved when I saw how delicious it looked in the manga. The katsudon and ramen also looked amazing. I imagined how mouthwatering they’d look in the anime and got really excited.

Takeuchi:
Even the fried rice in the manga is drawn so meticulously, down to each individual grain. You can almost feel the texture!

—What are your impressions of your characters?

Tachibana:
Atelier may not speak much, but she’s strong-willed and can act selflessly for others—just like Dennis. She’s kind and aware of those around her.

Takeuchi:
Dennis is a dependable big-brother type and a genuinely kind guy. But having been expelled from the top-tier party, he’s also someone who’s had to give up a big dream. He chooses to live in a way that suits him best now, but that makes him more likely to notice and help those in need. His sympathy for Atelier, a girl sold as a slave and seemingly stripped of a future, comes from seeing a reflection of himself in her.

—What do you think of each other’s characters?

Takeuchi:
As the story progresses, Atelier becomes more expressive. She lost her parents and ended up sold as a slave, likely growing up without fully understanding her own identity. Meeting Dennis, the first person to treat her as an equal, awakens her sense of self. Later on, she even starts encouraging others, just like Dennis. Watching her grow under his influence is truly heartwarming.

Tachibana:
To me, Dennis is absolutely like family—almost like a father figure to Atelier. When Atelier suffers injustices, I get angry as her voice actor. But Dennis always speaks up for her, and that makes him feel so reliable. His concern and worry for her really reflect a parental love, which makes the contrast with his usual calm demeanor so amusing.

—How did you feel when you got the role?

Takeuchi:
I don’t often play lead roles, so it felt like a challenge. But I also saw Atelier as the emotional center of the story. My task was to support her journey while still portraying Dennis’s complexity—someone who’s given up on a dream but carries unresolved emotions. I was worried about capturing all that in just one season, but the cast, especially Marika, really supported me through it.

Tachibana:
There was a long wait before the audition results came in, so my manager and I had basically given up. That’s why I was so overjoyed when I got the role. I was so shocked at first, I couldn’t take it in, but on my way home, it hit me—I was grinning and skipping down the street!

Takeuchi:
Did you aim to play Atelier from the start?

Tachibana:
Yes, I felt like she suited me. Plus, we both love fried rice! (laughs) I really wanted the role.

—How was the recording for Episode 1?

Tachibana:
I was super nervous…

Takeuchi:
You arrived at the studio earlier than anyone else! (laughs)

Tachibana:
So I wouldn’t get lost! (laughs) I also wanted to greet the staff and senior cast members properly. I was so nervous I barely remember anything, but I do recall how warmly everyone welcomed me. Shunsuke-san casually asked, “How old are you?”—it really helped me relax. Thanks to everyone, I was able to act with a healthy level of tension.

Takeuchi:
I was lucky to work with some of my favorite voice actors, so it was a wonderful set. I felt confident that even if I tried something and failed, the team would support me. And I’m truly glad Marika was cast as Atelier. Since Dennis often talks to himself, the way the other actor interprets their role really shapes my own performance. Even though this was our first time working together, it was a great experience.

—Which scenes did you particularly enjoy recording?

Tachibana:
There’s a moment toward the end where Atelier smiles, and I was able to perform it naturally. It felt like a culmination of her journey and mine as her voice.

Takeuchi:
The characters that bring out reactions from others tend to be easier to perform, but Dennis is more subtle. So I focused on keeping my performance genuine and warm. I haven’t seen the broadcast yet, so I’m not sure if it came through (laughs), but I hope viewers come to love Dennis.

—Any memorable moments from the studio?

Tachibana:
I remember Mariya Ise (Vivia’s voice) chatting about skincare during breaks! Everyone was so beautiful—I took the opportunity to gather some tips.

Takeuchi:
The studio always felt like a cozy lunch break gathering. I remember talking about travel, clothes, and food. It was a laid-back, welcoming space.

—The show features a lot of delicious-looking food. What’s your personal favorite dish?

Takeuchi:
I love mapo tofu. I even have a go-to place. Their version is a bit salty with chunky meat, and the fluffy tofu and umami flavors hit before the spice. Plus, the elderly chef who runs it is full of life—that’s part of the charm.

Tachibana:
Just hearing that makes me hungry! (laughs) For me, it’s my grandma’s garlic-filled fried chicken and crispy shrimp. She always makes them when I go home.

Takeuchi:
When do you add the garlic?

Tachibana:
During the marinade, with soy sauce. It’s so strong that you can’t meet anyone the next day! (laughs) She even packs some for me to take back to Tokyo—so thoughtful.

Takeuchi:
Fried food takes effort. It’s amazing she does it just to see your happy face.

—Lastly, what should viewers look out for in Episode 1?

Tachibana:
First and foremost—fried rice! It’s my favorite and appears right from the start. Dennis’s cooking is a major part of the story, so look forward to his carefully crafted dishes. Atelier is still hesitant to show her true self in Episode 1, but she gradually opens up as she meets more people. Please enjoy watching her growth. Also, there’s a super exaggerated gag face she makes later in the episode—don’t miss it! I had so much fun recording that scene.

Takeuchi:
I think this is the kind of show best enjoyed casually. Like, “Oh, it’s airing today,” rather than gearing up for it. It reminds us of the joy of connecting through meals—something easy to forget in our busy lives. It’s great nourishment for the soul. As for Dennis in Episode 1, watch how he gets totally flustered by Atelier. He’s a top-class adventurer and chef, but here he’s running around like he’s seen an alien—it's hilarious!

Source : Welcome to the Outcasts Restaurant! Official