Tag Archives: 4 stars

{  Taiyo  }

Taiyo
Taiyo
Taiyo

We arrived at 10:55am knowing that this place only has 8 seats at the counter and that there might be a line if you don’t arrive early. When we got there 4 people were in front of us but by the time the restaurant opened at 11am, there were a total of 11 in line. We were so glad we got seated and didn’t have to wait outside in the cold!

This restaurant specializes in tonkatsu (pork cutlet) and is named “Taiyo” (which means “Sun”). It is operated by only 2 people and it’s a very small place located in Musashikoyama. They have a few things on the menu but we came here for their famous Tonkatsu Lunch set which is only 1000yen and includes a fried tonkatsu made fresh to order, cabbage, tonjiru (soup), rice, and some Japanese pickles. It’s truly an unbelievable deal for this quality. After you bite into this soft and juicy tonkatsu you will instantly know why this little shop has a line out the door.

The chef’s meticulous attention to detail and the level of care that he puts into preparing the tonkatsu is both fascinating and amazing. This is a perfect example of one of those rare craftsman who has mastered his art and performs his job so well it is a pleasure to watch and to experience his cuisine. Although you will have to wait about 20 minutes from when you order to when you receive your food, the wait is completely worth it just to watch him work and of course for the end result of his efforts. When you take your first bite of the tonkatsu, you’ll understand.

The service is very attentive and the lunch set made my empty stomach very satisfied. The only downside is, the place is so small that you feel like you can’t talk out loud because it’s really quiet. Regardless, if you want an authentic and delicious tonkatsu, come here.

Address // 3-22-7, Koyama, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3786-1464
Website // http://luckies.fc2-rentalserver.com/taiyo/index.php

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{  Gontran Cherrier Tokyo – Bakery  }

Gontran Cherrier Tokyo - Bakery
Gontran Cherrier Tokyo - Bakery
Gontran Cherrier Tokyo - Bakery

GONTRAN CHERRIER TOKYO recently opened (at the end of August) in one of the most convenient locations just one minute from Shibuya station and it’s one of my favorite bakery cafe/restaurants that I’ve been to recently. I loved everything about it – from the style of pastries they served, to the cute french ambiance of the store. I’ve liked everything I’ve tried so far from this place and the ease of access is just unbeatable! The bakery also has seating on the 1F so you can eat your pastry’s/baked goods there as well.

PS: I also dined at the second floor cafe/restaurant so I will post about that next.

Address // 1F, 1-14-11, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-6418-9581
Website // http://gontran-cherrier.jp/

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{  Shokkan — 食幹  }

Shokkan
Shokkan
Shokkan

Shokkan is located In the basement floor of a random building in Shibuya but let me tell you this place was awesome. We went during lunch time and we knew it would be good as soon as we noticed the wait outside the door before it even opened and how it was completely packed within a few minutes after opening. This Japanese restaurant serves three options during lunch: Tsukemen, Today’s Fish Set, or Today’s Meat Set (each for 1000yen).

I highly recommend their Tsukemen. The quality is quite high considering that it’s not officially a tsukemen or ramen house. The tsukemen comes in 3 different flavors: Soy, Sesame Miso, or Curry. We ordered the soy and I really loved it. It’s nice that it comes with all sorts of toppings and also includes a choice of rice or rice crackers so you can eat it as a porridge at the end. Their other dish is a Fish of the day plate and it was Shrimp and Eggplant on the day I visited. It was good as well but the tsukemen was the highlight. Looks like they have this restaurant at Soramachi too with a different menu. Check it out!

Address // HAKKA B1F, 3-5-5, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3797-1911
Website // http://www.discovery-t.com

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{  Kageyamarou – 蔭山樓  }

Kageyamarou
Kageyamarou
Kageyamarou

This Chinese restaurant in Jiyugaoka has amazing chicken broth salt noodles (鶏白湯塩そば) which are similar to a golden chicken-broth ramen soup! The soup is delicious and it’s great that they give you just a little bit of rice so you can enjoy it as a porridge at the end.

Two of us ordered the chicken broth salt noodles (鶏白湯塩そば) lunch set which is a 3-course meal and the other two ordered the Shark-fin (フカヒレ姿煮) lunch special that is a 5-course meal.

– The Chicken Broth Salt Noodles Lunch set includes a steamed vegetable plate, main dish, and a dessert for 1500yen.
– The Shark-fin lunch special includes: a steamed vegitable plate, shrimp mayo salad, main dish, half sized chicken broth salt noodles, and a dessert for 3000yen.

I highly recommend making reservations in advance if you plan to come here. This place also currently happens to be the highest rated restaurant on a Japanese food review site in Jiyugaoka and I can see why.

Address // 2-8-21, Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3718-6436
Website // http://www.kageyamarou.com/

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{  Taste AND Sense  }

Taste AND Sense
Taste AND Sense
Taste AND Sense

This cafe is my favorite new find around town right now. It’s about a 5~7min walk from Nakameguro station and it’s where fashionable creative and designer types seem to hang out. This cafe recently opened (in June 2012) and it’s produced by a clothing shop called “1LDK” which is across the street. The cafe is also connected to a new clothing/interior/home decor shop from the same owner.

I fell in love with not just the design of the space (especially the beautifully carved custom wooden chairs) but their food as well. Their food is simply delicious… The menu is very small but they do it really well and I am giving this place a four-star rating because the Rosmary Chicken Cocotto that I had was really a stand-out. The chicken is so juicy and soft, the side dishes were great, and it comes with a drink of your choice all for just 1260yen. What an amazing deal for this level of quality and freshness of food. The portion is not bad either. I haven’t tried their other dishes yet but my friend is coming to visit me from the US next week so this is one of the many places on my list to take her!

Address // 1-7-13, Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-5728-7043
Website // http://www.taste-and-sense.com/

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