伊利酒店下北泽

‘The look surprises, the taste reassures.’ The chef’s passion for creativity makes his culinary spirit unique. Decoratively arranged sashimi are briefly heated to draw out moisture. The chef doesn’t serve soup dishes, as much of his cooking tailors the dashi stock to each dish. His freewheeling personality makes the evening fun, while the folk-art vibe of the interior, including a chest of drawers inherited from the chef’s grandparents, fills the air with memories and the warmth of family.

‘Lien’ is French for ‘connection’. The chef, a native of Aomori Prefecture, uses both ingredients and crockery from that region of northern Honshu. Serving salmon from the Tsugaru Strait and Aomori Shamorock chicken on Tsugaru Kanayama Yaki pottery, the chef connects guests with producers through his cuisine. The comprehensive prix fixe menu is imbued with this sense of human connection. ‘Lien’ may mean a feeling of connection, but it also means a bond.

‘Muku’ means ‘immaculate; innocent; pure’. The keynote white of the interior and the focus on the inherent flavours of ingredients are hallmarks of Tatsuki Mishima’s approach. In his native Shimane Prefecture, the chef worked at a fishmonger’s to learn about fish. He now gets his crab, abalone and rosy sea perch from that very shop, deepening relations between the two. Takikomi-gohan (rice dish seasoned with soy sauce and boiled with various ingredients) is followed by somen noodles or curry to fine-tune the palate. Tradition preserved, but with a playful spirit.

Sushi got its start as hawker food that flourished in Edo (old Tokyo). To impart a feeling for that culture, Tachiguisushi Sushikawa is a standup sushi bar (and is what the name means). No drinking snacks; this is nigiri only, which you can order piece by piece according to your taste. Sushi toppings display an old-school craftsmanship. The chef harbours doubts about the recent trend of taking sushi up-market, which is why he recreated the atmosphere of a real-deal, no-nonsense sushi joint. A sushi local where regulars come to chat with the chef.

Inside a modern space enveloped in the warmth of wood, the concept is togetherness, complementing daily life in Yoyogi Uehara. Based on Sichuan and Cantonese cuisines, the restaurant offers set meals like mapo tofu and boiled chicken during the day, and an à la carte menu in the evening. Like side dishes at home, the small dishes allow you to sample a variety of flavours. The whole crispy chicken is perfect for sharing. Friendly service makes for a pleasant experience.

Reading the signs of the times, the third owner transformed this sushi restaurant, once known for its catering, into an omakase spot serving appetizers and nigiri. Despite the modern shift, traditional Edomae techniques like ageing, marinating, and curing the fish remain unchanged. The friendly chef creates a welcoming atmosphere, while his wife skilfully handles the grilled dishes. With meticulous craftsmanship and reasonable prices, it’s easy to see why this place is a local favourite.

From down a back alley in Ikejiri, light beckons from a counter bistro. Draw closer and a crowded blackboard lists such a range of items, from French regional cuisine to Western-influenced dishes like hamburger steaks and croquettes, that you’ll hardly be able to choose. The menu doesn’t change, to keep quality consistent and high. ‘Glouton’ refers to someone who enjoys their food whole-heartedly. Every item here will tickle your fancy, and once you’ve sampled the food here, you’ll want to return.