MATSUBARA Inn by Tranova

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.

‘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.

Since the days of their apprenticeship, the chef and sommelier have encouraged each other through friendly rivalry. Their decision to locate DIALOGUE in a residential area stems from their desire to become a familiar face to the region. Lunches are prix fixe; dinners, à la carte. Much-loved French standards populate the menu. True to its name, the restaurant offers a sprawling menu in hopes that the choices available will stimulate conversation. The fun of choosing and the joy of tasting bring hearts together.

A trattoria where à la carte dining is encouraged with a comprehensive menu of regional cuisines. Pici served with tomato ragú laden with garlic and vegetable sformato are all flavours learned in the Italian countryside. A marble bar counter and Tuscan-style stone walls create a stylish space inspired by interiors in Tuscany. Steps from Shoin Shrine, this is Italian food culture with deep roots in daily life.

Creative dining focused on affinity with sake. Appetisers are served as a combination platter, the better to keep the libations flowing. Tsukuri feature ingenious arrangements of condiments. Uniquely, meat dishes are an indispensable part. Each dish is generous, making every morsel an unforgettable memory. The collection of sake and shochu, amassed on visits to breweries, is impressive; as the shop specialises in local tipples, the wine and whisky selection is also strictly Japanese.

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.

The billboard says ‘Chinese home cooking, Yoshida style’ and refers to nourishing Chinese food, based on yakuzen (medicinal food). Having experienced the healing power of Chinese cuisine, the owner-chef strives to devise dishes that restore bodily vigour. Helpful comments on the menu detail the effects of each, such as how mapo tofu stimulates the appetite, or sweet and sour pork with black vinegar relieves fatigue. The Beatles and other classics play in the background, making everyone feel at home.