Juban Ukyo @ Ebisu

February 25, 2019 Dave Perry

***Avocado and tomato salad with mascarpone***

***Tai, maguro, mackerel and kampachi sashimi***

***Aubergine topped with miso mince meat***

The Ebisu iteration of Azabu Juban's popular Franco-Japanese fusion restaurant focuses on regional Japanese cuisine supplemented by an extensive array of quality sake.

With an approach that is more dining-bar chic than traditional izakaya, the juxtaposition of tatami and gilded screens with monogrammed Louis Vuitton upholstery and 1980s ghetto blasters lends an air of sophisticated intimacy to the dining experience.

Not to be outshone be the interior aesthetic the food is also suitably instagenic, if somewhat blingy, with several signature dishes such as the egg rice and potato salad being laced with gold leaf and truffle shavings.

Juban Ukyo

03 3440 7888

Barrafina @ Drury Lane

July 30, 2018 Dave Perry

Barrafina on Drury Lane is one of three lauded family owned tapas restaurants in central London proffering perfectly executed tapas alongside a considered array of wines and sherries.

Stylish yet unpretentious presentation, quality ingredients, great cooking and attentive service combine to create a dining experience to be relished and not easily forgotten.

Reservations aren't accepted, so best to arrive early and join the queue.

Barrafina

Emilia @ Jingumae

June 30, 2018 Dave Perry

***Fish carpaccio with peppers, tomatoes and snap peas***

***Ayu with coriander confi and porcini***

***Thick cut pasta with cabbage and mushroom***

***Mozzarella, aubergine, tomato and basil salad***

***Ricotta cheese and spinach filled tortellone***

***Pan-fried sea bream with grilled vegetables***

***Fruit cake with figs and mascarpone***

Emilia is a casual neighborhood Italian specializing in the cuisine and wines of the Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont regions of northern Italy. It is also sister shop to Shimo-Kitazawa’s Daniela.

The relaxed setting, hand made pastas, eclectic game meats and generous courses are backed up with an extensive wine list and unrivaled cost performance.

At peak times the service can be erratic, but even this somehow adds to the charm of this fine restaurant.

Emilia

03 3402 5517

Toliuo @ Ebisu

May 31, 2018 Dave Perry

***Zensai moriawase - boiled egg with ikura***

**Zucchini, tomatoes and genovese spaghetti**

Lamb chops with lotus root and grilled tomato — ***Lamb chops with lotus root and grilled*** ***tomato***

The abundance of izakaya-bistro-baru fusion restaurants in Tokyo makes Toliuo feel less original than once it did, and yet its yakitori and tapas wine bar concept is still enjoyable.

Seasonal changes ensure the menu remains interesting, ranging from yakitori basics and sashimi to Spanish, French and Italian inspired dishes supplemented by a small selection of reasonably priced wines.

The signature dish, a bountiful omakase zensai moriawase, is not to be missed.

Toliuo

03 3446 3381

Ruuust @ Honmachi

April 30, 2018 Dave Perry

Situated in the more hospitable part of Honmachi around the Goryo Shrine, Trattoria RUUUST offers pared down Italian dining and interior design aesthetics befitting the Hipster-traveller crowd its host hotel, Hotel androoms, is intended to serve.

The concept hinges on handmade fresh pasta paired with surprisingly good local wines (in this case a Kobe red). Breakfast is reserved for hotel guests, but lunch and dinner are open to the public.

The risotto lunch, while not as voluminous as that a block over at Italian Sasuke, is rather good, offering excellent cost performance paired with pleasantly calm surroundings and attentive service.

Ruuust

06 6479 3922