Daniela @ Shimo-Kitazawa

October 12, 2019 Dave Perry

***Tajarin pasta topped with summer truffles***

***Long pasta with summer truffles and fungi***

Sister shop to Jingumae favourite Emilia, Daniela serves another helping of deliciously unpretentious Italian cuisine.

There’s a casual, homely look and feel to the restaurant, including a small deli counter for take out purchases. The terrace out front makes for pleasant weekend el fresco lunching, although the residential neighbourhood limits potential for people watching.

True to form the fresh made pasta, lasagne and truffle topped dishes delight, although the menu (which doesn’t change for lunch nor dinner) feels somewhat limited and pricier than Emilia’s, so perhaps better for lunchtime visits rather than dinner.

Daniela

03 3487 6086

Sincere @ Sendagaya

October 6, 2019 Dave Perry

***Hokkaido green asparagus with foie gras ravioli***

***Sustainable seafood - tuna, celeriac with curry mousse***

***Fried ayu with bamboo shots and consommé***

***Roasted guinea fowl with wild vegetables***

***Strawberry with Yomogi cream and sake***

***Citrus tamurana with fresh ricotta and green shiso***

Maintaining the momentum of his previous successes, owner-chef Ishii Shinsuke’s Sincere is a Michelin starred restaurant popular among both local and visiting gourmands; so much so that reservations are best made a couple of months in advance.

Complimenting the concept of a restaurant with a “playful yet sophisticated atmosphere with depth” the dining floor looks upon an expansive open kitchen which serves as stage for Chef Ishii and his team’s culinary flourishes. Underlying the playful artistry and presentation is classic French cuisine.

Courses offer a captivating and filling journey along a seasonally inspired story comprised of local and regional produce. Aside from delicious home baked breads, seemingly endless hors d’oeuvres and excellent grilled and roasted meats, the signature dish is surely the taiyaki inspired fish pie.

Sincere

03 6804 2006

Caffe Ponte @ Hiroshima

August 25, 2019 Dave Perry

***Oyster and potherb mustard risotto***

The aptly named Caffe Ponte sits at the foot of the bridge and pier to Miyajima at the east-end of the Motoyasu River, opposite the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome.

As well as quality Italian cuisine, a gelato stand and lauded Hiroshima oysters this charming restaurant offers that rarest of Japanese treats; an al fresco dining experience with a pleasant riverside view.

Dishes focus on Italian staples created with regional organic vegetables, seafood and meats. The pizzas and pastas are popular choices but the local oyster dishes, such as the oyster and potherb mustard risotto or baked ‘escargot’ oysters, are not to be missed.

For dessert, try the salt milk ice cream and lemon sorbet.

Caffe Ponte

082 247 7471

Chirori @ Okayama

August 24, 2019 Dave Perry

***Pan-fried lotus root with blue cheese***

***Omori tofu and Bizen vegetable sesame salad***

***Bisei beef cheek with soft boiled egg***

***Italian style claypot vegetable risotto***

Although to the casual passerby Chirori appears to be a Showa era coffee shop, closer inspection reveals a cozy Japanese bistro with an inviting retro interior.

Specializing in farm to table Bizen (Okayama) vegetables and fresh caught seafood from Shimotsui Fishing Port, the menu offers an interesting array of Japanese and European inspired dishes ranging from simple, clean tasting vegetable risottos to rich, saucy curries and stews.

Chirori

086 207 2273

Canvas Tokyo @ Hiroo

August 14, 2019 Dave Perry

***Flat white, blood orange juice and soya Nico donuts***

Popular among tourists and hipster cafe aficionados for its ‘instagenic’ facade and minimalist interior, Canvas Tokyo is an 'open concept store' comprising a svelte cafe and exhibition space.

A range of coffees (including flat whites sporting great latte art) is available, as well as organic teas, soya-based smoothies and fruit juices.

The food menu offers a small selection of sandwiches (purchased by weight, the pulled pork sandwich is delicious), croissants and salad lunch bowls; our favourites being the chili con carne and tender beer-stewed pork varieties.

The sweeter toothed can enjoy chewy soya donuts from Azabu-Juban's popular Nico Donuts - the magical pairing of which with a soya smoothie is an Instagram #canvastokyo institution.

Canvas Tokyo

03 6432 5700