Mintei @ Shimo-Kitazawa

Rapa Tsai (Chinese cabbage) kimchi appetizer

Menma (fermented bamboo shoots)

Sake

Zāsai (pickled zha cai)

Gyoza

Fried rice

Edokko rāmen

‘Rā-chan’ set

Tantanmen

Perhaps the most famous of Shimo-Kita’s Chinese eateries, Mintei is a venerable ‘machi-chūka’ frequented, and occasionally staffed, by aspiring performers and bona fide celebrities (Yutaka Matsuhige of Solitary Gourmet fame worked the kitchen in the 1980s). 

Established in 1964, the place is steeped in a disheveled Shōwa era charm, with shoulder-to-shoulder counter seating on the ground floor and more spacious zashiki dining on the tatami clad upper floor. 

The menu encompasses a wide variety of generously proportioned (the rāmen bowls are immense) chūka classics and some Mintei specialties such as pink fried rice (due to the red chāshū pork cooked into it) and chicken broth Edokko Rāmen; both of which can be enjoyed as part of a half-and-half ‘Rā-chan’ combo. 

Mintei

03 3466 7355

 

Iron House @ Meguro

Onion potage

Meat and vegetable soup

Olives and pickled onions

Zensai moriawase - ham, pâté de campagne, salmon and yellowtail marinade, ratatouille, grilled mushrooms

Zensai moriawase - roast duck, foie gras purée with marmalade, deviled eggs, pickles

Dill cream cheese with honey and red peppercorns

Hokkaido ‘Ezo shika’ venison with mushrooms, onions and mashed potato

Roast peppered-steak with fries

Grilled lamb chops with seasonal vegetables and mashed potato

Cheese risotto

Crème brûlée

Amidst a year of curfews, take-out stalls and restaurant closures the gents over at Trunk have added a welcome helping of cheer to Meguro’s dining scene with their newly opened sister shop, Iron House.

Essentially a polished copy of the original (although menu diversification is planned), the open kitchen, counter seating, hearty French fare and quaffable wines ensure a pleasurable - if rather familiar - dining experience. 

Iron House

03 4362 0426

 

Bistro Trois-Quarts @ Shoinjinja-mae

Appetizer

Foie gras and bacon wrap

Pate de campagne

Fresh baked bread with pork rillettes

Smoked salmon with marinated dill and oeuf mayonnaise

Smoke duck breast with goats cheese, walnuts and seasonal fruits

Chef Kinoshita

Onion gratin

Pan fried sea bream

Steak frites

Pan fried sea bream with scallops and seasonal vegetables

Beef cheeks stewed in red wine

Hokkaido venison

Apricot and orange creme brûlée

A perennial favourite, this lovingly tended neighbourhood bistro offers a delightful combination of warm hospitality and punchy tasting bistro classics. 

Chef Kinoshita and his wife are gracious hosts whom ensure that every visit delights. His cooking is bold yet unpretentious, while Mrs. Kinoshita’s fresh baked bread alone is worth repeat visits. The wine list is ‘politely priced’ and worthy of thorough exploration. 

Under current pandemic conditions the à la carte menu has been suspended in favour of a chef’s omakase course, although specific requests for inclusion can be made in advance. 

Bistro Trois Quarts

03 5787 6362

 

Plat Home @ Kanazawa

Assorted pickles - cauliflower, aubergine, daikon, perilla leaves

Roasted ginko nuts and chestnuts

Sashimi of tuna, bonito, Japanese sandfish and yellowtail

Parma ham wrapped asparagus

Tempura of lotus root and Japanese sandfish with mushrooms

Roast beef with seasonal vegetables

Adding a touch of sophistication to an otherwise drab part of town, Plat Home specializes in a contemporary blend of Japanese and western cuisines prepared with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. 

Set in a renovated storehouse, the tastefully pared down interior and antique furnishing provide the perfect backdrop to chef Okagawa’s cosy open kitchen.  

Portions tend to be small, lending themselves to tapas-style dining and the sampling of a variety of dishes and cooking styles. 

Plat Home

076 256 5075

 

Curio Espresso and Vintage Design @ Kanazawa

Caffe latte

Croissant

Chocolate chip oatmeal cookie

Greek style chicken sandwich with potato chips and orange

Greek style chicken sandwich with onions and tomatoes

Pulled pork with cabbage and cheese sandwich

Espresso

A must-stop on the Kanazawa tourist trail and a popular community space for locals, Curio Espresso and Vintage Design is the creation of a husband-and-wife team hailing from Seattle and Kanazawa who bring their knowledge of Seattle’s coffee to this charming coffeeshop located near the Omicho market.

Deliciously punchy Seattle-style coffee using a house-blend from Kanazawa roaster Ally Caffe, teas and a small selection of wines and craft beers ensure a relaxing visit. The kitchen serves wholesome food, including vegetarian and vegan options, ranging from croissants and carrot cake to greek-style open sandwiches and not-to-be-missed barbecue pulled pork. 

A favourite stop for breakfast and a coffee fix, Curio Espresso and Vintage Design is the perfect place to start the day, glean local knowledge from the proprietors or unwind after sightseeing. 

Curio Espresso and Vintage Design

076 231 5543