Savoy Tomato & Cheese @ Azabu-Jūban

Mixed olives

Prosciutto and mozzarella

Polpetta meatballs

Broccoli garlic sauté

Pizza Margherita

“Pizza Y” Yamayuki Pacific bluefin tuna and wasabi pizza

Salchicha and spinach pizza

“Pizza O” Mozzarella and Ozaki beef pizza

With a heritage reaching back to the original Nakameguro Savoy of the mid-1990s (now Seirinkan), Savoy Tomato & Cheese’s internationally renowned Neapolitan pizzas have featured in Netflix series Ugly Delicious, and are gushingly described as no less than “the best in the world,” or at least “better than anything outside of Italy.”

The veracity of such assertions aside, whether it be the classic Margherita, garlicky Marinara, or the distinctly Japanese flavours of the tuna and wasabi Pizza Y, these crispy, fluffy-light pizza are undeniably fantastic.

Despite a somewhat byzantine reservation system and resulting queues (Savoy T&C is currently taking up the slack since the closure of the other Azabu-Jūban Savoy), dining at this fine pizzeria is not only a culinary delight, but also just plain fun.

Savoy Tomato & Cheese

03 3451 6699

 

Toriishi @ Sangenjaya

Appetiser of age-dōfu and abura-age

Appetiser of chikuwa and hijiki

Assorted pickles

Negima (chicken and green onion) and chicken hearts

Cucumber with miso paste

Chicken Liver

ninniku-yaki (garlic)

Tsukune (chicken mince) stuffed peppers

Potato salad

Nankotsu karaage (deep fried chicken cartilage)

Chicken and kimchi fried rice

Ginnan (gingko nuts)

Chicken and egg fried rice

Toriishi is a wonderful neighbourhood yakitori-ya which although less refined than some more up-market takes on grilled chicken, nevertheless remains immensely popular and deserving of repeat visits.   

Known for the quality of its yakitori standards, catch-of-the-day sashimi and moreish bowls of fried rice, Toriishi’s popularity is bolstered by generous portions, excellent cost performance, lively atmosphere and proximity to Sangenjaya station.

As reservations aren’t accepted, arriving early to avoid extended waits is advisable.

Toriishi

03 5430 1002

 

Shirogane Baru @ Shirogane

Tomato, peppers and olive appetizer

Jamon Iberico Bellota

Anchovy potatoes

Gruyère cheese grilled asparagus

Charcoal grilled pincho of black pork loin and horse skirt steak

Iberico pork and porcini paella

Basque cheesecake

Opera cake

A fixture of the Ebisu 3-chome/ Shirogane shōtengai intersection’s lively dining scene, Shirogane Baru has been serving up tasty tapas, paella and basque cheesecake amidst a cozy kitchen-counter setting for nigh on two decades.

Perhaps a little behind more contemporary takes on classic Spanish cuisine, the menu nevertheless provides plenty of variety, supplemented by a reasonably priced wine list (the thirsty can enjoy a second bottle at half price).

The popular basque cheesecake is also available for takeout or online purchase.

Shirogane Bar

03 5423 3236

 

Shirogane Toritama Bekkan @ Ebisu

Tōfu with mis0 paste

Seseri

Asparagus

Sasami topped with wasabi

Chicken wings

Ginkgo nuts

Dashimaki tamago

Chicken liver

Tsukune

Seasonal vegetable salad

Bonbori “paper lantern”

Quail eggs

Popular with yakitori aficionados and gourmands alike, Toritama enjoys an internationally recognized reputation for quality ingredients, a particular focus on rarer chicken parts (in some cases as many as six chickens are required to create a single skewer), and a knack for wine and sake pairings that further elevate the dining experience.

A cut above most neighbourhood yakitori-ya, the menu, service and ambience is marked by a simplicity and confidence that draws eager yet discerning crowds year round.

Shirogane Toritama Bekkan

03 3447 5520

 

Nishoku @ Jiyūgaoka

Green olives with konbu

Broccoli and garlic sauté

Menma

Pickled zha cai with garlic and chilli

Aji fry

Mabō tōfu

Four cheese oven baked gnocchi

Fresh pasta with cheese and black pepper

Rigatoni with beef tongue bolognese

Now in its second year, Nishoku is a popular Jiyūgaoka dining spot favoured by a younger set.

The standing bar area to the front of the restaurant is usually rather lively, while the second floor provides a cosier atmosphere with views overlooking the surrounding neighbourhood. More experienced diners will likely enjoy the counter seating before the open kitchen for its calm and proximity to the wine cooler.

The menu offers an enjoyable combination of modern izakaya classics with a strong focus on deep-fried dishes (the aji fry with home made tartar sauce is excellent), and Italian cuisine, including some delicious pastas. A small but interesting selection of generously priced natural wines adds to the charm.

Nishoku

03 5755 5064