Sushi Hasegawa @ Nishi-Azabu

November 4, 2019 Dave Perry

Nestled in a quiet back street just a stone’s throw from Roppongi station, Sushi Hasegawa’s Nishi-Azabu outpost offers tastefully appointed counter seating and private rooms perfect for entertaining.

We opted for the Taketori course menu consisting of nine traditional kaiseki style courses comprised of seasonal produce and ingredients; appetizers, soup, steamed, simmered, boiled, grilled and pickled dishes followed by a selection of sashimi and seven nigiri sushi before closing with a (forgettable) dessert.

Sushi Hasegawa

050 5872 2889

Pizza 17 @ Jiyugaoka

October 29, 2019 Dave Perry

Since its 2012 debut, owner-chef Inamura’s authentic Neapolitan kiln-baked pizzas have established Pizza 17 (locally referred to as ‘pittsua ina’) as the preeminent pizzeria in the Jiyugaoka area - queues are to be expected daily for lunch or dinner, so reservations are advised.

With counter seating on the first floor (our favourite for the kiln-side action and hospitality) and tables on the second, Pizza 17 suits lone diners, couples and (small) groups alike.

You’ll not find pastas or other Italian staples here; the focus is on a dozen or so delicious pizza, which easily hold their own against the usual suspects among Tokyo pizza rankings (the prosciutto and rucola pizza is fabulous), supplemented by simple ‘antipasto and speciallita,’ which make great accompaniments for the small selection of reasonably priced wines.

Pizza 17

03 6421 1724

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