Shirogane Baru @ Shirogane

December 12, 2022 Dave Perry

***Tomato, peppers and olive appetizer***

***Charcoal grilled pincho of black pork loin and horse skirt steak***

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

November 28, 2022 Dave Perry

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

October 31, 2022 Dave Perry

***Pickled zha cai with garlic and chilli***

***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

Current @ Itoshima

October 19, 2022 Dave Perry

Perched upon the foothills overlooking the Nogita coast and Genkai Sea, Bakery Restaurant Current is a comfortable terrace cafe and dining spot from which to enjoy views of one of Itoshima’s many beautiful beaches.

The bakery offers a variety of delicious breads, pastries and cakes, while the restaurant menu provides simple, yet satisfying, set courses comprised of appetizers, breads, pasta and grilled fish or meat dishes utilising local produce.

Course meals can be supplemented with a cake chosen from among the many displayed in the bakery.

Current

092 330 5789

Kawatarō @ Nakasu

September 29, 2022 Dave Perry

***Ika ikezukuri (live squid sashimi)***

Kawatarō claims to be the first restaurant in Japan to install an on-site fish pool from which the very freshest seafood could be served, pool-to-table. The validity of such a claim aside, this sprawling, delightfully retro Shōwa era restaurant is popular among both locals and visitors alike.

The menu encompasses a variety of fresh seafood from the Genkai Sea, but the star of the show is undoubtedly the Fukuoka speciality ika-ikezukuri; bite sized sashimi prepared from the torso of live Yobuko squid. The result, as the still living squid arrives at your table, is a surprisingly sweet tasting, slightly chewy and transparent flesh the flavour of which is best brought out with either salt or soy sauce and wasabi.

Several prix fixe courses are available, utilizing the whole squid to create ika-ikezukuri, shūmai dumplings, geso (squid leg tempura) and soup, accompanied by several delicate appetizers, simmered dishes and a dessert.

Kawatarō

092 271 2133