Hyperlocal Tokyo

This restaurant is famous for its Hayashi Rice. It's a welcoming place for people of all ages, from solo diners to families, and the atmosphere is always lively. The window seats offer a charming view of trains arriving and departing from Tokyo Station. The menu features Hayashi Rice as the main attraction, along with curry and a wide selection of desserts. One drawback is that the staff can become flustered when the restaurant gets busy. It can be a bit startling when they rush past tables. Given the overall ambiance, a more relaxed approach to service would be preferable. Depending on the time of year, there may be time limits for dining. If you're looking for a leisurely meal, it's best to check for any restrictions beforehand.

I visited on a weekday afternoon and there was a bit of a wait. My partner ordered the "Bungou" Cream Soda and Lemon Cake, while I had tea and a rare cheesecake set. The interior was clean and comfortable, with ample space between tables. If you get a window seat, you can even look down on Tokyo Station, which might be a good thing for train enthusiasts. The staff was also quick and efficient. The tea had a mild, easy-to-drink flavor. The cakes were just okay.

📍 M&C Cafe Marunouchi Oazo The original 'Hayashi Rice'! Its gravy is rich and flavorful. [Nearest Station] JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit → 2-minute walk * Marunouchi Oazo 4F "M&C CAFE" is a collaboration cafe with Maruzen, a long-established bookstore with a history of 140 years. It's a place where you can enjoy the original 'Hayashi Rice', said to have been invented by Yuuteki Hayashi, the founder of Maruzen. Maruzen bookstore is on the 4th floor of Oazo, and the cafe is located behind it. I visited on a weekday around 7:30 PM without a reservation, and there were only about 6 other groups of customers, so I was able to get in right away. With 68 seats, it's quite spacious, so you might be able to get in even without a reservation. The seat I was assigned was by the window, and I enjoyed my meal overlooking the Marunouchi street and watching people go by. It was quite open and pleasant. I was excited to try the original Hayashi Rice, and I was also surprised to learn that 'Hayashi' is actually written with the same characters as '早矢仕'! I decided to enjoy the flavor after doing a little research on its history. [Today's Order] *All prices are inclusive of tax ◉ Steak Hayashi Rice ¥2,500 ◉ Soup Set ¥500 ◉ Drink Set ¥450 ▶︎▶︎▶︎ I was torn between the regular Hayashi Rice with a fluffy egg and the Steak Hayashi Rice, but I chose the Steak Hayashi Rice for its luxurious appearance. The gravy is incredibly rich and flavorful. The first bite is a delightful balance of tomato acidity and sweetness. The rich and savory flavor of the demi-glace sauce adds depth to the overall taste. There's a hint of butter and red wine aroma, creating a complex and delicious flavor. However, there was one disappointing point... The meat was overcooked and tough... It would have been perfect if it hadn't been for that... ◉ Lemon Cake ¥880 ▶︎▶︎▶︎ The lemon-shaped jelly is refreshing in both appearance and taste, making it a perfect pick-me-up. The jelly is filled inside, and topped with lemon mousse. The natural aroma and flavor of lemon blend beautifully with the jelly and mousse, making it enjoyable until the very last bite. It was a truly special dessert that I would definitely want to try again. Thank you for the meal! Phew...

This cafe is located on the 3rd floor of Maruzen Nihonbashi, a famous bookstore. I went there to try the "Hayashi Rice", a dish invented by the founder of Maruzen, Yuteki Hayash. It's part of their lunch menu, which includes a salad and a drink for ¥1,580. "Hayashi Rice" is written as "早矢仕ライス" but pronounced "Hayashi Rice." This means that this restaurant is the origin of Hayashi Rice. The sweetness of the onions, which were probably simmered for a long time, created a deep and rich flavor. The "Hayashi Rice" was served on a retro, elegant plate with a gold rim, and it looked familiar. Then it hit me! The Hayashi Rice served at the restaurant in the NHK morning drama "Tiger's Wings" was almost certainly an homage to this place. The coffee served after the meal was also a delicious, nostalgic, and gentle cup of coffee.

I visited for the first time. I was seated by the window. The weather was nice, so the sky was reflected in the buildings outside, which was beautiful. You can also see the trains well, so I would definitely recommend it for those who like trains and want to relax. The staff were attentive, not only refilling our water frequently but also wiping down the table that had gotten wet from condensation. I was happy with their thoughtful service. It was fairly busy at 2 pm on a weekday, so I'd like to come back when it's a little quieter next time.