Hyperlocal Tokyo

It was the perfect space for me. In addition to the regular set menu, there were 2-3 seasonal set meals. There was a wide variety, making me want to visit again and again. I chose the meat and tofu set meal. The taste was, of course, delicious. Another highlight was that the rice for the set meal could be chosen from white rice, mixed grains, or seasonal cooked rice. None of these options changed the price. And refills were free! When I asked for a refill, I could choose from white rice, mixed grains, or seasonal cooked rice again! By the way, the seasonal cooked rice was chestnut rice! I went there on a weekday afternoon, and there were many people dining alone, so I felt comfortable being alone. Also, I sat at a large table that was divided, so it was good that I was far from other customers.

This restaurant has tables with kotatsu (a Japanese heated table) and is popular with families with children. They offer a lunch set with three types of rice: white rice, brown rice, and seasonal rice, all of which are refillable. In autumn, they served chestnut rice. The lunch sets come with a variety of dishes and side dishes, making for a balanced and satisfying meal. If you run out of main dishes, there's also bonito flakes on the table for you to sprinkle on your rice and enjoy another serving.

While the rice is advertised as a highlight, it wasn't particularly delicious. It was no different from what I could cook at home. The karaage (fried chicken) tasted like the kind you'd find at a family restaurant. The shape and flavor were strikingly similar. The miso soup tasted like instant, and the side dishes like pickles were the same quality as those found in supermarket bento boxes. The vegetables were pre-cut. Considering the price of 1,700 yen, it felt incredibly expensive. It felt like they were trying to make cheap ingredients look luxurious.

The atmosphere is calm and traditional Japanese, with a few solo diners at the counter, making it comfortable for anyone, regardless of the number of people in their party. There are regular tables, sunken seating (horigotatsu), and private rooms for groups. The food is all delicious, and rice is refillable, with a choice of clam rice, corn rice, or plain white rice. The karaage (fried chicken) is free with an Instagram follow, and you can choose between karaage or croquettes.

I arrived at around 11:30 am on a weekday. I was seated at the counter, which was spacious enough for one person. I had the lunch set pictured, and everything was delicious. I thought the rice portion was a bit small, but the staff kindly offered me a refill, which I gladly accepted. When I left around noon, there were about 10 people waiting near the entrance. There were also quite a few people leaving, so I think the turnover is good. I'd like to visit again for dinner sometime.