Shin'ōtei
新鶯亭
Recent Reviews
I stopped by this cafe during a stroll through Ueno Park. The atmosphere surrounded by greenery is lovely, but the interior is rather ordinary. While it doesn't offer full meals, it specializes in light snacks like anmitsu (sweet bean jelly dessert) and oden (hot pot). You pay at the table when your food arrives. The dango (dumplings) were average, but it's a good place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the park.
She said, 'This atmosphere is so nice!' when we visited Ueno Park, so we stopped by. The restaurant, located within Ueno Park, has a calming ambiance like an old Japanese house, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. We shared a sweet treat of anmitsu and Japanese shaved ice, taking a break from our daily routines. Watching her savor the sweets, I felt a moment of liberation from the constraints of work, and it was truly blissful. ...We had worked up a sweat, so we took a break nearby to enjoy some time together.
Before heading to Ueno Zoo from the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, I stopped by this teahouse near the main gate for a quick snack of 'uguisu dango' (sparrow dumplings). I enjoyed the soft, three-colored bean paste dumplings. They have an English menu. It's not a place for a full meal, but rather a teahouse where you can enjoy light snacks and Japanese sweets at reasonable prices. It's located in the shade of trees, and they have refreshing summer menus like shaved ice, so I'd like to visit again.
I used to go to Ueno Park frequently because my workplace was nearby, but I was unaware of this shop's existence. Both the dumplings and shaved ice were delicious. While the explanations seemingly aimed at inbound tourists felt a bit awkward, the staff were friendly. Payment was cash or PayPay. It was relatively empty during lunchtime on a weekday. Next time, I want to try the oden with beer.
Guided by the stepping stones, you approach the entrance, where a deep brown noren curtain hangs, adorned with the characters "鶯団子" (Uguisu Dango). The interior design is also steeped in Japanese aesthetics, with wooden tables, shoji screens, and hanging scrolls. The greenery of the garden reflected in the windows is refreshing. On a fine day, it's delightful to take a seat at one of the tables or on the veranda set up in a corner of the garden. There are numerous restaurants and cafes within the park, and in recent years, trendy cafes like Starbucks have become increasingly prominent. Amidst this, 'Shin Oguritei,' established in 1915 during the Taisho era, stands out as an old-fashioned establishment. Its tranquil presence exudes an air of sophistication.