Hyperlocal Tokyo

I'm a regular here for lunch! For the price, the main menu, plus soup and a drink bar, is a great value in Nihonbashi. Today I had the gratin lunch. The food comes out quickly, which is great for a busy lunch hour when you only have an hour. I've never been here for dinner, but it seems like it would be a good place for a group dinner with Italian food to share, or a cozy date night at the counter, which has a wine bar vibe.

I dined at this restaurant on August 20, 2024, at 6:30 PM, enjoying their dinner course. It included a delightful appetizer platter, a trio of meats, pizza, pilaf, and unlimited drinks for two hours, all for 5,000 yen.

Located in a slightly dim basement along Sakura-dori Street near Tokyo Station. I used to frequent this place for quick drinks, but this was my first visit for lunch in years. I chose the roast beef bowl and the pork cutlet bowl. Both were delicious, and I think the value is great at 1000 yen with soup and a drink bar included. I visited again for the first time in years in 2024. The lunch menu had expanded. I ordered the gratin and the chicken nanban bowl. It's a good deal with soup and a drink bar included.

The food is delicious. However, I was disappointed with the plating. Of course, this is a photo taken before I used chopsticks. It was a busy time, a little before noon, and almost fully booked, so I understand, but it was so different from the menu and reviews... But the meat was solid and delicious, and I love the free-refill soup, which has a gentle flavor. I will definitely come back again, so I'm hoping for a more appealing plate next time.

I was strongly drawn in by the happy hour offer of ¥390 until 6:30 PM. I started with beer and then had two glasses of sparkling wine, but it wasn't enough so I ended up with white wine. The staff, who were beautiful and charming, almost like former Takarazuka actresses, provided excellent service. Everyone around me was enjoying the happy hour to the fullest. I ordered pasta to finish off the meal, and they kindly split it into two portions for us. Fantastic! 👍 It's close to Tokyo Station, affordable, and the food is delicious. I was completely satisfied. When I went back a few days later, it was fully booked and I couldn't get in. I'll definitely try to go again, aiming for happy hour.