Hyperlocal Tokyo

I had lunch here during a business trip to Tokyo. The menu featured several types of curry, Hayashi rice, and the option to combine two dishes. I chose the A5-rank Matsusaka beef Royal Black Curry and the Matsusaka beef Hayashi rice combination, adding the lunch set. The set included a small combination salad and a small scoop of mountain pepper-flavored ice cream. There were three ice cream flavors to choose from, or you could opt for coffee instead. The salad arrived first. It was beautifully presented and every vegetable was delicious. Despite its small size, the portion was just right. The Matsusaka beef Royal Black Curry contained a generous amount of Matsusaka beef. The meat was incredibly flavorful, and the rich, savory taste of the fat lingered on the palate with each bite. It truly lived up to its A5-rank reputation. However, the sweetness of the crisp onions balanced out the richness, preventing it from becoming overwhelming. The curry was mildly spicy but full of flavor, with a lingering spice aftertaste. The Hayashi rice had a slightly tangy flavor, but it also complemented the Matsusaka beef and onions perfectly. Both dishes were truly exceptional. It was definitely a good idea to choose the combination option and enjoy both flavors. Although located in Tokyo Station, the restaurant had a luxurious atmosphere. Even the counter seats were spacious and comfortable, allowing for a relaxing dining experience.

Located on the basement floor of Gransta Tokyo, within the Tokyo Station ticket gates, Toyoken is a Western-style restaurant famous for its exquisite black curry, established by Hirobumi Ito. The interior is elegant and refined, with a European flair. The staff, dressed in sharp suits, provide sophisticated service, adding to the ambiance. The clientele consists of refined adults ranging from 30 to 70 years old, enjoying meals solo or in groups, catering to various occasions. As a huge fan of Toyoken, I've tried most of their menu, but their signature dish is undoubtedly the black curry. If you're unsure, go for the black curry. The difference between the Royal Black Curry and the regular black curry is that the Royal version includes chunks of Matsusaka beef, so I highly recommend choosing the Royal. The meal starts with a salad. The use of a variety of vegetables and the unique way the tomatoes are cut are a testament to the restaurant's status as a renowned Western-style establishment. And here is the famous "Matsusaka Beef Royal Black Curry." Toyoken's black curry boasts a deep flavor profile, with sweetness and richness followed by a lingering spiciness. This curry is meticulously crafted over a month, starting with a three-week slow-cooking process of Matsusaka beef, flour, and onions, followed by the addition of vegetables. This meticulous process brings out the inherent sweetness and umami of the Matsusaka beef. The Royal Black Curry elevates this already profound curry to a unique and sublime level by adding the rich flavor of the generously incorporated Matsusaka beef and the crisp sweetness of the onions. While it's true that the price is on the higher side, making it less suitable for everyday lunches, indulging in such a luxurious lunch once in a while is a treat. Located within the Tokyo Station ticket gates and accepting reservations, it's also an excellent choice for business dinners. ① I also share my Tokyo food discoveries on YouTube! Search for "Harley's Gourmet" (100,000 subscribers). ② On Instagram and my web media, I feature delicious food in Toshima Ward! Search for "Harley's Gourmet" on Instagram and "Ikebukuro Channel" on the web.

This is a high-end Western restaurant located inside the station's ticket gate. The prices are on the higher side. The curry is over ¥3,000, but they also offer a half portion, which is around ¥1,000. The Matsusaka Beef Royal Black Curry is a fairly sweet European-style curry. It has a deep flavor, as if various ingredients have been simmered together. The meat is delicious, as you'd expect from Matsusaka Beef.

Upon returning from my trip, I stopped by this restaurant located inside the Tokyo Station ticket gate. It's a long-established Western-style restaurant founded in Meiji era, originating from Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. This time, I sat at the counter. Despite being located in the station, they provide cloth napkins, a feature of high-end establishments. The menu features black curry and Hayashi rice using Matsuzaka beef, as well as other options like shrimp and oyster cutlets, hamburgers, and stews. The prices are quite high for a restaurant in a station. This time, I ordered the black curry made with 100% Matsuzaka beef, a menu item that has been on the menu since the restaurant's founding, with a small combination salad and a choice of ice cream or coffee for ¥2,420. First came the salad. The vegetables were fresh. It included potato salad and boiled eggs, making it visually appealing, and the dressing was excellent. It could stand on its own as a dish. Next came the black curry. The sauce was served in a generous sauce pot. It was a curry that allowed you to savor the rich flavor of the melted beef. The spiciness wasn't overwhelming, but it had a lingering warmth. It takes almost a month to prepare, but the curry roux is truly a concentrated essence of flavor. It may not be visually striking, but it has a rich, complex taste. And I've never seen such elegant pickles, haha! The chai ice cream for dessert was subtly sweet, a sophisticated flavor. Indeed, from the curry to the salad, and including the dessert, it gave the impression of a Western-style restaurant for adults. The atmosphere was quiet, allowing for a leisurely meal. Next time, I'd like to try the pudding. I wonder if it's an adult-style pudding!?

The Matsusaka Beef Royal Black Curry was delicious. It was on the sweeter side, but perhaps due to the sweetness of the sauteed onions, it blended perfectly with the savory flavor of the beef, making it incredibly tasty. Even though it's located in the station basement, the restaurant itself is well-appointed and provided a calm and relaxing atmosphere for dining.