Chow down: Eat where the locals go
Kabuki Soba (歌舞伎座の脇役「歌舞伎そば」)
Originally located right at the front of the Kabuki building, the popular soba noodle shop now dishes up soba noodles around the back after the iconic building was renovated. The most popular item is the morikake soba – a steal at only 470 yen. Soba is served with various fried crispy items, in particular a type of tempura called kakiage. Kabuki Soba fans dash here to get their daily soba fix and you’ll have to try it to understand why.
Opening hours: 11am - 6.30pm (last orders at 6.15pm); closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays
Tel: +81 3 3543 4515
http://www.kabuki-za.co.jp/eat/outside/soba.html
Iseya Sohonten (井之頭公園の顔「いせや総本店」)
The former butcher’s shop has an 80-year history on Inogashira Street and is a local favourite for some freshly grilled yakitori (skewered chicken). Japanese bars serving up yakitori, beer and sake are a popular stop for professionals who want to unwind after work and they’re also an ideal place for you to catch up with friends after a busy day of sightseeing.
Here, yakitori prices start from 80 yen, making it a very busy shop. However, you can still look forward to a great atmosphere.
Niku no Mansei (「肉の万世」、ステーキ界の王様)
Niku no Mansei was established in 1949 in Akihabara as a butcher and deli but today is a popular restaurant chain specialising in steak. People come in droves to enjoy the tender steak and sukiyaki, a beef and soy hotpot. Sukiyaki is one of their pricier dishes, but the lunch set sukiyaki (2,800 yen) has more than enough meat to satisfy carnivores and yet stay wallet-friendly.
Opening hours: please refer to the website for different timings
Tel: +81 3 3251 0291
http://www.niku-mansei.com/foreign_language/index.html
Kauboi (ゆるいハンバーグハウスの「ステーキ・ハンバーグ カウボーイ」)
Kauboi is tucked away in a narrow, quiet alley far from the busy shopping hordes. Enjoy juicy hamburgers or steaks, all served with fresh salads. Its steaks also arrive in dramatic fashion, sizzling on a hot iron plate. As a bonus, the coffee is free!
Amaikko (愛は永遠に かき氷 甘いっこ)
The former butcher’s shop has an 80-year history on Inogashira Street and is a local favourite for some freshly grilled yakitori (skewered chicken). Japanese bars serving up yakitori, beer and sake are a popular stop for professionals who want to unwind after work and they’re also an ideal place for you to catch up with friends after a busy day of sightseeing. Here, yakitori prices start from 80 yen, making it a very busy shop. However, you can still look forward to a great atmosphere.
