Isshin Daikanyama

We are hoping that we can beat the lunch queue. Too bad, queue was already there. It took us slightly more than an hour before it is our turn. The interior is very nice and stylish and it is the best restaurant on this trip so far in terms of decor and space. Oh, one more thing, you will need to leave your shoes at the main entrance as the restaurant does not permit footwear. There is someone taking care of your shoes.

Now for the food. They served set meals. Each person have to choose a main and they will take care of the rest. Cannot order any of the mains as Ala carte as well. We were so tempted to try some of the other mains like chicken karaage, grilled Mackeral. Their sashimi set and tempura set were sold out. We got 2 braised pork belly sets (heavenly melt in the mouth with a sauce that will make it to load up on your rice), crab croquettes set (2 pieces and delicious) and a tamago set (which was good but pales in comparison with the braised pork belly and crab croquettes). Have to mention the rice which is fluffy, shiny and delicious (even plain rice). End our lunch on a sweet footing with a serving of warabi mochi (personal preference, I find it too soft). A nice touch from the restaurant is that when we leave the restaurant, our shoes are already waiting for us at the entrance.

A must try in the Daikanyama area. Came with high expectations and they were fulfilled. Braised pork is very tender and soft, not overly salty as well which is a plus. Sashimi is fresh. Rice was also cooked very well.

Honestly everything is good, we arrived about 15 minutes before the restaurant open on a weekday and easily got a seat. However if you are later than that, do be prepared to queue.

This restaurant was recommended to us by a friend who lives in the area and frequently eats here. Everything we ordered was prepared and presented perfectly. Of note, the Mentaiko and the Ankimo were the best I have ever had in my life, both in texture and in flavor. The egg omelette with ginger was a tasty pillow floating on a cloud. The Shirako was fresh and flavorful. The staff was very attentive and polite. They all worked in tandem and delivered our food in a timely manner. The restaurant interior is super sexy and tastefully designed: low lighting, various furniture groupings, etc. We will definitely come back to dine here when in Tokyo. Please note that reservations are recommended.

the specialty is the braised pork, its heavenly, love the flavours. probably their best selling item too.

they have a standard menu with about 7-8 mains, this is available in english too. there’s fried chicken, tempura, sashimi, crab croquettes, braised pork, grilled mackerel on this evergreen menu. so you pick a main and it comes with a few sides and rice.
they also have a seasonal menu, but its only in japanese, so you need to check with the hosts.

there’s always a queue and waiting for about 30-60 mins. so plan accordingly. this place is on the michelin guide and a few other lists so there are quite a few tourists.

the meals are quite affordable ranging from 1400-2000¥. i really like the mood and the ambience. service and operations are pretty quick and efficient

its a cash only place. i sometimes do not understand why some places in japan dont open upto cashless payments.

but the food is worth it all 😁

Had a delicious meal here as always. The crab cream croquette doesn’t really taste of crab but it still is a hearty and luxurious burst of creaminess and flavour in your mouth. The pork belly was cooked in yummy sauce. Free refill of rice available so you’ll definitely be able to fill up here.