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Among the office buildings in Osaki stands a local Chinese restaurant where time seems to have stood still. Established in 1941 (Showa 16), Kouraku has been satisfying the appetites of local workers for over 80 years. Its specialty fried rice lives up to its brown appearance and is a delicious lunchtime dish...

Asakusabashi, home to Torikoe Shrine, is a neighborhood where many historic, independent restaurants still thrive. Sugiei, a local soba noodle shop founded in 1969, is one such establishment. It boasts a warm atmosphere maintained by the second generation owner, side dishes made with soba broth, and its signature curry seiro and curry nanban, which combine spices and dashi stock. Local...

Established over 90 years ago, this restaurant is the first place to go when it comes to tempura bowls in the gourmet town of Ningyocho. The jet-black tempura, drenched in a secret sauce that has been constantly added to, makes a big impact. However, it's not as spicy as it looks, and it's not greasy. The deep Edo flavor is what makes it so appealing. There are often long lines at lunchtime, so we recommend...

Owariya is a long-established soba restaurant in Asakusa that has been in business for over 160 years. Its specialty is a gigantic shrimp tempura that fills the entire width of the bamboo steamer. Beloved by many cultural figures and locals, including the literary great Nagai Kafu, its flavors are not to be underestimated as a tourist spot. The aroma of fragrant sesame oil fills the air at this famous restaurant, making it a popular spot for local Asakusa eaters.

Raifutei is located next to Tamahide, the original oyakodon restaurant, and close to Amazake Yokocho. Ningyocho was once home to bustling theaters like the Nakamuraza and Ichimuraza, and since the Meiji era has flourished as one of Tokyo's leading entertainment districts. In this area, where sophisticated merchants and intellectuals gather, sophisticated Western cuisine was a special treat...

Shimokitazawa is a city where trends change at a dizzying pace. Located in the heart of the city, Daikonman is a long-established okonomiyaki restaurant that has been loved for nearly 40 years. Its specialty is its special extra-thick noodles, which the restaurant boasts "can only taste here." Open from lunchtime until late at night, and on weekends until the first train, it's a place where you can feel at ease in this subculture town...

It's neither a flashy, high-end establishment nor a budget-conscious eatery. But it's where the work is done and the warmth of the time flows with long-time regulars. It's these "machi-zushi" restaurants where you can really experience the town's popular food culture. This time, we'll be visiting Janome Sushi Honten Kanda, located right next to JR Kanda Station and in business since the postwar reconstruction period.

Ginza is one of the world's most bustling shopping districts. Turning into an alleyway off Ginza Street, lined with high-end brands, you'll find a scene that seems as if time has stopped. This time, we'll be introducing Toseien, a renowned local Chinese restaurant located on Taimei Street, near Taimei Elementary School. Savor the flavors of the season and finish off with a summer staple:...

Unlike homemade curry or Western-style curry, this is a type of curry called "Machi-Chuuka Curry." The fragrant broth made from chicken and pork bones creates a unique flavor that's a delicacy you can only find at a Chinese restaurant. This time, we'll be introducing "Shoraku" in Nippori, a long-established restaurant renowned for its exquisite curry.

This summer, I was able to come to Osaka for a drink. Since the second day of my three-day, two-night trip was completely free, I decided to go bar-hopping. At the suggestion of writer Suzuki Nao, we headed to a town called Senri. After bar-hopping throughout the morning, my companions said, "It's already 4 o'clock. 'Tokunaga' is..."

"It's so delicious, I can't even say it!" This phrase is unforgettable once you hear it, and it's the name of Yoshikami, a long-established Western restaurant in Asakusa. Their classic omurice, delivered from a lively kitchen, stands out even among the many other famous restaurants. This is Tokyo's Western cuisine, this is the taste of Asakusa. This time...

Founded in 1921, "Oroji" is a long-established restaurant located in a back alley in Shinjuku. Though there are various theories, it is said to be the one who coined the term "tonkatsu." Its specialty is not "katsu curry," but the one-of-a-kind "tondon." Enjoy this dish, which embodies the spirit of its founder, who trained in French cuisine, with a Kirin Lager beer...