Il Rigolettino: Celebrating 20 Years of Italian Culinary Passion in Kyodo

Il Rigolettino: 20 Years of Passion and Tradition in Kyodo

For two decades, Il Rigolettino, located in Kyodo, Setagaya, has been a beacon of Italian culinary culture, capturing the essence of the famed Emilia-Romagna region. Established in November 2005, our restaurant seeks not only to serve exquisitely crafted dishes but also to educate and immerse our patrons in the rich food traditions of Italy.

A Celebration of Tradition

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, it is a significant milestone reflecting our deep commitment to providing genuine Italian flavors. The restaurant has successfully operated on the support and love from the local community. In a heartfelt transition, Chef Ryutaro Ishii took over the kitchen, embracing the legacy while infusing his innovative spirit into the culinary experience.

The Culinary Heart of Italy

Emilia-Romagna is often referred to as the 'belly of Italy.' This picturesque region is revered for its exceptional produce, including Parma ham, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and the incomparable balsamic vinegar. The local cuisine showcases dishes deeply rooted in history, such as Tortellini in Broth, Tagliatelle al Ragu, and the beloved Tortei filled with ricotta cheese.

Our chefs, who all boast extensive experience living and training in Emilia-Romagna, are passionately dedicated to bringing these regional specialties right to the heart of Kyodo. Enthralled by the diverse culinary landscape, they aim to convey the traditions and stories behind each dish.

Community Engagement and Cultural Ambassadorship

In our mission to be more than just a dining option, we strive to serve as cultural ambassadors who share the evocative narrative behind Italian cuisine. Our upcoming event, Via Emilia!, set to take place in August 2025, will spotlight the traditional foods of Emilia-Romagna, featuring special guest Chef Ryo Abe from Parma and Japan's only Parma ham craftsman, Masayoshi Tada.

Guests will have the chance to enjoy authentic dishes such as Gnocco Fritto, which are deep-fried dough delicacies infinitely popular in Italy. This exciting venture has already caught the attention of Italian newspapers, showcasing our commitment to presenting true regional cuisine.

Looking Ahead

With our sights set on the future, we are excited to announce more events that will help locals connect with Emilio-Romagnan cuisine. Through sharing technical skills with the next generation of chefs, we will continue to bring the essence of Italy's regional dishes closer to home.

Il Rigolettino is dedicated to curating genuine tastes and serving as a continuous outlet for the 'true strength of the homeland’ right from Kyodo. We're ready to carry on this challenge with authentic flavors and heartfelt service.