#Japan #Tokyo #Dining Experience #Japanese Cuisine #Higashiazabu Ito

An Extraordinary Japanese Dining Experience at Higashiazabu Ito

Tucked away in a tranquil residential area of Higashiazabu, Tokyo, lies a hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant called "Ito." Here, diners can explore a culinary journey that promises not just delicious dishes, but an exceptional experience that one can't help but share with others.

Upon entering Ito, guests are welcomed by a cozy ambiance featuring a spacious counter, allowing for an intimate connection with the chefs. It's a space where time slows down, and the art of conversation about the food takes center stage.

A Concept of "Diverse Taste"

At Higashiazabu Ito, the philosophy of the owner and chef, Akira Ito, revolves around the concept of "diverse taste." This approach involves deconstructing traditional culinary boundaries and then creatively reconstructing them to showcase the beauty and depth of seasonal ingredients. Every dish is centered around the essential element of cooking: kelp. Through various techniques such as kelp marination, dashi preparation, and powdering, each dish is imbued with layers of flavor that elevate the natural characteristics of the ingredients.

Two Exquisite Course Options

Ito offers two distinctive course options, both designed to provide an unforgettable dining experience that far exceeds the price tag. Each course features a carefully curated selection of dishes that paint a gradient of flavors.

Standard Course (22,000 JPY, tax included)

• - Appetizers: Three items including squid from Osumi with red turnip caviar, bonito tataki with a citrus mustard sauce, and foie gras terrine topped with conger eel.
• - Main Dishes: A Japanese-style roast chicken with yuzu pepper sauce, shima-aji (sweetfish) with a fried rice cracker sauce, and a charcoal grilled filet of Japanese black beef.
• - Rice Dishes: Thin-sliced beef tail soba and sakura shrimp cooked rice.
• - Dessert: Tropical fruit and herb dessert.
• - Tea: Herb tea from Ide Farm.

Special Course (35,200 JPY, tax included)

• - Appetizers: Four refined selections including edamame mousse with sea urchin, white sweetfish sushi, steamed abalone with dried squid, and marinated bonito with seasonal vegetables.
• - Soup: Shark fin from Kesennuma with sweet onion.
• - Main Dishes: A repeat highlight of the roast chicken, as well as grilled eel served with foie gras sauce, and a charcoal grilled filet of Japanese black beef.
• - Rice Dishes: Thin-sliced beef tail soba.
• - Dessert: Mango from Miyazaki and ginger ice.

Beyond Taste: A Unique Dining Experience

The surprises don’t end with the flavors. The filet of black beef, sourced directly from Kagoshima, is slow-roasted in a special oven before being finished over binchotan charcoal for a tenderness that can only be enjoyed with chopsticks, without the need for a knife.

Furthermore, Ito is known for its carefully curated selection of rare Bourgogne wines, available both by the glass and bottle. Priced fairly, these wines have earned high praise from connoisseurs, ranging from casual selections to prestigious wines such as DRC.

Reservations for a Special Night

Higashiazabu Ito operates on a reservation-only basis, ensuring a personalized experience. The restaurant opens six days a week. Reservations can be made via their official website or by calling 03-6459-1100.

Additional Details

• - Location: 1F-A, THE GALA TOWER AZABU, 3-5-9 Higashiazabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo
• - Hours: 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM (Last order at 8:30 PM)
• - Social Media: Instagram

For inquiries regarding interviews with Chef Ito or any other information, please contact the PR office of AK Global Foods at higashiazabu.ito@gmail.com.