Ishibashi @ Kamezawa 2-chome. A quaint tempura restaurant with a smoky silver interior located in between Ryogoku Station and Kinshicho Station on the corner of Kuramae Bridge Street and Yasukuni Street. The restaurant has been open for nearly half a century and is run by an elderly couple, possibly father and daughter. The atmosphere is old-fashioned but well-maintained and clean. We started with beer and edamame as a snack. The tempura was excellent, with a variety of ingredients such as kisu, kazuki, zucchini, megochi, and shishitogarashi. Each piece was carefully selected and prepared, and tasted delicious with or without dipping sauce. We also tried the tempura rice bowl, which was fragrant and flavorful with crispy tempura made with small shrimp and small fish. The miso soup and pickles were also top-notch. Overall, it was a satisfying and delicious meal. It's a shame that there is no successor to take over the restaurant, so I recommend visiting soon before it closes down.

Went to Ishibashi-san's restaurant for the first time in about 5 years. The owner is still the same and the woman I assume is his daughter was very kind and welcoming. The restaurant is spacious and clean, and if you sit at the counter, you can watch them fry the tempura right in front of you. We ordered a few pieces of tempura as well as a side dish. The shrimp tempura came with vegetables which was a nice touch. The tempura was cooked perfectly, especially the shiitake mushroom tempura was delicious. Ended up ordering seconds without realizing it (laughs). The kisu and squid were also very tasty.

Located in a residential area about a 10-minute walk from Ryokoku Station, this tempura restaurant caught my attention due to its inviting atmosphere. Finally, I had the chance to visit on a Saturday around 12:30 pm. Upon arrival, there was one group of two customers already seated, with no one else in line. I ordered the "Joten Don" which is a tempura rice bowl topped with two prawns, two types of white fish, kakiage, shishito peppers, and pumpkin tempura. The sauce was flavorful but not overly sweet or salty, creating a perfect balance. The white fish (one of which I believe was megochi) was tender and delicious. The meal also came with miso soup with beaten egg, a side dish, and pickles. I also tried the Tempura Set Meal (Ume) which consisted of tempura served one piece at a time, excluding the megochi tempura from the Joten Don. The kakiage tempura could also be added to the rice bowl, and they offered to add extra rice as well. The tempura tasted great with the light tempura sauce. The experienced owner fried the tempura at the perfect timing, ensuring that it was delicious when served. Overall, it was a delightful dining experience. Thank you for the meal.

I visited for lunch on a regular day. This area seemed to have few dining options as it is away from the station, but I found a very historic hidden gem! The restaurant was not very big, but just the right size for lunch. There was a counter and a tatami area in the back. I ordered the middle-grade tempura bowl from Matsubame. The master, who looked like a hermit, fried everything for us. The other staff members took care of preparing the miso soup and sauce. When the tempura bowl arrived, the batter was very good, and since I ordered it in a bowl, I could enjoy the moistness with the sauce. The sauce was rich and had a slightly bitter taste that was addictive. They serve each tempura freshly fried when you order the tempura set meal, so I definitely want to try that next time! It was a wonderful restaurant that I hope will continue its long-standing history. Likelihood to revisit: Yes. Visit evaluation: 3.30

I visited a long-established tempura restaurant where the craftsman owner provides freshly made tempura. I had the tempura rice bowl, but for those ordering the tempura set meal, the owner serves freshly fried tempura on a plate at the counter. It looked delicious! Of course, the tempura rice bowl was also incredibly delicious. Personally, I loved the not-too-sweet sauce.

The closest station is Ryogoku Station on the Toei Oedo Line, an 8-minute walk away. I visited for lunch as I had been curious while walking around. I sat at the counter and ordered the Tempura Set Meal Bamboo (1,750 yen). It came with rice, miso soup, small dishes, and pickles. I watched the owner frying live while waiting. Shrimp, shishito peppers, squid, eggplant tempura were fried and placed on plates one by one. The tempura had a soft sesame oil aroma that whetted my appetite, and I found myself eagerly eating with chopsticks. The egg drop soup was incredibly delicious, making me want to have more. For the finale, I had the tempura and squid made into a tempura rice bowl. This place is great for casual lunches, but I can also expect a good time with alcohol at night. Thank you for the meal.

"Luxury is something that fills the heart. Going to a place, meeting someone, everything is included in a meal." These are words attributed to the film director Yasujiro Ozu when talking about eating. The director preferred indulging in carefully selected dishes like eel rice bowls or tempura rice bowls, enjoying the conversation with the people at the restaurant while sipping sake, and then considering the rice bowl with the sauce as the actual "meal." Although this might not satisfy modern food connoisseurs or gourmets, I personally resonate with the initial words and find joy in visiting eel or tempura restaurants, engaging in conversations with the staff, and then enjoying the rice bowl to the fullest. Over the weekend, I traveled to Tokyo again. While it would be convenient to stay in the city, I prioritize family matters and maintain a clear distinction between personal and business affairs. Taking the first train to Tokyo, I spent the morning at the branch office. Without having breakfast, I started feeling extremely hungry around mid-morning. I decided to have a tempura rice bowl, a classic choice for satisfying hunger. I entered a family-run restaurant and ordered a tempura rice bowl with two shrimp, two fish pieces, vegetable tempura, and requested to add eel. The dish arrived with a warm bowl of tea, and as I opened the cover, the tempura pieces were submerged in a rich and flavorful sauce, enhancing the taste and texture of the dish. The combination of crispy tempura, sweet rice, and well-balanced sauce was delightful. When additional eel was served on top, I was impressed by the presentation and enjoyed every bite. Finishing the meal with red miso soup and pickles, I felt fully satisfied without any discomfort, appreciating the skill in creating a flavorful yet light sauce. After paying the bill and leaving the restaurant, I was greeted warmly by the owner, adding a pleasant touch to the dining experience. Overall, the tempura rice bowl was a delicious and satisfying meal, showcasing the artistry of combining flavors and textures. The specific details of the dish can be found in the accompanying photos or comments section.

In the lesser-known famous restaurant in Sumida Ward, Ishibashi, as you walk closer, you'll catch a delightful fragrant aroma. Passing through the noren (curtain), you might need a bit of courage. Is the inside spacious? Is it cramped? Is it clean? From the outside, you can only imagine. Upon entering, you'll find a clean and spacious interior. There are counter and table seats up front, and it seems there are tatami mat seating in the back. Fresh flowers are arranged on the tables, which adds a nice touch. I tried the tempura set meal with bamboo. The shrimp was crispy and delicious. There were two of them. The shishito peppers were flavorful. The squid was tender, and the fish (possibly sand borer) was crispy. And the seafood tempura was also tasty. Everything was delicious. I'd like to try the tempura bowl next time.

- "Joten-don (1,450 yen) Visited on 3/28, a weekday at 12:00 at Manbou. No customers before me, 3 customers arrived after me. Received my bowl at 12:12. The tempura in the bowl was soaked in sauce, giving it a moist and dark appearance, which I liked. The Joten-don included 2 shrimp, a fish called "kiss," vegetables, and tempura. The miso soup was a red miso soup with a rare addition of scrambled eggs. I would like to try the tempura set meal next time. It was a comforting atmosphere. Thank you for the meal."

Located near the Chieromare (YKK Building) in the Kamezawa area, this tempura restaurant is easy to overlook. Despite its inconspicuous location, it has caught the attention of veteran reviewers on food review websites. The most affordable tempura set meal (plum) costs 1450 yen, while a regular tempura rice bowl is priced at 1150 yen, making it slightly expensive for a casual lunch. I decided to try the regular tempura rice bowl this time. The elderly owner, who seemed to struggle to stand up, displayed a skilled and seasoned demeanor while preparing the dish. The tempura rice bowl came with a black sauce typical of downtown areas, served in a bowl with a secure lid. The set also included pickles, a side dish, and red miso soup, making it a reasonably priced and down-to-earth dining experience. A medium-sized bottle of beer priced at 550 yen is also quite affordable for a tempura specialty restaurant. The tempura included a mini-sized mixed tempura under the shrimp, which was delicious and reminiscent of seafood tempura. The black sauce had a sweet yet relatively refreshing acidity, and the kisu (Japanese sillago) was tasty. The right amount of sauce prevented the rice from becoming too soggy, allowing me to enjoy the meal with the pickles and side dish. The red miso soup with egg and green onion had a flavorful aroma that left a lasting impression. This tempura specialty restaurant, with its black sauce rice bowl, elderly owner, and delicious tempura, reminded me of Tenju in Kinshicho, but with a lighter taste. I couldn't help but think about the succession issues faced by many food establishments. I believe this place would be great for enjoying small dishes and tempura with drinks in the evening.

Oh my, it turns out that a senior Tabelog reviewer lives so close by, and I visited here for the first time (for me) as a first meeting. The appearance from the outside was intriguing, but I never had the courage to enter, and three years have passed. It's just a 3-minute walk from my house. Why didn't I gather the courage to go in, I regret it now... Around 6:30 PM, I opened the door and entered the empty restaurant, due to the Corona situation, is it a no-guess? One-guess? I sat at the counter. First, I split a bottle of beer. The dishes I ordered were: - Tuna sashimi - Rape blossoms And then, the tempura arrived. The tempura included: - Shiitake mushrooms - Maitake mushrooms - Asparagus - Conger eel - Butterbur sprouts As a bonus, I received more tempura which was my favorite! Everything was absolutely amazing. The tempura was crispy, and the oil was not smelly. Let's go for a drink! So, where should we go for tempura next time? This kind of conversation had never happened before, so it felt very refreshing, and the atmosphere was surprisingly casual. The staff were nice, and the head chef is 82 years old! The way he fries tempura with sharp eyes is truly remarkable! I watched carefully! Stay healthy and keep up the good work! I will definitely visit this place more often. It's a great restaurant! Thank you for the meal!

Located in the residential area of Kamesawa 2-chome is the traditional tempura restaurant called Ishibashi. Established in 1977, it has been around for over 40 years. The two-story building has a small parking lot next to it. The exterior gives off a vibe of a local restaurant where families and relatives gather for special occasions. According to the Sumida TOWN information paper "Avenue," there are private rooms available for up to 22 people. I decided to visit Ishibashi based on a recommendation and was greeted warmly by the friendly owner as I entered. Since it was just opening time, there were no other customers yet. The young female manager and a cute little girl were chatting, and the girl eventually ran outside to play. The spacious first floor has a counter with 8 seats and two tables for 4 people each. I started with a bottle of Asahi beer and was served a small appetizer of sesame and seaweed with a hot towel. Before diving into the tempura, I tried the tuna tartare, which came with refreshing myoga (Japanese ginger). For drinks, I switched to sake. You can order tempura dishes individually, but I opted for the Tempura Set Bamboo (1,750 yen). The open kitchen on the other side of the counter allows you to watch the skilled owner prepare the dishes. As I enjoyed the pickled cucumbers and turnips, the tempura was served one by one - two prawns, eggplant, squid, kisu fish, shishito pepper, and mixed vegetable tempura. The Edo-style tempura was crispy and delicious, perfect for pairing with drinks. The thick squid was especially tasty. It was a delightful experience at this traditional and cozy tempura restaurant.

To the tempura restaurant Ishibashi in Ryokoku Kamezawa Town. I had passed by a few times before but hesitated, missing the chance, but this time I pushed myself. They were showing a baseball game on TV at that time, so I sat at the counter near the TV. I usually don't go into tempura restaurants alone, but I always choose the set menu (I always pick the plum at Ishibashi) and order my favorite, the lotus root tempura a la carte. I'm not skilled at talking about tempura, but I always think the lotus root is delicious. The perfect balance of crispy and juicy every time, well done, chef. I don't have a photo, but I also remembered being impressed by the tempura tea on another day. The friendly atmosphere between the chef and his daughter and the homely feeling always make me feel satisfied at this restaurant. Thank you for the meal.

This restaurant exudes an old-fashioned atmosphere that is very appealing! The tempura is made by a senior craftsman, who fries it all by himself. While waiting for the tempura, you can enjoy pickles and small dishes. The owner fries the tempura diligently, and the cheerful female staff members add to the pleasant atmosphere. It seems like this is a hidden gem in a residential area, frequented mostly by locals. There is a tatami seating area at the back of the restaurant, making the interior surprisingly spacious. I love this kind of layout! It might be a bit intimidating to enter for the first time, but overall, it's a cozy and welcoming place!

The shrimp and tempura were both plump and delicious, fried right in front of us by the chef. It made me feel luxurious even during lunch! The rice was also delicious. It was a great restaurant.

I love the Edo-style tempura that my father fries right in front of me. It's perfect for those who like moist tempura. I also love the Showa-era atmosphere inside the restaurant. Thank you for the delicious meal!

The elderly husband and the very friendly lady were running the shop. The atmosphere of the shop was like a long-established one, spacious and neatly organized. There were counter seats, table seats, and a tatami room in the back. I visited alone and ordered the tempura set meal (pine) and oolong tea at the counter. I added squid and sill as extras to the set meal (pine), which included 2 shrimp, eggplant, megochi, sill, squid, seafood tempura, and shishito peppers. Each item was not large in portion. Plus mozuku vinegar, pickles, and red miso soup for the side. The tempura was served one by one, freshly fried by the owner, and it was delicious. The pickles served as a chopstick rest were also excellent. The last dish was tempura rice bowl, and the female staff asked if I wanted it to be made into a bowl. I agreed, and they provided another bowl of rice, which made a delicious tempura rice bowl. The bowl sauce was not too sweet and tasty. The set meal allowed for unlimited rice refills. The prices were reasonable, and the shop and atmosphere were great. I hope the elderly owner can continue running the shop for a long time. I will definitely visit again. Thank you for the meal.

In downtown areas, there are many affordable tempura restaurants where you can get a tempura set meal for around 1000 yen. While the quality may not be as high as in upscale restaurants, tempura was originally a fast food for the common people in Edo. These kinds of humble restaurants may actually have a tradition that dates back to Edo. However, many of these tempura shops are aging and do not have successors, leading to a decline in numbers. This particular shop is no exception, with the elderly owner likely in his 70s. The shop has a simple and down-to-earth atmosphere, with a TV playing in the background. The casual vibe is typical of a downtown tempura shop. Two groups of people, possibly coworkers from nearby companies, are enjoying tempura set meals with additional side dishes for drinking. While I personally prefer the light and fluffy tempura at Nishijuu in Kinshicho, this shop serves a more standard, crispy tempura with slightly sweet tempura dipping sauce. The exterior sign may not be appealing, but the interior of the shop has a charming downtown feel. I hope the owner stays healthy and continues running this shop for a long time.