However, most of the meals were delicious at this hidden gem, Dorami (bitter smile). On this day, it was my first visit after meeting with Ootsuka Yousuke in a different place. The name of the restaurant is written all in hiragana, making it easy to understand. Nishi-Azabu, which seems close but is actually intricate. I thought it was along the main street at first and got lost, but then I saw the figure of my companion entering ahead of me and safely entered the restaurant. We took off our shoes and sat at the splendid counter in the back. We had reserved the ¥24,000 course menu in advance, which was a bit pricey. The dishes included: dashimaki tamago, pickled kisu fish, bonito tataki with micro komatsuna, sweet sea bream tempura with grated daikon, eel from Fukuoka, roasted beef sirloin, clay pot rice with pickles, akou no taigoma-dare (served with tai chazuke using dashi), black honey with kinako and kuzukiri, and vanilla ice cream. I still had room in my stomach, so I asked for a special request for homemade fried rice, and they kindly made it for me. The overall dishes were very simple, without unnecessary embellishments. The square-shaped kuzukiri and rich black honey with kinako were impressive. The vanilla ice cream afterwards was a cheat (laughs). The warmth of the kind-hearted lady who managed the serving without any pretense adds to the cozy atmosphere. This place in Nishi-Azabu is like a hidden gem, with the option of using private rooms in addition to the counter. Thank you for the wonderful meal!

Restaurant Name: Ootsuka Yosuke Location: Nishi-Azabu Type of Cuisine: Japanese When telling a taxi driver the location, they will recognize it by the hiragana characters on the curtain of the restaurant. The head chef's name is incorporated into the name of the restaurant, making it quite impactful. During a first visit with a group of four, we sat at the counter seats where we could watch the chef prepare the dishes in the open kitchen. We started with champagne in glasses and then moved on to white wine. The dishes were all delicious and showcased gentle Japanese flavors. The highlight was the fillet steak, which was expertly cut right in front of us and grilled over charcoal. Other cuts of meat were also grilled and served as mains, all incredibly tasty. The finale was a hearty clay pot rice with chunks of fish, which was absolutely delicious. For dessert, the chef made fresh kuzu mochi for us, and then served it with kinako and kuromitsu, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was heavenly. Head chef Ootsuka Yosuke was charming and had a youthful appearance, exuding a warm and welcoming personality.

The exterior looks like someone's home, and when you enter the restaurant, you are greeted with a bright and calm atmosphere. The hostess's guidance is gentle, and the overall feeling is very comfortable. The ingredients used in the dishes are of high quality, and each dish is seasoned very delicately and deliciously. The chef is also very warm and kind, and you can feel his personality reflected in the food. The dessert was freshly made right in front of us, and it was a delicious kuzu (arrowroot) jelly. Watching the process was enjoyable, and the freshly made kuzu jelly had a nice chewy texture and was very tasty. Thank you for the wonderful meal.

It was a shop that provided ingredients from Kyushu. Among the places I visited this year, it was the best shop that could even earn a Michelin star. The owner is still young, but he is skilled in handling knives and thoughtful. This time, I had seafood from Saga Prefecture and horse meat from Kumamoto grilled over charcoal, and they were all excellent.

I visited this restaurant for a meal based on a recommendation. The beautifully and carefully prepared dishes, whether fish or meat, were all made with fresh ingredients and had a deep flavor. The cooking method brought out the natural taste of the ingredients, and the highlight was the rice dish with saury at the end. The perfect harmony between the saury and the vegetables offered various delights and left a lasting impression. I would love to visit again when the opportunity arises.

Ootsuka Yosuke is recommended for those who want to eat authentic Japanese cuisine. There is no time limit, so it's perfect for relaxing and enjoying your meal. Although the head chef is young, his skills are solid and the atmosphere is pleasant, making it suitable for dates or business entertainment without causing any discomfort to your companion. The recommended option is the 14,000 yen course meal, which features high-quality ingredients such as natural eel and premium beef that will surely impress those who can appreciate them. Personally, I am a fan and a repeat customer, and it seems like the restaurant has many regulars as well. The service is friendly and welcoming, especially from the staff affectionately referred to as "mom." I always look forward to what will be served next and enjoy my visits every time. Here is a photo from my last visit.

I visited this restaurant for the first time for a business dinner in Nishi-Azabu. The combination of the young and serious chef, along with the friendly female service staff, created a comfortable atmosphere. However, the food felt more like home cooking rather than high-end Japanese cuisine, especially considering the price of around 20,000 yen for food and drinks. The wine and sake were a bit more expensive compared to other nearby restaurants in Nishi-Azabu. While the price was a bit high, the owner is only 32 years old, so there is potential for improvement. The course menu included appetizers, rolled omelette, fish, tofu, duck, rice cooked in a pot, and a dessert of kudzu starch. The restaurant has a counter seating as well as two private rooms designed like tea rooms, making it a good choice for those looking for a private setting for business entertainment in Nishi-Azabu.

The young owner's skillful performance was truly entertaining.

The other night, I was invited by a friend to their place. The husband is a young guy from Fukuoka, around 33 years old. I think they were from Kurume? We bonded over our mutual love for Itoshima vegetables, as I mentioned that I moved to Fukuoka and live in Itoshima. The food was just right, with each dish made with care. We sat at the counter and had a wonderful and elegant time.