We used this restaurant for a company dinner. We confirmed the course menu over the phone a few times, and the phone service was always polite. They also provided us with a spacious table, which we really appreciated. The food was delicious, so we would like to use this restaurant again in the future.

"Kanazen" is one of the izakayas operated by Takashige Food Service, which specializes in Japanese, Chinese, and Western cuisine with multiple locations around Shinjuku, particularly in Shinjuku 3-chome. However, the main store of Kanazen is located in Nishi-Shinjuku 7-chome, creating a different atmosphere from the bustling Kabukicho area. I had been wanting to try their lunch menu for a while, but during the state of emergency, they had temporarily closed even for lunch. One day after the state of emergency was lifted, I passed by the restaurant and saw samples of their lunch dishes, indicating that they were open for business. I decided to visit soon. I checked the sample menu for the daily lunch specials and descended the stairs leading to the restaurant. Inside, it was a spacious establishment with table seating divided into semi-private sections. The open kitchen in front of the counter was bustling with chefs preparing dishes. I was promptly seated in one of the semi-private table sections by a middle-aged male staff member who provided excellent service. The daily lunch set included "Nikujaga" (beef and potato stew), Atsuage (deep-fried tofu) miso soup, simmered chicken skin and kelp, mentaiko (spicy cod roe) mayonnaise tamagoyaki (rolled omelette), lettuce and carrot salad, pickles, a generous serving of rice, and an additional raw egg. I started with the miso soup, which was light and flavorful. The Nikujaga was not something I usually have for lunch, but it had a nice texture with firm potatoes. A bit more seasoning would have made it more enjoyable with the rice. The rice itself was fluffy and moist, indicating good temperature control. The mentaiko mayonnaise tamagoyaki was tasty and complemented the rice well. The simmered chicken skin and kelp provided a nice break between bites. I ended by mixing the raw egg into the rice, a satisfying way to finish the meal. I requested an iced coffee at the end to cleanse my palate. When I paid the bill, I noticed that I was charged extra for the additional rice, which I think should be complimentary during lunchtime.

We went to this place for our second stop. The exterior of the entrance and the spacious interior gave the impression of a chain restaurant, but it turned out to be not exactly like that. Since we weren't very hungry, we didn't order much, but the tuna and avocado tartare looked stylish and tasted delicious with ikura and nori. The miso-glazed eggplant was large and hearty with a rich miso flavor, perfect for pairing with sake. We also tried the seared stingray fin. They had popular sake brands like Ichinokura and Hakkaisan. My companion was pleased to see familiar brands. The drinks were basic but the food was not bad. It felt like a slightly upscale chain restaurant, a safe choice for dining out.

From Shinjuku Station West Exit, I went to the municipal tax office for some errands ε=ε=ε=ε=ε=┌(;￣◇￣)┘ and decided to grab lunch on the way! Near the Ooguard, there is a shop called Hanazen offering daily specials, like pork stir-fry, but isn't stir-fry usually made with pork? (lol) I descended the stairs and entered the restaurant, where there were private-like spaces lined up. I was guided to a big room all by myself (°▽°) It felt a bit lonely in there... like Kenichi Horie on a solo voyage across the Pacific (lol) The South American lady brought out the stir-fry in just 20 seconds - so quick! The miso soup was covered with a lid, which took some effort to remove (ｰ ｰ;) The stir-fry and rice were slightly lukewarm, which might be good for those with sensitive tongues. The taste wasn't bad at all. Just as I was finishing up, they asked if I wanted a drink - I went with oolong tea (*^▽^*) It would've been better if they asked earlier, as more customers arrived in the big room... It's getting smoky in here. Let's head back through Memory Lane and return to the office (*^▽^*)

Visited around 12:25 on a regular day. Was seated in a semi-private room and ordered the daily special set meal (tonkatsu) for 850 yen. It was served in about 8 minutes. The tonkatsu seemed to have been prepared in advance and was a bit lukewarm. The pork was also a bit dry. I wonder if the recommended chicken karaage listed first on the menu would have been a better choice? The drink that comes with the lunch was brought promptly after finishing the meal. This part was stress-free, but overall, it was just okay. Thank you for the meal.

I stopped by this restaurant after work. It was late, but there were a decent number of customers. It was my first time visiting, and it had a typical izakaya atmosphere. I ordered some drinks, tai shabu, sashimi, agedashi tofu, umekyu, etc. The food was decently delicious and came out quickly, so I was able to enjoy without stress as I had to catch the last train. The staff, many of whom were foreigners, were polite and good. I would visit again if I have the chance.

Chicken with black vinegar sauce set meal

It was great that we were able to have a semi-private room for our office drinking party with 14 people. The food was delicious, and the staff's service was very polite, so it was good.

The food and drinks were brought in a timely manner, making it a stress-free experience. I often use this place for large group gatherings, and it always receives positive feedback. It would be perfect if it didn't have the typical basement smell.

The staff at the store were very friendly.

It was good that it was calm.

I used it for a company's second party.

The taste aside, you can relax and take your time.

I visited the restaurant for lunch on a regular day. The restaurant is located on the basement floor and has a spacious interior with various seating options such as table seats, tatami (sunken kotatsu) seats, and counter seats. The lunch menu is reasonably priced considering the location. I ordered the daily lunch special which was kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) on that day (750 yen including tax). The meal included kushikatsu, rice, miso soup, a side dish (lotus root salad on that day), onsen tamago (hot spring egg), salad, pickles, and a drink. The portion was satisfying with a good variety of items. One thing that bothered me was that smoking was allowed even during lunchtime, and there were many people smoking, which was unpleasant. I think it would be better if it were non-smoking during lunchtime. Apart from the daily lunch special, they also offer a variety of other lunch options, so it's suitable for dining with anyone. Thank you for the meal.

It was my first visit on a regular night. We had a slightly larger group for an all-you-can-drink party. The menu included a variety of dishes such as sashimi, salad, fried foods, chicken dishes, and inari sushi, making it enjoyable for the party. At first, I was drinking bottled beer, but then I discovered a magnum bottle of red wine at the end of the table. I thought someone had brought it, but it turned out to be included in the all-you-can-drink menu. From then on, I only drank wine. The wine was an Italian Sangiovese, with a bold taste that was just right for the party dishes. Later, I found out it also included Negroamaro and Merlot from the Emilia-Romagna region. The price online for a magnum (1,500ml) was only 999 yen! I didn't know there were wines like this, so it was a learning experience. I don't remember ever seeing wine in a magnum bottle at an izakaya party all-you-can-drink menu, so it was innovative and left an impression, especially for wine lovers.

I dropped in on a whim and was pleased with the calm atmosphere. Since course meals required reservations, I ordered various a la carte dishes such as eel dashimaki, blowfish tempura, and fried chicken wings. The shabu-shabu pictured is for two people, and it came with vegetables. The texture of the pork was slightly different from the menu photo. Sitting at the counter, I could see the chef preparing the dishes right in front of me, which was nice. The staff, although foreigners, provided polite service which I appreciated. There are many good restaurants in Shinjuku, so I'm not sure if I will come back, but if I have the chance, I would like to try the beef tongue shabu-shabu next time.

A slightly hidden izakaya located in the basement of a building near Shinjuku Nishiguchi Oogado. The location is not ideal, but there is another branch near the east exit. The interior of the restaurant is surprisingly calm, with table seats and tatami rooms that feel almost like private rooms. This time, five middle-aged men went, and the organizer had already ordered a course with all-you-can-drink for 2.5 hours at 4,500 yen per person. The dishes are not particularly special, but there are 9 courses including appetizers, salad, sashimi, grilled dishes, simmered dishes, fried dishes, rice, pickles, and dessert, which give a chain izakaya-like feeling. There is a decent variety of alcohol available, and since it was not crowded, the service for refills was quick and satisfying. It's relatively quiet and good for drinking cheaply in a calm atmosphere for middle-aged men who don't eat much.

Yes! I always use this restaurant for lunch, and I always order the same thing - the Black Vinegar Sweet and Sour Pork Set for 880 yen. It comes with a complimentary drink, so it's a great deal! The sweet and sour black vinegar sauce is delicious and feels healthy, with plenty of vegetables in the dish. The miso soup has a small crab in the broth, adding a touch of richness. The seating is semi-private, so even dining alone feels comfortable. It's a bit of a walk from Shinjuku Station, but definitely worth a visit. Thank you for the meal!

A friend wanted to eat fugu in Shinjuku, so I looked it up and visited for the first time. We had the ¥6,000 tiger fugu course. The overall impression of the course was okay. Among the various courses available, we chose the best one, but the non-fugu dishes seemed like typical izakaya menu items and could have used a bit more creativity. The fugu sashimi, grilled fugu, karaage, and hot pot were served in succession, but the portion was just right and we didn't feel overwhelmed. During the porridge course, the owner (or someone who seemed like the owner) came out and cooked it for us. The all-you-can-drink option for an additional ¥1000, or the option to choose a specific shochu brand for an additional ¥1300, seemed like a good deal. I would recommend this place for group gatherings or parties.

It's been a while since my last post! I had the opportunity to visit the city center frequently, so I accumulated some reviews from places just outside Tachikawa. This time, I went for lunch in Nishi-Shinjuku. Although I often visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, it was my first time wandering around this area. I've been using Tabelog more often to find new places to eat, but in areas like this with so many options, it's hard to find hidden gems. So lately, I've been exploring by foot and visiting places based on the overall atmosphere. On this occasion, I wanted to have a leisurely meal and eat something like a rice set meal, so I chose this restaurant. The sound of the daily special "pork cutlet" caught my attention, but considering my health, I opted for the "black vinegar sauce with young chicken and vegetables for 880 yen". The restaurant was busy during lunchtime, but with many semi-private booths and partitions, I didn't feel overwhelmed. As a solo diner, I was seated at a table for four in a semi-private booth, allowing me to enjoy my meal in peace. The service and atmosphere were great. The taste of the dish was just right with the black vinegar not being too overpowering. The chicken was tender, but the batter was a bit too heavy for my liking. However, with the salad, seaweed, and miso soup, the meal was well-balanced and satisfying. Considering the location and the overall experience, it was a satisfying lunch. It's convenient to have such restaurants nearby for those working in busy areas. Thank you for the meal.

On this day, there was a publisher's party in Shinjuku, so I decided to explore the famous "Omoide Yokocho" on the way back. It's a deep and narrow space with small shops crowded together. The contrast between these small, old shops and the towering skyscrapers in the distance is striking. Everything is amazing. As someone who prefers dancing to just watching, I visited "Kappeitei" in the area. It's a yakitori restaurant with a smoky atmosphere, typical of such places. Despite already eating a lot at the party, we ended up drinking quite a bit here. The standout was the "garlic soy sauce pickles" - incredibly spicy! It went well with beer. The pickled cabbage on the side was a nice touch. We also ordered the limited edition "beef harami skewers" which were delicious. We ordered a few more dishes and ended up spending about two hours at the counter, having three drinks each. The atmosphere was great. It feels like there's something about trying to revive your tired soul with alcohol. Since we've discovered this new place, I look forward to trying out more new restaurants. Thank you for the meal!