KICHIRI

With so many fantastic restaurants in Tokyo I still find myself drawn back to Kichiri and head here every time I visit. The food, ambiance and sophistication are the major attractions. Major trouble is diverting from my favourites.

Visited October 2019

I was looking for a nice place to take the kids (teenagers) out for dinner and had a few must: short walk from our hotel the Keio Plaza, authentic Japanese vibe and affordable (not cheap, but also not overpriced like many upper-scale restaurants in the area). This place checked all my boxes. We were... able to make a last minute reservation on a Saturday night. Our Google map showed a 14-minute walk but it took us an additional 8 minutes of going around in circles completely clueless as to where the building was. Once inside, we were asked to remove our shoes and were given a locker and key, then we were shown to our table in very intimate setting with sunken dining tables. We ordered miso soups and roasted edemame to start followed by the beef platter, fries and mushrooms risotto which we shared (3ppl) the risotto was ok (obviously not their specialty) and everything else was outstanding. Staff was very friendly, beautiful modern decor and facilities were clean, food delicious, and it was all for under 8,500 yen, including beverages/sake and desert! Definitely recommend.

Visited August 2019

My partner & I stumbled upon this place which for Australians might be easy to miss as we're used to restaurants only being on the ground floor! We were very impressed by the quality of the food, the level of service (particularly the lovely Seina who took great care of us), and the reasonable cost ...for drinks and gourmet food. We had cocktails & beers, shared a few appetisers, sides and salads, plus a main & desserts (we were very hungry!) for around 10,000 Yen and left very satisfied. The food is Japanese fusion so an interesting mix of classics with a modern twist. Dining is traditional Japanese style with low tables & no shoes so a fun experiential meal. Would definitely recommend!

Visited September 2016

We were personally walked here by a lovely lady from the main Shinjuku branch, as they were full, but she managed to squeeze us into this branch. Same menu but very different decor and vibe. An impressive entrance from the lift on the 6th floor of a Shinjuku block, where you are greeted and asked to... remove your shoes. We were led through a stunning dining room to a small private space by a window with views down to a vibrant Shinjuku Saturday night, glowing with neon and LED lights. The menu here is incredible value, and this time we went for a set course dinner at about 4000 yen without drinks, which included a refreshing lotus and burdock root salad, tuna sashimi, (cold) roast beef with black truffle, baked snow crab, grilled lobster, gran padana risotto with sautéed foie gras and teriyaki sauce (outstanding), potato wedges, pasta with meat sauce and dessert. All expensive ingredients for just over £20!! In truth there was too much for our tired jet-lagged bellies and we couldn't finish it all. So I would suggest you eat a la carte as it's still great value. But because we couldn't finish the set meal they gave us a special Kichiri coin each, which will give us a free meal next time! Incredible customer service! We drank mohitos at just 780 yen each. Kichiri is such fantastic value and quality you simply have to go to one of their branches. Plus you get a great stylish venue buzzing with Tokyo youth and energy.

Visited December 2015