Kurawanka

**Assorted Tempura** — Mixed bag. Some pieces were excellent but some of the seafood was too chewy for my liking. **Kurawanka-Style Fish Cake** — Came highly recommended. A few were genuinely good, a couple came out too fishy. **Summer Sweet Fish Grilled** — Arrives looking like an entire fish on... the plate, which is a fun and authentic presentation. Very fresh, but quite the challenge to navigate with chopsticks. **Kurawanka Japanese Omelette** — Slightly sweet, which may not be for everyone, but a great option if you are dining with kids. **Garlic Rice with Miso Soup** — The absolute hit of the meal. We liked it so much we ordered a second one. The miso soup that comes alongside is equally good and rounds it off perfectly. The ambience is quietly charming. The service is what sets this place apart — a team of older women who take care of you with real warmth and attentiveness. And in the middle of busy Shinjuku, the fact that you can walk in and find a table is itself a small miracle. Food overall sits at average, but the experience around it makes it worth the visit.

Visited August 2026

Located in front of Shinjuku Station (access from South Gate or East Gate) near Starbucks. With 1000yen (about $9US as of 8/20/18) you will get a great meal and nice selection of “Teishoku” to choose from. All you can eat salad, rice (including 12 grain rice which IMO is much healthier than the pla...in white rice), Tofu (Hiyayakko), and another side dish (it changes everyday). There is also a daily special lunch. If you are on the budget and you would like to enjoy authentic Japanese food, this is a good place to go. As the most Restaurants in Japan, the floor is divided into Smoking section and Non Smoking section. Counter is the best choice for us non-smoking foreigners since it’s easy to get to the table where “extras” are located. Other non smoking section is located in the back and you have to remove your shoes. Also free tea, coffee (self service) is a nice touch. Obento Special is my favorite, but you must get there right after they open at 11:30am since they only make 20 servings. Lunch is open everyday from 11:30 to 14:30. They are open at night, but I haven’t tried yet and also it will be pricier than the lunch menu for sure or at least you will order more individual dishes than a set menu (Teishoku menu). So my recommendation is to go there at lunch time. 12:10 to 1:30 is their peak hour since it’s one of the favorite places for Japanese businessmen and businessmen. Daian Soba shop located on the 2nd floor is also owned by the same people and they do have a hand made Soba (cold and hot).

Visited August 2018