Koala

We live in Shin- Nakano and came here because we like biking along the river. We arrived around 8.30 on a Wednesday night, so the restaurant wasn't too full. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly. The staff were very helpful - translating the menu for us and recommending dishes when we couldn...'t choose. We loooved the roast pork and roast chicken dishes which came out tapas-style. The mayonnaise-type sauce which went with the meat was surprisingly an amazing combo! We also enjoyed traditional cold soba on a really long wooden tray. It has a special name but I can't remember it now! We also had drinks (draft beer and ginger highball). It was the best highball I've had in Japan! I could really taste the quality ingredients and the stainless steel tumbler kept the drink icy cold. The interior is Izakaya-style - dark and wooden but with a modern twist. The koala theme is apparent with toy koalas in every corner. I'm not sure if the owner has been to Australia or just really likes koalas? I think this restaurant is part of a small group - Whale and Curry Bal Kujira in Koenji also seem to be part of the family. The price was very reasonable for the food and drinks, especially because the food was such good quality. We liked the relaxed atmosphere and we'll definitely be back.

Visited May 2016