Sosakuwashoku-to Umaisake Omotesandoh Ondenippo

Onden Ippo is kind of an Izakaya, which we love. In Japan, they have all sorts of Izakaya restaurants offering small plates, like tapas. We didn’t have a reservation, but luckily enough to get counter seats. Their table seatings were very unique, semi-private with curtains, and the table setting was... not something I expected at Izakaya. Very pretty and modern! The Onden Ippo seems to be a popular spot, it was nearly full and you could hear people having a really good time. One thing to note about ordering at Izakaya is that you should never order too many dishes at once. Unless you know exactly what they look like, and how big/small they are. We started off with three dishes; Deep Fried Ebi Imo, Nagaimo Isobe Age, and Ippo’s Chicken Nanban. They were very tasty, simple yet so satisfying. We added Oyster & Vegetable Tempura, and Mentai Cheese Harumaki. I don’t know how they deep fry things here, as none of them were oily at all. The batter was light and crispy, you can hear the crunch as you bite into them. The ingredients were fresh and high quality. We had a great dinner here at Onden Ippo, we were very happy to find this spot! The staffs were polite and efficient. The food came out rather quickly, and everything was high quality. Very relaxed atmosphere, we really enjoyed it.

Visited January 2023

You'll be travelling down a flight of stairs to get to the dining area of this restaurant. Sections of dining area is sectioned off with strategically placed poles and wooden blinds so you'll most likely find yourself sitting in a space that feels relatively private, unless you are sitting at the ba...r. Some of sitting is further a little unconventional, with some chairs and tables being higher than typical, and there being a block of wood to rest your feet. While the menu is not particularly large, everything my family tried was pretty damn good. Save for the sauce that came with my chicken (which was beautifully done) that I found too bitter, the other dishes my family ordered were delicious- the fish was cooked perfectly and the meat was tender and almost melted in your mouth. Dishes can be ordered as a set (which includes soup, rice and a side dish) or just as is. Accompanying sauces for these complemented the main dishes perfectly, without being overpowering. Note that mandatory entrees are served and included in your final table bill (this is mentioned in the menu)- while this may be an outrage to some, the said entrees are great. Despite this, my favourite dish was the tofu and wasabi bruschetta- that was incredible!! This restaurant allows smoking wherever you are sitting, and as the restaurant is not big, this should probably be something to take into consideration.

Visited March 2017

Our first meal in Japan and were not disappointed. Food is tasty and the place is so unique with friendly service.

Visited June 2016

Tiny restaurant hidden on the basement floor in a pedestrian street, one step from Harajuku area. We had lunch there on Sunday. You can seat on the counter or at a small table. All the decoration is in wood. The menu is quite simple, only 6 or 7 options, mainly don with fish or meat, but excellent. ...We had don with minced fishes of the day (salmon, roes and tuna). It’s cheap and big portion but fresh and the service is fast. I recommand this place also for the ambiance. We were the only foreigners, Japanese people used to come here. No doubt you are in Japan.

Visited May 2016

I have been to this place many many times. They know my name. Despite the fact that I hate smoke and they allow smoking. Despite the fact that I prefer trying new places to going to same place repeatedly. Awesome food in my opinion, generous servings, and great deal on lunch at under 1000 yen for ...set with main dish, miso soup, otoshi appetizer, and rice. They have usual variety of izakaya-fare, I almost always got the ni-sakana (煮魚) as I just couldn't get enough of it. Depending on which fish and which vegetable was in season, they would adjust accordingly. I came for dinner twice. Dinner was different selection of food and price was higher, but still outstanding taste. I ate roast chicken, some sort of avocado tuna mousse toast, and jellied cold fish - うまい!!

Visited September 2014