Tokyo is so damn crowded. There are 10 million people living in Tokyo. So when I go out to dinner over the weekend, I often avoid major popular areas such as Shinjuku and Shibuya unless I have a reservation. I prefer going out to local areas. Less people, no waiting to be seated, more relaxing atmosphere to enjoy the meal and company of friends/family.

So where should you go? Today I recommend Shi-mo-ki-ta-za-wa.

Shimokitazawa is closed to Shibuya and Shinjuku, a couple of stations away. There are many small live houses and theatres, so many artists and musicians live in Shimokitazawa along with families who reside there for many generations. Mixture of old and new, that makes Shimokitazawa very unique and attractive.

Japanese Cuisine: Ma-tsu

Open Kitchen – chefs are right in front of you

Small restaurants with a couple of tables and counter. Matsu serves Japanese traditional dishes such as Sa-shi-mi and also Japanese fusion food. It is a casual restaurant with REAL Japanese dishes. Wide selection of Japanese sake.

Counter at Matsu – you can mingle with Shimokitazawa people

Great food and friendly atmosphere at Matsu

be Mesmerized　★★★★☆

Atmosphere: Casual

Open everyday from 6:00PM to 02:00AM（Last Order at 01:00AM）

Menu: approximately 5000 JPY per person

Menu is all in Japanese, so here are a couple of my recommendations

O-tsu-ku-ri for Two (seasonally recommended sashimi)
Ki-no-ko to Bu-ta Ba-ra Potato Salad (Warm potato salad with mushrooms and pork) or any recommended seasonal salad
Ya-ki-za-ka-na (seasonally recommended grilled fish)
A-tsu-ya-ki ta-ma-go (Japanese style omellet)
A-ge-da-shi to-fu (Deep fried tofu with seasoning)
Ka-i-se-n Zo-su-i (Seafood soup with rice) or O-cha-zu-ke Nori (Rice and seaweed in bouillon soup)

* menu will change seasonally

Access 2-15-11 Kitazawa Setagaya-ku