Inakaya

Description:

• Whenever I host first-time foreign visitors in Tokyo, I take them to this festive restaurant, and they've never been disappointed. Although tourist-oriented and overpriced, it's still great fun; the drama of the place alone is worth it. Customers sit at a long, U-shaped counter, on the other side of which are mountains of fresh vegetables, beef, and seafood. And in the middle of all that food, seated in front of a grill, are male chefs -- ready to cook whatever you point to in the style of robatayaki. Orders are yelled out by your waiter and are repeated in unison by all the other waiters, resulting in ongoing, excited yelling. Sounds strange, I know, but actually it's a lot of fun. Food offerings may include yellowtail, red snapper, sole, scallops, king crab legs, giant shrimp, steak, meatballs, gingko nuts, potatoes, eggplant, and asparagus, all piled high in wicker baskets and ready for the grill.

  Another nearby branch is at 5-3-4 Roppongi (tel. 03/3408-5040), open daily 5pm to 5am. A branch in the Ginza, at 8-7-4 Ginza (tel. 03/3569-1708), is open daily 5 to 11pm. Meals, including drinks, average ¥15,000 ($125/£63) per person.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010