It’s easy to become overwhelmed in the Tokyo dining scene, especially for foodies that usually rotate between starry French dining room and minimalist sushi landmarks of the 3-star Michelin caliber. But to eat like a true local, Maru is a basement-level Shibuya eatery that specializes in the regional kaiseki for a simple, casual dining room that’s one of our Tokyo favorites. A simple brick entryway and staircase marked in Japanese letters leads to a simple dining room with long eating bar and walls arranged in monochromatic drawings. Adjacent to the main dining area are a series of private rooms ideal fro groups or those wishing for better service by an attentive bi-lingual staff that leads you to the true menu treasures.
The Food
Maru offer the cuisine of Kyoto in a youthful, simple dining room access down a short flight of stairs in central Shibuya. Offering menus of prix-fixe and ala carte options, the restaurant also offer a good range of international wines in addition to its shochu and sake collection. Meals begin with selection of exquisite sushi and sashimi including local rarities and hard to find fish leading to subsequent courses of charcoal-grilled fish or beef and fried tofus served over fresh-harvest rice.
Last Word
Shibuya basement eatery is top find for local, seasonable specialties in a stylish kitchen modeled after Kyoto’s best.