A Culinary Adventure in Ebisu and Nakameguro: A Day of Gourmet Discoveries

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to our blog! Today, we’re taking you on an exciting culinary journey through the charming neighborhoods of Ebisu and Nakameguro in Tokyo. Our day was filled with delightful discoveries, from a cozy bistro in Ebisu to a legendary Taiyaki shop and a bakery that won the French Baguette Competition! And of course, we couldn’t leave Nakameguro without visiting the famous Starbucks Reserve and a bakery that left us speechless. So, let’s dive in and explore the flavors and sights of these vibrant areas.

Lunch at a Quaint Bistro in Ebisu

Our day began in the bustling Ebisu district, where we stumbled upon a hidden gem of a bistro that we found the day before. The menu changes daily, keeping things exciting and fresh. Today, we were in for a treat with the pork shoulder muscle and seabass on the menu. The atmosphere inside was lovely, with a good selection of drinks to choose from.

I (Satori) opted for the pork dish, which was served with a mustard seed paste. The meat was cooked to perfection, with a great bite to it, but the seasoning was a tad too salty for my taste. My husband, on the other hand, enjoyed the seabass with its robust tomato sauce. The accompanying bread was a highlight, with its crispy texture that paired well with the slight saltiness of the main dishes.

Exploring Ebisu’s Hidden Gems

After lunch, we took a stroll through Ebisu, discovering the Fushimi Inari at the foot of Mt. Ebisu. This shrine, nestled above a parking lot, is a charming surprise in the midst of the urban landscape. It’s a reminder of the area’s past as a region of mountains, forests, and fields. Fushimi Inari Daimyojin is revered by the locals as the patron saint of abundant crops and the guardian of business prosperity.

We also revisited a beloved Taiyaki shop near Gakugei University. The Taiyaki, known for its 30-minute (or sometimes 1-hour) baking process, was a crispy delight with a generous amount of red beans. The skin was thin and crisp, with the red bean filling being the perfect balance of sweet and not overpowering. It was a delightful treat that we were glad we didn’t have to queue up for long to enjoy.

A Dessert to Remember

Following our Taiyaki indulgence, we decided to cap off our meal with dessert. We chose a walnut tart, which was as hard as it was delicious. The walnuts were plentiful, and the filling had a QQ texture, reminiscent of Chinese pastries. It was an unexpected delight, and despite its high price, it was worth every penny.

A Quick Visit to the Tableware Store

Before leaving Ebisu, we popped into a tableware store that caught our eye. The prices were reasonable, and the designs were both classy and practical. We ended up purchasing two lightweight plates, one measuring 19.5 cm, which felt particularly practical and light to the touch. The store had a wide selection of tableware, including chopstick rests and square plates, making it a must-visit for anyone in the market for new kitchenware.

A Second Lunch at a Hidden Bakery in Nakameguro

Our culinary adventure continued in Nakameguro, where we chanced upon a bakery that we had passed by many times before but had never visited. To our surprise, they served lunch, which seemed to be exclusive to this store. My husband, who hadn’t had breakfast and was quite hungry, was thrilled by the discovery.

I ordered the lunch set, which included salad, chicken and potatoes marinated in mustard, a salmon pie, and a bowl of bean soup. It came with a drink, and I opted for black tea. The salad was particularly impressive, with grapefruit, raisins, nuts, and quinoa, making it a substantial and satisfying dish. The crust of the salmon pie was soft, which we both agreed could have been a bit crispier, but overall, the meal was a hit.

A Return to the Starbucks Reserve

After our hearty lunch, we revisited the Starbucks Reserve in Nakameguro, curious to see how it fared outside of cherry blossom season. To our surprise, there were significantly fewer people, and we could enter without waiting. The atmosphere was pleasant, especially with the sunny weather allowing us to enjoy a seat outside. We spotted a collaborative Nagasaki cake by Fukusaya and a display of branch-limited cups, adding to the charm of the place.

A Final Stop at a Legendary Bakery

Our day’s adventures concluded at a bakery that left us awe-struck. Despite feeling quite full from our previous meals, we couldn’t resist exploring the tempting treats on offer. The bakery was bustling with people, each item looking more delicious than the last. We tried their pork, lotus root, and burdock burger, which was a delightful combination of flavors. The bakery’s atmosphere was vibrant, with its popularity evident in the long queue and eager customers.

Conclusion

Our day in Ebisu and Nakameguro was a true culinary adventure, filled with delightful surprises and memorable meals. From the cozy bistro to the legendary Taiyaki shop and the bakery that won the French Baguette Competition, each stop was a treat for the senses. We hope this blog has inspired you to explore the culinary delights of these vibrant neighborhoods and to never underestimate the joy of stumbling upon hidden gems when you least expect them. Until next time, happy eating!

Additional Tips:

• If you plan on visiting the Starbucks Reserve in Nakameguro, avoid the cherry blossom season to enjoy a more relaxed experience.
• Be sure to try the Taiyaki at the shop near Gakugei University for a crispy and delicious treat.
• Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase unique tableware at the store we visited in Ebisu.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, try the pork, lotus root, and burdock burger at the bakery in Nakameguro.
• Remember to pace yourself when dining out, as it’s easy to overestimate your stomach capacity when you’re hungry.

Thank you for joining us on this culinary journey through Ebisu and Nakameguro. We hope you found our experiences as delightful as we did and that they’ve inspired you to explore these areas for yourself. Until our next adventure, stay hungry and keep exploring!