Isoda, Tokyo

NOTE 1: This was taken from my own reddit post here.

NOTE 2: This was a visit in Summer 2024 and Isoda has moved locations sometime earlier this year (although it's still in the same area). Course structure don't seem to have changed.

Isoda, located in Ningyocho, was a Tabelog Bronze (4.33) award winner before the reset due to relocation. The main interesting point of this restaurant is that the chef, Taketo Isoda san, previously trained at the famed Tabelog Gold, invite-only, and current highest rated restaurant in Japan: Shimbashi Hoshino.

They use Omakase for the bookings but seats are not released at a fixed basis, so you have to be flexible and look out for openings every now and then (it's not difficult to grab a seat once they announce openings via email). The course costs 38500 yen.

Shiro Ika from Shimane, Okra: Sweet and fragrant with a dash of umami. A nice start!

Gingko Nuts, Rice: Nice, earthy and sweet

Wild Unagi from Aomori: Honestly I couldn't feel anything different than farmed unagi in top places

Awabi, Tamagodoufu Agedashi: The awabi was soft, but the egg was extraordinary. Fluffy inside and it has a takoyaki-like crispness in the outer

Guji Amadai Tempura: Served with dashi, this was sweet and full of umami

Tai Sashimi: One of the best I had

Hamo, Winter Melon, Mozuku Seaweed Soup: The fish was tender, a comforting dish

Medai Yuan Yaki: Lacks flavor and texture


Nishin (herring), Eggplant: Another one that's not particularly remarkable

Ichijiku (fig) Shiraae: Slightly sweet and nutty palate cleanser

Rice dish: With beef shigureni and a couple other dishes. The rice was good but everything else not too remarkable

Peach Compote, Shine Muscat: Fruity perfection

After I took the first bite of the beautiful Shiro Ika dish, I was very excited of what's to come. Sadly it was marred by the substandard taste of what were supposed to be the "main" courses. For this price, I went home a bit disappointed. I hope he's improved, and had better sourcing of ingredients ever since.


Budget: ¥40000 with one drink
Score: 7.4/10


Isoda (磯田)

Nihonbashi Geisha Shindo Bldg. 3F, 1-5-10 Nihonbashi Ningyocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Reservations: Omakase

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