35 steps bistro — Restaurant in Tokyo

Let's first go through the cons of trying to eat in this restaurant -1 This place is almost impossible to find. Actually, it's easier to look for the Shibuya Hotel En. From the hotel lobby, ride the elevator to the basement. Somehow, it looks as if the hotel was built on top of the restaurant, but that might be a design thing. -2 The staff is not really Gaijin-friendly, so you'd better book in advance or you may be given the table near the door after considerable pondering. -3 In spite of its name, this is a really Japanese restaurant and the staff shrieks "KUMBAWA!" and "IRASSHAIMASE!" at every new guest arrival which is very often and because you didn't book (see point # 2) it's all happening just above your head... If you're hoping for a quiet dinner, find another place. The pros now : +1 The menu is in English, and quite descriptive, so you have a chance to order something you actually want to eat. +2 The food is quite good, very varied and the portions are generous. Go with their best-sellers you'll do fine and enjoy yourself. +3 The dishes come one after the other, not simultaneously, so this gives you a chance to sample and share everything, which is a good way to enjoy Asian cuisine. +4 The atmosphere is vintage, old school with three kinds of seating arrangements : around a bar, where the chefs cook, zashiki (traditional low sunken tables), western conventional tables and chairs so when you book, you can probably choose what you prefer. +5 They have a good selection of Sake and Plum Wine to complement your meal. +6 Best of all, the bill is actually quite reasonable by Japanese standards.

For the noise and the offhanded matronly waitress, I can't give it 5 stars but on the basis of the food, its taste and style and on the pleasant surprise of the cost, I really can't go down to three stars,...

Went there after reading all the great reviews. Knew we had to book in advance for a Fri evening so asked our airbnb host to call for us. They only booked us for 6pm (not at 7 as requested) on the reason that after 7 it gets very busy and dealing with us in English would be difficult. The place was completely empty when we arrived,and we werent sat at the bar counter as asked, but rather in a corner where one of us had to stare at a wall the whole time. The English menu was straight forward and included pictures, although half of the items were crossed off. The Japanese menu was a paper version and seeing what other tables got most probably included things that werent on the English one. Bar the "difficult foreigner" feeling we had from even before walking in, all was great. The place was indeed full by 7 and had a lively, particular atmosphere. You have to take your shoes off before entering. Lots of shouting from waiting staff to kitchen, to guests when coming and leaving, applauses at the table, quite a particular atmosphere which we very much enjoyed (from our corner). Food was excellent, and the best value for money we had in a week of Tokyo. Staff was fast, nice and responsive. Would definitely recommend, especially if you re willing to get over the fact that you might just be treated a...

If you want to experience a local bistro, this is the place to go for great food, great drinks, great ambience, great atmosphere, and most importantly, great service!

No language barriers at all! They have a menu in English and the service staff along with the chefs also do speak English. One of the chefs actually used Google translate to ask if we had any allergies towards any fish, that gets a brownie point from me!

I would highly recommend to make a reservation for dinner service as the place does get quite packed.

Food was absolutely incredible! You have to try the Saba fish, one of the best I've had so far in Japan. The Tuna tare tare with avocado was great too! The beef stew and the cheese tofu with honey are definite must-tries as well!

This is gonna be my go-to place everytime I visit...