Regalo — Restaurant in Tokyo

OCT 2024

Came here for dinner and was seated at one of the four counter seats with a full view of the open kitchen and the chefs at work. The menu was a seven course spread over two hours and before dessert you can also order additional pasta dish. The menu focused on seafood for the first four dishes and started off strong with the deep dried smelt fish, perfectly crisp and tasty with the sauce. Sautéed octopus with artichoke was nicely seasoned, and the soft flaky tilefish with the crispy skin paired with the mushroom sauce was delicious. This was followed by two pasta dishes, both were packed with flavors and the pasta were cooked al dente to my liking (the second pasta looks like buckwheat soba). The main meat dish was a chargrilled wagyu, perfectly cooked with the flavor and juice sealed; it was tender and tasty. For dessert there was a number of choices; I had the grapefruit creme brulee; the cream was less thickened compared to traditional creme brulee but goes well with the small chunks of grapefruit. Overall everything was delicious, especially the tilefish and the unique pasta dishes....

For an outstanding Italian restaurant near Sangubashi / Yoyogi (Shibuya) with a serious wine pairing, book Regalo. The seasonal tasting menu was excellent across the board. Standouts were the Grilled Sugiara (Nagasaki coral grouper) with spiced brodetto—silky flesh, clear savory broth—and the Spaghetti with Sardines & Fennel in saffron‑tomato, which nailed the balance of briny, herbal and bright. The meat course was cooked perfectly: crisp sear, juicy rosy center. The warm house‑baked focaccia (served in a Staub pot) is addictive. Desserts come with several choices and the digestif list is strong; I picked the seasonal melon dessert, fragrant and refreshing. Service is knowledgeable, the room is calm, and access from Sangubashi Station is easy. Ideal for date nights, anniversaries, wine lovers, and natural‑wine fans. A destination Italian in...

Overall, one of the best Italian meals I've had, including time spent in Italy. Pasta was made fresh in the open kitchen (I sat at the counter), meats were perfectly cooked and all the sauces were delicious. Probably didn't need the truffles for the extra charge, but it is truffle season. Only complaint was the meal took 2.5 hours, similar to eating in Italy. The chefs are working hard and fast, but it's a small kitchen so they can only go so fast. Overall, budget your time and enjoy...