Shirube Shimokitazawa — Restaurant in Tokyo

I really had high hopes for this place. I’ll start with the food, I’d rate it 8/10. Best dish I had was the braised beef with potatoes. Now, onto the service… it was a group of 12 women (we reserved in advance) and just by that you can tell the minute we walked in that the staff was already annoyed at such a big group. We sat at a long table surrounded by groups that had been there already. Our original group had 15 but day 3 cancelled due to illnesses so when we sat down there were a few open seats and they rushed up to scoot over so they can open up another table to serve other guests who ch was all good but they snatched dishes from us when we were moving and we’re just real rude about it all. As the night goes on we are served our course meal but we are also ordering off the regular menu Al la carte as a few of us have a seafood allergy. We were also ordering bottles of champagne so in a sense we were spending additional money in addition to the set menu and noumihodai price. I got a sense they wanted to rush us out as fast as possible but their service was slow as far as getting us our drinks and a few of the menu items we ordered in addition. We tried ordering water many times and this female waitress with short hair was just so rude, about everything. Then when THEY were ready for us to leave they were super 速い with the check and literally came back every minute to collect money. It’s a group of bloody 12 of us, why are we being rushed after an hour, we haven’t finished our drinks or bottles of champagne let alone digested anything we ate that came out super late like the karaage. We were told since we reserved for a set menu we only had 90 min, the surrounding people who were there eating when we got there were not being disturbed at all. We ordered off of the regular menu and bought champagne bottles. Why are we not allowed a little extra time to finish our drinks and food that were delivered late. The staff was just so rude about it all and not understanding. They just kept reiterating the same thing over and over again about us having a set menu but didn’t care that we ordered from off the menu. It was an experience I haven’t ever had in my 4 years of living here and I felt bad for my friends who are new to Japan or just visiting that had to have this experience. What was supposed to be a nice ladies night out for once without our kids and spouses turned into an upsetting night for us all and left a bad taste in our mouths. I would not...

At Shirube’s Shimokitazawa branch, my wife and I were treated to an evening that surpassed mere dining; it was an experience that lingered long after the last bite. The staff greeted us with warmth and humor, instantly making us feel at home in their traditional yet vibrant izakaya.

Our culinary journey unfolded with an array of dishes that blended tradition with innovation. The negitoro avocado, a delightful fusion of tuna and avocado tartare, paired exquisitely with the accompanying garlic bread. Fresh sashimi from Toyosu Market showcased the purity of the sea, while the karage jan elevated fried chicken to an art form with its garlic-soy vinaigrette. The nasu agebitashi, a chilled marinated eggplant in dashi, offered a refreshing interlude before we delved into the comforting embrace of tamago kake gohan and daikon oden. Each dish, from the steamed rice adorned with fresh raw fish to the simmered daikon radish and fish cakes in Japanese dashi broth, whispered tales of tradition and craftsmanship.

But it wasn't just the food that left an impression; it was the ambiance and attention to detail that elevated our experience. Seated at the counter, we were treated to a front-row view of the chefs in action, their skill and passion infusing each dish with a sense of artistry. The fragrant pot of oden bubbling away added to the sensory symphony that enveloped us.

As for libations, Shirube offered a comprehensive selection that catered to every palate. We indulged in everything from wine and beer to sake and shochu, each sip enhancing the flavors dancing on our tongues.

Located amidst the charming chaos of Shimokitazawa's backstreets, Shirube stands as a beacon of culinary excellence. It's a place where tradition meets innovation, and where locals and foreigners alike gather to savor the finest flavors Japan has to offer.

In a town brimming with dining options, Shirube shines as a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a casual diner, a visit to Shirube promises an experience that transcends mere dining – it's a journey into the heart and soul of...

This restaurant is recommended by some stranger eating next to me and my bf during my second last dinner in Japan. So we went there right before the restaurant open, hoping to get spots without reservation. Glad we got seats and it became my last dinner at Tokyo. There are four stations, and I call them: Stir&Frying, Ramen&Soup, Alcohol and Sashimi&Dessert. We had: Fried chicken: fragrant. Tempura with chili mayo: Shrimp fresh but heavy breading and strong mayo kinda covers the fresh shrimp flavor. Edamame: Amazingly flavorful. Beef: Delicious and Amazing. Sashimi: unexpected HIGHLIGHT because you simply don’t expect an Izakaya to have sashimi with this quality. Ice cream and almond tofu: it’s overshadowed by everything else. The place has good vibe, Sashimi Chef is really nice and charismatic, liquor chef is young and helpful with remembering all the orders and passing our and other customers’ orders to other station chefs. All other staffs are helpful and nice. Simply can’t ask for better food or better service or...