Totorou — Restaurant in Tokyo

Fittingly the whole Nakame experience, hipstery, delicious, somehow embarrassingly cheap and completely unfassy Izakaya that stands the test of numerous single and group outings.

Only 2 serves and cooks work this tiny place, and if you come more than once and make even the smallest conversation, you will basically be admitted into their “regulars” crew. Expect jokes, neighborhood friendliness and that sweet casual above-and-beyond service that characterizes the best of Japanese less pricey establishments.

In terms of dining arrangement, outdoor blends with indoor, which gives a lovely breeze in summer and a nice contrast to the warm oden in winter. Seats are pretty close to each other, so prepare to get cozy, but hey, this is Izakaya, not a restaurant...

Some dishes are on the menu, some in seasonal rotation, but the 2 main highlights are, without any doubt: Cheap oden (winter soup) with choices by ingredient; Sashimi tower set (not pictured) at 500JPY! This sashimi tower is somehow great quality, despite its truly embarrassing price, so make sure to order one if you visit. To complement a simple hearty meal get some sake, sour, highball... all the usual Izakaya things at reasonable Izakaya price.

This is by no means a kind of place you want to venture out for, but if you live in the area and are looking for a simple and delicious food that will just not fail - definitely this is a spot to...

Went here recently for dinner with some friends. I'm a little embarrassed to admit I didn't snap to the Ghibli connection till about halfway through dinner. Cute, but not my thing. Ghibli fans might be delighted though, who knows?

Tiny and fun place. Make a reservation or you will probably be bitterly disappointed, like some of the other reviewers!

All the food was solid. The salted lemon sour (塩こうじ) was so refreshing, I had to drink like 3 of them. Sashimi assortment was tasty and cheap—the way it's served in little wooden boxes looks cool but is a little twee, and ultimately sort of pointless. Views may differ! I don't remember what else we ordered—oden, something with cheese, some beef-sushi thing? All good.

Our server was great, but a bit over-enthusiastic and proactive in a way that makes me wonder if he though we wanted American-style service? Still—he was cheeful and on the ball, so not a complaint.

Cool, cozy room and nice warm vibes overall. Recommended, I...

I tried gatekeeping this spot for as long as I could… but oh well, reservations are now required in advance. This is my favorite izakaya in Naka-Meguro, offering the best COSPA. Not only are the shop and staff amazing and talkative, creating that unique Tokyo vibe (with lots of Totoro figures everywhere), but the food is also delicious.

There’s a sashimi mori-awase for just 500¥ (you can only order it once at this price) that’s absolutely worth it. I also highly recommend the wagyu/uni nigiri, potato salad, and daikon oden karaage—all favorites of mine. Plus, don’t miss the house specialty: DONABE dishes and ODEN.

Though their specialty is oden, they creatively blend oden dashi and ingredients into other dishes, making everything incredibly flavorful. I’ll definitely be back many more times

Ps.: also being so close to nakameguro station and sharing drinks and food between 3peoole and paying less than 10,000¥ is...