Tofu Ukai — Restaurant in Tokyo

We came here for dinner last night and it was really special. I have three of four incredible dinners in my memories and this one just got added.

There were nine of us so we had a separate room. I understand it is not easy to get a reservation, and this had been booked months in advance.

Right near the Tokyo tower it boasts a lovely Japanese style garden. We spent a few minutes snapping photos while we waited for our table.

Two lovely women took care of us. And the service was excellent. I was happily provided a menu in English. Google translate was having trouble with some of the kanji.

There were six separate courses all together and a different sake pairing for each one. Which was nice for me because I know nothing about sake.

I've included photos of the menu and each course.

We started with a soft tofu with abalone. The tofu was very nice. I don't really like abalone despite it being a delicacy.

Next was the deep fried tofu with scallions. If dinner was nothing but that dish I would have been happy.

The next dish had three items on it; sushi and sashimi. Fugu had been on my list of things to try for a long time and it was delicious.

The nabe came next. A soup with wagu beef and dikon radish. The meat literally melts in your mouth.

A fried fish was next. The menu read tilefish, but I don't know what that is. I'm not a big fish eater but this fish was expertly cooked. The skin was crispy and the flesh tender and moist.

Last for the dinner was a rice dish with Lily bulbs and some sort of fish roe? It was a nice way to finish the meal.

The dessert was lovely. Pear and strawberry with a sauce.

All in all dinner took us over two and a half hours! I was a guest and didn't pay but for the nine of us I would not be surprised if the bill was $200 per person. Easily worth it. I am not a tofu fan. I'm not opposed to it, I just don't normally cook with it. I may start trying...

Tofuya Ukai offers a culinary experience that transcends mere dining; it's a journey into the heart of Japanese elegance and hospitality. Nestled at the foot of Tokyo Tower, this culinary haven immerses you in the ambiance of old Edo from the moment you step through its gates.

From the meticulously crafted homemade tofu to the succulent botan prawn and spring vegetables, each dish tells a story of tradition and innovation. The deep-fried tofu with miso is a revelation, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The "Tataki" premium wagyu roast beef melts in your mouth, a testament to the chef's skill and dedication to quality.

The "Nabe" hot pot dish is a celebration of simplicity and sophistication, with deep-fried tofu and bamboo shoots taking center stage. Simmered soft abalone and asparagus with abalone liver butter sauce elevate the humble ingredients to new heights of indulgence.

The seasonal dessert selection, featuring options like matcha parfait or soy milk blanc-manger, provides a fitting conclusion to the culinary journey, leaving a lingering sense of satisfaction.

But Tofuya Ukai offers more than just exceptional cuisine. Its sprawling Japanese garden and traditional Sukiya-style private rooms create an atmosphere of tranquility and refinement, transporting you to a bygone era. The attentive service and warm hospitality further enhance the experience, ensuring that every moment spent here is truly unforgettable.

Ukai's philosophy of hospitality, rooted in a deep respect for tradition and a commitment to excellence, shines through in every aspect of the dining experience. It's not just a restaurant; it's a world unto itself, where the beauty of Japanese architecture meets the artistry of culinary craftsmanship. Tofuya Ukai is a testament to the timeless appeal of Japanese cuisine and hospitality, a place where every visit is a celebration of life's...

Fantastic experience. Very close to Tokyo Tower which is very very busy. Conplete contrast in terms of architecture and ambience. From the outside, the Shiba Toufuya looks like a very traditional Japanese home. We were greeted by doormen as we walked through an archway, through to a winding path in a beautiful calm japanese garden. Staff in traditonal dress dress bow as we walked through the lobby. We were shown to our private dining room. Shoes were left outside and we were seated at a table wich was sunken into the floor so we had to get down onto the floor with our legs below the table if you can picture this. Tricky if you have dodgy knees! The room had a huge glass window which looked out over a beautiful pond full of huge carp. I am sure these were not on the menu! We could see another floor full of customers, each group in their own private dining room, above us across the pond. Despite this, we felt as though we were the only customers. We had a very attentive waitress. We were lucky to be guests of a japanese friend and our dinner had been ordered ahead. Not sure if this is usually done. Conversation between our friend and the staff was in Japanese and I am unsure if the staff understand and speak English. Our friend knew the chef and we were lucky to meet him. Each course was artistically presented and tastes were refined. No condiments on the table! We started dinner at about 7pm and finished at about 9.30pm. A truly...