Waunn — Restaurant in Tokyo

Takeshi and his team transcended expectations in creating a truly sublime dining experience. Whilst I am typically skeptical of the hype social media is capable of, Waunn is a hidden gem among all the purveyors of great raw fish in the immediate Tokyo area.

We chose this establishment to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, unaware of what fate brought us. The entrance is an unassuming carefully crafted welcome within earshot of the Akakusa temple. The restaurant transports to a sanctuary of Shintoism. From the individual bonsais at each seat to the careful orchestrated characters of this epic performance. That is the itamae and his supporting staff brought everything into perfect harmony, making our celebration evening truly special.

Each element was carefully selected, from the libations through the micro flowers adorning each bowl, no detail was too small. I could tell the chef/owner really has a passion for his craft. We started off with the suggested chilled sake, smooth as silk. He did warn us off on ordering too much food as the sets would be plenty, whereas most establishments would happy to up sell. We had the Waunn chirashi and Kaiou sets. The fish dare I say was best I ever had, it had a freshness we have never experienced and the texture was entirely different world, as the chef indicated his seafood is never frozen. As a matter of fact everything from the sourcing of the rice to the house made soy sauce was careful selected and crafted to bring harmony to the dishes.

The bowls are worthy of IG posts, however their beauty are indeed a demonstration of form following function. We sat at what I'd call the chef's table literally within reach of his gyuto. His interactions were with the guests were genuine providing a glimpse of his motivation to create the best possible experience. However, he became hyper focused when preparing each bowl. What confirmed for us the quality of the restaurant was group of Japanese patrons who left before us. My acid test has always been, if it’s good enough for locals, I’m there.

Dōmo...

If you can have one last meal in Japan to conclude your trip, please give Waunn the opportunity to take on that role. Chef master Takeshi and Yusuke are both master craftsmen who puts their whole heart into crafting the perfect meal. You can see in the videos and pictures just how much patience and care they put into each dish, making sure that they are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also delicately balanced in both colors and flavors. Each seat at the counter has its own unique bonsai, which adds an elegant yet tranquil flavor to your dining experience. No matter what you choose to get from their extensive menu, I promise you will not be disappointed. The ingredients they source are extremely fresh and they take the time to ensure they acquire only the best. We opted for the two most expensive and luxurious option to celebrate our honeymoon, and we loved every part of it. The price might seem high at first glance, but after you taste how fresh and perfectly balanced the entire meal is, you'll know that it's more than reasonable.

Thank you, Takeshi-san and Yusuke-san, for being patient with our one-year-old baby girl while helping us celebrate our honeymoon as perfectly as possible! We love you guys and we promise we will always stop by whenever we travel back to Tokyo! Waunn will become incredibly popular in no time, so please don't forget us haha! Please take care of the little origami we left you guys, and we will bring you a new one next time we meet!

Thank you so much for reading and...

I would like to share my enthusiasm for an exceptional Japanese restaurant in Asakusa that specializes in seafood bowls. From the moment you step in, you are struck by the fresh and lovingly presented cuisine. The ingredients, all absolutely fresh, impress right from the start.

I was particularly impressed by the chef’s technique, who works with great finesse and culinary skill. All three varieties of tuna. Lean, medium fat, and fat were of outstanding quality, each showcasing its unique character perfectly. However, the highlight was undoubtedly the sea urchin, which delivered the best taste I have ever experienced.

The rice on which the seafood was presented also deserves special mention. Enhanced with small pieces of grilled eel and other carefully selected ingredients, it turned every bite into a little experience.

Another plus of this restaurant is the service. Both the chef and the waiter speak English, making communication very pleasant and straightforward. The friendly and competent staff contributes significantly to the overall excellent experience.

If you are in Tokyo, you should definitely pay a visit to this restaurant, it is a must for lovers of Japanese cuisine and seafood bowls. A clear...