Tosenbo
Tosenbo has achieved the status of an institution in the Yotsuya area. It is a basement restaurant and bar which advertises its menu as "Global" cuisine. It is a great place to hang out, as they have a great variety of food from all over, but mostly concentrating on southeast Asia. Most of the people who work there are from Burma, and this is well reflected in the variety and quality of the food.
My recommendations are the coconut milk ramen (DON'T miss that one), Burmese curry with "Prata" bread, fried potatoes in Thai spicy sauce, garlic toast and Indonesian coconut honey toast. They have loads more on the menu, and you pretty much can't go wrong no matter what you order.
The drink selection is also not bad, with the standard Japanese beers on tap and Guinness by the bottle as well as lots of cocktails.
Tosenbo is a great place to hold a party, though it can get pretty full during the week. On Saturday, when Yotsuya is not exactly happening, they can usually accommodate large groups without too much trouble. They have a party alcove in the back which is perfect for around 15 or so.
Without a doubt the coolest thing about Tosenbo, however, is the staff. They are really nice people and a lot of fun to be around. Go there more than twice and you are a regular. This place has a friendly and relaxing atmoshpere which will keep you coming back.
Tosenbo is located about 3 minutes from Yotsuya station (JR), up a little street called Sanei-dori. It's right across the street from Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin, a rather well-known English school. Here is a very basic map to help you out. Give them a call to make a group reservation, or drop by and check it out if you are in the area.
TOSENBO: 1-7 Yotsuya, Shinjuku
03-3357-1234
visit:
Fall 2006 for Hawaii Lovers www.hawaiidaisuki.com