This cosy Italian restaurant near Higashi-Nagasaki Station is well-known for its handmade pasta and duck dishes that pair well with the selection of natural Italian wines. It's so popular among locals that seats fill up every day of the week.
Behind the restaurant is chef Naoyuki Arai, who uses locally-sourced produce like veggies from Ome Farm, western Tokyo. Chef Arai is also known for his pasta-making skills, which he learned while training in Puglia, Italy. You'll often see him making pasta, like orecchiette, on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace before opening hours.
It’s not all about the classic Italian dishes, though, because the french fries are an unexpected fan favourite. They’re made with two kinds of potatoes and prepared over a longer period of time than your average fries, making for a must-order side dish.
Cadota only serves dinner on weekdays, but it opens from 3pm on weekends. On sunny afternoons you can even enjoy your meal on the terrace. Reservations are only currently accepted via a direct message on Instagram.