On a quiet street in Hatsudai, Machilda catches the eye with its red-framed door and window lined with empty wine bottles, hinting at the six-seat bistro inside. The kitchen is barely bigger than the counter, yet it turns out a playful mix of French-inspired small plates and Japanese sensibility. True to its name – a pun on owner Machida-san’s own – Machilda is both personal and whimsical, a place where natural wine, house-infused spirits (like pineapple white-rum or kumquat gin) and seasonal bites meet.
The addictive nori peanuts – crunchy shells wrapped in seaweed – are made for pairing with a drink. Tangy cumin-marinated cabbage offers crunch and brightness, while potatoes with olive tapenade take on an earthy edge with a scattering of Sichuan peppercorns. Potato salad, pork rillettes and marinated olives also make reliable companions. To linger longer, order a plate of prosciutto, salami, dried fruits and daily cheeses.
Among the heartier dishes, the hayashi rice stands out. The demi-glace is rich and savoury, studded with beef and onions, then crowned with a creamy omelette just shy of runny. Equally compelling is the mushroom and blue cheese gratin, a bubbling, funky dish perfect for bread-dipping. Dessert doesn’t disappoint either: a classic custard pudding with a bitter caramel sauce – an ideal finisher.
While prices aren’t steep, all those small plates can add up – Machilda is best enjoyed as a spot to graze with a friend or date, tasting broadly rather than filling up. The effect is intimate and transporting, like sitting at a Japanese mother’s counter with a French terrace just outside the door.