A couple of weeks ago we introduced you to kotatsu dining at Casita restaurant. After discovering another restaurant offering a similar deal, we're beginning to suspect a new trend might be brewing in Tokyo. Ryogoku Terrace Café has transformed its outdoor eating area by draping duvets over tables and placing heaters underneath, just as Japanese people have been doing in their homes for years.
Located near Ryogoku Station, the café features nine horigotatsu, or kotatsu with a sunken floor to dangle your feet in. In addition, the café is offering a nabe menu, to combine the foot-warming pleasures of the kotatsu with the warm goodness of this popular hotpot dish. They serve a Western-style Beef Sukiyaki (¥4,500 per person), with tomato and onions simmered in a red wine-based soup. For those who want a lighter meal, they also serve a Pork and Lettuce Shabu-shabu (¥4,000 per person) with a homemade garlic, egg, soy sauce and ponzu dipping sauce. All of the nabe options must be reserved at least three days in advance. The café offers non-nabe dishes as well, if you plan to come without a reservation.
Ryogoku Terrace Café’s kotatsu seats are only available from 5.30pm-7.30pm and 8pm-11pm. Though they are available on a first come, first served basis, we recommend reserving them in advance. Parties of 30 people or more can rent out the whole room, making the space ideal for parties. The kotatsu seats will be around until March 2016.
Map and contact details here.
