‘Season’ in Spanish, Estación is a cosy taverna tucked away on a cobbled lane just like one you’d expect to find in Madrid. Confusingly, it’s located in the French restaurant hub of Kagurazaka, but perhaps this European distinction is a perfect fit for Takanori Nohori’s Spanish eatery.
With only 18 covers and an open kitchen it’s a very intimate affair, with Nohori preparing every dish himself. Originally a specialist of Italian cooking, his love affair with Spanish cuisine came about after a trip to Spain. Having opened as recently as October 2015, he is not focusing on any particular region, instead cooking homely dishes that’ll feed both your stomach and soul. One of his signature creations is a vegetable stew, made with the best seasonal produce and cooked together in a clay pot with rice. It’s a hearty dish that can be shared by groups of two or more.
The à la carte menu features around ten appetisers and five mains, all intended for sharing. And if you have room to spare, there are a couple of desserts to entice you. A good option is the omakase (chef’s selection), which includes two appetisers, one main and a rice dish for ¥4,500. Perfect for a date night.