Taishu Bistro Kawaraya Root

Just two minutes on foot from the hustle and bustle of Ayase Station, hidden in the backstreets, sits Kawaraya Root. Set in a renovated 50-year-old kominka (traditional wooden farmhouse), this two-storey restaurant is designed to look like an old Japanese home, but with a modern bistro feel. Low-hanging lanterns cast a gentle glow onto dark timber walls and tatami seating.

The restaurant’s name comes from kawara, the traditional roof tiles of Japanese houses. Combined with the English word ‘root’, the naming captures the idea of a neighbourhood bistro rooted in the community, a warm place where people gather over good food.

This is neither straight-up washoku nor classic Italian: expect gourmet European-style bistro dishes with a Japanese twist, served on Japanese tableware. The menu draws on local produce and is changed monthly to keep things deliciously fresh. Don’t miss the tile-grilled cheese risotto with shrimp broth, best enjoyed with some Mucho Más de Félix Solís Avantis white wine or Cardamon Take7 White Snake shochu.