Toyoken

Currently based in Mie prefecture, yoshoku pioneer Toyoken was originally established back in 1889, at a time when Japan was slowly starting to embrace Western culinary ways. Having moved around several times in its illustrious history, it's now watched over by celebrity chef Yoshihiro Narisawa and occupies a posh Akasaka space that opened in 2014. The main attraction here is the meat-heavy menu, made almost exclusively with Matsusaka brand beef from Mie. It includes many highlights, but we have to mention the menchikatsu cutlets: a mix of Matsusaka beef and pork is coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection. The gorgeous, umami-packed result sees a bundle of juices that stream out when you cut into the meat. Delicious all by itself, the cutlet is served simply with thin-sliced vegetables and drizzled with Toyoken's own take on Worcester sauce. It's simple, carnivorous perfection.