Itsuka is located on the second floor of a building a few minutes’ walk from Gaienmae Station in Minami Aoyama. Named after the concept of “valuing ingredients, producers, and dishes,” the restaurant offers Japanese-inspired Chinese dishes created by chef Ryosuke Tamura.
The name ‘Chinese chef Tamura’ will ring a bell for many gourmets as a legendary figure who gained renown while working at the renowned Sichuan restaurant Azabu Choko Kofukuen. Originally, he followed in the footsteps of his father, who ran a Chinese restaurant, to pursue a career in cooking; he trained at Chinese restaurants, including Suikoen in Yokohama Chinatown and Azabu Choko Kofukuen run by chef Matsuo Nagasaka. At Azabu Choko Kofukuen, Tamura became chef in 2006 and chef-owner in 2009. He opened Itsuka in December 2019.
“Itsuka offers Chinese dishes created by a Japanese chef in Minami Aoyama. These Chinese dishes can be found only in this age and in this place, here in Japan,” says chef Tamura. He also cares for the provenance and sustainability of his ingredients, given diminishing marine resources around Japan. To preserve the bounty of the sea for future generations, he sources seafood from producers who share his concerns and ensure careful management of fisheries in Nagasaki (Goto Islands), Kanagawa, Hokkaido (Hakodate), and Wakayama. The ingredients sourced from these sympathetic producers are carefully prepared to bring out their best flavors.
The Fortunate Assortment of Appetizers is a signature dish at Itsuka. Seven or eight seasonal appetizers are vertically arranged to allow guests to savor each, one by one, from the bottom to the top. Like a prologue, this opening course sets the tone for following dishes. Another recommended dish is Longtooth Grouper (or Leopard Coral Trout) from Goto with Potato Scales. Famous for its gelatinous texture, each fish is sourced from a reliable producer in the Goto Islands and carefully cooked to lock in its flavor, and topped with crispy potato slices and traditional Sichuan pepper and sesame oil sauce. In addition, a Hot Pot of Nanatani Duck from Kyoto has also gained popularity for its dynamic flavor, enhanced by a paste made from twenty spices. These dishes are complemented perfectly with a paired wine, Shaoxing wine, or Japanese sake.
The dining room and interior features Japanese-inspired wood and Chinese-inspired stone finishes, creating a relaxed and natural atmosphere. In addition to the main dining room, a private room with a round table is offered.
Thus, Itsuka offers outstanding cooking and high-quality service in a refined setting, allowing guests to enjoy any occasion, whether dining with family, a partner, friends, or colleagues.
※ Awarded 1 star on world-renowned gourmet guide Tokyo 2023
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* The availability of this webpage does not guarantee that the restaurant presented provides services in English, unless otherwise stated. Please be aware that English services may also depend on staff availability at the restaurant.
Access
A 7-minutes walk from the Toei-Oedo Line Aoyama Station, 1-3 Exit
A 3-minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line of Gaienmae Station, 4a Exit