A traditional, Japanese tofu restaurant with incredibly polite service and a super-tasty set menu of tofu, meat and fish.
Tofu-Ya Ukai isn’t a last minute kind of joint. Itgets booked up a few days ahead even for lunch sittings. So think aboutreserving your table before travelling to Tokyo if you don’t want to miss out.
The Neighbourhood
Tofu-Ya Ukai sits right underneath Tokyo Tower. I actually came across this unassuming place accidentally when I took a wrong turn by the tower and ending up walking through Shiba Park.
Tofu lovers – this place makes its own tofu in the Okutama mountains and delivers it daily. Also, anyone looking for a 100% authentic Japanese dining experience.
The Best Bits
Everything about the borderline surreal interior. Looking up to see the Tokyo Tower. Eating in a softly lit room with tatami mats, screen doors and waitresses in kimonos. I felt like I’d wandered into a film set. Kill Bill came to mind, in fact.
Cooking my own tofu. They bring you a little wooden box with raw tofu and hot water. You can then cook it yourself. Or watch as the experts show you how to do it.
Wandering the labyrinth of buildings and gardens that make up the restaurant. In these beautiful, peaceful spaces you really do forget that you're slap bang in central Tokyo.
