Tonight I rolled the restaurant die and ended up at Tenku No Tsuki in Shibuya, Tokyo. The food was good, though overpriced, and the service was great. The decor was a solid attempt at a traditional Japanese setting although the execution wasn't stellar. Overall the restaurant wasn't a bad experience although I came away feeling underwhelmed.
I selected this restaurant out of a dining guide that was sitting in my temporary apartment in Roppongi. In the guide Tenku No Tsuki was billed as offering "creative Japanese cuisine in a tranquil and sophisticated setting. The decor is tasteful, simple, and elegant". With a description like this it's worth a try. I wasn't sure exactly where the restaurant was located so I took a cab there. As it turned out it was only a short 15 minute walk from my apartment in Shibuya.
'
special Japanese name for these rooms, I'll have to research that. I like the idea of a private boot except this room looked and felt like a prison cell. Even the door had a certain prison feel to it. The space must have been 6' x 6' max and, while cozy, was devoid of any charm. In the middle of the restaurant was a tranquil looking open-air dining area (pictured above) which was a significant contrast to the rooms themselves. I did take a peak at some of the other rooms in the restaurant and noticed that some had large windows which probably makes the dining experience a lot different.
Labels:
Dining,
Food,
Japan,
Tokyo
When I arrived at Tenku No Tsuki I was greeted with the usual Japanese hospitality then direct to one of the private boots along the sides of the restaurant. I am sure there is a
special Japanese name for these rooms, I'll have to research that. I like the idea of a private boot except this room looked and felt like a prison cell. Even the door had a certain prison feel to it. The space must have been 6' x 6' max and, while cozy, was devoid of any charm. In the middle of the restaurant was a tranquil looking open-air dining area (pictured above) which was a significant contrast to the rooms themselves. I did take a peak at some of the other rooms in the restaurant and noticed that some had large windows which probably makes the dining experience a lot different.As I sat down I asked the waitress what dishes the restaurant was known for and she said, wait for it.... sushi. Hmm, that's a bold statement to make in Japan but I went with it anyway. I asked the waitress to order for me and she picked a mixed sushi bowl along with some grilled pork, a folded omelet, and edamame. The food was good, but not memorable and at the price point it wasn't great value either. The rolled omelet was interesting even though it was just egg and cheese with something that gave it a sweet taste. The sushi really wasn't worth
talking about, except for the fact that it was priced about 30% above what I would pay at my favorite sushi eatery. The grilled pork was tasty and worth having a second time.
For what it's trying to be, Tenku No Tsuki isn't exactly there yet although it makes a solid effort. I could imagine having lots of fun here with a large group even though it wouldn't be a cheap night out. The cost of a full meal will probably be 5,000 to 7,000 Japanese Yen.
