We had to transfer lines at Shimbashi station around dinner time and thought we’d get out and look around. There are rows of izakayas and wine bars near the station. Some were opened before 5 and you could see salary men getting a bite and drink inside, or lines began to form outside some of the more popular spots. We chose Toto Bar because I was craving some oysters. With only 12 seats, I was nervous that we wouldn’t get a spot, but we were the first in when they opened at 5. A wee bit of an initial«dive bar» appearance, it was creatively decorated with posters and oysters shells and empty bottles of liquors that compliment the dishes being served. There is no English menu, but there are pictures of some of the dishes. I actually held up a photo(from Google, gasp) of the Oyster Rockefeller and the server showed me where this was on the menu then told me a set of 3 is 1080Y and described the options as best he could. Now that you have my review, you no longer have to go to Google to show them what you want, just check out the photos here on Unilocal.I picked the garlic, Rockefeller, and Yuzu for my first round, but they were so delicious that I ordered a second plate of three and made sure I tried the wasabi and the fried with vinegar(and another Rockefeller because it was so creamy and good). Verdict: my favorite was Rockefeller, but that fried one in vinegar was a close second. All were awesome! The oysters were nicely presented on a bed of sea salt… they were piping hot and made fresh, as it took maybe 20 minutes for each plate to arrive. There are many raw oysters to choose from, but I prefer them cooked. Even if I didn’t, I would have been guessing as you order off a map(like I want my oyster from this part of Japan and point). But that, too, is an option. While we waited for our meals, we ate very flavorful edamame — garlic, soy and chili… My husband ordered the meat dish, which he said was a bit marbled, but that’s typical. We had fries which were really salty, but went well with the unconventional whip cream dip instead of ketchup. The wine menu has small photos of the bottles so I was able to find my Sauvignon Blanc for 4000Y, but the glass of the Japanese house white(600Y) was actually quite good as well.(Had to try both bottle and glass. For the Unilocal,you know). It was a two man show behind the cooking counter and they delivered. It was very tasty and the staff(or owners, maybe) ensured that the lack of English menu did not inhibit our experience. Shimbashi izakayas can be a bit daunting for the wandering gaijin, but this place, like so many, is welcoming and accommodating, not to mention delicious. There is certainly a Japanese charm about a 12-stool L-shaped bar, and I was glad to have dined at Toto’s.
