Shirube

I don’t think that Unilocal has the right location for this place. I went to the one in Setagaya near the Shimokitazawa Train Station. This is the address: 2−18−2 Kitazawa, Setagaya 155‑0031, Tokyo Prefecture. If you search for Shirube Shimokitazawaten on Google you’ll find the right place.
The food was simply amazing and the ambiance was unlike any other. We sat at a table overlooking the bar (and somewhat above the bar). Whenever, we wanted to order something, they gave us a whiteboard to write down our order and a flashlight to wave at the waiter!

This gem of a fusion izakaya is a little hard to find, but definitely worth it. A friend living in Tokyo took us to Shirube and we had a great experience with delicious food and fun atmosphere. It was definitely my favourite meal of our trip! We had eight people in our group so we were able to order a bunch of things off the menu and share family style.
The aburi saba (blow torched grilled mackerel) was a highlight! The saba is blow torched on your table with lemon squeezed all over it the second the blow torch is taken off. The saba was done simply and perfectly. The cheese tofu was another hit at the table. It was topped with sliced almonds and honey and to be served on a slice of french bread. The consistency of cheese tofu is similar to cream cheese which is light and spreadable. We ordered probably 6 – 7 dishes x 2 and everything was delicious!
Limited English. Noise level is loud and energetic. Was extremely warm inside. Reservations recommended. Difficult to find. All these negatives and still extremely recommended! Do a quick Google search as some others have written out English directions from the closest train station.

I found the food in Tokyo to be amazing. But this «secret» place took the prize! 3 course menue with all you can drink beers for around $ 30. Booking a table is highly recommended.

Timeout tokyo suggested this place and laid down the challenge — 99% of people cant find it! But it’s near my office, so I went and went back many times!
In brief — if you start at Tower records and go north, cross one street and look for the 7 – 11 on your right (same side as tower). To the right of 7 – 11 entrance is a half-​flight of stairs up to a hallway. Go to end and turn right at unmarked door leading to dark path along JR tracks. At end of path, slide open the unmarked half-​door (the darkened one on the right, lol) and duck under it into the crowded izakaya. Getting there is half the fun!
I recommend reservations in advance as its popular 03−3463−1010.
I also recommend some competence in Japanese.
Anyways, the food is always great. I’ve had sashimi, kara-​age, torched mackerel, avocado salad, very nice variety and fresh. Good selection of drinks as well. I think I’ve got a photo of the menu I will put up though my kanji skills were not up to reading it.
They give you a nice discount coupon for your second visit.

Totalement inconnu des guides touristiques, cet izakaya est une petite perle réservée aux connaisseurs et fréquentée uniquement par des locaux.
Situé dans la quartier animé de Shibuya, l’accès à ce restaurant est plutôt secret. Dans un immeuble anodin, il faut pousser la porte au fond du bâtiment pour accéder à un passage fait uniquement de bois qui longe les voies de chemins de fer. Ce dernier donne sur un petite porte en contre bas à laquelle on sonne pour nous faire entrer… On aurait pas dit une fois à l’intérieur (et la gymnastique pour passer la porte) qu’on soit ici dans un restaurant fait de plusieurs salles (sortes de caves) et de plusieurs bars derrière lesquels les cuisiniers s’activent.
C’est inimiste, presque underground, mais la déco est authentique, presque rustique. On se sent vite à l’aise, et les odeurs de cuisine mettent l’eau à la bouche.
Le menu est riche en petits plats individuels ou à partager, et comme tout izakaya la carte des alcools impressionne. On commande petit à petit et chaque met qui arrive est vraiment excellent. Les poissons, les viandes, les salades, tout est justement assaisonné. Mention spéciale pour le délicieux maquereau grillé au chalumeau et pour la spécialité de la maison, une sorte de bibimbap, le tout mélangé sous nos yeux. Tout cela avec un excellent umeshu (alcool de prune) et la soirée est forcement réussie.
L’expérience est vraiment top, mais il faut, dans l’idéal, être accompagné de Japonais afin de pouvoir commander. Je n’ai pas souvenir que la carte soit disponible en anglais.

2 of us went there in December on the last Saturday of the month and made sure we had made reservations beforehand. Although we had gotten pictorial help on how to find the spot EVEN AFTER finding the small building in was in, it still took us a good 20mins to find the actual spot and even after that, would NEVER have found the door if it didn’t open for customers to leave after 5 mins of just staring it! And yepp — place is soundproof so you cannot tell if it’s opened or not from the outside!
Service was excellent although we were the only 2 who didn’t speak Japanese at the bar! Got the mackerel which is torched at your table, a couple of pork dishes and beer — everything tasted superb and the place felt v. cozy even with the servers shouting out the dishes Japanese style! Price was v. reasonable as well. Added incentive is that it’s next do the fantastic vintage boutique — Jumble where I got a gorgeous coat post-​meal!