Yamiichi Koenji

At Yamiichi Koenji, beef tongue comes in two contrasting forms: thinly sliced as ‘beef tongue tessa’, or grilled in thick-cut portions as ‘premium grilled beef tongue’. The tessa is a house speciality, served with aromatic vegetables for a fresh-tasting bite. The premium grilled tongue is made with thick-cut Japanese wagyu; the menu highlights its fragrant seared surface and juices that emerge with every bite.

For sashimi, you might choose the 3-piece platter for a smaller group or the 5-piece selection to share. Both feature assorted fresh fish. One diner who ordered the 5-piece platter appreciated being able to sample a little of several varieties. There is pleasure, too, in ordering a succession of small plates to go with drinks. On one visit, a guest particularly enjoyed the cream cheese with raisins and biscuits served among the 5 appetisers, and ordered more several times. The small plates vary, but there is plenty to catch the eye from the first dish.

If you would rather choose dishes à la carte, an all-you-can-drink plan lasting 2 hours offers around 30 drinks. The selection includes draft beer, the tart ‘endless lemon sour’ and ‘Starba’, a coffee-based drink. You could build your meal around drinks of your choice, or opt for the ‘Oisutan Course’, which pairs an all-you-can-drink plan with 9 dishes, including beef tongue tessa and chicken nanban.