Sumida City, Tokyo, Japan｜Daitouen

What a delightful dinner! Just a stone's throw from the highly-touristed Tokyo Skytree is this very authentic japanese restaurant. Run by the sweetest elderly couple, they make their own dipping sauces, marinades, chili pastes, soup bases and salad dressings. They have a cute little English menu (the set menu with beef, marinated vegetables and soup is great) and if you google-translate their Japanese menu, you can also order delicious noodle soups and salads. Everything was scrape-the-plate good. I also tried a sake tasting of three different sakes which were all excellent. The owner was so patient with our lack of Japanese skills; she has a pocket translator she uses to communicate in English, and it works just fine. If you're in the neighborhood, and you want to have a meal that puts a smile on your face, this is it.

It is simply the best yaki-niku shop around. It is on the expensive side, but the meat is absolutely delicious. Staff are friendly, you get a free bottle of wine if it is your birthday. There are toys for the kids, and a gallery of childrens' artwork on the walls. Plenty of sumo wrestlers eat here. They get annoyed if you take their photo. You'll likely need to book a table on the evenings. Very popular place. Five stars. That's my review. See you later.

The old woman in the store is very warm and polite, and the roasted meat is also top-notch. I am very satisfied with my meal here. PS: If you want to eat "Sky Tree Fried Rice", you need to make a reservation by phone one or two days in advance!