Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan｜Ginza Onodera Tempura

We decided to spoil ourselves with a high end tempura experience for a special occasion. We found Onodera Namiki Dori after some research. It's the newer of two branches in Ginza. Located on the 6th floor of an unassuming building, once you go in, you're greeted with a very high end traditional Japanese setting. It's a small venue that can maybe sit max 10 to 12 customers. We opted for dinner which is an omakase course. We also booked early (they open at 6pm for dinner service) and were very lucky to have the restaurant to ourselves for the first hour before the next guest arrived. This made it a truly memorable experience for us. Suzuki-san, the head chef, was an absolute delight, taking the time to explain each dish and engage in small talk while effortlessly preparing and making each dish. The quality and execution of each was immaculate. Even though many of the dishes were deep fried, we didn't feel as heavy by the end as one would think. Would highly recommend this restaurant if you're looking for high end tempura. Yes, it's pricey but worth the experience as you'll walk out having tried the best possible versions of tempura classics like prawn, mushrooms, eggplant but will have also tried tempura you'd likely never have before, ranging from unique fishes we had never had before to uni being wrapped in shiso and fried. You'll need to book in advance and can do so online. Suzuki-san and his team all speak some English, which is great. Also worth mentioning that the last dish before dessert was a true highlight, you get to pick how you want your kakiage. Believe there were 4 or 5 choices ranging from having it as a rice set to being set on top of soba noodles. We opted for ochazuke (rice with a tea-based dashi broth) which was sublime!

Definitely one of the best tempura place in town. The seafood and veggies is super fresh, especially the shrimp, as it was still alive. The food was served one at a time, cooking in from of you. Last but not least, the bowls and cups are so pretty.

Great dinner experience here last week. We really enjoyed everything that was given to us. The atmosphere was very relaxing. Great sake and beer choices to go with our tempura omakase.