Kita City, Tokyo, Japan｜天はる

I recently had the pleasure of dining at what has now become my favorite izakaya in Japan. Hands down, it was the friendliest and most welcoming experience I've encountered in my culinary adventures here! The menu at this particular izakaya emphasizes simplicity, an approach that allows the true flavors and quality of the ingredients to shine through. Every dish I tasted was refined with great taste, embodying the essence of good Japanese cuisine. There's no need for flashy presentations or elaborate garnishes; the food speaks for itself, and every bite was simply delicious. What truly sets this place apart, though, is the people. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. Unlike some other izakayas I've visited, this one truly makes an effort to make foreigners feel welcome. The staff went out of their way to ensure I was comfortable and understood the menu, making my dining experience all the more enjoyable. If you're in search of an authentic, unpretentious, and truly satisfying tempura restaurant and izakaya experience, look no further. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Japan, this is a place that welcomes everyone with open arms and offers a culinary experience that's both satisfying and memorable.

Wonderful tempura and very friendly chef/owner! I can’t recommend this place enough. Also, this is a wonderful, cute neighborhood where some great folks are creating a wonderful community!

Used for lunch. When you enter the store, you will be greeted by the owner who looks like a craftsman. The tempura set meal has about 6 different types of tempura. The contents seem to change depending on the season, and they serve delicious toppings at that time of year. In particular, the shrimp has just the right amount of elasticity, and when you put it in your mouth and bite into it, the sweet flavor spreads in your mouth and it's very delicious. This restaurant is a tempura restaurant, but the sashimi set menu is also great. There are many restaurants where the quality of tuna changes depending on the season, but I have never been served low quality tuna at this restaurant. One or two of the other toppings seem to change depending on the season, and they serve delicious toppings at that time of year. Thank you for the meal.